"SHARED SACRED STORY" EPISODE 1: GENERATIONAL DEVOTION

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In the first episode of our new "Shared Sacred Story" series, we delve deep into the concepts of generational devotion and spiritual heritage with the remarkable Munpreet Kaur.

Meet Munpreet Kaur!

Munpreet Kaur is a dynamic scholar-practitioner of the Sikh tradition, bringing a wealth of knowledge from her background as a media and communications professional, a qualified drama and movement therapist, and a key member of the University of Birmingham’s Improving Adult Social Care (IMPACT) Centre.

Fetzer Institute Appoints Steven Harris as Vice President of Ecosystem Transformation

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Kalamazoo, Michigan, July 8, 2024 — The Fetzer Institute announces the appointment of Steven Harris as vice president, ecosystem transformation, effective July 15. In this new role, he will lead the Institute’s work in select sectors or “ecosystems” to center the sacred and bring spiritual solutions to some of our society’s greatest challenges. Harris will also join the Institute’s leadership team. 

Defying Darkness: Love's Radical Rebellion Against Global Discord

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4 years
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apopovich@fetzer.org

 

In the midst of the deadly conflict between Israel and Hamas, it’s hard to make heads or tails of religion. The situation is complex and multifaceted, with faith playing only a part. But before jumping to the conclusion that humanity would be better off without religion, we must raise a crucial question. How can the underlying source of light within all of the world’s great faith and spiritual traditions be maintained in times of such brutality and darkness? 

Fetzer Names Dan Cardinali to Chair Its Board of Trustees

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12 years 10 months
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Amy Ferguson
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Book stack
First Name
Amy
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Ferguson
Biography

I am part of a web of writers, editors, videographers, communicators, and ambassadors who help shine a light on how we can all contribute to a loving world. For me this comes through in three simple words: reveal, serve, and inspire. It means researching, listening, sleuthing, writing, connecting, and conspiring for good. 

Our teachers in this work are numerous. I have learned so much from others' fine "translations" of the need for love in our world--epidemiologists, neuroscientists, and public health specialists, artists, clergy, and various lifelong practitioners of compassion--who carry this work into realms of our social life like schools, prisons, and law enforcement circles.

My background is deep in the humanities, and my family tree is of full Catholics (faithful and lapsed), skeptics, and librarians. I have a master's degree in literature and am drawn to volunteer with arts-related organizations and projects. 


 

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“We are all born with 200 bad poems in us.”  —Billy Collins

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Selections from the We the People Book Club.
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The Fetzer Institute Board of Trustees has elected Dan Cardinali to serve as its next chair.

Cardinali, who has served as a trustee since 2018, will serve a three-year term effective October 20, 2023. He succeeds Carolyn Thompson Brown, who has served as board chair since 2018 and remains a trustee. Fetzer trustees set broad policy relating to grantmaking, investments, governance, and professional standards. They also oversee internal and independent audits of the Institute’s finances.

New book celebrates GilChrist Retreat Center

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5 years 6 months
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bergamot blooms in a summer field
First Name
Deborah
Last Name
Haak-Frost
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If you make a reservation for a retreat at GilChrist, you will most likely see my name on the email signature, talk with me on the phone, or see my face when you arrive. I’ve always delighted in being able to connect people with the natural world in ways that allow them to experience their environment deeply and meaningfully. My undergraduate degree in psychology and environmental studies paved the way for this beautiful integration of two passions of mine. The principles of permaculture – earth care, people care, and fair share – also shape my approach to my work. Making rest and retreat more accessible for all is something I try to work toward.

I also do a lot of the behind-the-scenes logistics and administrative work at GilChrist: working with group retreat facilitators, handling billing, managing social media, keeping the website up to date, cataloging the library, and also pitching in with cabin cleaning and feeding the goats.

When I’m not at work, you can find me volunteering in my Three Rivers community, cooking and baking in my kitchen, taking in thought-provoking television and movies with my husband, or daydreaming about grand garden plans for my backyard.

