Earth Care Conference

Sacred Creation: Justice Flows Down Like Water

Ferncliff Camp & Conference Center
Oct. 8-11, 2025

Meet our Conference Speakers

Rev. Andrew Black, Keynote Speaker

A New Mexico native, Andrew witnessed first hand the healing nature of God’s creation while fishing the rivers of the west with his grandfathers, both WWII veterans.  Andrew currently serves as an associate pastor to First Presbyterian Church Santa Fe, is a Commissioner to the Synod of the Southwest and is the National Wildlife Federation’s Public Lands Field Director. He is an avid fly-fisherman and passionate about the intersection of culture, community, collaboration, conservation and spirituality.

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Keynote Speaker

Rev. Andrew Black
Earthkeepers 360

A New Mexico native, Andrew witnessed first hand the healing nature of God’s creation while fishing the rivers of the west with his grandfathers, both WWII veterans.  Andrew currently serves as an associate pastor to First Presbyterian Church Santa Fe, is a Commissioner to the Synod of the Southwest and is the National Wildlife Federation’s Public Lands Field Director. He is an avid fly-fisherman and passionate about the intersection of culture, community, collaboration, conservation and spirituality.

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Linda K. Smith

Linda K. Smith is a “mostly retired” chemical engineer with a passion for pragmatic environmental action.   From 2009-2020, she worked as the Community Director for the U.S. Green Building Council for four states promoting LEED sustainable design and construction.  In 2021, she was named the Director of Sustainability for Central Arkansas Water focusing on development and implementation of the Net Zero Carbon 2050 Climate Action Plan for 500,000 drinking water customers surrounding Little Rock.  She is an ordained elder in the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA), and a Board member of Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center.  

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Rev. Edwin A. González-Castillo
Director of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance

The Rev. Edwin A. González-Castillo serves as Director of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, leading global efforts in disaster response, long-term recovery, and humanitarian support. A native of Puerto Rico, Edwin brings years of experience in pastoral care, community engagement, and disaster recovery coordination rooted in compassion, resilience, and faith-driven service.

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Rebecca Bradburn Langer
retired PCUSA minister

Rebecca Bradburn Langer is a retired PCUSA minister.  Her work has been as Adjunct Professor in the Program for Christian Spirituality at San Francisco Theological Seminary and service in both large and small congregations.  She currently serves as a spiritual director and supervisor of spiritual directors and teaches contemplative practices in the congregation where she attends. Her love of the natural world has sustained and strengthened her in her call.

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Joel Gill
Executive Director of Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center

Joel Gill is the Executive Director of Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center in Arkansas, where he leads programs that connect faith, ecology, and community. A longtime advocate for creation care, Joel brings a passion for bold, hands-on ministry that inspires faithful action.

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Tom Pakurar

Tom Pakurar, a Ph.D. chemical engineer, has devoted his career and his retirement to protecting water through the Precautionary Principle. He applied this approach inside one of the world’s largest chemical companies to reduce environmental harm, helped strengthen water policy in Chesterfield County, Virginia, and led conservation efforts at The Brandermill Church, located beside the 5B gallon Swift Creek water reservoir. With decades of real-world experience, Tom offers practical and proven advice for anyone seeking to safeguard water in their own.

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Dr. Marilyn Howarth
Occupational and Environmental Medicine physician

Dr. Marilyn Howarth is an Occupational and Environmental Medicine physician who is the Deputy Director of the Philadelphia Regional Center for Children’s Environmental Health and the Director of Community Engagement for the Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine. She works with researchers, regulators, legislators, and communities to lower environmental risk and improve environmental health.

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James and Joyce Skeet
co-founders Spirit Farm

James and Joyce Skeet are the co-founders Spirit Farm, a 501c3 non-profit organization.  They are passionate about reconnecting all peoples to the land through Indigenous Regenerative Intelligence that integrates the ancient wisdom of Native cosmology to create a haven where soil health, nutrient rich foods, human health, and free markets can prosper for another 10,000 years. 

Sessions

Keynote Address

The Environmental Crisis As A Spiritual and Theological Crisis—Moving From the Apocalyptic To Hope

Keynote: Speaker: Rev. Andrew Black

In a series of keynote addresses, Presbyterian Minister Reverend Andrew Black of EarthKeepers 360 helps us prophetically address important questions facing our church and world?:

  1. How do we faithfully interpret and address difficult Biblical texts regarding the environment?
  2. What role must the church and faith leaders play in addressing environmental problems and reimagining the role of responsible stewardship of creation?
  3. What is happening with regards to America’s land, water and wildlife and what are we seeing in terms of U.S. policy impacts in these areas?
  4. What role must churches play in shaping and challenging policy and why?
  5. What can local congregations do right now to make a difference?
  6. Why must congregations and faith leaders be at the forefront of bridging environmentalism and social justice and how do we stand with Tribal and frontline communities?  

 

Workshop Options

The Future of Water: Too Little, Too Much or Enough

Speaker: Linda K. Smith

This seminar will focus on the current state of water availability in the various regions of the US and review science-based forecasting to predict the availability of water in the future including key steps to take for water conservation and community resilience. 

When the Earth Cries Out: Disasters and Creation Care

Speaker: Rev. Edwin A. González-Castillo

This will be a workshop that explores the deep interconnections between environmental changes and how it has led to an increased frequency of disasters, while encouraging faithful action rooted in justice, resistance and compassion. Through theological reflection, analysis of data, sharing real-world stories, and ideas based on the work of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, participants will be equipped to respond to the cries of creation with hope, resilience, and care.

