The gathered group on Friday received care, conversation, good food, and intellectual nourishment.  We explored ways of collectively offering hope and dancing with despair in the midst of ecological and social challenges.  Theologian, Emily Askew, Climate Scientist, Deke Arndt, and Food Jedi, Emma Childs wove a powerful afternoon for the clergy and faith leaders present.

The weaving of grace, wisdom, and care continued on Saturday and when the first of about 130 people entered the Anderson Auditorium for the delicious breakfast we were astounded at the distance traveled by these passionate leaders; Nashville, Boone, Tryon, Waynesville, Charlotte, Durham, Orlando, Greensboro, Hendersonville, and parts of Kentucky.  Over 30 congregations from about 10 denominations were represented for the day of teaching, learning and connecting.  Deke, Emily, and Emma returned and were among 15 practitioners and wise ones sharing stories and guidance.

Dr. Emily Askew, Associate Professor of Theology at Lexington Theological Seminary
Deke Arndt, Climate Scientist
Rev. Carol Devine, Pastor and Green Chalice Innovator
Rev. Kevin Bates, Pastor and Forest Church Planter
Connie Mitchell, St. Eugene Catholic Church
Vicki Ransom, St. Eugene Catholic Church
Rhys Burns, MountainTrueForest Keeper
Karim Olaechea, Communication Director
Marian Arledge, E.D. WNC Health Network
Catie Morris, Social Media advisor and registrar
Judith Phoenix, St. Lukes Episcopal Church, Boone
Dave Walker Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture
Amanda Hege Second Harvest Food Bank & St Mary’s Episcopal Church, Blowing Rock
Rev Anna Shine, Holy Cross Episcopal Church Valle Crusis
Mary Anne Inglis,A’Rocha- Children and Youth Ministry Educator
Sarah Ogletree,  NCIPL Program Coordinator and climate advocate
Eliza Stokes, Climate and Energy Policy Advocate
Scott Hardin-Nieri, Director of Creation Care Alliance and Green Chalice Assoc. Minister

Our workshop topics included

• • Hope in times of challenge
  • Creating and Sustaining a Creation Care team
  • Discerning next steps for Creation Care
  • Food and Faith
  • Faithfully Exploring Solar
  • Loving your neighbor: Environmental Justice and Climate
  • Children, nature, and ministry
  • Communication for change (Social Media and print media storytelling and advocacy)

We are so grateful for our supporters, Wake Forest School of Divinity Food, Health and Ecological Wellbeing Program, NC Council of Churches, Green Chalice, Montreat, and MountainTrue.