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228 College Avenue, Richmond, IN 47374 • 1-800-432-1ESR

Please choose one to attend in the morning and one for the afternoon.

Passion of the Earth: New Story of Creation

Led by Melanie Weidner

Experience "Passion of the Earth", a fabric art/ narrative collaboration that is a deep expression of ecology and spirituality. It reframes the creation story, celebrating the gift of the earth and universe, incorporating the new sciences and a challenge to engage with our human capacities for greed and creativity. The workshop will include a simple, prayerful art activity for your response.

Melanie Weidner, Quaker contemplative artist/ spiritual director, is a 1998 ESR graduate. In 2004-2005, the Benedictine women's Monastery of St. Gertrude commissioned her to illustrate "The Passion of the Earth." See her art and reflections at: www.ListenForJoy.com.

Trees as Metaphors: Economics, Integrity, and the Earth

Led by Donn Kesselheim (Note change in leader)

This workshop will examine "trees as metaphors" in order to identify spiritual, ecological and economic aspects of the human-earth relationship. Sharing from personal knowledge and experience, we will consider how ecological integrity relates to cycles and growth in nature and industrial economies as well as the implications for our spiritual journeys.

Donn Kesselheim, Montana MM, has been a science teacher and school administrator (retired) in four US time zones, Turkey and India. Having grown up on a Montana ranch, he has had a lifelong interest in caring for the earth. He is
currently active with Alternatives to Violence/USA, with Quaker Earthcare Witness, and with the Friends Testimonies and Economics project group.

Images of Sacred Geometry in Nature

Led by Krystin Schmidt

In this workshop we will look at beautiful photos from nature that demonstrate properties of sacred geometry, such as the Vesica Pisces, the Golden Ratio, and the Fibonacci Numbers. We will also look at how patterns repeat from microscopic to universal levels-a true picture of the interconnectivity of all life.

Krystin Schmidt is a third-year M.Div. student at ESR currently serving as an intern chaplain at a local hospice. She enjoys photography, quilting, and spending time with her 7-year-old son.

What's Faith Got to do with It? Urban Ecology and Social Justice

Led by Barbara Williamson

After considering an overview of environmental issues affecting our cities, participants will consider how Quaker social testimonies and social justice can affect urban ecology. A problem solving exercise will produce a plan for engaging people of faith in addressing ecological problems affecting their communities.

Barbara Williamson is active in environmental groups in her city. She is on the boards of the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy and the Partnership for Smart Growth/Greater Richmond Area and is clerk of the Quaker Earthcare Witness steering committee.

How Large is Your Ecological Footprint?

Led by Hollister Knowlton

How does the concept of ecological footprints fit with our beliefs about simplicity, peace, equality, and integrity? What challenges does it pose? A hands-on activity explores the calculation of your own footprint and the opportunity to share with and learn from group members.

Hollister Knowlton, former science educator and environmental policy analyst, is a full-time service volunteer working with the Earthcare Working Group, Friends Traveling for Peace, Justice and an Earth Restored, Quaker Earthcare Witness, and Friends Committee on National Legislation.

The Tale of the Transcontinental Tomato: Ecology and Our Food Production System

Led by Mary Gilbert

The average tomato travels 1300 miles from farm to table! What are the impacts of agribusiness on our environment? We will look at soil health, water use, international "food security" and the health of local economies. We will also view a beautiful film on food production, and share alternatives. We hope to leave optimistic about living more justly and sustainably on our planet.

Mary Gilbert works with Quaker Earthcare Witness, Earthcare Ministry, and the Sustainable Faith and Action Interest Group. A delegate to UN Commission on Sustainable Development and World Summit on Sustainable Development, she wrote "Care of Water" in Earthcare for Friends.

The Spiritual Burdens of Abundance- Discussion Group

Led by Donne Hayden and Adriana Cabrera

"To those to whom much has been given, much will be asked." What does this mean for those immersed in American consumerism? Though many of us recognize that material abundance impacts our spiritual lives, we may not know what to do about it. This group will provide a forum to clarify and verbalize the relationship between material abundance and spiritual poverty. An educator for 25 years, Donne Hayden is a senior at ESR and minister at El Dorado (OH) Unitarian Universalist Church. From Columbia, Adriana Cabrera has been an educator for 20 years, is a graduate of the School of the Spirit and is a junior at ESR.

Walking in Harmony, a Shawnee Approach to Life

Led by Fred "Neeake" Shaw

Traditional Shawnee stories teach the way of walking in harmony and beauty in the midst of historic and cultural discord. An oral tradition handed down since 800 A.D., these stories include history, how-things-came-to-be stories, ecological attitudes, spirituality, and modern accounts of survival and healing. Drumming, singing, chanting, and dance are integral parts of the harmony held in the stories.

Fred "Neeake" Shaw, Shawnee by birth, has been entrusted with the ancient stories of life. He is internationally known as a storyteller, spiritual leader, historian, and protector of the earth and its varieties of life.

Simplicity as a Spiritual Practice

Led by Lisa Lundeen and Jackie Speicher

In this harried, consumption-oriented society, simplicity becomes a healing spiritual discipline. Explore inspirational texts and teachings, examine the ecology of your body and your life through a personal "energy audit," and share your success stories. We will close with a ritual of intention, leaving with resources for further discernment and action.

Lisa Lundeen Nagel, ESR senior, is a spiritual formation intern at First Friends Meeting-Richmond. Jackie Speicher, Field Representative for Right Sharing of World Resources, is an ESR graduate.

Trashy Art 101

Led by Carol Sexton

Landfills are overflowing and society discards an immense amount of trash on a daily basis. Recycling can help, but there are other creative ways to deal with trash as well. We'll take a look at some of the amazing work being produced within the Trash Art movement and then try our hands at creating some of our own "trashy art."

Carol Sexton, a 2001 ESR graduate, has worked as an art teacher, freelance artist, sculptor, retreat leader, spiritual director and campus minister. She is currently contemplating new and creative ways to deal with all of the junk in her basement.

Wilderness Spirituality

Led by Sarah Kinsel

When we immerse ourselves in the natural world, we can become more aware of the interconnectedness of all creation, meet the Creator, become more humble, more compassionate, more wild: i.e., more alive. Connecting with the land enables deeper relationships with others and a better vision for the earth. Through discussion and meditation, this workshop will explore the spiritual journeys possible in various wilderness experiences, from backpacking to park-sitting.

Sarah Kinsel is a writer currently studying spiritual nurture at ESR. Sleeping out of doors, walking, and praying in nature, alone and with others, have been lifelong passions for her.

Open House: The Joseph Moore Museum of Natural History

The Spirituality Gathering will close with a reception from 4:15 to 5:15 at The Joseph Moore Museum nearby on the Earlham College campus. Founded in the 1840s by Joseph Moore, a Quaker teacher at Friends Boarding School (later to become Earlham College), its collections have grown to over 40,000 specimens, including gems, live reptiles, an Egyptian mummy, and the most complete giant beaver skeleton in the world. The museum is staffed primarily by undergraduate students along with Biology Department faculty- our hosts for the event. Come revel in the wonders of creation, review the experiences of the day with new friends, and enjoy some last refreshment before you leave for home.