Eager to Love: Richard Rohr Book Study

Monthly on the 1st Sunday 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM

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On Sunday, June 4, our first and third Sunday ONLINE book study begins Richard Rohr's 2014 book, Eager to Love: The Alternative Way of Francis of Assisi. Click here for a link to the book  

The loving, inclusive life and preaching of Francis of Assisi make him a recognizable and beloved saint across many faith traditions. He was, as Rohr notes, “a master of ‘making room for it’ and letting go of that which was tired or empty.”

Francis found an “alternative way” to follow Jesus, one that disregarded power and privilege and held fast to the narrow path of the Gospel. Rohr helps us look beyond the birdbath image of the saint to remind us of the long tradition founded on his revolutionary, radical, and life-changing embrace of the teachings of Jesus. Rohr also shows how his own innovative theology is firmly grounded in the life and teaching of this great saint and provides a perspective on how his alternative path to the divine can deepen and enrich our spiritual lives.

With our contemplative study of Eager to Love beginning in the summer and extending for 14 weeks, twice a month, you are invited to jump in and out as your schedule allows. And each time you will find a warm and friendly community, open to exploring together the easy and more challenging concepts.

Our schedule for the first and third Sundays through December at 3 pm eastern:
- June 4 = Preface and Chapter 1
- June 18 = Chapter 2
- July 2 = Chapter 3
- July 16 = Chapter 4
- August 6 = Chapter 5
- August 20 = Chapter 6
- September 3 = Chapter 7
- September 17 = Chapter 8
- October 1 = Chapter 9
- October 15 = Chapter 10
- November 5 = Chapter 11
- November 19 = Chapter 12
- December 3 = Chapter 13
- December 17 = Appendices

Although there is no charge for our book study, your generous donation allows the Ridge to continue offering spiritually inspiring events to connect all people, God, and creation as we create safe and sacred space for deep listening and spiritual companionship. Thanks for your support!

About the leader(s)

St. Francis of Assisi

Born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone, St. Francis of Assisi (1181-1226) was an Italian mystic and friar who founded the Order of the Friars Minor (the Franciscans). He was inspired to lead a life of poverty as an itinerant preacher. One of the most venerated figures in Christianity, Francis was canonized a saint in 1228. He is associated with patronage of animals and the environment with his feast day on 4 October.  St. Francis is often featured in Rolling Ridge programs as our Executive Director is a graduate of the Franciscan School of Theology and is a proponent of all things Richard Rohr, a Franciscan friar.

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.  

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