Easter - What Was It and What Is It?

Recovering the Holy Week Narrative
April 10-11, 2009
7:30 pm Friday - 6:00 pm Saturday
Retreat House
Body:


Easter - What Was It and What Is it?
Recovering the Holy Week Narrative

An Easter Retreat
At Rolling Ridge Study Retreat
April 10-11, 2009
7:30 pm Friday - 6:00 pm Saturday

"It is God's dream, a dream that can only be realized
by being grounded ever more deeply, in the reality of God,
whose heart is justice." — Borg and Crossan

Over time, by spending time with thoughtful theologians, we have come to recognize that central meanings of both the birth of Jesus and of Easter are enunciations of deep yearning for a world where love and justice are passionately embraced. As practiced in the cultures of empire from the first century until now, love and justice have not been the focus of the birth and Easter.

"The story of Holy Week as Mark and the gospels tell it enables us to hear the passion of Jesus---what he was passionate about---that led to his execution. His passion was the kingdom of God, what life would be like on earth if God were king and the rulers, domination systems, and empires of this world were not. It is the world that prophets dreamed of---a world of distributive justice in which everybody has enough and systems are fair. And it is not simply a political dream. It is God's dream, a dream that can only be realized by being grounded ever more deeply in the reality of God, whose heart is justice. Jesus' passion got him killed. But God has vindicated Jesus. This is the political meaning of Good Friday and Easter." (The Last Week, Borg and Crossan)

In this Easter retreat at Rolling Ridge we will reflect on Jesus who is passionate about love of God and love of neighbor, and our own call to be transformed into holding such a dream, and not to be conformed to the practice of Easter by the empire in which we live.

This 24-hour retreat interval is designed to enable a preparation for Easter, and to allow anyone who wishes to do so to experience Easter Sunday in their church congregation. Several selected study materials will be mailed in advance of retreat to each retreatant. The order of the 24 hours will be led by Verle and Vivian Headings. Prior to retreat, we suggest that you use a journal for recording what you learn from study of the materials we will send. Then bring the journal to retreat and continue with recording insights about transformation as we explore together the meaning of the passionate Jesus enticing us to love and justice.

Friday

7:30 pm
Simple supper (soup and bread)
and becoming acquainted

8:30 pm
Gather for meditative readings
and prayers of anticipation for our own transformation
into passionate doers of love and justice

9:00 pm
Enter into the great silence
for personal contemplation
until after breakfast on Saturday

Saturday

8:00 am
Breakfast (in silence),
with a meditative story

9:30 am
Gather for sharing of learnings
from the study sources mailed in advance
to each participant

10:30 am
Personal reflection in solitude,
with refreshments as desired

12:00 noon
Lunch and conversation
on personal insights during retreat

1:30 pm
Options of personal reflection
in solitude or sharing in a small group,
or hiking on the forest trails,
or listening to a lecture on CD
by Marcus Borg on the theme of our retreat

5:00 pm
Simple supper

6:00 pm
Return to home
or remain at the retreat house
until Sunday noon for personal retreat

For questions and registering for retreat, contact Verle or Vivian at e-mail: VvatRR@juno.com or phone: 304-725-2312. Please let us know if you need directions to the Retreat House.

Specify your interest for the 24-hour retreat only, or continuing until Sunday noon.

Retreat fee (meals, refreshments, study materials, and lodgeing ) will be $50 per person. For extended stay add $10.

Please recall that for overnight events at the Retreat House you bring your own bedroll and towel.

Finally, please give us your mailing address so that we can mail study materials to you.

Thanks, we will cherish this time with you. Verle and Vivian Headings

Meditative Arts: Your Own Prayer Beads

Building a way to pray that defines you and your prayer life
March 20-22, 2009
Retreat House
Body:

Your Own Prayer Beads:
Building a Way to Pray
That Defines You and Your Life

Rolling Ridge
Meditative Arts Retreat
March 20-22, 2009
Friday evening - Sunday afternoon

Slipping beads between fingers while engaged in prayer has been part of faith traditions for centuries among Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians. Many people who pray with prayer beads find it a meditative act and prayer aid. Others have grown up with prayer bead traditions but have never been able to connect a personal spirituality with the practice.

