Ecotheology Retreat #2 – God as Wholeness

Just as the viral pandemic provided a mirror in which to discover “God in Deep Time,” our first eco-theology retreat of the year, so the unmasking of deep-seated racism becomes the backdrop for our second retreat: “God as Wholeness: ‘All Creation Groans.’” Since a Christian view of God requires that we live with Love as the crucible of all action, we are convinced of the need for a radical re-ordering of our inner lives as we find ourselves part of a system oppressing other humans. These times call for an openness to transformation.

We are offering this retreat as a hybrid retreat experience. You may register for an online retreat, or join a gathered community at The Hermitage for a day-long retreat including time for walking and working outdoors. All registrants for the retreat will be sent reading material and reflection questions on Saturday, June 13, one week before the guided retreat day, June 20. Use the readings to guide your reflection during the week. On Saturday, June 20, we will gather at The Hermitage and by Zoom—you choose which way to join us—and discuss together what we have been pondering for the week. Those gathered at The Hermitage will be joined by those online. Folks at The Hermitage will also be invited to an additional session of connection with Creation on The Hermitage grounds. There will be a choice of work activities. We ask that those coming to The Hermitage on retreat bring their own lunch and be prepared to wear a mask and practice distancing when inside the buildings.

This guided retreat includes recorded video sessions by Naomi Wenger and Margie Pfeil, selected readings, and suggested questions for reflection. On June 20, beginning at 10:00 am, registered retreatants will be invited to a live video conversation with Margie, Naomi, and the other retreat participants. This conversation will conclude the online retreat experience. Those gathering at The Hermitage for the day will pause for a self-catered lunch time and then work together outside. You will be given a choice of the kind of work you would like to do after you register for this hybrid retreat experience.

Elements of the Retreat

• Video presentations by Naomi Wenger and Margie Pfeil
• Selected readings
• Questions for reflection
• Suggestions for action
• Group video conference on June 20 from 9:45 am to noon (EDT)
• Gathering for those wishing to be on-site at The Hermitage on June 20 from 9:45 am (EDT) to 3 pm.
• Work time after lunch on June 20 for those gathering at The Hermitage.

Register for the retreat today. Reading and reflection materials will be made available on Saturday, June 13. You may use the materials for your personal reflections for the week. Then, on Saturday, June 20, registered retreatants will be invited to an in-person or a live video conversation with Margie and Naomi.

After you are registered, you will be given a link to the retreat materials. Use these materials prior to participating in the retreat on June 20. A link to the video conference and instructions for participation will be sent out before June 20 to all registered retreatants.

The third eco-theology retreat, “God as Presence: Reading the Signs of the Times” is scheduled for October 31.

Consider making a donation of $75 by using the donation button on our website.