Spring and summer thematic retreats will offer stimulating and inspiring
explorations with some fascinating companions on the spiritual journey
around the time of their feast days or "heavenly birthdays," including great
Anglicans Evelyn Underhill (June 15), Charles Williams (May 15) , and
Thomas Traherne (September 27), along with Hildegard of Bingen
(September 17) and J.R.R. Tolkien (September 3). We'll also "bookend" the
Lectionary's August readings of the Bread of Life Discourse ( John 6) with two
retreats on bread-baking.
Retreats at Rivedell
Where not otherwise indicated, the facilitator(s) are Mother Virginia Brown with the Rivendell
Motherhouse resident community.
Retreats include time for quiet prayer and meditation, rest and relaxation, fun and festivity. Whatever
the topic, we hope they will offer renewal and re-creation. Each weekend retreat begins with Evening
Prayer at 5:30 Friday evening and concludes with Saturday Evensong and a festive supper.
Participants are welcome to stay over Saturday night, and may wish to attend worship at St. Alban's,
Bolivar, on Sunday morning. There is no charge for retreats at Rivendell; donations are gratefully
accepted.
Retreats are open to all, but reservations are required. To reserve a place in one of these retreats--or to
schedule time for a personal retreat--contact Retreat Coordinator Susie Danielsson, 417-827-2868,
susiedanielsson@gmail.com.
Personal retreats may be scheduled at most times. Silent and/or directed retreats can be arranged; or
guests may simply participate in the life of the Community as fully as they wish.
Linens and towels, and all meals, are provided. We specialize in providing Gluten-Free meals for those
who need them. Guests need bring only comfortable, casual clothing and personal items. Walking
shoes for outdoors and slippers for indoors are suggested.
May 25-26
The Other Inkling: The "supernatural thrillers" of Charles Williams Though less well known than fellow Inklings C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, Charles Williams shared with
them a remarkable gift for writing fiction which opens the perceptions, mind and heart to deeper levels of
spiritual reality. A literary critic, playwright, poet and theologian, Williams is perhaps best known for the
seven novels which his friend T.S. Eliot described as "supernatural thrillers." We'll discuss three of these:
War in Heaven, Descent into Hell, and All Hallows' Eve. It's desirable, though not necessary, that
participants read one or more of these novels prior to the retreat. For those who find Williams' style hard to
get into, this retreat will offer an entree into his central themes. For Williams devotes... What a way to
celebrate Eastertide and prepare for the celebration of Pentecost!
June 15-16
An invitation to the mystical life: Praying with Evelyn Underhill A prolific writer and scholar of mysticism, retreat conductor, and spiritual director, Evelyn Underhill drew
countless Christians, clergy and lay alike, into a deeper life of prayer, re-made the landscape of Anglican
spiritual practice in the first half of the 20th century, and continues to challenge and inspire people today.
With her work as a guide to prayer and meditation, we'll explore some of her central ideas, and consider
her invitation to the mystical life which is the birthright of all Christians.
July 20-21
The Bread of Life Baking bread, whether for the table at home or the Table of the Lord, is a fascinating art and potentially a
rich spiritual experience, replete with metaphors which resonate with Scripture and lived experience.
What's more, it smells heavenly and tastes divine! While reflecting on the process, we'll bake and enjoy a
few favorites. Whether you're a novice baker seeking confidence or an accomplished bread-baker
seeking to share delight (and recipes), come and enjoy the art of creating bread - so earthy and so
spiritual, so homely and so heavenly! Bring any favorite recipes you'd like to share, including recipes for
Communion bread. Facilitators: Master baker Susie Danielsson and Virginia Brown
August 25
The (Gluten Free) Bread of Life People with celiac disease or other conditions requiring a gluten-free diet have to adjust to a whole new
way of cooking and eating (including a lot of fine-print label reading). But it's not just diet; it's the social
aspects of meals: one can feel like a burdensome nuisance to family and friends, if not a pariah! Bread
turns out to be a particular challenge for successful gluten-free cooking... and then, what about the
Eucharist? Any exclusion from easy sharing at that Table is painful indeed; and many churches are now
making courteous, hospitable arrangements for GF communicants. At this second Bread of Life retreat,
we'll reflect on the same themes as above--but we'll bake gluten-free bread and goodies, and serve meals
at which GF diners can enjoy everything. We'll also share experiences, and recipes. Facilitators: Master
baker Susie Danielsson and Virginia Brown
September 21-22
The Way of Affirmation: Living in a sacred creation with Hildegard of Bingen and Thomas
Traherne The via affirmativa, "Way of Affirmation," so characteristic of the Anglican tradition, invites us to seek God
in and through created things... to experience creation itself as "sacramental," charged with the
self-disclosing glory of God. This retreat will explore this way with two September saints, remarkable
spiritual voices rediscovered in recent years: the twelfth-century abbess, visionary, artist, poet, playwright,
composer, preacher, healer, and environmental advocate Hildegard of Bingen and the seventeenth
century Anglican priest, poet and spiritual writer Thomas Traherne.
October 5-6
Music of Middle-earth J.R.R. Tolkien's great trilogy The Lord of the Rings is full of songs and references to music. In fact, in the
Ainulindale Tolkien represents Creation itself as the embodiment of the music of the One and the angelic
Powers, the Valar. Tolkien's work has inspired a considerable body of music, from his own settings to the
soundtracks of the film versions. During this retreat we'll savor some of this music as we share insights
into this great story and its resonances with the Great Story. We'll sing and tell stories and feast at
Rivendell; and chances are we'll also savor a hearty dish of mushrooms and bacon, and possibly some of
the best beer in, well, in Dunnegan, Missouri. The Rev. Joe Behen and Virginia Brown
