A Brief History & Overview
Terry Hershey and Philip Roderick collaborated to develop the Gardens and Grace Conferences. First held at the Kanuga Retreat Center in North Carolina, the Conference was the outgrowth of Philip’s “Quiet Garden,” www.quietgarden.co.uk, and Contemplative Fire Movement www.contemplativefire.org, and Terry’s gifts as a storyteller, author, conference leader and gardener.
The 2008 Gardens and Grace Conference, featuring Terry and Philip, is set in an urban area, Baltimore, Maryland, and its scope has been broadened to emphasize the following objectives:
- To attract a diverse participant base
- To specifically focus on outreach within urban areas
- To more explicitly address issues of social justice and stewardship of the environment
Overview of the Conference
A Gardens and Grace Conference begins in the garden, where one finds God in quiet moments and places, where as Terry Hershey says, “we learn to savor the sacrament of the blessed present.” From this spiritual grounding, the momentum of the conference begins to propel us out into the world in service.
Plenary sessions, led by Brian McLaren, Terry Hershey, and Philip Roderick set the stage for major themes which are then expanded upon in breakout sessions and on-site visits. The 2008 program will offer participant’s a variety of options to fit their individual areas of interest. For the gardener, there will be sessions related specifically to sustainable horticultural practices, urban vegetable and herb gardening, and urban “greening” programs, always with an eye on the spiritual dimension of our role to “tend and till” creation. For those focused on caring for the environment, there will be sessions that address issues such as eco-justice, sustainable food systems, practical guidance for individuals and organizations to be better stewards of all of creation, and getting children engaged with nature. For those focused on social justice issues, there will be sessions on “greening poor the city,” food security, local food initiatives, Fair trade, and urban environmental pollution.
We will close with a key note address propelling the participants forth in ministry to make positive change in their lives and communities.
On-site visits will be optional. They include:
- Healing and Biblical Garden with James Duke, PhD
- Baltimore City Urban Gardens through the eyes of the people in the community.
- Kayam Farm, an urban garden managed under the agricultural laws in the Hebrew scriptures.
- Center for Spiritual Development at St. James', located on the campus of St. James' Episcopal Church, Monkton, Maryland. Read more about this ministry.
Worship Opportunities
There are numerous opportunities for worship include a daily Eucharist in the Peace Chapel, quiet times and guided “body prayer” and meditation in the Cathedral’s Quiet Gardens, walking the labyrinth in the Undercroft, joyful music, and sharing the Eucharist.
Green Event
Food served will be, to the greatest extent possible, locally grown and organic. Coffee, tea and other items will be Fair Trade and organic products. Plates, utensils, and other supplies will be recyclable or compostable. The Cathedral grounds are certified as “Bay-Wise” by the Maryland Master Gardeners, indicating we follow sustainable horticultural practices.
The Cathdral of the Incarnation
4 E. University Parkway
Baltimore, MD 21218
410-467-3750
800-443-1399
