TABLE OF CONTENTS:


Witness: A Call to Resistance
A Quote from Representative Barbara Lee
Celebrating ARC's 25th Anniversary
A 25th Anniversary Benefit Concert
A 25th Anniversary Work Camp
A 25th Anniversary Open House
Upcoming ARC Retreats
Last Chance to Join Sojourns
Summer Volunteers
A Gifted Retreat
Community News
Recipe Corner
A Quote from Bonnie Acker
ARC Needs List
Arranging a Retreat; Retreat Costs
Response Form


WITNESS: A CALL TO RESISTANCE
By Jerome Belanger
ARC Community Member and Oblate, Order of St. Benedict

Beloved, bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God.
-- 2 Timothy 1:8

The above scripture was read on the 2nd Sunday in Lent. In his homily for that day, Abbot Lawrence of the Monastery of Christ in the Desert in New Mexico, said:
"Lent is about committing ourselves to God for the rest of our lives. Making such a commitment begins to change us. Living such a commitment for many, many years makes an enormous change in our life. The Transfiguration of Jesus is a promise to all of us: we shall be changed! The divine will completely transforms us! The task at the present moment is to live such a commitment and allow God to act within us."

So I ask myself, How do I bear my share of hardship for the gospel and how do I allow God to act within me?

Today we live in very difficult times. We are constantly overwhelmed with images of pain and suffering. Men, women, and children of all continents, colors, and religions are dying from AIDS, famine, war and poverty. So I ask myself, What is my role in this? How do I respond? Respond I must; I can no longer ignore the death of my brothers and sisters who, like me, are children of God, the creator of all humankind, the one and the same God in which Christians, Jews and Muslims all profess to believe.

At this time in my life, I feel I am being called to a deeper level of faith and trust, and that demands from me a response. I realize my actions will more than likely not change the world but, hopefully, they will plant a seed that in time will grow and bloom. As a Christian I must resist the evil that is destroying the world and eating away at the very soul of our country. We seem willing to answer the call of our country to lay down our life, yet many don’t hear God calling us to lay down our life as Christ did. If Christ is our role model we might nurture life in each other rather than being instruments of death – whatever form that takes. The violence we do to ourselves and others must cease. Like all others I, too, am guilty for my less than Christ-like actions. For this I am truly sorry, and I seek the forgiveness of those who have suffered by my actions or lack thereof.

Since 1976, I have refused to pay the balance of those taxes that were due on April 15th when payroll deductions were insufficient. The difference that was due was instead distributed to people in desperate need. In no way am I opposed to taxation. I am only opposed to those taxes that support death rather than life. This action on my part prompted the IRS to attach my paycheck (garnish my wages). Over the years, my wife and I had to pay in excess of $70,000 dollars in fines to the IRS (or go to jail which I did not want to do because of our children). When my marriage ended, I made a conscious decision to look at ways to reduce my income to a minimum so there would be little for the IRS to collect. This would also allow me to live a life of service to others. After much prayer and discernment, I now intend to take an even more aggressive role and a more public stance of non-cooperation with the IRS even if it means serving jail time. I will file a 1040 this year with non-payment and a copy of this article.

Abbot Lawrence continues:
"If we begin to see this life as the gateway to life eternal, we evaluate the realities of this life in a very different way. Jesus tells us that the only realities here that are worthy of us are the love of God and the love of neighbor. Mystics have put it this way: At the end of life only that which is of love will remain. All else will be taken away from us so that we can share in the divine life of love for all eternity.
"Jesus invites us today – 'Come follow me; learn from me, live in me, die in me and live forever.' May this awareness in our lives help us to choose to live in such a way that we become all love."
(from www.christdesert.org)

The choice is ever before us:

Discipleship or Rejection
Authentic Response or Empty Creeds
Commitment or Abandonment & Fear

It is commitment that gives us strength for the journey.

