The Bishop's Ranch

The Board of Directors of The Bishop’s Ranch is pleased to announce that Aaron Wright became the new Executive Director, effective February 1. Aaron joined the staff of The Ranch three and half years ago, and has worked in varied assignments including as Hospitality Director and Associate Director. In his most recent role as Acting Executive Director, he has capably guided The Ranch through the challenges of wildfires, shutdowns, staff reorganization, and the pandemic. The Bo...ard was particularly impressed with his leadership on the constantly shifting financial front. We are confident that his time at The Ranch has given him a broad overview of all the areas he will now be in charge of leading. Please join us in welcoming Aaron and his family to this new role. -Hale Foote President of the Board of Directors A Message from Bishop Marc There is a liminal place, right between the long moment when a beautiful chapter comes to an end, and the energy of the new beginning starts to arrive. Poignant and exciting. A holy place, full. It is in this rich place that the Bishop’s Ranch has said a loving farewell to Sean Swift as its Executive Director and now welcomes Aaron Wright, formerly the Acting Executive Director, as its new Executive Director. In close consultation with my office, the Ranch Board carefully considered all we hope will stay the same while identifying new requirements of the position, discerning in a thoughtful process that the person we would search for was already here. I am pleased to announce Aaron’s appointment and look forward to the future with anticipation and excitement as well as gratitude for Sean's long and transforming service. -The Rt. Rev. Dr. Marc Andrus Bishop of California Chairman of the Board of Directors

We’re making the best of our current closure by giving our beloved Refectory a much needed deep clean and refresh. Looking forward to sharing meals with you all again!

Epiphany Retreat with Bishop Marc Andrus Saturday, January 9, 2021 11 AM 12 noon No Fee... In light of this week’s unrest in our nation’s capital, Saturday’s Epiphany Retreat at the Bishop’s Ranch will be a free event so anyone in the diocese looking for hope and healing can attend, free of charge. In the season of Epiphany we celebrate God’s light breaking into the world’s darkness and we will gather on Saturday to pray for that healing light and hope of God’s Beloved Community to break into our lives and our nation. The Bishop’s Ranch has always been a place of healing and rest for many. This event is free, but if you can support the Bishop’s Ranch during these difficult months of closure and restrictions, please do so at this link: https://www.bishopsranch.org/support/annual-fund/ If you would like Spanish translation, please contact Stephanie Martin Taylor ([email protected]) by Friday morning. Please use this zoom link tomorrow at 11 am to join: https://zoom.us/j/94530912753

First sunrise of 2021. May the coming year hold new blessings and opportunities for us all. #thebishopsranch #beautyabounds #sunrise

Some scenes around the Ranch to bring a bit of peace to this day. #thebishopsranch #natureheals #choosepeace

Only three weekend retreats left this fall. Don't miss out. https://mailchi.mp/bishopsranch/visit-the-ranch-this-fall

The Fall 2020 Newsletter - www.bishopsranch.org/about/newsletter/coming_home/

Sean Swift to Retire After 31 Years - https://mailchi.mp//sean-swift-to-retire-after-31-years-26

An amazingly beautiful sunset tonight. Wish you were here. #thebishopsranch #sunset #wishyouwerehere

First blue skies in weeks. Hope it lasts. #breathdeep #freshair #thebishopsranch

We’re so thankful to be back at the Ranch after the #walbridgefire. Thanks first responders! The Ranch is safe, and we owe a huge debt of gratitude to all the brave firefighters for that! We’re thinking about and praying for our neighbors who lost homes during the fire. If you want to help, you can give directly to support our neighbors who lost homes or have other needs caused by the fire through the @corazonhealdsburg unity and community fund. Thanks for your support and p...rayers during the evacuation! All of our staff is safe and sound and busy preparing to host guests this weekend. Please consider coming on an individual or household weekend retreat this fall. Also consider a gift to help sustain the Ranch by being part of our special matching grant opportunity for the Annual Fund. Every new gift or increased gift will be matched dollar for dollar up to $50,000. You can make a reservation or a gift on our website www.bishopsranch.org Thank you! See more

Thanks, Episcopal News Service for sharing our story. As of today the Ranch remains unharmed but under a mandatory evacuation order.

We are so thankful for the brave #firefighters working around the clock. This crew just visited the Ranch to familiarize themselves with it in case they need to come back. Our neighbor spoke with them and sent us an update and two pictures. The #walbridgefire continues to grow but remains about 2 to 3 miles away from the Ranch buildings. We continue to watch and pray for all those affected by the fires and especially for those fighting the fires. #sonomastrong @ The Bishop's Ranch

Thank you for your prayers and messages of concern. Many have asked where the fire is in relation to the Ranch. Our wonderful friend Jane Marx created this map to help answer that question. The fire map was taken this morning, so note that it will change. Other helpful updates: Our Ranch Staff is all safe and accounted for. We’re working remotely, so email is the best way to reach us. Our Residential Staff are all evacuated to comfortable and distant accommodations.... The Song and Silence virtual retreat scheduled this Saturday will still happen since it can be hosted remotely. All in person retreats have been canceled through Monday 8/24. We will provide an update regarding the following weekend’s retreats by next Tuesday 8/25. We are exploring if and how the Ranch can be of service to first responders during this time. We appreciate your encouragement, prayers and support. #walbridgefire #sonomastrong

The Ranch is on evacuation orders due to a fire to the west of us. Residential staff has found safe shelter and we will keep you updated on the status of the Ranch. Please keep up us and our neighbors in your prayers.

Putting the finishing touches on our new outdoor dining room and store. Looking forward to hosting individuals and household units this weekend. We’re sold out the next three weekends, but go to the website and register to join us for Labor Day Weekend. #retreat #outdoors #sonomacounty @ Sonoma County, California