Looking back and looking ahead
Dear 40 Orchards Community,
At 40 Orchards, we mark ends and beginnings at multiple times a year. As a community that focuses on concepts like life, grief, hope, and struggle, noticing seasons becomes a natural part of the conversation.
Since much of what we do runs in a school-year rhythm, it has become our practice to use August as a time to look back on the previous year of programming and happenings.
One year ago, we were entering a new school year, and everyone was working to figure out what the next-stage of pandemic living looked like. So many were fatigued and uncertain. It become difficult to make commitments. All of us had to wrestle through a lot.
At 40 Orchards, we had to struggle to figure out the balance of in-person and virtual circles. We regularly had to discern when we needed to change something and when people were just tired. We moved forward the best we could, with some cancellations, stressors, and losses along the way. Yet, there was also good! We continued to be a place where people found a safe community, worked to find grounding and spaciousness in Scripture, and even started some new things that we are really excited about.
This report contains a snapshot of those movements. We see it all as co-creation. None of it could have happened without God, the gifts of our leaders, and the support and participation of the 40 Orchards community. We are so grateful.
In hope for all that lies ahead,
Steph, Lisa, and the 40 Orchards Board
Staff: Lisa Adams & Stephanie Spencer
Board: Michelle Bramel, Mary Eliasen, Cathy Pinske, Todd Bratulich, and Jason Steffenhagen
Website: 40orchards.org | Instagram & Facebook: @40orchards
Email: info@40orchards.org | Phone: 651.456.8450
Looking ahead to 2022-2023
Check out our upcoming studies including..
Psalm Roots
This program will feel different from studying narratives. Psalms open up easily into mysticism, emotion, and art- something we will invite from participants. What might come forth from you? Learn more and register here.
Open Circles
With both virtual and in-person options, beginning in September. In an Open Scripture Circle, we start by checking in with each person gathered to find out what is on our minds and hearts. Then, we wrestle through whatever passage the group votes to explore. Together, we expand each other’s experience of what is sacred, whole, and good. See all the options on our upcoming page.
And more!
Stay tuned for new seasons of our Searching the Sacred Podcast, a fall celebration, and more Roots, which will be added as they become available. If you have any questions about what’s coming, as always, please contact us!