This four-month study will offer a 
unique opportunity to reframe many of the environmental and cultural crises currently facing humanity, while exploring the time-tested solutions offered to us by Indigenous Wisdom. Led by the Eloheh Indigenous Center for Earth Justice, in partnership with Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon and EcoFaith Recovery, this course will begin and end with in-person instruction from Randy and Edith Woodley (read their bios) onsite at the Eloheh Farm in Yamhill, Ore.
Online classes will continue (October – January) on the first and third Wednesdays of each month, with each “dinner discussion” reflecting on a different chapter of Randy Woodley’s Shalom and the Community of Creation: An Indigenous Vision. Through this process, we will study the limitations and the breakdown of the western worldview, examine the underlying values of indigenous wisdom, and explore concrete strategies of “re-inhabitation.”
Safety Note: Though we will look forward to gathering in-person during our opening and closing meetings at Eloheh Farm, we will be observing an abundance of caution when it comes to social distancing. Please be prepared to observe strict protocols when it comes to wearing masks, hand-washing/sanitizing, and maintaining physical distance. Regular Wednesday meetings will all be held via zoom.
WHO: This is a community for leaders who want to:
> De-center whiteness and learn to include everyone at the table.
> Learn from perspectives that draw from ancient wisdom.
> Grow in understanding an Indigenous worldview and deconstruct their Western worldview.
> Learn a theology of place.>
> Receive the opportunity to be mentored by an Indigenous leader, activist, scholar, distinguished speaker, wisdom keeper, theologian, and farmer.
We need leaders that are not recreating old systems, but learning decolonized and Indigenized ways of leading. Historically Christian have been formed in white supremacy and settler colonialism – we need a new DNA introduced into these systems in order to move forward in a sustainable and just way.
REGISTRATION: $1,000 donation to Eloheh Indigenous Center for Earth Justice. (Scholarship assistance can be requested through our online application form.)
NOTE: All proceeds will go toward re-building Eloheh Indigenous Center for Earth Justice / Eloheh Farm. All facilitators, including Randy & Edith, are donating their time. So that we can accommodate as many participants as possible, we encourage those who can pay more do so as a contribution to our scholarship fund.
SCHEDULE
Sunday, Sept. 27, 2 – 5 p.m. In-Person Instruction and Opening Ceremony with Randy & Edith Woodley at Eloheh Indigenous Center for Earth Justice near Yamhill, Ore. Homework in Advance: Read the forward, preface, and introduction of Shalom and the Community of Creation. Before the first meeting, please view this introduction to Native America via The Hayward Lectures #1: The Myth of History and Progressive Civilization.
Wednesday, Oct. 7, 6 – 7:30 p.m. Online “Dinner Discussion” on the first and second chapters of Shalom and the Community of Creation. Facilitated by Rev. Solveig Nilsen-Goodin and Rev. Michael Ellick, our cohort will virtually “break-bread” and discuss the themes covered in this month’s readings.
Wednesday, Oct. 21, 6 – 7:30 p.m. The second Wednesday of each month will be an opportunity to go deeper into the lessons learned in the monthly reading. Facilitated by Randy and Edith Woodley.
Wednesday, Nov. 4, 6 – 7:30 p.m. Online “Dinner Discussion” on the third and fourth chapters of Shalom and the Community of Creation. Facilitated by Rev. Solveig Nilsen-Goodin and Rev. Michael Ellick.
Wednesday, Nov. 18, 6 – 7:30 p.m. Reflections from and conversations with Randy & Edith Woodley.
Wednesday, Dec. 2, 6 – 7:30 p.m. Online “Dinner Discussion” on the fifth and sixth chapters of Shalom and the Community of Creation. Facilitated by Rev. Solveig Nilsen-Goodin and Rev. Michael Ellick.
Wednesday, Dec. 16, 6 – 7:30 p.m. Reflections from, and conversations with, Randy & Edith Woodley.
Wednesday, Jan. 6, 6 – 7:30 p.m. Online “Dinner Discussion” on the seventh and eighth chapters of Shalom and the Community of Creation. Facilitated by Rev. Solveig Nilsen-Goodin and Rev. Michael Ellick.
Sunday, Jan. 24, 2- 5 p.m. Final Session, including in-person reflections on the seventh and eighth chapters of Shalom and the Community of Creation. This final gathering will also include a Closing Ceremony with Randy & Edith Woodley at Eloheh Indigenous Center for Earth Justice near Yamhill, Ore.