At this retreat you will have a chance to create a prayer bead practice for yourself that meets you where you are now and sustains your desire for a richer personal prayer life. It doesn't matter if you've never had a prayer bead tradition or you put away your rosary years ago, because you'll be building your own way to approach prayer mindfully. Retreatants will be given an introduction to prayer traditions in various faiths, then be asked to consider what their own personal prayer needs are and what shape they might take. After exploring possible designs on paper, retreatants will start working with beads and materials provided. Retreatants are welcome to bring materials to include that add meaning, familial or cultural significance. A Saturday evening of silence can engage you in prayer practice or refine your beads. A Sunday morning gathering celebrates the weekend and the embodiment of the spirit in our new-found tools.

Gather on the First Night of Spring for a weekend of contemplation, discussions and sharing, creativity, and prayer, along with delicious meals and walks in the woods reawakening to life. Leaders will be Mary Watters and Trish Stefanik, with assistance from Linda DeGraf and others from the Rolling Ridge Study Retreat Community.

Participants are welcome to arrive at the Retreat House between 5 and 7 pm on Friday night. Dinner will be served at 6:30. The retreat will conclude with lunch on Sunday. Cost for the weekend is $100 (which includes materials, lodging, and meals). Space is limited. Please send a $25 deposit (or the full amount) to reserve your space. Checks should be made out to RRSRC and mailed to the address below. Let us know if you have dietary or other special needs.

Retreat House Available For Rent

March 13-15, 2009

A Day Away

For Pastors and Church Leaders
March 9, 2009
10:00 am - 1:00 pm or 4:00 pm
Retreat House
Body:

Throughout his ministry, Jesus regularly took time to withdraw to a quiet place, to reflect and pray.

Retreat and rest is vital, and yet busy schedules often prevent us from setting aside the time we need.

We invite you to join us on the second Monday of each month for "A Day Away," a Sabbath day especially set aside for pastors and church leaders at Rolling Ridge Study Retreat Community.

 

Rhythm of the Day

We will gather at the Retreat House at 10:00 a.m. for brief input, followed by your own time for prayer and reflection. Lunch will be served at noon. Retreatants may choose to leave at 1:00, or stay until 4:00 to hike the trails, sit quietly in the Meditation Shelter, get creative in the Art Cottage, or settle into a room to journal, rest or pray.

Second Mondays

"A Day Away" for pastors and church leaders will take place the second Monday of each month. The day is offered at no cost to attendees. Donations are accepted. Join us as often as you wish!

RSVP

Please let us know you will be attending by calling 304-724-6653 or emailing us at community@rollingridge.net. But if you forget to let us know in advance, come anyway!

About Rolling Ridge

Rolling Ridge Study Retreat Community is a non-profit, ecumenical retreat center, begun in 1986. It is located on 1400 acres of wilderness land in the Blue Ridge mountains. Facilities include a Retreat House, Meditation Shelter, and an Art Cottage.

Private Retreats

In addition, the Retreat House is frequently available during the week for private retreats. Please call the staff community at 304-724-6653 to schedule a time.

Directions

From Charles Town or Martinsburg: Go east on Route 9. After crossing the Shenandoah River, go one mile and then turn right on Mission Road. Go 6.3 miles, and turn left at the Rolling Ridge sign onto the gravel road (still called Mission Road). Go one mile and turn right at the intersection, following Mission Road. Go .3 miles and turn left at Christ Church Road, following the signs for Retreat House.

A Day Away

For Pastors and Church Leaders
February 9, 2009
10:00 am - 1:00 pm or 4:00 pm
Retreat House
Body:

Throughout his ministry, Jesus regularly took time to withdraw to a quiet place, to reflect and pray.

Retreat and rest is vital, and yet busy schedules often prevent us from setting aside the time we need.

We invite you to join us on the second Monday of each month for "A Day Away," a Sabbath day especially set aside for pastors and church leaders at Rolling Ridge Study Retreat Community.

 

Rhythm of the Day

We will gather at the Retreat House at 10:00 a.m. for brief input, followed by your own time for prayer and reflection. Lunch will be served at noon. Retreatants may choose to leave at 1:00, or stay until 4:00 to hike the trails, sit quietly in the Meditation Shelter, get creative in the Art Cottage, or settle into a room to journal, rest or pray.

Second Mondays

"A Day Away" for pastors and church leaders will take place the second Monday of each month. The day is offered at no cost to attendees. Donations are accepted. Join us as often as you wish!

RSVP

Please let us know you will be attending by calling 304-724-6653 or emailing us at community@rollingridge.net. But if you forget to let us know in advance, come anyway!

