"Creating Community: Where Spirit, Nature and Justice Meet"

Samish Island Washington, June 1-4

Many of earth’s communities now live out of balance with the world around them. Many lack access to food, water, and shelter, the universal needs of existence. Many have gifts that go unrecognized and unshared. As a result, all communities—the human and the more-than-human—experience woundedness and loss.

Come for a weekend of nurturing, awareness and hope. Join in community as we learn about and experience profound acts of reconciliation and restoration happening both locally and throughout the world. Find your place in this great awakening.

Brought to you by Creating Connection.

Two- and three-day packages are available.

Our 3-night package begins on Thursday at 4pm. Relax, Exhale, Converse and Contemplate. Spend time in Nature at your own pace. Unwind, slowdown and begin to focus on how the planet impacts us and how we impact our planet. Guided practices in nature and conversation will be provided on Friday, choose your participation level.

Our 2-night package begins on Friday at 4pm. Settle in to the peaceful environment of Samish Island. Friday night we'll feature a movie and discussion. Saturday we'll Nurture Justice in Community sprinkled with optional spiritual practices and more.

Early bird pricing is in effect until April 14th. Register Today!

The following books are some of our favourite titles that inspired this retreat:

Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer.

The Lightmaker's Manifesto: How to work for change without losing your Joy by Karen Walrond

Active Hope: How to Face the Mess We're in with Unexpected Resilience & Creative Power by Joanna Macy & Chris Johnstone

The Spell of the Sensuous: Perception and Language in a More Than Human World by David Abram

Join us for a weekend of contemplation in nature and nurturing justice in community.

Meet our Team!

Jeri Mortimore recycled bottles at her California high school on the first Earth Day and has been an environmentalist ever since. Her career in social services drives her deep passion for justice. In retirement, Jeri is writing a novel about the impacts of the oil industry on indigenous people in 1920’s Central and South America…and visiting her wonderful daughters, son-in-law and grandsons in Texas and Montana. She lives in and gardens at a sustainable housing unit in Vancouver, Washington.

Laurie Gordon’s lifelong passion for the natural world is steeped in the conviction that this achingly beautiful, sacred creation is suffused with Divine Presence. A retired research biologist and practicing spiritual director, she weaves decades of ministry in spiritual formation, contemplative practice and the study of Christian mystics with environmental advocacy in these “portentous times” of climate disruption, ecosystem collapse and biodiversity loss. She currently expresses her eco-spirituality as a member of Community of Christ’s Spiritual Formation and Companioning Program leadership team, as well as the grassroots North American Climate Justice Team, sponsored by the Community of Christ Greater Pacific Northwest Mission Center.

Laurie passionately believes that as we awaken the eyes of the heart to the fundamental interconnectedness of all creatures that share our planet – practicing reverence, reciprocity and right relationship with the land, each other and our more-than-human kin – we are being transformed for compassionate action that might, just might, bring into being a more just world.

Nan Sargeant was born in Seattle, surrounded by the lush temperate forests of Western Washington. A favorite childhood memory was the first time she observed how the evergreens changed from firs and cedars on the west side of the mountain passes, to pine and scrub brush on the east; "the Great Divide," as manifested through changes in rainfall. Nature and its cyclical renewal and infinite variety and power to restore, still inspires! She is married to Todd, and has two daughters, Khiva and Evelyn. She teaches first grade and enjoys inspiring her students to stay curious about each other and this amazing planet. She is excited about lifelong learning and the deep friendships that have inspired her to join with others to facilitate this weekend retreat.

What to bring

Bedding or Sleeping Bag and Pillow

Toiletries and Towels

Travel Coffee Cup and Water Bottle

Rain Gear for outdoor activities – optional- check the weather before arriving

Walking shoes or boots for the forest and beach

Slippers for inside the dining hall for comfort if you wish, and so we don't track dirt into our spaces if its raining

Musical instruments if you like to 'jam' in the evening

Flashlight

Bug repellant for the forest activities if needed

For classes:

Comfortable clothing

Yoga mat, and any accessories you use

A personal journal

An open heart and an open mind