It can happen for so many reasons… Religious institutions that once felt like safe places begin to feel constricted. Studies of racism and injustice open our eyes to the way churches have been complicit with oppression. Bible verses that once felt hopeful create a sick feeling in our stomach about a way of thinking that feels too binary. Whatever the source, it is natural for faith to shift and change or even disintegrate or die. But those shifts can feel incredibly untethered and lonely. Sometimes we lose entire circles of people that we thought would be in our lives forever.
Our cohort program is a place of to rebuild while surrounded by community. That community may not be people who are the same age or gender or sexual orientation as you. You may have different kinds of baggage in your religious history. What you have in common is a desire to pick up the Bible and have it come alive again. To learn to read its text more expansively and vulnerably. To hope that there is still a Spirit at work in the world. To have your voice and perspective be welcomed with love and belonging.
What can you expect?
40 weeks | 12 fellow community members | 10 seeds of study | 10 full-day Scripture Circles | 1 weekend retreat | 2 leaders committed to your wholeness, belovedness, and freedom | immeasurable support & connection
Midrash Study
Throughout 40 weeks, we focus on 10 biblical themes, which we call “seeds”. For each seed, our curriculum includes questions, readings, and experiential learning. As is our practice, we study using midrash, which opens up space for communal wisdom and expanded ways of seeing. Study happens both individually and communally, with one full day Scripture Circle for each seed, and encouraged ongoing connections between community members.
Community Connection
The Cohort has a deeply relational, personal, and responsive focus. The group is roughly 12 people—small enough to really get to know each other and large enough to be stretched by the varying perspectives. As staff, we’re committed to supporting each individual with walks and coffees, as well as adjusting to the specific needs of the group. (This has even included creating new curriculum, based on what was needed!) The retreat and full day experiences deepen connection even more.
Grounding Rhythm
We encourage the cohort community to experiment with rhythms of time, including a practice of a weekly Sabbath. Our meeting schedule is set into a predictable rhythm that fits the group’s scheduling needs. (For example, the first Friday of the month.)
What does it cost?
Tuition is $3600, which most people pay either in advance or at $360 per seed/month. At the same time, we know that everyone’s cash flow is different, and don't want finances to be a barrier. We are committed to keeping financial conversations safe, easy, and shame-free. If you need an adjusted total or payment schedule, you will have the opportunity to mark that on your registration. Then, we will contact you to make a plan. Since we are a non-profit, even something like this cohort fee is considered tax deductible, which is often helpful for people to know as they plan and budget. You can think about this as making a donation that supports 40 Orchards and getting something really valuable in return!
How do you learn more?
The first step if you are interested is to connect with us. We'll set up a time (maybe coffee, a walk, or a Zoom) to get to know each other and find out if the cohort is the right next step. Let us know about your interest by filling out this google form or emailing Steph or Lisa. After getting together, if the cohort feels like a fit, we have a two-part process- a registration with a $25 nonrefundable deposit, followed by a declaration of intent.
The 2024 cohort will start January 12, 2024, with full day Scripture Circles on the 2nd Friday of each month.