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Caretaker for Community Engagement
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GilChrist: A Place to Remember is a book that tells the story of GilChrist Retreat Center, the public retreat center of the Fetzer Institute. The book recounts how the place came to be, the countless people who contributed to the creation, and the stories that shaped it.

A Call to Conscience at the Parliament of the World's Religions

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12 years 10 months
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Amy Ferguson
Cover Photo
Book stack
First Name
Amy
Last Name
Ferguson
Biography

I am part of a web of writers, editors, videographers, communicators, and ambassadors who help shine a light on how we can all contribute to a loving world. For me this comes through in three simple words: reveal, serve, and inspire. It means researching, listening, sleuthing, writing, connecting, and conspiring for good. 

Our teachers in this work are numerous. I have learned so much from others' fine "translations" of the need for love in our world--epidemiologists, neuroscientists, and public health specialists, artists, clergy, and various lifelong practitioners of compassion--who carry this work into realms of our social life like schools, prisons, and law enforcement circles.

My background is deep in the humanities, and my family tree is of full Catholics (faithful and lapsed), skeptics, and librarians. I have a master's degree in literature and am drawn to volunteer with arts-related organizations and projects. 


 

Quote
Quote

“We are all born with 200 bad poems in us.”  —Billy Collins

Job Title
Internal Communications Officer
Cover Caption
Selections from the We the People Book Club.
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aferguson@fetzer.org

This summer we made a sojourn to the Parliament of the World’s Religions, both as a sponsor and to present our work. Known for being “the birthplace of the interfaith movement,” the Parliament was a perfect setting to be with others who are catalyzing a movement that brings spiritual solutions to societal issues.  

Fetzer Appoints Dr. Anna Sun to Its Board of Trustees

Member for

12 years 10 months
Photo
Amy Ferguson
Cover Photo
Book stack
First Name
Amy
Last Name
Ferguson
Biography

I am part of a web of writers, editors, videographers, communicators, and ambassadors who help shine a light on how we can all contribute to a loving world. For me this comes through in three simple words: reveal, serve, and inspire. It means researching, listening, sleuthing, writing, connecting, and conspiring for good. 

Our teachers in this work are numerous. I have learned so much from others' fine "translations" of the need for love in our world--epidemiologists, neuroscientists, and public health specialists, artists, clergy, and various lifelong practitioners of compassion--who carry this work into realms of our social life like schools, prisons, and law enforcement circles.

My background is deep in the humanities, and my family tree is of full Catholics (faithful and lapsed), skeptics, and librarians. I have a master's degree in literature and am drawn to volunteer with arts-related organizations and projects. 


 

Quote
Quote

“We are all born with 200 bad poems in us.”  —Billy Collins

Job Title
Internal Communications Officer
Cover Caption
Selections from the We the People Book Club.
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Staff Department
Email
aferguson@fetzer.org

The Fetzer Institute announces the election of Anna Sun, PhD, to its Board of Trustees, effective June 1, 2023.

Dr. Sun is an associate professor of Religious Studies and Sociology at Duke University. Her scholarly work focuses on Confucianism and contemporary Chinese religious life.

An invitation to celebrate John Howie (two ways!)

Member for

5 years 6 months
Photo
Cover Photo
bergamot blooms in a summer field
First Name
Deborah
Last Name
Haak-Frost
Biography

If you make a reservation for a retreat at GilChrist, you will most likely see my name on the email signature, talk with me on the phone, or see my face when you arrive. I’ve always delighted in being able to connect people with the natural world in ways that allow them to experience their environment deeply and meaningfully. My undergraduate degree in psychology and environmental studies paved the way for this beautiful integration of two passions of mine. The principles of permaculture – earth care, people care, and fair share – also shape my approach to my work. Making rest and retreat more accessible for all is something I try to work toward.

I also do a lot of the behind-the-scenes logistics and administrative work at GilChrist: working with group retreat facilitators, handling billing, managing social media, keeping the website up to date, cataloging the library, and also pitching in with cabin cleaning and feeding the goats.

