“Sacred Stories; Sacred Lives”
Retreat Leader – Beth Dunwody
Beth Dunwody is a seasoned Spiritual Director, Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator (CDWF),
and soulful storyteller with over four decades of leadership in a variety of settings. With a rich
background spanning corporate, non-profit, and faith communities, she brings a rare blend of
wisdom, compassion, and clarity to her work.
A gifted storyteller and lifelong story-catcher, Beth helps others recognize the threshold
moments in their lives and find the courage to step through them. She is known for creating
brave, sacred spaces where authenticity can flourish and transformation begins.
Beth’s professional journey—as a corporate executive, consultant, and producer—has earned
multiple national awards for creative excellence and a deep commitment to diversity and
inclusion. With a mystic’s heart, she has spent more than thirty-five years sharing her voice and
vision with both suburban congregations and inner-city communities. Her work is marked by a
commitment to welcome and honor those often overlooked or unseen.
“Our stories are deeply sacred and not only reveal our deepest longings
and fears but also have the power to connect and heal us. I look forward to
hearing your story at the upcoming retreat.” Beth Dunwody
Retreat Pastor – Rev. Dr. Phyllis Blair Milton, Bishop of the Virginia Synod
The Reverend Dr. Phyllis Blair Milton has served as the Bishop of the Virginia Synod since September 1, 2023.
In the ELCA Conference of Bishops, Bishop Milton serves as a member of the Bishop Formation
Committee, assisting newly elected bishops in their first year of transition in their new call as synod
bishops. She also represented the ELCA at the Lutheran World Federation Retreat of Newly Elected
Leaders (RoNEL) in 2024.
Prior to her election, Bishop Milton previously provided five years of leadership in the Office of the
Bishop in the area of faith formation with the ministries of ACTS and Roots and Wings of the Virginia
Synod. She also served with the Christian Education Network of the ELCA as Region 9 Advocate. She has
served as a Virginia Synod’s Candidacy Committee member and as an ELCA Coach with the Virginia
Synod’s Renew 145 Church Vitality Initiative and Council Launch 2021.
