News & Announcements
By Rev. Roslyn Taylor Women from across the Swedenborgian and New Church communities gathered September 25–28, 2025 for the international women’s retreat Gathering Leaves, at the beautiful Temenos Retreat Center in West Chester, Pennsylvania. The theme, “Remaining Rooted Through Adversity,” framed a weekend filled with worship, learning, creativity, and sisterhood. Thirty-six women from North America
Gathering Leaves 2025 and 2027 Read More »
By Kurt Fekete Fifteen teenagers gathered at Almont Retreat Center in Michigan for the Memorial Day Weekend Swedenborgian Church Youth League (SCYL) retreat titled Becoming You: A Retreat on Freedom, Formation, and Divine Providence. SCYL Chaplain, Rev. Renée Machiniak, seminarian Ben Gunter (with Rev. Kit Billings observing), and I led spiritual workshops and worship, while
Who Are We Becoming? The SCYL Memorial Weekend Retreat Read More »
By Gretchen Goodine On Sunday, June 21, 2026, the Church of the New Jerusalem in Bath, Maine, held an Installation Ceremony for Rev. Alison Lane-Olsen. Alison began preaching at the church as an interim minister beginning in October of 2024. While the congregation endeavored to search for a permanent minister, the desire to find a
By Pastor Paul Deming, Ben Gunter, and Dell J. Rose One of the requirements for those who are pursuing ordination with the Swedenborgian Church of North America is something that is referred to as “camp experience.” Candidates must attend either Almont Summer School in Michigan, Fryeburg New Church Assembly in Maine, or an approved equivalent.
More Than Summer Camp: The Almont Experience Read More »
By Rev. Colin Amato For decades, if not for centuries, Queer people and members of the LGBTQ+ community have struggled to find a safe space to inhabit that is intentionally sacred. Queer folk can find church congregations or other spaces that are open and supportive of LGBTQ+ people. However, two areas that are not always
The Rainbow Church Read More »
By Tirah Keal Bloom Haven will be a church by another name, a spiritual community center. Currently taking shape in Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania, we are a brand-new congregation of the Swedenborgian Church of North America. Our Mission Statement: Rooted in the Swedenborgian message of love, inclusivity, and respect for all paths, Bloom Haven exists to support
Bloom Haven Spiritual Community Center Read More »
By Beki Greenwood “Mom, where are you going this weekend?” my teenage son asked me as I was packing up my car on a Friday in April. “Nate, I’m going to the Adult Retreat in Duxbury, remember?” and his response was “Oh, right! That sounds really fun.” My kids, now both teenagers and active members
Rekindling Our Light and Being Love Read More »
By Tamra Hunter and Pastor Paul Deming This year we offer two different perspectives on the same event: The CSS Winter Intensive. This is a gathering of CSS students that includes those on the ordination track, those training to be Licensed Pastors, and those earning a certificate in Swedenborgian Studies while still discerning their path
CSS 2026 Winter Intensive Read More »
Join the Helen Keller Spiritual Life Collaborative (HKSLC) on Tuesday, May 26, at 7:00 PM ET for the third in our series of Be Honest Conversations. LGBTQIA+ Identity: Love, Gender, Marriage & Sexuality, with featured speakers Rev. Colin Amato, Tirah Keal, and Alex Gayheart. This event is co-sponsored by The Rainbow Church of The New
Be Honest Conversations: LGBTQIA+ Identity Read More »
