The Ember Gathering is a three-day spiritual retreat in Oakland, California, designed for seekers, dreamers, and builders of inclusive faith communities. Hosted by Nu Foundation with support from Oak Life Church, this new and experimental gathering centers love over fear, liberation over control, and radical belonging over conformity.
The conference features keynote speakers, breakout sessions, worship, excursions, and community-building activities. Confirmed speakers include Dr. Tamice Spencer-Helms, author of Faith Unleavened, and Brian Recker, author of Hell Bent, with additional presenters to be announced. Attendees will help shape aspects of the gathering through community-driven decisions on workshops, worship, and activities.
The event is intentionally inclusive, LGBTQ+ affirming, anti-racist, and trauma-informed. It is designed for those healing from spiritual trauma, exploring faith outside traditional frameworks, or seeking to integrate justice with spirituality.
Additional Details:
Location: Oakland, CA (Oakstop and The New Parkway Theater)
Accessibility: ADA accessible venues, ASL volunteers welcome, trauma-informed programming
Registration deadline: December 1, 2025