The second Earth Connect Retreat was marked by perfect weather on September 6 in a lovely, peaceful setting: Hillside Sanctuary, a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed building nestled in El Cerrito with a stunning view of the San Francisco Bay. About 25 participants came from the East and South Bay to connect with fellow earth-lovers and to be renewed for the challenging work of these times.
A well-planned, flowing balance of outdoor activities in nature, conversation time in small groups, poetry, music and presentations on Creation Spirituality made for a restful, yet purposeful day together that left many participants hungering for more. The prospect of follow-up activities in East Bay — “Sacred Ground field trips” and/or outdoor worship experiences — is being considered by the leadership team, as those who attended come from a variety of faith communities, and many expressed a desire to continue to develop the supportive connections that were begun on this day.
The Earth Connect Team plans to offer at least two more Earth Connect Retreats in other locations in the Annual Conference in 2026. If your church building is located on a property with some nice outdoor meeting space, and you and your congregation or United Women in Faith group might consider hosting the next retreat, please contact Rev. Laurie Bayen at pastorlaurieumc@gmail.com.