Newsletter Article: "Staying Hopeful in a Season of Gloom"
A Book Review: The Power of Nonviolence: Writings by Advocates of Peace
Peace: Quotes from a Few Sages
About the Fellowship of Reconciliation
Wednesday Closings
ARC Seeks Resident Community Members
Volunteers Needed!
ARC Leadership Changes Pending
Recipe Corner
ARC Needs List
Upcoming ARC Retreats
Summer Coming Home Retreats with Jeanne Cotter
Individual Retreats
Scheduling Retreats
Costs
Response Form


"STAYING HOPEFUL IN A SEASON OF GLOOM"
by Katherine Dutton

Martin Luther King Jr. said, “The arc of the universe is long, but it bends
toward justice.” We would like to believe that sentiment these days, when
the road to war seems extremely short. But it often seems so much easier to
fall into cynicism, so much easier to despair than hope, to feel that any
efforts we make toward peace are futile. As writer Anne Lamott has put it,
the boys are in a room full of kerosene jugs playing with matches.

Since our newsletters are published quarterly, it’s likely that some people
may not read this until we already are at war. It seems inevitable…whether
30,000 or half a million people marched on Washington to protest going to
war against Iraq, whether we write our legislators, sign the petitions, call
the president, put up lawn signs, pray fervently—the beating of the war
drums seems to increase unimpeded.

I don’t know why I feel so pessimistic…maybe I have Seasonal Affective
Disorder. Maybe it’s the cold. Maybe it’s the struggle to balance the ARC
budget. Maybe it was seeing a live mosquito the other day. Maybe it was
the argument the community had this morning about who let the squash rot in
the cold storage room. (It’s true…living in community is not all bliss.)
Maybe I’m just in an Eeyore mood.

And then it becomes so easy to turn inward, to think whatever happens in
Iraq doesn’t really affect us personally, except maybe at the gas pump. We
have other worries-- bills to pay, families to feed, car repairs, job
problems, friends in need…all of that seems so much closer to home and so
much more immediate. Or there’s that winter vacation to someplace warm,
must-see Thurs. night TV, Gopher basketball, clearance sales at the
mall…can’t we just enjoy life? It’s so wearying to always be thinking
about how we live in a global community. Please, just give me a good book,
some hot chocolate, and a snowy night by the fireside.

How can the average person deal with it all? Some ARC guests seem to have
illusions about those of us who live and work here. If they find out we
watch TV or eat hamburgers on our days off they seem stunned. What would
they think if they knew we sometimes eat frozen pizza when we don’t have to
cook for guests? One of us subscribes to People magazine (and others of us
read it!). Sometimes, even though we know better, we go to Wal-Mart. We
don’t all listen to NPR. We drink and swear (not profusely, of course).
Although we’re committed to living simply, sometimes we wish we made more
money. We struggle with our spiritual lives. And, as I mentioned, we argue
occasionally, we get cranky, we wish we didn’t always have to be so d—n
hospitable. We are so human!

And, like you, these days we wonder more than ever, what can we do to work
for peace? What can we do as individuals and what can ARC do? More often,
it’s not so much a question of what can we do (there are so many things),
but when can we find time to do it? Does it make a difference? And how can
we avoid the paralysis of guilt because we don’t do enough?

I was a part of a group recently in which we went around the circle (25
people or so) and shared how we stay hopeful—since the death of Paul
Wellstone, since it has started to look like the war machine is rolling
inexorably forward, since the phrase ‘weapons of mass destruction’ was
chosen as the new and most used idiom of 2002 (I heard this on the news; in
2001 the phrase was ‘9/11’).

Some people said they’ve joined organizations such as Women Against Military
Madness or Friends for Non-Violence. Others said they’ve been sending more
money to groups like Amnesty International. Some said they just try to
escape (the book and hot chocolate scenario). Some said they don’t know
what to do. I’m sure others said really helpful things I’ve forgotten!

