Blessing of the Bees

Saturday, May 6, 2023 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM

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Thanks to the North Andover Improvement Society, Rolling Ridge received funding to bring pollinator bees to our property this season. Horned face mason bees and leaf cutter bees are currently in hibernation and will soon be added to our ecosystem!

We invite you to join us on Saturday, May 6th at 10 am for a "Blessing of the Bees" ceremony outside the Giving Garden at Rolling Ridge.

Park in the main parking lot around 9:45 am and make the short walk to the Giving Garden. We will have a brief (10-15 minute) blessing for Rolling Ridge's new bee colonies, and then take a group photo. We will then head to the Rolling Ridge Memorial Garden where we will have a second bee box blessed and placed.

All this is a great way to demonstrate your support of Rolling Ridge's commitment to eco-spirituality and to highlight the importance of pollinators in our ecosystem.

About the leader(s)

Nicole Boutiette

Nicole's love for the environment and being outdoors began as a child, as she worked side-by-side in the gardens with her grandmother and mother. She followed her passion throughout her education at UMass Amherst, focusing on environmental sustainability and the green movement.
Before she came to Rolling Ridge to work with the land, Nicole worked at Flatbread Company in Bedford, where she co-pioneered the herbal and floral gardens. As a steward of the Earth, she believes composting can help heal our planet!

Lawrence Jay

As the Executive Director of Rolling Ridge, Rev. Dr. Lawrence Jay works in partnership with the staff to ensure that the guest experience at the Ridge is top quality.  He also partners with retreat leaders to provide excellent programming at the Ridge, and is available to speak about the ongoing ministry and historic mission of Rolling Ridge as a place of rest, retreat, and transformation.  A trained spiritual director and ordained American Baptist pastor, Larry (as he is known by friends) is a graduate of UCLA, Golden Gate Seminary, Franciscan School of Theology, American Baptist Seminary of the West, and the Gateways to God Missional Spiritual Direction Program.  He is also Adjunct Faculty at Merrimack College in the Masters of Spirituality and Spiritual Direction programs.  Eco-spirituality is his passion (and was his doctoral dissertation), encouraging everyone to live into the fullness of our connection with nature, God, and all people.  

Michael Reed

Rev. Michael Reed is the Associate Executive Director of Rolling Ridge, and an ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church. He and his family moved to Massachusetts in 2021. Michael is passionate about the collective practice of Christian spirituality, especially through the teachings of Jesus.

Emily Strong

Emily Strong is the Farm Manager at The Giving Garden and has been involved since she helped to start the garden in 2015. She loves to question why things work they way they do and still thinks that a seed sprouting is a small miracle. She has degrees in chemistry and public health and also serves on the Board of Directors of Neighbors In Need. 

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