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

“This place has brought me such peace and serenity
…
It is such a special place that needs to be taken
care of always.”
Guest ~ April, 2008
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 reservation.
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
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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:
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its location on a slight rise, resulting in a
walk that has the ups, down and unevenness that mirrors ouour our life's
journey
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walking on stones that have various shapes
and surfaces and a path that is made up of many broken and uneven pieces
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the prayers and blessings woven into the
paths by those who lovingly created them.
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ARC D AILY
SCHEDULE
Bells are rung in the Lodge hallways as a call to
worship and meals.
W AKE-UP
MUSIC
(LODGE
HALLWAYS) 7:30
A.M.
M ORNING
PRAYER,
FIRST
FLOOR
CHAPEL
8:00
A.M.
B REAKFAST,
SECOND
FLOOR
DINING
ROOM
8:30
A.M.
L UNCH,
DINING
ROOM
12:00
NOON
T EA,
DINING
ROOM
3:00
P.M
S UPPER,
DINING
ROOM
5:30
P.M.
E VENING
PRAYER
(EXCEPT
SUNDAY),
CHAPEL
7:30
P.M.
S UNDAY
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.
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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