ARC Ecumenical Retreat Center

Facilities

ARC is situated on 90 acres of beautiful pine and hardwood forest. A spring-fed creek feeds into a nearby undeveloped lake.

The Lodge accommodates a maximum of 18 guests. There are 12 single rooms and 3 double rooms. There are three private wings in which the private rooms (with sinks) share bathrooms. Linens and towels are furnished.

To see information for the Cottage and Hermitage, go to those pages on this site.

ARC has a chapel, library, bookshop, large and small meeting areas, two Lodge fireplaces, a screened-in gazebo and screened deck/porch, and other spaces conducive to rest and reflection. There are trails for walking and skiing. A canoe is also available. Pray and walk the labyrinth, as weather permits.

History of the ARC Labyrinth

ARC's seven-circuit labyrinth was designed by Lisa Moriarty of Stillwater. In the summer of 2006, ARC's residential staff members spent a day exploring Moriarty's property, where labyrinths of various designs are open for public use (with prior permission: www.pathsofpeace.com). Inspired in particular by the Peace Labyrinth, Bob Hoxie later mowed the same design into the grass of ARC's front yard. The frequent walking of the labyrinth through the winter months kept the paths intact.In the summer of 2007 ARC received a wonderful gift: the flagstones from a labyrinth at the former home of Carol Kindschi and Larry Greenberg of St. Paul. They wanted the stones to continue to serve a spiritual purpose, so ARC was both a good fit and a place they knew. With the help of volunteers and a financial contribution for the rental of a heavy-duty truck, the twenty tons of flagstone were successfully transported to ARC.

During August and September of 2007 the labyrinth area was tilled, circular paths from the Peace Labyrinth design were mapped out, and volunteers fit the stones into the paths. In subsequent years, other volunteers have participated in landscaping the spaces between circuits with donated perennials. Each year the plants grow a little more lush, holding down the earth between the mosaic of stones and creating diversity and interest on the meditative journey.

Special features of our labyrinth that contribute to the walking meditation are:

	its location on a slight rise, resulting in a walk that has the ups, down and unevenness that mirrors ouour our life's journey
	walking on stones that have various shapes and surfaces and a path that is made up of many broken and uneven pieces
	the prayers and blessings woven into the paths by those who lovingly created them.

ARC DAILY SCHEDULE

Bells are rung in the Lodge hallways as a call to worship and meals.

WAKE-UP MUSIC (LODGE HALLWAYS) 7:30 A.M.

MORNING PRAYER, FIRST FLOOR CHAPEL 8:00 A.M.

BREAKFAST, SECOND FLOOR DINING ROOM 8:30 A.M.

LUNCH, DINING ROOM 12:00 NOON

TEA, DINING ROOM 3:00 P.M

SUPPER, DINING ROOM 5:30 P.M.

EVENING PRAYER (EXCEPT SUNDAY), CHAPEL 7:30 P.M.

SUNDAY MORNING ONLY: A 10:00 A.M. COMMUNION SERVICE MAY BE REQUESTED.

Prayer with the community is always optional for guests. Groups may request an alternate worship time, please talk with a community member. We would be happy to make special arrangements if we are able to do so.

History

ARC is a non-profit corporation funded through individual and group gifts, pledges, grants, retreat fees and contributed services. An extended community of volunteers and friends also helps to sustain ARC’s ministry.

Prior to 1976, ARC was the dream of Ruth and Loren Halvorson. It became a real possibility in December of 1976, when Ken and Corrine Skogen donated 56 acres of wooded land. Much of the initial labor came from two, month-long summer work-study camps, and was continued by numerous volunteer and professional workers. ARC is the result of a persistent dream, a gift of beautiful land, and the efforts of many dedicated, generous people. ARC opened its doors to retreatants in January, 1978.