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...are the words on the cornerstone of ARC.
They embody the vision and the model for the life and ministry of ARC.

About ARC

Hospitality

ARC offers a quiet place and a reflective atmosphere for individuals and groups who seek to slow down the pace of life, restore balance, and deepen relationships with self, others and God.

The ARC retreat community is committed to welcoming all persons who are on spiritual journeys of search and renewal.

ARC strives to live out a creative, yet simple lifestyle with a focus on peace and justice, unity and ecumenism, and environmental concerns through the integration of action, reflection, and celebration.  A small resident community offers hospitality, manages the house and grounds, tends the garden, plans worship, facilitates retreats, prepares meals and performs the other services of ARC's ministry.

The ARC kitchen is well known for its wholesome, homemade food. The simple yet tasty meals respect the global view that invites us to live more with less.

Part of our understanding of what it means to live a simpler lifestyle includes trying to consume less and to eat a more wholesome diet. We cook and bake with whole grains, use less sugar, and rely more on vegetables and legumes as a primary source of protein. Meat is used occasionally in main dishes rather than as a principal menu item. ARC also has three published cookbooks.  If you have any special dietary needs, please inform us at the time of your reservatoin.

Meals are important times of sharing. However, if you choose to be alone, you may elect to take a tray to your room, or have a basket delivered to Cottage or Hermitage.

Retreat

Retreat is an intentional time set apart for silence, attentive listening, and for opening oneself to the movement of God's Spirit in our lives. Time apart helps one gain new perspectives, be healed, reestablish priorities, or move beyond superficiality. Personal renewal comes through a deepened self engaged in a widened world. The journey inward (personal renewal) and journey outward (social justice) are inseparable aspects of the spiritual life.

Also, facilitated retreats are offered by ARC on a range of topics announced in the quarterly newsletter, website or planned together with a scheduled group. Other groups may bring their own leadership, and, of course, we serve individuals in private retreat.

Spiritual companioning (spiritual direction) and massage can be arranged upon request. A Spiritual Companion provides a sacred space in which to accompany a person in listening, exploring and discerning the presence of the Divine in one’s life.

". . . without silence words lose their meaning; without listening, speaking no longer heals." ~ Henri Nouwen

 

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.

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 Keith 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.

 

1680 - 373rd Avenue NE, Stanchfield, MN 55080     763-689-3540    arcretreat@hotmail.com
  (Located 8 Miles Northwest of Cambridge, MN)
                 Click here for directions.

 

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© 2008 ARC RETREAT CENTER