7th Seed Retreat Center: A Hub of Mission, Retreat and Renewal in the Heart of Vermont’s Green Mountains
Bishop Andrew with St. Timothy’s Vestry
Bishop Andrew’s recent trip to Vermont to visit St. Timothy’s Church was, as always, extraordinarily encouraging. Under Rev. Micah Thompson’s leadership, the St. Timothy’s family continues to grow and thrive. Bishop Andrew commented, “One of the many signs of godly shepherding is the strength of the leadership team that come around a leader. St. Timothy’s has always been well served in this regard, but I was particularly struck by the giftedness, commitment, and vision of Rev. Micah’s new wardens and vestry team. I asked Micah’s new senior warden what was on his to-do list. He looked at me with a big smile and said, “Bishop, we have a missional plan! That’s what we shall be doing! This is our ‘to-do’ list!” I was not looking to grade his answer, but I have to confess that this was an A+++ response!”
During his visit, Bishop Andrew also got to enjoy the exceptional hospitality of the 7th Seed Retreat Center, a learning and farming community in the heart of the Green Mountains of Vermont led by St. Timothy congregants, Sten and Amy Bowen.
Launched in 2021 by Sten and Amy, 7th Seed Center is located on an active farm and homestead. Amy and Sten host a fellows program, retreats and gatherings, and summer camps. They explain, “The Lodge at 7th Seed offers a perfect setting to retreat, restore and rejuvenate. The Green Mountains also provide plenty of opportunity for solo time with the Lord, a place to unplug with your family, meet with your small group, or host a retreat or conference in a beautiful, serene setting. The glorious surroundings offer space for reflection, relaxation, and recreation. Our retreat guests can explore the trails, get their hands dirty with farm chores, or sit in solitude taking in fresh air and views. Our goal is to provide the ideal venue for anybody to visit and sense God’s presence and draw near to Him. We offer a variety of facilitated retreat programming or plan your own programming and utilize our space.”
Bishop Andrew commented, “The 7th Seed Retreat Center is stunning.” He joked, “If James Bond had a retreat center in Vermont it would look like this! It is beautifully appointed; the views are breathtaking and the center itself has been very thoughtfully put together and furnished. There is something very fresh and creative about this space and the careful and artistic attention to the look and feel of the center, creates an immediately restful and inspiring space.”
The 7th Seed Center also grows much of its own food and works with a creative local outreach project called “New Moon.” The New Moon catering company has very deliberately worked into its business plan to provide not only local catering needs (which it does using exceptional culinary skills with sustainable food sources) but in addition to their commitment to serve New Moon guests with healthy local food, they have seen the need in the wider community and have initiated monthly banquets for disadvantaged neighbors as well as a Suspended Meal Program to help those experiencing food insecurity. 7th Seed works with New Moon to provide farm produce for this outstanding local initiative. Sten and Amy commented, “We welcome young adults with big questions, seeking to understand big issues like hunger, racism, and the climate through a Biblical lens.”
Micah Thompson commented, “St. Timothy’s has just finished holding its vestry retreat at 7th Seed this past Saturday. It’s an amazing place to gather, listen, discuss, plan, and rest in the midst of God’s creation and in His presence. We are thrilled to support the mission and work of 7th Seed. The intersection of worship, agriculture, and community presence is inspiring for everyone who visits. St. Timothy has been blessed by the summer children’s programs, farm workdays, solitude retreats, pastor’s meetings, and family days that they host. In addition, they have graciously offered housing for guests of the church in their lodge. 7th Seed is increasingly a hub of interdenominational ministry in Vermont. Several churches in the area use the space for church retreats and church leadership days. We are thrilled to have an ADNE Regional Reawakening conference at 7th Seed this coming November.”
Amy Bowen added,
It’s been such a joy to offer a gathering space for St. Timothy and other local churches, facilitating connection beyond the church walls. Through our summer youth ministries, we aspire to support the work of parents—challenging, inspiring, and equipping children to follow Jesus with their whole lives. Several children from St. Timothy attend our day camp, and one parent reflected, “Any opportunity for our kids to be both surrounded by and led by people who know Jesus is a true gift!” Through our youth programming and volunteer events, we offer the experience of putting our faith into action: growing food for the homeless in Burlington in a way that cares for creation. Additionally, we think it is so important to take time away from our schedules for prayer, rest, renewal. We welcome visitors from all over the region to come to our Lodge for personal or small-group retreat—to draw close to God and to bring intention to our walk with Jesus.
Visit their website to learn more about 7th Seed.