About Rolling Ridge

Rolling Ridge Study Retreat Community is a non-profit, ecumenical retreat center, begun in 1986. It is located on 1400 acres of wilderness land in the Blue Ridge mountains. Facilities include a Retreat House, Meditation Shelter, and an Art Cottage.

Private Retreats

In addition, the Retreat House is frequently available during the week for private retreats. Please call the staff community at 304-724-6653 to schedule a time.

Directions

From Charles Town or Martinsburg: Go east on Route 9. After crossing the Shenandoah River, go one mile and then turn right on Mission Road. Go 6.3 miles, and turn left at the Rolling Ridge sign onto the gravel road (still called Mission Road). Go one mile and turn right at the intersection, following Mission Road. Go .3 miles and turn left at Christ Church Road, following the signs for Retreat House.

A Day Away

For Pastors and Church Leaders
January 12, 2009
10:00 am - 1:00 pm or 4:00 pm
Retreat House
Body:

Throughout his ministry, Jesus regularly took time to withdraw to a quiet place, to reflect and pray.

Retreat and rest is vital, and yet busy schedules often prevent us from setting aside the time we need.

We invite you to join us on the second Monday of each month for "A Day Away," a Sabbath day especially set aside for pastors and church leaders at Rolling Ridge Study Retreat Community.

 

Rhythm of the Day

We will gather at the Retreat House at 10:00 a.m. for brief input, followed by your own time for prayer and reflection. Lunch will be served at noon. Retreatants may choose to leave at 1:00, or stay until 4:00 to hike the trails, sit quietly in the Meditation Shelter, get creative in the Art Cottage, or settle into a room to journal, rest or pray.

Second Mondays

"A Day Away" for pastors and church leaders will take place the second Monday of each month. The day is offered at no cost to attendees. Donations are accepted. Join us as often as you wish!

RSVP

Please let us know you will be attending by calling 304-724-6653 or emailing us at community@rollingridge.net. But if you forget to let us know in advance, come anyway!

About Rolling Ridge

Rolling Ridge Study Retreat Community is a non-profit, ecumenical retreat center, begun in 1986. It is located on 1400 acres of wilderness land in the Blue Ridge mountains. Facilities include a Retreat House, Meditation Shelter, and an Art Cottage.

Private Retreats

In addition, the Retreat House is frequently available during the week for private retreats. Please call the staff community at 304-724-6653 to schedule a time.

Directions

From Charles Town or Martinsburg: Go east on Route 9. After crossing the Shenandoah River, go one mile and then turn right on Mission Road. Go 6.3 miles, and turn left at the Rolling Ridge sign onto the gravel road (still called Mission Road). Go one mile and turn right at the intersection, following Mission Road. Go .3 miles and turn left at Christ Church Road, following the signs for Retreat House.

Christmas House International

December 12-26, 2008
Retreat House
Body:

Rolling Ridge will host international students over Christmas at the Retreat House. Please contact us if you would like to learn more about how you can participate.

Waiting in Darkness, Carrying the Light

Transition, Loss, Grief and Healing
December 5-7, 2008
Retreat House
Body:


Waiting in Darkness,
Carrying the Light:
Transition, Loss, Grief and Healing

An Advent Spirituality Retreat
at Rolling Ridge
With Janelle Rhorer and Jackie Sabath
Friday December 5 -
Sunday December 7, 2008

 

Truly it is in darkness that one
finds the Light.
So when we are in sorrow,
then the Light is nearest to all of us.
— Meister Eckhart		 Someone I loved once gave me
a box full of darkness.
It took me years to understand
that this, too, was a gift.
— Mary Oliver

As the season of darkness expands, the Light shines even brighter. If you are searching in darkness for the Light, struggling with a transition or loss of any kind, join us for an Advent weekend to be still, to listen, to engage your story, to hold both joy and sorrow in the Light of compassion and communion. In the sacred space of near-winter forest we will work with the transformative process of grief — the mystery of holding fast and letting go — through story, silence, readings, music, art and the beauty of the natural world. And perhaps we will glean insight about the gift in that box full of darkness.

Participants are welcome to arrive at the Retreat House between 5 and 7 pm on Friday night. Dinner will be served at 7 pm. The retreat will end with lunch on Sunday. Cost for the weekend is $100. Scholarships are available. Send a $25 deposit to reserve your space. Checks should be made payable to Rolling Ridge Study Retreat Community (RRSRC) and mailed to Jackie Sabath, 129 Jubilee Lane, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425. Please let us know if you have any special dietary or other needs. For more information call or email Jackie Sabath at 304-261-2653, jsabath@rollingridge.net.

