St. George’s 2019 Parish Retreat: Speak to the Earth and It Will Teach You
October 11 – 13, 2019
Shrine Mont is a place where people are more important than things; where prayer and reflection, rest and recreation are more important than appointments and tasks. Shrine Mont is where we connect as a community and finally have time to meet each other, laugh together, and share stories of difficult commutes and…set life down for a while. Shrine Mont is a place where kids play out in God’s own creation and we all give thanks for streams and flowers and ponds full of fish. Shrine Mont is marshmallows and memories—a place where we celebrate being part of the family of God.
The Program…Speak to the Earth and It Will Teach You
Adults: Our keynote speaker, Dena Jennings, D.O., is an Osteopathic physician of Internal Medicine who has over 20 years experience in counseling patients and community members through conflict transformation. Dr. Jennings builds banjos and Appalachian instruments in her studio,
Storygourd Workshop, located in central Virginia. Her instruments have been distributed in Canada, the UK, and US. She is the descendant of Black Appalachian and Scottish farmers from the mountains of Kentucky’s Cumberland Gap. And she is a certified Virginia Master Naturalist.
Keynote: The Heavens Declare the Glory of God. Hallelujah!
Where do you go to find the presence of God? How do you carry those precious moments with God into the darkest hours of service to humanity? Nature is our guide to all of God’s glory. Discover the wonders of creation as we seek the presence and counsel of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives.
The Accommodations
The Shrine Mont retreat facility is owned and operated by the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia. Lodging is in a quaint old hotel and nearby cottages, all with private baths. Meals are served in the large dining room of Virginia House, the main conference facility. Tips are appreciated by the dining room staff.
Free time activities
Shrine Mont has something for everyone – unless you are looking for a TV! Activities include fishing, hiking, porch sitting, sleeping, playing music with friends, crafts, reading, playing bridge, HAYRIDES, games, wading in the lake…
Our own great NURSERY comes with us for childcare during adult programming and Saturday afternoon relaxation. It is a tradition that we have a BONFIRE on Saturday evening and we WORSHIP on Sunday morning in the beautiful open air shrine – the Cathedral Shrine of the Diocese of Virginia.
Also…Please don’t let cost keep you from attending this important St. George’s Community event. Scholarships are available for funding; speak to any of our clergy. Remember both sharing and receiving are nurturing elements in our Community growth. Funding requests will be held in confidence. If resources permit, please consider contributing to our scholarship fund. Donations will be cheerfully accepted and greatly appreciated. Questions or more info? Contact Jan Meredith at jan.meredith@stgeorgesepiscopal.net or 540-373-4133.