Winter can be challenging for many of us. The cold, the long darkness, the tiredness we sometimes feel. But winter can also be a time of true rest and renewal as the bare winter trees want so much to teach us. A time to let our energy flow down into the roots of our life. A time for rekindling the fire of our creative imagination. A time for the healing inspiration of stories.

So come join us for this special afternoon at Wellspring:

2:00-3:00 Come and enjoy light refreshments and time to visit with friends

Or take a self-guided winter walk out in the wild fields at Dayspring. (Watch for migratory waterfowl on the ponds or search for nests in the bare branches of the trees. Look at the beautiful and many varied buds that hold and protect the Spring that will come.)

Or explore Cheryl Hellner’s favorite Picture Book stories in a library corner.

Or explore the art of clay making with our Dayspring Potter, Jean Brown.

3:00-4:00

A gathered time for a brief reflection by Cheryl: “The Hidden Treasure of Picture Books”

A reading/performance of her new book: Sing Up the Earth! by Cheryl Hellner, art by Mercè Tous, Paraclete Press, 2026

Audience questions/responses to the story

Books will be on sale throughout the afternoon and, if you wish, can be signed by the author. (Proceeds from the book sale will go to Dayspring Church for the ongoing care of this land.)

Wellspring Conference Center, 11411 Neelsville Church Road, Germantown, MD 20876