In his recent Palm Sunday homily Bishop Thomas Gumbleton of Detroit, MI, who was the founder of Pax Christi, said:
"I hope that each of us will listen and let God enter into our minds, our hearts, and our spirits, and transform us so that we will be able to have the mind, the heart, and the attitude of Jesus. As our hearts are transformed, as each one of us becomes a true disciple of Jesus, our world will begin to change. It will begin to change within our homes, within our neighborhoods, and within our communities. That change can continue through-out the whole of the world and, ultimately, when enough of us who are followers of Jesus truly follow his way, peace will even come into our world."
(from The National Catholic Reporter web-site)

This witness is not just a call to people of faith but a call to all of humankind whatever our perception is of a Godhead. Be we atheists, agnostics, people of various faiths-- east, west, north, and south--our brothers and sisters need us to stand with and for them no matter how we define our essence or
the cost of the personal sacrifice. We can’t ignore their cries. Justice demands it.

In closing I quote Rev. Charles Jefferson, former pastor of Broadway Congregational Tabernacle Church, NYC and also of the New York Peace Society:
"When I meet the God of love, I do not want to say: ‘I saw the burden, I realized the weight of it, I heard the sighs of women, the sobs of children, and the groans of men; I saw nations distracted, despondent, bleeding; I saw pictures of the poor peasants in their comfortless huts; but I did nothing against the cause of all this trouble because the forces against me were too mighty. I knew that many of the men [sic] to whom I preached would not believe me. I knew that my labor would be in vain.’
"Rather do I pray that God will give me grace and strength to fight unceasingly and with every ounce of energy of brain and heart against everything which my own conscience tells me is contrary to the will of God and the happiness of all, no matter what forces are arrayed against me and how utterly hopeless the outcome of my labor seems."
(from the March-April 2002 Catholic Worker)

As Martin Luther said:
"Here I stand, I cannot do otherwise!"

Pax, Jerome H. Belanger


A QUOTE FROM BARBARA LEE

"Let us not become the evil that we deplore. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart, one that is filled with sorrow for the families and loved ones who were killed and injured.... September 11th changed the world. Yet I am convinced that military action will not prevent further acts of international terrorism."
-- Barbara Lee
US House of Representatives, 9/14/01

Return to Table of Contents


CELEBRATING ARC'S 25TH ANNIVERSARY

ANNOUNCING . . . A SPECIAL SPRING 25TH ANNIVERSARY BENEFIT CONCERT

featuring singer-songwriter Jeanne Cotter

Friday, May 3rd, 7:30 p.m.
Christ the King Catholic Church
5029 Zenith Ave. S., Mpls. (6 blocks east of 50th & France)
$15 adults, $7.50 children 12 & under
(no need for reservations)

Jeanne Cotter is a renowned musician who with her husband, Matthew Moore, runs an independent recording and publishing company, Mythic Rain. Jeanne has recorded several CDs and authored a book entitled Child of the Moon. Jeanne offers summer retreats at ARC for vocalists, composers, keyboard players, and one for anybody. (If you’re interested in the retreats see p.4.)


JOIN US FOR A 25TH ANNIVERSARY WORK CAMP

Twenty-five years ago, ARC’s main house was constructed largely through the efforts of dedicated volunteers. In the life of a building, 25 years marks a point when major maintenance is required to keep it in good health. The ARC board and resident community would like to invite you to celebrate ARC’s 25th year by participating in a working retreat modeled after the initial work camps.

The purpose will be to re-roof and complete the exterior restaining of the lodge. No experience necessary (but if you have some that would be great!). The dates are: August 11-18, 2002 -- Sunday to Sunday. We’ll work during the day, supervised by a professional crew, and spend time in reflection and worship in the evenings, by Emeritus Professor of Maintenance, Loren Halvorson.

You are welcome to join in the entire retreat or any day(s) which fit your schedule.
Call ARC to sign up! 763/689-3540


A 25TH ANNIVERSARY OPEN HOUSE

Happy 25th Anniversary to ARC! Mark your calendars and help us celebrate by coming to our: Open House, 2:00-5:00 p.m. Sunday, September 8th
There will be music, food, possibly an art fair, tours of the buildings and grounds, a new roof and deck screened porch to bless, and more! Details in our August newsletter.

For Former Community Members --
Come to a reunion starting the night before, Saturday, Sept. 7th, 7:00 p.m.
Share reminiscences with old and new friends. Call, write, or e-mail to register.


Please consider a special gift in honor of ARC’s 25th Anniversary.
Any amount is welcome and all contributions are tax-deductible.
Your gift will help to sustain ARC’s ministry as we look to the next 25 years!
Thank you so much.

