“Tending Good Soil”
a fULL-DAY RETREAT WITH AUTHOR JEFF CHU
Saturday, October 4, 2025
Take a day away to join others in the beautiful and contemplative surroundings of Assisi Heights where we’ll enjoy a curated mix of small and large group time, some alone/meditative time, and two presentations by guest speaker and author Jeff Chu.
Jeff Chu is the author of the recently published book “Good Soil: The Education of an Accidental Farmhand”. Jeff is an award-winning journalist and editor-at-large at Travel+Leisure, and also the author of “Does Jesus Really Love Me?” along with co-author, the late Rachel Held Evans.
Saturday, October 4, 2025
9am—3pm
$55, including lunch (salad bar)
Location: Assisi Heights Spirituality Center (1001 14th St. NW, Rochester, MN)
ABOUT JEFF
In his late thirties, Jeff Chu left his job as a magazine writer and found himself at Princeton Theological Seminary’s “Farminary”—a twenty-one-acre working farm where students learn to cultivate the earth while examining life’s biggest questions. In his book, Chu unpacks what he learned about creating “good soil,” both literally and figuratively, drawing lessons from the rhythms of growth, decay, and regeneration that define life on the land. The themes of Connection to Nature, Belonging and Community, and Spiritual Growth are found throughout his book, and will provide the framework for our day together.
RECOMMENDED LISTENING
Podcaster Kate Bowler has interviewed Jeff Chu a couple of times on her program “Everything Happens,” and both interviews provide excellent insights and background about Jeff.
RECOMMENDED READING
Though not a requirement, we highly recommend reading Jeff’s book prior to attending the retreat. "Good Soil" is not just a memoir about farming; it is a meditation on life, love, and the interconnectedness of all living things. It encourages readers to slow down, reflect, and appreciate the beauty and complexity of the world around them. For those interested in exploring themes of spirituality, community, and the natural world, this book offers a rich and rewarding experience.
SPONSORED BY
This retreat is sponsored and hosted by The Looking Within Center [LWC] of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Rochester, MN. The LWC’s approach to spiritual and holistic wellness is grounded in openness, abundance, and experiential learning. Join us to find a welcoming community that values your unique journey.