Welcome to Fern Creek
Much happens at Fern Creek--and we consider all of it of a sacred nature. For our part, Mark and I tend orchards, vegetable patches, a flock of hens, and four Nigerian Dwarf goats. Fern Creek and the Mystery that called everything into being takes care of the rest--tending a lot of other life, and all of it precious. As Quakers, we see our job as loving creation, holding hope, nurturing, laughing, praying, and in all of it, being attentively grateful.
Most who come to Fern Creek come for renewal through spiritual direction and personal retreats. A few find renewal in the berry fields when they come to pick strawberries, thornless blackberries, raspberries and blueberries.
Life at Fern Creek is blessed and integrated. It’s not always easy and not nearly as idyllic as it sometimes sounds, but it overflows with goodness that we want to share with those who to partake either with physical visits for direction or retreats or simply peeking in on the blog, Reflections on the Ordinary, where we explore our experience of God’s loving presence in the world, whose grace keeps the universe from coming apart.
Reflections on the ordinary
Attentive appreciations for things glorious and messy, ancient and ever-changing, living and dying, and always held in heart of God.
spiritual direction and retreats
If you are drawn to a spacious, contemplative path, maybe one grounded in the earthiness of God's presence in all things, you'll likely feel at home at Fern Creek. The direction offered here flows from seeing the universe as an outpouring of God's love, and believing we are capable of experiencing and expressing that love.
As a spiritual companion I walk alongside you as we explore the spiritual undercurrents of your ordinary life. I listen for the question that wants to be asked, seeking to discern with you the movement of God in joy-filled, challenging, and painful places. God is the ultimate Director in our conversations, inviting us into contemplation and awareness, which eventually draws us toward response as we begin to see and love ourselves, others, and the world as God does.
I am honored to listen deeply to people’s storied lives whether they have walked long in their faith, are disillusioned with faith or are exploring their spiritual selves without context to a specific faith tradition.
We meet in the treehouse prayer cabin above our goat barn, although I can also meet via Zoom if we discern that would be beneficial. While my certification comes through Portland Seminary, the ways I sit with directees has been further formed through Richard Rohr's Living School for Action and Contemplation, and Quaker and Franciscan spirituality.
