On the weekend of September 13 and 14, twelve Earth Keepers from eight parishes met for a retreat at Camp Bishopswood, coinciding with the Summer Finale. Admirably organized by the Rev. Dr. Jenny Reece, the retreat gave Earth Keepers the opportunity to support one another, share ideas and discuss challenges. Accompanied by the sound of acorns falling from Bishopswood’s lovely oaks, we participated in forest bathing and created a banner illustrating our parish Earth Keeper programs. Friday night our sleep was punctuated by the calls of owls. On Saturday afternoon, Jenny led a creation-themed worship service for the whole camp, with Earth Keepers assisting. The Rev. Dr. Regina Christianson and Stephen Whitely provided accompaniment on the harp and guitar for some lovely creation-centered hymns, including one by St. Hildegard of Bingen.
Here is the reading from Hildegarde (from Scivias):
We shall awaken from our dullness and rise vigorously toward justice. If we fall in love with creation deeper and deeper, we shall respond to its endangerment with passion. Glance at the sun. See the moon and the stars. Gaze at the beauty of earth’s greenings. Now, think. What delight God gives to humankind with all these things. For without it we cannot survive. All living creatures are sparks from the radiation of God’s brilliance, emerging from God like the rays of the sun.
As this coincided with the Summer Finale, we enjoyed the opportunity to meet many families and individuals from around the diocese and to share a bit of our work.
The experience was so valuable that we decided to hold another retreat next year.