Bearing Witness to Grief: Climate Collapse, Resistance, and Grounded Hope

Thursday, July 11 - Saturday, July 13, 2024

Mountainside Communion

Monrovia, CA

In keeping with our theme, we will slow down our usual pace in order to make time for longer conversations, more free time, collective lament, artistic expression, and the natural beauty of the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains.

Our plenary speakers—Hannah, Ched, Elaine, and Jonathan—will make their content available in print or video form or both well ahead of the Gathering so that our time with each of them will allow for richer engagement and deeper discussion.

Our Gathering Preacher, Sylvia, will also lead us in outdoor lectio divina sessions.

Our Gathering Artist, Patti, will offer a presentation on her recent multidisciplinary project and guide us in considering our own aesthetic practices related to climate grief.

We plan to implement the circle process of the Restorative/Transformative Justice movement for some of our conversations.

General Schedule

Thursday Welcome and Opening Worship, Lunch, Plenary Sessions, Local Hikes, Pizza Dinner

Friday Breakfast, Lectio Divina Hike, Plenary Sessions, Lunch, Guided Art, Dinner on your Own, Worship

Saturday Breakfast, Lectio Divina, Panel Discussion, Closing Worship

Housing for the Gathering

Because this Gathering is being hosted by a local congregation, attendees will need to secure their own housing. One option is Extended Stay America in Arcadia which is 1.2 miles away from Mountainside Communion. This location(401 E Santa Clara St, Arcadia, CA 91006) is a 30 minute walk, 20 minute bus ride, or 5 minute car ride to the church.

Other options include Airbnb or Vrbo listings near Mountainside Communion (303 West Colorado Boulevard, Monrovia, CA 91016).

Children at the Gathering

Parents are welcome to bring their children. Childcare will be available at Mountainside Communion this summer for infants, toddlers, elementary-aged, and middle school children during the plenary sessions.

There will also be child-friendly spaces on-site at Mountainside Communion throughout the Gathering.

If you are bringing your children, please contact the Gathering Facilitator, Jaimee Ryan, at [email protected].

Financial Assistance

The Ekklesia Project is committed to offering aid to families and individuals with financial needs. If this pertains to you, please contact the Gathering Facilitator, Jaimee Ryan, at [email protected]. We also encourage those with greater financial resources to donate additional funds to help make this possible.

Individuals with Special Needs

The Ekklesia Project will try to accommodate certain dietary and handicap accessibility needs. You will be given the opportunity to communicate these needs while completing the registration form.

Host or Publisher The Ekklesia Project