I said I try to be around people who share my values. It keeps me going, it
keeps me from feeling like I’m hitting my head against a brick wall, it
keeps me from becoming passive because we encourage each other. I’m
fortunate to be a part of the ARC community for those reasons. Someone in
the above group asked, “Who are all these people who support Bush, anyhow?
I don’t know any of them!” I realize there’s a danger to homogeneity, too.

At ARC we sing a version of the World Peace Prayer every day at lunch (set
to music by Marty Haugen). The Fellowship of Reconciliation, an anti-war
organization which publishes an excellent magazine, encourages people around
the world to pray these words (see the cover graphic) at midday to create a
continuous chain of prayer for peace. Doing this also keeps me hopeful.

Who knows, maybe the tide will turn and we won’t be at war before our next
newsletter comes out. Miracles happen. But even if the current crisis is
not resolved peacefully and war averted, perhaps its duration will be
shorter, the casualties fewer and the destruction less than might have been
the case without the marches and vigils, without the signs and petitions,
without the prayers.

This year’s holiday greeting sent out by the Fellowship of Reconciliation
closed with the following thoughts:

Something within us knows that the real problem
is not Iraq or North Korea or Israel or Palestine
or the United States or George Bush or Saddam
Hussein, and maybe not only the anger and evil
lurking within ourselves. The real problem is
the idiotic notion that frustrations should be met
by murdering and maiming innocent women,
men, and children, for that is what war does.

Human beings are meant for better than that.
Better than having that happen to them.
Better than doing such things.

Far beyond the immediate, it’s good to share
that vision. We won’t abandon it, no matter
what comes. We don’t think you will either.

We do not know when an abiding vision of
peace will turn into a peaceful world. But it’s
coming. We know we’re moving in that
direction, together. As MLK Jr. said, ‘The arc
of the universe is long, but it bends toward
justice.’

Try to believe it. Work for peace. Do what’s necessary to stay hopeful (go
on a retreat!). Don’t be too hard on yourself when you have Eeyore days.

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THE POWER OF NONVIOLENCE: WRITINGS BY ADVOCATES OF PEACE
Book Review by Becky Potter

“Let a man overcome anger by love, let him overcome evil by good; let him
overcome the greedy by liberality, the liar by truth! For hatred does not
cease by hatred at any time; hatred ceases by love; this is an old rule.”
These are the words of Buddha from 520 B.C. His essay, entitled “Let a Man
Overcome Anger by Love,” is the first in a series in this Beacon Anthology,
published in 2002.

Recently I was browsing at a new book store in Grand Marais (Drury Lane
Books in the old Sievertson Gallery building) and found this great
collection. The title seemed to jump out at me because of the current
circumstances in the world. The cry for peace today is no different than
the cry more than 2000 years ago by Buddha who wanted people to respond with
love and not anger and violence.

Another essay is “My Faith in Nonviolence” by Mohandas Gandhi, written in
1930. Gandhi believed that nonviolence could prevail in the face of
violence and that the law of love would happen as certain as the law of
gravity.

The writings move the reader through time as major wars and conflicts are
discussed and reflected upon, including the following: Martin Luther King
Jr. writes against the war in Vietnam, Dorothy Day talks about being a
pacifist, Daniel Berrigan and Thich Nhat Hanh have a conversation about
“Communities of Resistance,“ Arundhati Roy wonders if Bush thinks, “War is
Peace,“ and, in closing, there is an “International Appeal of Nobel Prize
Laureates, Poets, Philosophers, Intellectuals and Human Rights Defenders for
an Immediate End to the War against Afghanistan.”

Today, as many of us speak out against the war in Iraq, this book is a must
read. People have been waging the war of nonviolence for a long time and
will continue to do so as long as the U.S. and other oppressive governments
feel the need to wage war and use violence around the world. I offer these
thoughts and this book to you with the hopes of inspiring nonviolence in
your life and in your heart. Happy reading!


