Several weeks ago, I was in conversation with some Friends who asked me to share about Pendle Hill – our programs, our finances, and the way that we are responding to the challenges of the present day as a small retreat center approaching its 100th anniversary. They were also interested in knowing how I am leading the vision and mission of this “holy experiment,” and how I support myself as I serve this beloved organization. Today I share with you a distillation of what I shared then – the essential elements that describe the state of Pendle Hill, my ministry and personal support, and which also illuminate Pendle Hill’s path into the future. I invite you to join me in holding these supportive practices for ourselves and the world with love and reciprocity.
Radical listening. The etymological root of listening implies openness to ourselves, to others, to the reality in front of us, to the Spirit dwelling within and among us. I see radical listening as a spiritual practice in which we are invited to wholeness, both as we see ourselves and in welcoming others as they are. This acceptance allows us the space to discover the “still voice” that sparks within us and others the transformation necessary for making the world a better place. In this way, radical listening is a dynamic process that always combines the personal and social spheres. This practice is very alive at Pendle Hill as we create space for a living community that aims to be a testimony of a social order grounded in Spirit.
Generosity has also been key in my life for making room for the influence of Spirit. I seek to be generous in many ways: assuming the best in those with whom I engage, sharing readily that which is in my heart, and supporting in whatever ways I can, including financially, Pendle Hill and other worthy efforts at transformation. These practices of generosity spare me great burdens and support my wellbeing greatly! Gladly this generosity is also abundant at Pendle Hill; indeed, it has been essential to enabling “the idea of Pendle Hill.” Since its inception, Pendle Hill has been spiritually and financially supported by countless people who understood the need to maintain this ground as an oikos – a home, or a family – where deep transformation can happen. Generosity of all sorts has shone through during recent years when circumstances presented a threat to our existence as a retreat center. Opportunities to practice generosity continue at Pendle Hill, and I have no doubt that many of you have undertaken this practice and will continue to do so, keeping Pendle Hill operational and powerful for generations to come.
Gratitude is another essential element in my journey and at Pendle Hill. It is not hard to experience gratitude frequently here at Pendle Hill – this is a wonderful place in which nature, our daily human interactions, and the awareness of being surrounded by divine love are fully present. Moreover, I am acutely aware of the many people that make this special space possible, as described above, and this is a constant source of gratitude and wonderment for me. Being grateful is a practice that is actively nurtured here as we undertake our work in exercising radical hospitality, creating space for learning, and dealing with banal tasks to keep Pendle Hill in operation here and beyond its geographic boundaries. This is enhanced by many who visit Pendle Hill, and it infuses our campus with a spiritual energy that, I feel, supports all those who come here. I don’t hesitate to take the opportunity to express my deep gratitude to you for the many gifts you bring and have brought to us!
The last key element I want to highlight is hope. I talk about hope a lot – perhaps you have noticed! I strongly believe that Pendle Hill carries the responsibility of re-creating hope in the world, in our readings of history, and in the personal journeys of individuals who seek love, justice, and transformation. Hope is both a practical and a revolutionary process in which we are simultaneously discerning and working toward the vision that we are called to embrace. At Pendle Hill, we create space for hope to be explored in creative, intimate, and communal ways as we work, pray, and learn together.
Friends, I have the privilege of leading Pendle Hill with the accompaniment of a vibrant staff and board community. I feel very supported by your Friendship and trust, and I want to be transparent with you about how we are doing as an organization. At this moment, we are facing financial challenges that may impede Pendle Hill’s ability to operate as a Quaker center welcoming all for Spirit-led learning, retreat, and community. I am very grateful that a group of Friends have stepped up to address these challenges, establishing a 1:1 matching fund of $30,000 for our Spring appeal! I invite you to consider helping us to meet this challenge by making a gift to Pendle Hill before June 1.
Thank you for walking with us and with me, engaging in maintaining Pendle Hill as a place where deep transformation, learning, faithfulness, and community can be possible. I pray that you experience the transformative personal journey of welcoming radical listening, generosity, gratitude, and hope as spiritual practices in which we can all experience the Beloved Community.
Pax et bonum,
Francisco
