Church guide

We are deeply grateful for the Union Women Electricians who Volunteered at Murray Grove this weekend! Angel Savoy recruited Jazzmen Goods, Crystal Kaliszewski (with amazing son Jayce) and Brenda Savoy to volunteer their expert skills to upgrade some of the center’s electrical systems and babysit Jayce. Rev. Craig Hirshberg shared her gifts and facilitated the weekend with workshops. Board President Dominick DePinto offered his expertise and supported their efforts. Chef Evelyn prepared delicious meals. Share s’mores around the roaring campfire last night (thank you Bob Seidel) was a highlight for Jayce. Next Spring Angel Savoy, a Master Electrician, National Electric Code Instructor, and member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 26 and her mother, Brenda Savoy, President of Chesapeake Bay Chapter of Coalition of Labor Union Women, are hoping to demonstrate to young women who are in middle or high school, young women stuck in dead end jobs, and women looking for a second career that the construction trades can offer a well-paying and rewarding career. Statistics show that women in the trades can make an average of 94% of their equal pay for men, whereas the norm is now at 81%. By showcasing women who are already in the trades they hope to increase awareness that women are welcome to apply. When Angel and Brenda attended the Women’s Retreat at Murray Grove last November, they were impressed with the program and by the loving spirit of the place. However, with their trained eyes, they saw that Murray Grove could use some expert upgrading of the electrical systems. They then conceived of this volunteer effort and spoke to Louise Illé, Murray Grove’s Executive Director, who was thrilled with the plan. It was a successful weekend, we truly appreciate all of their support!

Want to do something worthwhile and have some fun? We’re looking for volunteers to help out at Homecoming: “UNIVERSAL GOOD: SOCIAL & ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE” on Saturday, September 28th. Volunteer opportunities include staffing our Beer Garden, helping with registration, parking, photography, stage hands, and family activities. Meet new friends and support a good cause! If you’re interested contact Louise at [email protected] or call our office at 609-693-5558. (Four hour shifts-registration fee & delicious lunch included.)

A camp needs counselors! We're so grateful to the talented youth that provide leadership and loving support to our campers. Many of the counselors "grew up" at Camping in the Grove. They are our greatest camp ambassadors!

It takes an incredible amount of work by countless people to offer Camping in the Grove each year. Deep gratitude to the staff pictured here, and the many others working behind the scenes. Special thanks to Jess Bors & Joe Toye, co-directors; Rev. Carol Haag, minister; and Pat Bartels, nurse. AWESOME work!!

Camping in the Grove is in full swing! Yesterday our wonderful campers made s’mores, learned about animals, re-claming, rain gardens,rain barrels and rain chains. With camp helpers Rev. Carol Haag led our daily worship . Fun was had in our salt water pool, Gaga Court, arts & craft tables and book nook.

We highly recommend subscribing to the Universalist Herald, the oldest continuously published liberal religious magazine in North America. We’re honored that the Universalist Convocation 2019 was held at Murray Grove this year! Check out the attendees on the cover.

Scott came for an individual retreat and left us this beautiful comment.

A fun retreat at Murray Grove: Scrapbooking!! Our facilities can accommodate all different kinds of retreats. Contact us today to find out more!

We are deeply honored and proud to provide space for the important work of Black Lives of UU.

This is why Murray Grove is here - our rich Universalist history. And what a story!

Our 2019 Coming of Age Credo Writing Retreat was attended by 25 amazing youth from 5 congregations across 4 states! Stay tuned for 2020 date.

It’s lovely when the petals fall. #spring #locusttree #heavenly #honey #retreat

UUCMC (our friends in Monmouth County) have opened their online auction site, which includes our own homemade jars of No Hell Jell !! Proceeds from the jelly will go to Murray Grove. Check it out online ... and bid on our jelly! (And the other items like baskets, gift cards, paintings and more to raise funds for UUCMC). Thanks for checking it out: https://uucmc19.givesmart.com

We are in the market for a caretaker! Check it out on Indeed: https://www.indeedjobs.com/murray-grove-retreat--renewal-center/_hl/en_US?cpref=JXWAtnzf3XWjLOi4YeVNLuV7xMD8uRK8WY0xM54-Neg

Our 2019 Coming of Age Credo Writing Retreat was attended by 25 amazing youth from 5 congregations across 4 states! Stay tuned for 2020 date.

Going through photos from last year and was moved to share these photos of a beautiful sight -- a service in Potter Church from Homecoming 2018 with Rev. Richard Gilbert. Inspired me -- the root of why Murray Grove has survived all these years. Full circle.

Reasons to support Murray Grove: #8 We offer 4 rich and nurturing programs of our own each year including Camping in the Grove (4th to 7th graders), Coming of Age Credo Writing Retreat (8th-11th graders), Homecoming for all and a Women's Retreat.

Reasons to donate to Murray Grove: #7 You appreciate the warm welcome, wonderful food, and how hard everyone works to love this place into the embrace that is Murray Grove.

Reasons to donate to Murray Grove: #5 You appreciate the natural beauty of the grounds in all seasons, and want Murray Grove to remain as a sanctuary for generations to come.

Reasons to donate to Murray Grove: #4 The amazing and diverse groups who utilize our space. They do great work in the world!

Reasons to support Murray Grove: #6 We have fun events for the local community, and people actually dress up for them!

Reasons to support Murray Grove with your donations: #3 Kids love our yearly week long summer camp and create life long friendships here. Some claim camp as life changing!

Reasons to donate to Murray Grove: #1 The world needs affordable places for sanctuary and respite.