The Church
The Church at Spring Forest is a new monastic, mission community in the United Methodist tradition. We are dedicated to loving and caring for the earth, animals, and our neighbors, especially those who are displaced by forced migration, and those who have been harmed by religion. We welcome and collaborate with people from other spiritual traditions and those who do not identify with spiritual traditions, and with many other churches, non-profits and organizations. Our community rule of life is: prayer, work, table, neighbor and rest. This set of spiritual practices guides our vision and our day-to-day life together. Our community is both gathered and dispersed.
Our Abbess
Rev. Dr. Elaine A. Heath is Abbess of Spring Forest. Her vocational journey includes having served as Dean of the Divinity School at Duke University, and the McCreless Professor of Evangelism at Perkins School of Theology. Much of her research, writing, and teaching in the academy and the church at large, has focused on the new monastic, missional church movement. She is a pioneer in new forms of theological education. The author of numerous books, she is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church and served in traditional pastoral ministry prior to her academic ministry.
You can find out more about her at: www.elaineaheath.org
Contact Elaine at office@springforest.org
Spring Forest Ministries
The Garden at Spring Forest
A regenerative farm that generates financial support for the ministries of the community through our CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). The farm also produces thousands of pounds of vegetables for area food banks each year. We have a robust team of volunteers who help with planting, tending, harvesting, and distributing our wholesome, natural produce.
Contact: The Garden/Farm Team at (919) 283-6764 or email csa@springforest.org
Forest Feast
We gather at 5pm to share a potluck meal, socialize, play, etc. After the meal, anyone who is interested is invited to stay for a time of guided evening prayer and meditation (If you prefer to just join for the potluck, we welcome that as well!).
We will gather in or around the Farm House (1907 New Sharon Church Rd) unless otherwise posted! Occasionally we may also gather in the barn (same driveway as the Farm House) or in the Forest House next door (1915 New Sharon Church Rd).
Look for the red "Forest Feast" sign by the road, indicating which driveway will lead you to this weeks' gathering spot!
If you're interested in coming at 4pm for a tour before one of our potlucks, please reach out at least two days ahead of time.
Contact: office@springforest.org
Hope 4 Humanity
An educational ministry that, through webinars, immersion experiences, and reading groups, guides participants into a deeper awareness of justice issues and advocacy for people who suffer from forced migration, and for indigenous people.
Contact: Lisa Bachman, h4h@springforest.org
Grow It!
Children and their caregivers are invited to come enjoy a morning on the farm, Wednesdays 10am to 12pm. We gather for a welcome circle with yoga, explore the garden and the forest, visit the chickens and the goats, practice cooking skills with Chef Netta (using ingredients from the farm), and enjoy a light meal together.
GROW IT! is held on the farm at 1907 New Sharon Church Road, Hillsborough, NC 27278.
Contact: office@springforest.org
Global Friends
Welcoming and companioning refugees in their resettlement is a central ministry of The Church at Spring Forest. In addition to sponsoring families through World Relief and Church World Service, we founded and participate in a robust ESL program with Pleasant Green UMC. Our classes are held on Fridays from 10 AM - Noon, at Pleasant Green UMC. At Spring Forest, we grow culturally sensitive produce to provide sponsored, free farmers' markets for refugees and for our local food bank. In 2026, over 64% of our produce went to people who face food insecurity. We also host hospitality events at the farm to welcome immigrant families and for social gatherings.
Contact: office@springforest.org
Spiritual Formation
Our spiritual formation team offers a range of retreat options for individuals and small groups, as well as curated small groups for spiritual formation. The team also plans Forest Feast, our monthly worship gathering.
Contact: office@springforest.org
Morning and Evening Prayer
Morning prayer is held M-F, 8 am via Zoom. For more information or to request the link for prayer:
Contact: office@springforest.org
Oblates
Our oblate program offers a community for people who wish to practice the Spring Forest rule of life together. Our rule of life is Prayer, Work, Table, Neighbor, Rest. Oblates meet in small groups, monthly, for mutual support in living a life of hospitality and nurturing community in their own homes, neighborhoods and workplaces. An annual pilgrimage to Spring Forest for a retreat is part of the Oblate program.
Contact: oblates@springforest.org