The Sacred Invitation

Leadership

Tom Peckham

Tom Peckham is one of the founding facilitators of The Sacred Invitation, having served for cohort 1-5.  He is an alum of School of the Spirit (7), Shalem Institute’s Group Spiritual Direction program, and Renovare’s Fellowship of the Burning Heart pilot program.  He is a commissioned Stephen Minister and has served as a. Stephen leader and trainer.  Tom has facilitated several spiritual formation classes and has also been a Trust Circle Discernment group leader.  He earned his MBA degree in New England and served as I/T Director and CFO for a home health/hospice agency.

Nancy Bellamy

Nancy Bellamy, The Sacred Invitation Program Director, has served as Steward of Starrette Farm Retreat since 2020.  She is an ordained Chaplain, spiritual director, and spiritual formation coach.  She is a two-time School of the Spirit alum and a two-time graduate of The Sacred Invitation.  Her degrees in Accounting and IT and studies at Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation in Spiritual Direction and Group Spiritual Direction has helped her cultivate a business mind within her ministry heart.

Jennifer Rogers

Jennifer Rogers is a graduate of both School of the Spirit and The Sacred Invitation. It was through those programs that she heard God calling her to ministry. She currently serves her home church as the Ministry Leader for Contemporary Worship and Spiritual Formation, and is pursuing Ordination as a Deacon in the United Methodist Church. Jennifer holds a Masters in Leadership and Organizational Development and is a seasoned facilitator and professional coach.

George Stewart

George Stewart is an alum of Shalem Institute Transforming Community: Leading Contemplative Spiritual Groups & Retreats  He is a two-time graduate of The Sacred Invitation and School of the Spirit spiritual formation programs. In his 42 year career in Information Technology, George managed various programs across industries developing teams and implementing systems. In 2018, while participating in The Sacred Invitation, he fell in love with God's mission of Starrette Farm Retreat. Since 2020, he has walked alongside Nancy in maintaining the property. His call is leading/facilitating retreats and supporting others as they lead.

Roxanne Morgan

Roxanne Morgan oversees our soul food & hospitality service.  Through her work as a spiritual director and retreat facilitator, she delights in engaging people though creativity to experience transformation.

Frieda Farfour Brown, Ph.D.

Frieda Farfour Brown, Ph.D. is a two-time graduate of School of the Spirit.  It was Frieda’s vision that began The Sacred Invitation.  Professionally she was a clinical psychologist, a retired university professor and a program developer.  She is devoted to helping others identify and discover meaningful ways to use their strengths and gifts in service of others.

Ann Starrette

Ann Starrette was the Sacred Invitation founding director and presenter. She oversees the Office of Spiritual Formation & Soul Care, anchored at The Lydia Group, LLC retreat ministry she founded in 1998.   She is founding director of School of the Spirit.  Ann sees her role as gently planting holy seed that help people reimagine the Divine, unlearn rigid religion, and see God everywhere.