When I’m not at work, you can find me volunteering in my Three Rivers community, cooking and baking in my kitchen, taking in thought-provoking television and movies with my husband, or daydreaming about grand garden plans for my backyard.

Job Title
Caretaker for Community Engagement
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Bergamot blooms in this summer view from the GilChrist office
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Please join us in honoring John Howie as he retires after 28 years of contemplative labor and service at GilChrist Retreat Center! John’s gentle, compassionate spirit has been a profound blessing to this land and to all who have made this place a part of their story. We warmly invite you to join us in celebrating this enormous transition with gratitude for all of the gifts John has brought into the world, and all the gifts he will continue to bring as he enters the next phase of his journey.

Updates for GilChrist COVID practices in 2023

Member for

5 years 6 months
Photo
Cover Photo
bergamot blooms in a summer field
First Name
Deborah
Last Name
Haak-Frost
Biography

If you make a reservation for a retreat at GilChrist, you will most likely see my name on the email signature, talk with me on the phone, or see my face when you arrive. I’ve always delighted in being able to connect people with the natural world in ways that allow them to experience their environment deeply and meaningfully. My undergraduate degree in psychology and environmental studies paved the way for this beautiful integration of two passions of mine. The principles of permaculture – earth care, people care, and fair share – also shape my approach to my work. Making rest and retreat more accessible for all is something I try to work toward.

I also do a lot of the behind-the-scenes logistics and administrative work at GilChrist: working with group retreat facilitators, handling billing, managing social media, keeping the website up to date, cataloging the library, and also pitching in with cabin cleaning and feeding the goats.

When I’m not at work, you can find me volunteering in my Three Rivers community, cooking and baking in my kitchen, taking in thought-provoking television and movies with my husband, or daydreaming about grand garden plans for my backyard.

Job Title
Caretaker for Community Engagement
Cover Caption
Bergamot blooms in this summer view from the GilChrist office
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Staff Department
Department or Org
GilChrist
Email
dhaak@fetzer.org

The past few years of the pandemic have taught us so many lessons, among them how deeply interconnected we are and how we depend on cooperation with one another in a crisis. While COVID continues to present a serious health risk, particularly to medically vulnerable and unvaccinated individuals, we also have more tools available to us now to prevent widespread outbreaks, serious illness, and death, including:

GilChrist Rate Increase

Member for

5 years 6 months
Photo
Cover Photo
bergamot blooms in a summer field
First Name
Deborah
Last Name
Haak-Frost
Biography

If you make a reservation for a retreat at GilChrist, you will most likely see my name on the email signature, talk with me on the phone, or see my face when you arrive. I’ve always delighted in being able to connect people with the natural world in ways that allow them to experience their environment deeply and meaningfully. My undergraduate degree in psychology and environmental studies paved the way for this beautiful integration of two passions of mine. The principles of permaculture – earth care, people care, and fair share – also shape my approach to my work. Making rest and retreat more accessible for all is something I try to work toward.

I also do a lot of the behind-the-scenes logistics and administrative work at GilChrist: working with group retreat facilitators, handling billing, managing social media, keeping the website up to date, cataloging the library, and also pitching in with cabin cleaning and feeding the goats.

When I’m not at work, you can find me volunteering in my Three Rivers community, cooking and baking in my kitchen, taking in thought-provoking television and movies with my husband, or daydreaming about grand garden plans for my backyard.

Job Title
Caretaker for Community Engagement
Cover Caption
Bergamot blooms in this summer view from the GilChrist office
Engagement Results Display
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Staff Department
Department or Org
GilChrist
Email
dhaak@fetzer.org

As we look into the new year, we have decided to increase our rates, beginning in January. Our prices have stayed the same for a number of years, and out of an effort to remain comparable in cost to our neighboring retreat centers, we'll be adjusting the overnight rates and WindHill rental rates for 2023.