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By Dotty Dalphon<\/p>\nChurch of the Brethren Newsline
\nJanuary\u00a020,\u00a02017<\/b><\/p>\n
By Dotty Dalphon<\/p>\n
Since the beginning of operations at Shepherd\u2019s Spring Outdoor Ministry and Retreat Center in Mid-Atlantic District, there has been a focus on hospitality and spirituality. A year ago, it was decided to take this a step further. Several spiritual directors, board members, and staff met to discuss ways we can open the facility to a deeper spiritual awareness.<\/p>\n
Over the time we have been meeting, several things have happened:<\/p>\n
— We have a temporary labyrinth in place that has been used by summer camp, Road Scholar participants, and other visitors.<\/p>\n
— With the help of staff, a library for pastors and spiritual directors has been established and the prayer trail has been renewed with new poems, prayers, and visuals in the kiosks.<\/p>\n
— Guests planning a retreat can request spiritual direction through a link on the Shepherd\u2019s Spring website.<\/p>\n
— We have stablished a list of spiritual retreats, quiet days, group spiritual direction, and a yearly pastors\u2019 time away.<\/p>\n
— Upcoming in March is a Poetry in Prayer Retreat, and in the fall we hope to offer a retreat using a local, natural cave and our trails, inviting us to enter the dark.<\/p>\n
Our most important goal is to provide spiritual support and direction for the hard working staff at Shepherd\u2019s Spring.<\/p>\n
If you have an idea for a retreat theme or would like to offer a retreat, please contact Ed Poling at\u00a0elpoling1@gmail.com<\/a>\u00a0.<\/p>\n