16 – 22 August 2026
The awareness that the world faces significant ecological challenges (including climate change) is now widespread and raises deep concern for many. At the same time, during the last four decades, the view that care of creation is an integral aspect of normal Christian life and worship – integral to our human vocation – has been rediscovered by large parts of the broader Christian community.
But do the theological motifs we employ to describe this vocation inspire us? Do the actions we promote as a response nourish our collective hope or leave us feeling overwhelmed and anxious? Do the spiritual practices advanced to sustain our conservation activities, bring life and flourishing to those involved or contribute further to a sense of exhaustion?
Andrew Shepherd, lecturer at the University of Otago (New Zealand) and former director of A Rocha New Zealand, will be our speaker throughout the week. He will help us reflect on these issues together by sharing his own insights. The mornings will be devoted to Andrew’s teachings, while the afternoons will be more free, with suggested activities on site (nature outings, walks, discovering biodiversity), allowing everyone to recharge their batteries and enjoy the beauty of the surroundings…
Please note: morning classes will be conducted in English with a simultaneous translation in French. Other activities may be conducted in both English and French.
Dr Andrew Shepherd is the Senior Lecturer in Theology and Public Issues within the Theology Programme, University of Otago in Aotearoa New Zealand. His working life has included involvement in theological education and Christian leadership formation, participation in intercultural and environmental education, practical conservation work, and leadership roles within Christian non-profit organisations – including significant involvement in the establishment and leadership of A Rocha in Aotearoa NZ between 2005-2018. He researches, teaches, and writes on a range of ethical topics, including ecological theology and climate change, social polarisation, violence and militarism, economics, and digital technologies.
Programme :
- Early morning Bible study sessions
- Mornings: main teaching and discussion sessions led by Andrew.
- Afternoons: free time for those who wish to explore Les Courmettes, with nature activities, biodiversity walks, gardening workshops, etc. on offer. You can also explore further the beautiful region or enjoy the river or seaside…
- Evenings : games, music, time for more discussions, praise and prayer, etc.
Prices:
Annual membership of A Rocha France (compulsory): €5/adult on HelloAsso
Full board and activities on site (price per person for the week) :
- 315€ Camping (tents and camping equipment are not provided.)
- 400€ Dormitory
- 450€ Double/shared/family room, shared bathroom
- 515€ Double/shared/family room with private bathroom
- 600€ Individual room, shared bathroom
- 660€ Individual room with private bathroom
€50 discount for registrations received before 15 May!
Registration
- To register, please fill in the form below:
- To confirm your registration, please pay the deposit of €150/adult by bank transfer (RIB/IBAN), by cheque made payable to A Rocha France or by HelloAsso via the button below:
3. You can pay the final balance of your stay on site by bank transfer, cheque or via HelloAsso.
Practical information
- Arrival on Sunday from 4pm, departure on Saturday morning after breakfast.
- Meals are organic, vegetarian or with reasonable quantities of meat or fish.
- You’ll be invited to help with the washing-up in a friendly atmosphere!
- Sheets and duvets are provided (except when camping), but not towels.
- The buildings are at an altitude of 850 m, so it can be cool in the evenings and mornings, even in summer!
Address and contact
Domaine des Courmettes
4500 route des Courmettes
06140 Tourrettes-sur-Loup
Access
courmettes@arocha.org | 04 92 11 02 32
Rev. Dr. Dave Bookless was born in India, and has lived for the past 30 years in multiracial urban London, along with his wife Anne and four daughters. He is a pastor, author and speaker, who serves as Director of Theology for A Rocha International, and is also a Global Catalyst for Creation Care for the Lausanne Movement. He has spoken in more than 30 countries across six continents, and his book Planetwise has been translated into Chinese, Dutch, French, German and Spanish.