Return to Table of Contents



UPCOMING ARC RETREATS

Creativity and the Spiritual Journey 7pm Fri-Sun aft, May 17-19
A retreat for artists (and those who would like to uncover their artistic talent!) focusing on the theme: Ezekiel as Artist; You as Artist. Take a journey with this Old Testament character, see his visions and then begin seeing your own as you try a variety of painting and drawing techniques. The weekend will provide times of thought, prayer, and activity, enabling participants to better discern their call as God-gifted visionary people. Supplies provided or bring your own.
Led by community member Mark Faris and Rev. Peter Rosenkvist,
both professional artists. Cost: $145

Girl with a Pearl Earring: A Book Retreat 9:30 am-4:30 pm, Sat, June 1
Who is the young woman who inspired Vermeer’s famous painting? In this best-selling historical novel, author Tracy Chevalier intrigues readers with her own portrait. Themes such as intersecting faiths, fracturing family dynamics, scandals, religious tensions, and aesthetic compromises should make for great discussion. The retreat also includes time walking in the woods, a tasty homemade lunch, and a chance to be with others who share a love of reading.
Led by Katherine Dutton, ARC co-director Cost: $35

For All Ages: A Strawberry Retreat 7 pm Fri-Sat late aft, June 14-15
That’s right...a strawberry retreat! ARC happens to be just a few miles from one of the best pick-your-own strawberry places around: Dew Fresh Produce (where we get most of our organic produce all summer long). We’ll go strawberry picking Saturday morning, make something yummy with them in the afternoon, and meditate on the glories of strawberries. Plus enjoy time to walk in the woods, rest, and be renewed.
Come celebrate the joys of early summer. Bring ice cream buckets!
Led by the ARC Community Cost (does not include strawberries): $70 adults, $50 12 & under

Coming Home Retreats with Jeanne Cotter June & July
Jeanne is a professional musician and dynamic retreat leader. She offers retreats for singers and keyboard players of all levels and one called Mind, Body, Spirit which will initiate participants on a journey to wholeness, spiritual renewal and creative awakening. Call toll free 1-888-698-7362 (or area code 651 in the Twin Cities) or visit the web-site: www.mythicrain.com for more information.

Nurturing Body and Soul: A Bread Baking Retreat 7 pm Fri-Sat late aft, August 2-3
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 eating ARC’s good wholesome homemade food. Registration is limited to the first six registrants--our kitchen is only so big...and it is air-conditioned! Bring an apron.
Led by Jerry Belanger Cost (includes ingredients): $75

Work Camp Retreat Sun aft-Sun aft, August 11-18
Ora et labora. Rest and work. Reflect and worship. Get a birds-eye view. See p.7 for details.
Led by Loren Halvorson, ARC co-founder Cost: Be Our Guest!

Photography and Contemplative Seeing 7 pm Fri-Sun aft, September 13-15
In this retreat we will contemplate the how of our seeing-- a kind of seeing that clears the heart and mind so one can be truly attentive. We will consider how photography can relate to one’s spiritual practice and how we can see beyond our usual patterns. You don’t need to think of yourself as a photographer to enjoy this retreat but do bring your camera.
Led by Dwayne Daehler, ARC co-director Cost: $145

Return to Table of Contents


PRIVATE 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 in the woods, or sitting on our newly screened-in deck porch, enjoying the beauty minus the bugs!

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.
Call to make arrangements.

Return to Table of Contents


LAST CHANCE TO JOIN ARC SOJOURNS

A Desert Sojourn, June 22- 30, 2002
Registration Ends May 10th
Travel to the Midwest’s own desert--the Badlands of South Dakota. There will be daily presentations, conversations and worship based on the spirituality of the desert, as well as plenty of time for individual reflection and leisure. We will travel by van and camp in the national park. (Cool nights and no mosquitoes!) Cost is $550/person and includes 2 overnights at ARC, travel, meals, and camping costs. Led by Dwayne Daehler, spiritual director and desert sojourner.