For Further Reading on the Subject of Peace and What We Can Do
try these books, all available in the ARC Booknook:

Peace is the Way: Writings on Nonviolence from the Fellowship of
Reconciliation, ed. by Walter Wink, Orbis, 2000, includes essays by A.J.
Muste, Henri Nouwen, Barbara Deming, Howard Thurman, Cesar Chavez, and many
others.
Beyond Guilt: Christian Response to Suffering by George S. Johnson,
Adventure, 2000.
Take it Personally: How to Make Conscious Choices to Change the World;
An Action Guide by Anita Roddick (founder of the Body Shop), Conari, 2001.
Feathers and Fools by Mem Fox, illustrated by Nicholas Wilton, Voyager,
1989,
for children-- young and old!

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PEACE: QUOTES FROM A FEW SAGES

When will our consciences grow so tender that we will act to prevent human
misery rather than avenge it?
-- Eleanor Roosevelt
Peace cannot be kept by force. It can only be achieved by understanding.
-- Albert Einstein
Peace is the bread we break,
Love is the river rolling,
Life is a chance we take when
we make this earth our home,
Gonna make this earth our home.
-- Fred Small

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ABOUT THE FELLOWSHIP OF RECONCILIATION
The Fellowship of Reconciliation (FOR), mentioned above, is an interfaith
organization committed to active nonviolence as a transforming way of life
and as a means of radical change. FOR seeks to replace violence, war,
racism, and economic injustice with nonviolence, peace, and justice. FOR
educates, trains, builds coalitions, and engages in nonviolent and
compassionate actions locally, nationally, and globally. For more info. or
to join FOR visit their website at:
WWW.FORUSA.ORG

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WEDNESDAY CLOSINGS
From now through June we are experimenting with ARC being closed on
Wednesdays (Tues. after supper until Weds. after supper), unless there is a
request for a group retreat. Wednesday is ARC’s least used day of the week
and by closing then we hope to accomplish two things: 1) to give the
community members who live in the house a real sabbath day in their own
home, 2) to provide more staff coverage on the days we’re busier. In June
the ARC Board will decide if this is to be a permanent change.

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ARC SEEKS RESIDENT COMMUNITY MEMBERS
Individuals or couples are invited to apply to join us in our ministry of
hospitality to groups and individuals seeking rest and renewal. Primary
tasks include cooking, housekeeping, office work, and indoor and outdoor
maintenance. We provide room and board, health insurance, a monthly
stipend, and perks such as community enrichment days, beautiful snowfalls
(most winters!), and baking day sampling! We ask for a one year commitment.
We will have an opening this June. More information and the application
are available at our website: www.arcretreat.org or call us at 763/689-3540.

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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Since the departure of two community members in late 2002,
we’ve been running a tight ship at ARC and would love some help!

Our first need is for volunteers who would be willing to commit a month or
more in the time period of May to August 2003. This is a great opportunity
to experience community life at ARC, and we offer the volunteer room, board
and a small stipend if needed.

Our second need is for volunteers who could make a regular, on-going
commitment to service at ARC on a weekly, biweekly or monthly basis sometime
during the week. We have a particular need for help in the office, with
cooking and housekeeping. Currently we have a volunteer who comes every
Thursday morning to work in the office. Her dependability and commitment to
ARC help us to accomplish a lot more than we could otherwise.

If you have an interest in either of these types of volunteer positions,
please call Lisa Nilles at ARC, or e-mail her at eanilles@att.net.