Janelle Rhorer is a Pastoral Counselor in-training at Loyola College and has been coming to retreats at Rolling Ridge for several years.

Jackie Sabath lives and works at Rolling Ridge Study Retreat Community and is a licensed Pastoral Counselor in WV and MD.

Rolling Ridge 2008 Annual Meeting

Stirrings on the Land: Seeds of Hope
November 15, 2008
9:30 am - 6:00 pm
Retreat House
Body:


Rolling Ridge Annual Meeting
November 15, 2008

Stirrings on the Land:
Seeds of Hope

Hosted by Rolling Ridge
Study Retreat Community
at the Retreat House
 

In the tapestry that is Rolling Ridge, we continue to weave new threads that connect us to the land and to each other. We invite you to come out to the mountain to hear the whispers of the trees and the waterfalls, meet companions drawn deeper into the warp and weft of our lives together, and share glimmers of hopes and dreams unfolding.

9:30 - Welcome

Greet one another over muffins, coffee, tea or juice

10:00-11:30 Annual Meeting

an opportunity to reflect on partner group gatherings and retreats,
affirm members of the board,
visualize plans for retreat house renovation,
and hear about connections with our partners on the land
from FLOC and the Friends Wilderness Center
to local hunt clubs and neighbors.

12:00 - Potluck Lunch

bring your favorite seasonal dish --
contact Vivian Headings about what you plan to bring
(vvatrr@juno.com or 304.725.2312)

1:00-2:00 - Walk and talk

a chance to see the "western border" or relax and chat

2:00-3:00 - Stirrings on the Land

a chance to meet our new neighbors along Christ Church Road,
and hear about Still Point, the River House,
and other new beginnings on land adjacent to Rolling Ridge

3:00-4:00 - Sustainable Building

see the progress on the fifth community house
and reflect on sustainable living

4:00-5:00 - Mountain Dulcimer and Country Banjo Music
with Jay Hurley of Shepherdstown

we hope everyone will stay and listen
to this gift of beautiful music

5:00 - Dinner

Tasty Wraps for the road
or stay for a light supper with friends

The Retreat House is available for those
who would like to come the day before
or stay for the day after the annual meeting.

Please RSVP and let us know if you are planning
to stay overnight at the Retreat House

Transparency to the Divine

Contemplative Tissue Collage
October 10-12, 2008
Retreat House
Body:

Transparency to the Divine:
Contemplative Tissue Collage

Rolling Ridge Meditative Arts Retreat
October 10-12, 2008
Friday Evening - Sunday Afternoon
Hosted by Rolling Ridge
Study Retreat Community
Harpers Ferry, WV

Artists as varied as O'Keeffe, Picasso, Matisse, and Ezra Jack Keats have used the medium of tissue collage to convey brilliantly colored images. However, tissue collage evokes an amazing creative response in people who do not consider themselves artistic. Creating tissue collage in the context of a retreat experience will aim not at making images but rather at bringing transparency and consciousness to our spiritual experiences. We invite you to a soul-stirring weekend amidst the beautiful mountain wilderness of Rolling Ridge.

Retreat leader Rev. Georgia DuBose studied tissue collage and participated in workshops with the late Jungian analyst, Edith Wallace, M.D., from 1976 until 1998. Though using the same material technique as Dr. Wallace, Georgia, an Episcopal priest, leads her workshops to help others connect with their spiritual being rather than this being an analytical process. She often incorporates into the collage method the ancient contemplative prayer practice of scripture reading, Lectio Divina. In sacred silence, working individually but in the same studio space, retreatants will create a series of collages using the tissue paper and glue solution application technique that Dr. Wallace perfected and have ample time for quiet reflection and journaling.

For more information and to register: visit www.rollingridge.net or call/email Trish Stefanik at 304-725-4301/tstefanik@aol.com.

Participants are welcome to arrive at the Retreat House between 5 and 7 pm on Friday night. Dinner will be served at 6:30. The retreat will conclude with lunch on Sunday. Cost for the weekend is $100 (which includes materials, lodging, and meals). Space is limited. Please send a $25 deposit (or the full amount) to reserve your space. Checks should be made out to RRSRC and mailed to RRSRC, c/o Oct 08 Med Arts, 186 Tupelo Lane, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425. Registrations should include any dietary or special needs.

View or print PDF version of retreat flyer, and help us spread the word about the retreat.

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