Theme: “Singing the Earth’s Song: Lament, Praise, Prayer”
Faculty: The Rev. Molly Vetter and Dr. Gary Paul Nabhan
The Leadership Team: Jerry Haas, Susan Morgan, Gail Parson, Joe Lee, and Tweedy Sombrero.
Contact: [email protected] or visit https://dscumc.org/event/3-day-academy-for-spiritual-formation/
Sponsors: Desert Southwest Conference of the UMC and The Upper Room
The environmental crisis demands a response from people of faith. That’s the message reverberating throughout the ecumenical community, from Pope Francis to the UMC. Yet many Christians feel resigned and hopeless, and local churches often choose denial rather than hope and engagement. This retreat is designed to change that narrative, to give you spiritual resources and practical suggestions for what Thomas Berry calls “the Great Work” of healing our damaged relationship with the earth.
Our guides will inspire us. The Rev. Molly Vetter is a United Methodist pastor who communicates deep passion for economic and environmental justice, not only at Westwood UMC in L.A. where she serves as Senior Pastor, but also through the General Board of Church and Society of the UMC and the National and World Council of Churches. Originally from Nebraska, Molly continues to be involved in the organic farm her grandfather started in 1953.
Dr. Gary Paul Nabhan is a globally renowned ethno-botanist at the University of Arizona in Tucson. He has written more than 20 books, reflected his lifelong love of the out-of-doors and his commitment to inclusivity. Besides his scientific training, Gary is an ecumenical Franciscan Brother who studied under Richard Rohr, OFM. His recent book, Jesus for Farmers and Fishers: Justice for All Those Marginalized by Our Food System is one of the recommended books for this experience.
This retreat begins on Earth Day (April 22, 2025) at beautiful Redemptorist Renewal Center in Tucson, Arizona and conclude on Friday, April 25, 2025. Our days together will include great music, inspiring worship, engaging field trips, and quiet times for prayer. To find out more about faculty, team, and schedule, and to register, please visit our website (https://dscumc.org/event/3-day-academy-for-spiritual-formation/). The Academy for Spiritual Formation is a program of The Upper Room; it is sponsored by the Desert Southwest Conference of the United Methodist Church. Lay and clergy from all faith traditions are invited to participate.
This is an in-person, residential program only (no commuters or virtual participation). The regular fee is $600, which includes room, meals, and tuition. First time participants in an Academy for Spiritual Formation get a scholarship of$100, so your fee is reduced to $500. Contact Jerry Haas ([email protected]) for more information.