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ARC LEADERSHIP CHANGES PENDING

As is the case with many non-profits and retreat centers in particular,
meeting the budget can often be a challenge. At ARC, retreat fees cover
about half the operating budget and the rest is made up by gifts from
individuals and occasional grants or contributions from churches. But costs
are always rising and the past several years ARC’s income has not kept pace
with expenses. Consequently, at a recent meeting of the ARC Board of
Directors the following resolution was adopted:

That due to budget constraints the ARC Co-Director positions be reduced to
the equivalent of one full-time position, to be accomplished within the
following parameters:
that the 2003 budget reflect funding for two full-time positions only
through March 31st
that a committee be appointed to propose a new director model to the board
that a Search Committee be formed whose function will be to fill whatever
positions need to be filled in the new model (the current Co-Directors being
invited to apply)
It’s possible the timeline may be extended but change is certain. The Board
will also address the question of how to best staff ARC in general: with
more resident community members (although housing is limited) or possibly
some part-time hourly positions.

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RECIPE CORNER
Spinach Squares, from Cook Boldly, the Holden Village Cookbook

Ingredients
4 tbl. melted marg./butter 3 eggs
1 cup milk 1 cup flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. salt
2 10 oz. pkgs. frozen spinach
1 lb. monterey jack cheese, grated
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1 clove fresh garlic, minced (optional)

Combine eggs, milk, flour salt and baking powder. Add melted margarine. In
a separate bowl, mix spinach, cheese and onion. Add the egg batter and
season with salt, pepper, and garlic. Pour into a greased and floured 9 x
13 pan. Bake uncovered at 350 for 35 min. or until lightly browned. Serve
with salsa for added zip.

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ARC NEEDS LIST
large tea pot
cordless vacuum
food processor
dresser, folding chairs
chain saws
national zip code directory
2002/2003 Mpls. &
St. Paul phone books
portable CD/tape player
sewing machine
fans (any size)
bat houses
window air conditioners
dehumidifiers
colored copier paper
lamps, end tables, chairs
flashlights, brooms
firewood
soaps for guest rooms
cat & dog food
bird seed & suet cakes

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UPCOMING ARC RETREATS

Snow Motion: Skiing & Maturing Gracefully
Two offerings (conditions permitting): 4pm Mon-2 pm Thurs, February 10-13
or March 3-6
Skiing at its best is graceful. So is life. We will examine the parallels
between skiing gracefully and maturing gracefully. There will be time for
skiing at nearby Mora, home of the Vasaloppet, group discussions, and
personal reflection. And, of course, hot chocolate! Open to skiers of all
abilities.
Led by Dwayne Daehler, ARC co-director Cost: $225

Fostering Relationships that Nurture
5:30 pm Fri-Sat 4:30 pm, February 14-15
A Valentine’s retreat in an affirming environment for people in same
gendered relation-ships. Beginning with a candle-light dinner and an
evening before a roaring fire sharing our stories. On Saturday we will
explore the ways gay and lesbian partnerships are lived out, the obstacles
that occur, and the blessings. Led by
Jerome Belanger and Becky Potter, ARC Community, & Tracy Vicory, ARC
Volunteer Cost: $85

The Messages of Our Dreams
7 pm Fri-Sun aft, February 28-March 2
Dreams are like going to the movies while we’re asleep. But is the director
Stanley Kubrick, Steven Spielberg, or Walt Disney? Or even God or our
“shadow side?” Imagine what a reviewer might have to say about these
strange films. At this retreat we’ll talk about the basics of dream
interpretation and try to begin to make some sense of our night-time
adventures, comedies and dramas.
Led by Katherine Dutton, ARC co-director
Cost: $155

Desert Spirituality: Blessedness in the Void
7 pm Fri-Sun aft, March 7-9
The desert is a fierce, inhospitable, and desolate place. It is also, at
times, a space in our souls as much as a place in the land. Weariness,
disorientation, unpredictability, vulnerability, dryness--these characterize
life in the desert as well as certain human experiences. In this retreat we
will reflect on our own desert experiences and the spiritual growth God
often bestows in the harsh landscapes of life. There is blessedness in the
void! A fitting beginning to the Lenten journey
Led by Dwayne Daehler, desert sojourner
Cost: $155

