Blessing of the Bees

Program Details

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 Leaders

Lawrence Jay

As Executive Director, Rev. Dr. Lawrence Jay guides the vision and direction of Rolling Ridge. As well as working with our staff to ensure the best possible guest experience, he partners with retreat leaders to provide excellent programming at the Ridge. 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 the subject of his doctoral dissertation), encouraging everyone to live into the fullness of our connection with nature, God, and all people.

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.