by Ruth Mercer

Have you checked out the Bellwether calendar lately? So much is happening!

Perhaps you’ve noticed an increase in the number of Bellwether events and retreats as you scroll through the Diocesan e-news. We’re hoping you have and that you’ve either attended, or made plans to attend, one of the many recent events. We are offering lots of new and exciting ways to experience Bellwether Farm.

So far this year we have offered opportunities to learn and practice watercolor technique, discover Christian Mysticism, learn the fundamentals of fly fishing, go foraging in the woods for all kinds of spring edibles, and, as always, time for volunteering during sugaring season and in the greenhouses. We’re excited about the offerings we have coming for the rest of the year – and even a few things already set for next year.

Between now and the end of the year, Bellwether Farm will host a Women’s Retreat, Back to the Future Camp for adults, a retreat on connecting faith and finances (no spreadsheets or charts – we promise!), four evenings of farm-to-table suppers, weekends dedicated to artistic pursuits such as pottery and watercolors, bread making and holiday baking, more work on mysticism, and an Advent Contemplative Retreat. The opportunity to volunteer and work on the farm is always available to anyone interested in just spending some time in nature.

For 2024 we have already set aside four weekends for vestry retreats; two in February and two in March. Parishes that reserve early and make plans to attend with another parish of similar size or in their Mission Area will get a discounted rate.

Do you have your plans in place for the Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024? We do! Bellwether Farm is right in the path of totality and will experience a total solar eclipse for around three minutes. If you’ve never been present for this amazing celestial event, you’ll want to make plans to attend. Leading up to the day, we will have a weekend retreat led by the Rt. Rev. Dr. W. Nicholas Knisely (RI), who also happens to hold a Ph.D. in Astronomy and Physics and is a member of the Society of Ordained Scientists. You’ll want to check the e-news for when registration opens for this event – it will fill quickly!

All these events (and more as we add them) can be found on the calendar page of the Bellwether website; many of them are currently open for registration. Don’t see anything that interests you? Want to offer your skill in a specific area and lead or teach others? We are always interested in expanding our offerings and rely on you to help us find experts. Please reach out to Ruth Mercer, Program Developer, with your questions, ideas, and offers. We hope to see you at Bellwether soon!