The Church
The Church at Spring Forest is a new monastic, mission community in the United Methodist tradition. We are dedicated to loving and caring for the earth, animals, and our neighbors, especially those who are displaced by forced migration, and those who have been harmed by religion. We welcome and collaborate with people from other spiritual traditions and those who do not identify with spiritual traditions, and with many other churches, non-profits and organizations. Our community rule of life is: prayer, work, table, neighbor and rest. This set of spiritual practices guides our vision and our day-to-day life together. Our community is both gathered and dispersed.
Our Abbess
Rev. Dr. Elaine A. Heath is Abbess of Spring Forest. Her vocational journey includes having served as Dean of the Divinity School at Duke University, and the McCreless Professor of Evangelism at Perkins School of Theology. Much of her research, writing, and teaching in the academy and the church at large, has focused on the new monastic, missional church movement. She is a pioneer in new forms of theological education. The author of numerous books, she is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church and served in traditional pastoral ministry prior to her academic ministry.
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You can find out more about her at: www.elaineaheath.org
Contact Elaine at office@springforest.org
Our Ministries Include...
The Garden at Spring Forest
A regenerative farm that generates financial support for the ministries of the community through our CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). The farm also produces thousands of pounds of vegetables for area food banks each year. We have a robust team of volunteers who help with planting, tending, harvesting, and distributing our wholesome, natural produce.
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Contact: The Garden/Farm Team at (919) 283-6764 or email csa@springforest.org​
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Forest Feast
We gather at 5pm to share a potluck meal, socialize, play, etc. After the meal, anyone who is interested is invited to stay for a time of guided evening prayer and meditation (If you prefer to just join for the potluck, we welcome that as well!).
On each first Saturday, we gather in or around the Forest House (1915 New Sharon Church Rd)
On each third Saturday, we gather in or around the Farm House (1907 New Sharon Church Rd)
If you're interested in coming at 4pm for a tour before one of our potlucks, please reach out at least two days ahead of time.
Contact: office@springforest.org
Hope 4 Humanity
An educational ministry that through webinars, immersion experiences, and reading groups guides participants into a deeper awareness of justice issues and advocacy for people who suffer from forced migration, and for indigenous people.
Contact: Lisa Bachman, h4h@springforest.org
Che Bella
A monthly gathering for middle school girls, focusing on practicing a life of goodness through encounters with art, nature, music, culinary experiences, woodworking, dance, agriculture, animal husbandry, and so much more. ​
Contact: Attn. Francesca Morgan, office@springforest.org
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Grow It!
Children and their caregivers are invited to come enjoy a morning on the farm, Wednesdays 10am to 12pm. We gather for a welcome circle with yoga, explore the garden and the forest, visit the chickens and the goats, practice cooking skills with Chef Netta (using ingredients from the farm), and enjoy a light meal together.
GROW IT! is held on the farm at 1907 New Sharon Church Road, Hillsborough, NC 27278. ​​
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Contact: office@springforest.org
Global Friends
Welcoming and companioning refugees in their resettlement is a central ministry of The Church at Spring Forest. In addition to sponsoring families through World Relief and Church World Service, we founded and participate in a robust ESL program with Pleasant Green UMC. Our classes are held Fridays from 10 AM - Noon, at Pleasant Green UMC. We also host hospitality events at the farm to welcome immigrant families and for social gatherings. Our newest initiative that is under development is a culinary arts program for immigrant women, to empower them to start their own catering and restaurant businesses.
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Contact: office@springforest.org
Spiritual Formation
Our spiritual formation team offers a range of retreat options for individuals and small groups and curated small groups for spiritual formation. The team also plans Forest Feast, our monthly worship gathering.
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Contact: office@springforest.org
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Morning and Evening Prayer
Morning prayer is held M-F, 8 am, and evening prayer is held M-TH 8 pm, via Zoom. For more information or to request the link for prayer:
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Contact: office@springforest.org
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Oblates
Our oblate program offers a community for people who wish to practice the Spring Forest rule of life together. Our rule of life is Prayer, Work, Table, Neighbor. Oblates meet in small groups, monthly, for mutual support in living a life of hospitality and nurturing community in their own homes, neighborhoods and workplaces. An annual pilgrimage to Spring Forest for a retreat is part of the Oblate program.
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Contact: office@springforest.org
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Find us here
1907 New Sharon Church Rd
Hillsborough, NC 27278