Spiritual Practices and Personal Renewal in a Threatened Creation

Speaker: Rebecca Bradburn Langer

These are trying times. Because we care deeply for the gift we’ve received as caretakers of creation, it can be challenging and wearying to continuously advocate for environmental justice.  It is discouraging and definitely frustrating when we see attacks on the earth's well-being and the injustices that are occurring in our backyards and worldwide. Come away awhile, as Jesus suggested and let us explore practices that can nourish and refresh us in our work as advocates.    

Exploring Ferncliff’s Inspiring Stream Restoration Project

Speaker: Joel Gill

Join us for a hands-on exploration of Ferncliff’s stream as we dive into why restoring this vital waterway matters for both ecological and spiritual renewal. Learn about the steps it has taken to reach this point and how this bold project can inspire action and engagement in your own congregation and community.

Applying the Precautionary Principle to Restoring God’s Water

Speaker: Dr. Tom Pakurar

Water is the foundation of God’s Creation — essential, sacred, and entrusted to our care. This talk offers a practical toolkit for you and your congregation to become more faithful stewards of this precious gift. Drawing from firsthand experience, biblical teachings, and the Precautionary Principle (a proven and widely-used model for guiding environmental decisions), we will explore how small, deliberate actions can protect and preserve water for generations to come.

Water: Essential Resource for Health Yet Vulnerable to Contamination

Speaker: Dr. Marilyn Howarth

This workshop will enhance understanding of the sources of water and their unique vulnerabilities. We will consider the impacts of climate change, combined sewer overflow, emerging chemicals, building infrastructure and deforestation on water quality.  Opportunities for improving drinking water quality will be addressed.

Soil to Soul Awakening

Speakers: James and Joyce Skeet

A blending of regenerative agriculture with Native bio-cosmology, guiding participants to rethink dualistic thought and embrace ancient earth-centered wisdom for a resilient future.

Pre-Event Option: Hot Springs National Park

Join us on Oct. 7-8th for an exciting Pre-Conference Activity, including a day trip to Hot Springs National Park!

Arrive in Little Rock, Arkansas ahead of the conference and take part in an exciting opportunity to hear more about the nearby Hot Springs National Park as well as updates on city-wide water projects.  

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Fordyce Bathhouse
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View from the Hot Springs Mountain Tower

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Visitors at some of the thermal pools

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Thermal Pool
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Hot spring water running down from Hot Spring Mountain on Tufa Terrace Trail.

Pre-Conference Activity Schedule (all times CDT):
Tuesday, Oct. 7
2:30 – 5:00 pm Arrival & check-in for pre-event
6:00 pm Dinner at Ferncliff Camp & Conference Center
7:00 pm Movie & Discussion (led by Courtenay Willcox, PEC Moderator)

Wednesday, Oct. 8
8:00 am Breakfast & Depart for Hot Springs (transportation provided)

3:00 pm Return to Ferncliff and Conference Check-in

Accomodations

Brown Center
The Brown Center offers 36 hotel-style rooms designed for comfort and convenience. Single and double occupancy rooms feature Tempurpedic mattresses, and five rooms are fully handicap-accessible. Each room includes a private bathroom with shower, in-room coffee, a desk with a serene lake view, and Wi-Fi access. Centrally located in the heart of camp, the Brown Center provides easy access to the Dining Hall and meeting spaces—making it an ideal choice for conference and retreat guests.

Williams Lodge
Williams Lodge is a quiet, retreat-style space nestled at the forest’s edge and right on the water, offering beautiful lake views and a sense of peaceful seclusion. This lodge feature double-occupancy rooms, along with a spacious shared deck perfect for early morning reflection. Guests have access to a fully equipped kitchen, perfect for preparing morning coffee or tea to enjoy outdoors. Though tucked away, Williams Lodge is just a short walk from Ferncliff’s main meeting areas, offering the perfect balance of privacy and connection for your conference.

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From arrival to departure, we're here to make sure your group feels welcomed, comfortable, and cared for. Whether it's a special request or just a warm smile, we're ready to help your stay feel like home.
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The Brown Center is conveniently located in the heart of Ferncliff—just a short walk from the Dining Hall and main meeting spaces.
Brown Room
All of our Brown Center rooms are lake-view rooms  and offer more than just scenery. Enjoy a built-in desk for quiet reflection or work, and a fresh cup of coffee right in your room. Whether you’re here for a retreat or a conference, comfort and calm come standard.
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Our Brown Center rooms offer hotel-style lodging. They feature single and double occupancy rooms with Tempurpedic mattresses, private bathrooms, and all the comforts you need to relax and recharge.

WIlliams Lodge 6
Nestled at the edge of the forest and right on the water, Williams Lodge offers one of the most peaceful and scenic spots at Ferncliff. Tucked away for privacy but still within easy reach of the rest of camp, it’s the perfect place to retreat, reflect, and recharge.
Williams Lodge 2
Tucked at the edge of the forest, Williams Lodge offers quiet, double-occupancy rooms with stunning lake views and a spacious deck perfect for morning coffee or evening reflection. With serene surroundings and a sense of seclusion, it’s the ideal space to rest, recharge, and reconnect with nature.
Williams Lodge 3
With a fully equipped kitchen for your morning coffee or tea, Williams Kitchen makes it easy to greet the day right. Step outside to enjoy your drink by the lake and soak in the stillness of a peaceful Ferncliff morning.
Ariel View

About the Conference Location

Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center is located just minutes outside of Little Rock, Arkansas. The campus is 1,200 acres of woodlands with numerous hiking trails and plenty of ponds and streams on the property. Sustainability and creation care are important to Ferncliff. In 2014 they won the “Sustaining the Rock” award and were recognized as Little Rock’s “greenest” non-profit and in 2016 they became green camp certified.