In what may seem a paradox, the desert--both as place and experience--can be
the setting and occasion of profound spiritual growth. In fact, no
spiritual growth really happens apart from a “journey into the desert.”
-- Dwayne Daehler

Nurturing Body and Soul: A Bread Baking Retreat
10:00 am Sat-Sun aft, April 5-6
It’s soul-satisfying to mix, knead, and bake your own bread. Join us for a
time of creative nurturance through baking, praying, reflecting, and walking
in the woods.
Bring an apron!
Led by Jerome Belanger, ARC Bread Baker
Cost (includes ingredients): $110

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SUMMER COMING HOME RETREATS WITH JEANNE COTTER
These five day retreats are led by composer, pianist, and vocalist Jeanne
Cotter. The days include intense music curriculum, soulful retreat
activities, renewal, introspection, and fun. Unlock a creative potential
you never thought possible!
June 21-26 Your True Voice: A Retreat for Singers
(for cantors, choir members; for the
beginning through professional singer)
Jn 28 - July 3 With Open Hands 1: An Introductory Level Keyboard
Improvisation Retreat
(for pianists, organists, and keyboardists)
July 5-10 With Open Hands 2: An Intermediate Level Keyboard
Improvisation Retreat
(for pianists, organists, and keyboardists)
Additional dates will be scheduled. For more information visit the website:
www.mythicrain.com. For a brochure or to register, call 651/698-7362 (or
area code 888 for toll free out of state calls).

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INDIVIDUAL RETREATS
Individuals are always welcome at ARC for a time of personal retreat. This
can be for any length of stay as space is available. Rooms are private.
Guests may enjoy resting, reading, walking, skiing or snow shoeing in the
woods, or sitting by the fireplace.
The hermitage, a single-person dwelling in the woods, lends itself to a more
solitary retreat. It is a bright, lofty room with a kitchenette and
screened-in porch. Also called Poustinia, which means ’desert space,’ it is
a place where one may enter into the emptiness of isolation and silence to
be encountered by God.
The cottage is a cozy but luxurious cabin available to individuals, couples,
or small groups. It has a full kitchen, bedroom, bath, large loft, deck,
and a living room with a gas fireplace and an A-frame window wall.

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SCHEDULING RETREATS
To schedule a group or private retreat, call 763/689-3540.
Office hours: 9 am to 5 pm
e-mail: arcretreat@hotmail.com
Web-site: www.arcretreat.org

Remember the Gifted Retreat Program!

For $70 you can give the gift of a retreat to someone who really needs it
but cannot afford to come on their own.
Use the response form below.

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COSTS
24-Hr Retreat (Sun-Thurs)...........................................$70
24-Hr Retreat (Fri/Sat).................................................$75
Weekend Retreat (Fri eve-Sun aft).............................$145
Day Retreat (9-4)................$20 Weekdays, $25 Weekends
ARC-Led Weekend....................................................$155
Hermitage (24 hrs)..............$70 Weekdays, $75 Weekends
Cottage..............................................Call/e-mail for rates


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RESPONSE FORM
Mail to: ARC Retreat Center, 1680-373rd Ave. NE, Stanchfield, MN 55080

Name(s): ______________________________________________Phone: (____)
_____________

Street Address:
__________________________________________________________________

City: ___________________________________ State: __________ Zip:
___________________

Special Needs (diet, accessibility, etc.):
_______________________________________________

PLEASE CHECK APPROPRIATE ITEMS:
___ I am registering for the following retreat(s):

_______________________________________ __________________
___________________
Retreat Title Retreat Date Deposit Enclosed
($35 per person per night, nonrefundable)
___ I am contributing to the ARC retreat ministry with a gift of $______.

___ I am contributing a retreat to someone who really needs it with a gift
of $______ .
(All gifts are tax deductible.)
___ I am moving. My new address is above.

___ I would like to volunteer on a weekend ___ or weekday ____. Please call
me.

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