Pilgrimage to Switzerland, Oct. 4-18, 2002
Registration Ends June 3rd
This pilgrimage will include visits to Geneva, the Grandchamp Community in Switzerland where Ruth was inspired to begin ARC, to Sonnenhoff Community near Basel, and to Wengen-- a picturesque Swiss village. Cost is $2499/person. Led by Ruth and Loren Halvorson, ARC founders.

Phone, write, or e-mail ARC today for full information about both of these sojourns!

Return to Table of Contents


SUMMER VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Once again this summer we will be hosting music retreats led by Jeanne Cotter. Seven 5-day retreats are scheduled and we could use some help! If you’d be willing to spend a day, a few days, or longer helping out please call 763/689-3540 and ask for Jerry, our Volunteer Coordinator. Volunteers may help in the kitchen, with housekeeping, gardening...we try to give you some options. Plus you get good food and time to yourself to just be.



GIVE THE GIFT OF A RETREAT TO SOMEONE WHO REALLY NEEDS IT!
A recurring concern of the ARC Board and Community is how to make retreating accessible to people who may not be able to afford it. We have always offered scholarship assistance upon request but our funds have been limited and, perhaps, have not reached the people most in need.

Consequently, we are beginning a new program called A Gifted Retreat. We invite you to send ARC a donation to cover the cost of one or more 24 hour weekday retreats ($65). We will in turn pass a gift certificate on to people who can identify someone who would most benefit by it. For example, we might give the certificate to a pastor, therapist, group leader, or to an organization such as the Center for Victims of Torture, Minnesota Aids Project or Chrysalis Center for Women and they would then give it to a single parent, struggling client, recent immigrant, battered woman, and so on.

Feel free to let us know if you’d like your gift to go to a specific church or organization. You may use the response form on p. 5 of this newsletter. Know that your gift will be greatly appreciated by the recipient.

Return to Table of Contents


COMMUNITY NEWS
New to the community as of May 1 is Lisa Nilles. She comes from the Twin Cities and is a pediatrician...taking a break. We’re glad she chose ARC as the place to do that! Becky Potter will also be joining the ARC resident community in July. Originally from Kansas, she graduates from Gustavus Adolphus College (Yeah! Dwayne's alma mater) this spring.
We joyfully welcome them both!


RECIPE CORNER
Easy Strawberry Compote
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups berries (fresh, frozen or canned)
2/3 cup water or juice from berries
1 T. cornstarch
sugar as needed

Procedure:
Mix liquid with corn starch and add to the fruit.
Heat until thick and bubbly.
Add sugar to taste.
Makes about 2 cups.

Adapted from Cook Boldly, the Holden Village cookbook, 5th edition.

Other kinds of berries may also be used.
Good on pancakes, French toast, angel food cake...!

Try this recipe at the Strawberry Retreat,
June 14-15! See p. 4 for details. YES, we are still working on ARC’s next cookbook.
Hopefully we will be announcing it’s publication yet this year!

Return to Table of Contents


A QUOTE FROM BONNIE ACKER
Always hold firmly
to the thought that each one of us can
do something to
bring some portion
of misery to an end.
-- Bonnie Acker


ARC NEEDS LIST
window air conditioners
plastic ice cream pails
humidifiers/dehumidifiers
cat and dog food
colored copier paper
lamps, end tables
couches, chairs
flashlights, brooms
folding chairs, firewood
cordless electric drill
multi-stitch sewing machine

Return to Table of Contents


RETREATS
To arrange 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

COSTS
24-Hr Retreat (Sun-Thurs)...........................................$65
24-Hr Retreat (Fri/Sat).................................................$70
Weekend Retreat (Fri eve-Sun aft).............................$135
Day Retreat (9-4)................$20 Weekdays, $25 Weekends
ARC-Led Weekend....................................................$145
Hermitage (24 hrs)..............$65 Weekdays, $70 Weekends
Cottage..........................................................Call for rates

Rates are slightly higher for profit-making organizations.

Return to Table of Contents


RESPONSE FORM (Print out on own your printer)
Mail to: ARC Retreat Center, 1680-373rd Ave. NE, Stanchfield, MN 55080
Phone: 763-689-3540

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 $______ .
___ I am moving. My new address is above. (All gifts are tax deductible.)
___ I would like to volunteer on a weekend ___ or weekday ____. Please call me.
BACK TO TOP