Living in Better Harmony with Nature

October 26, 2024
10:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Robert Creech will discuss the changes in thinking and living that move toward living in better harmony with nature. These include recognizing our dependence on nature, observing and recognizing other forms of life who are our neighbors, and developing principles for living. He will also include reading and resources that help him appreciate the reality of being a participant in the natural world.

Melinda Creech will guide participants in using tools, what she calls “contemplative technology,” to identify and give names to the plants and animals living with us. 

There will be time for creative reflection, writing, or drawing to integrate these experiences in one’s way. Resources for reading and practice at home will be provided.

Robert and Melinda

Robert and Melinda live in Floresville, Texas, on 88 acres Robert inherited from his grandmother in 2006. There, they have restored a Tallgrass Prairie and established a retreat center.

Robert was a pastor for 22 years in Clear Lake, Texas, where he also began to study Bowen family systems theory. He has been a professor of Professor of Christian Ministries and Director of Pastoral Ministries at Truett Seminary at Baylor University for the past 12 years. He has also studied the life and work of Wendell Berry and wrote “A Different Kind of Human: A Way Forward for Leaders of Faith Communities in the Climate Crisis” in Family Systems Forum Volume XXI, Number 2. His presentations at two CSNSF conferences are in The Resource Store under CSNSF Programs. Facts of Life and Being Human.

Melinda was a stay-at-home mom for most of her life, but in 2008, she returned to school, earning a Master’s in Humanities, a PhD in English Literature, and a Master’s in Museum Studies. She identifies as an independent scholar, speaking and publishing about local history. She developed ways to use ….apps for “slow walking” experiences at Creech Prairie and in one’s own environs.

These programs will be held inside and outside at 731 Rutland, except for field trips that will be noted. 

Each program will include information and hands-on learning. There will also be time for discussion and reflection. Resources will be provided for participants to use on their own

Registration

Scholarships can be discussed with Victoria Harrison at vaharrison@csnsf.org