August 2001 Newsletter

NEWSLETTER TABLE OF CONTENTS

How Spiritual Is Spiritual Enough?
Two Quotes about Attentiveness
Numerology for Peacemaking
Community News
Two Cool, Hot-Summer Recipies from the ARC Kitchen
Second Annual Benefit Concert and Silent Auction
Book Review by Katherine Dutton
Upcoming Retreats
Switzerland Pilgrimage Postponed
ARC Wish List
Private Retreats
Scheduling Retreats
Costs
Response Form


HOW SPIRITUAL IS SPIRITUAL ENOUGH?
by Katherine Dutton, ARC Co-Director

How spiritual is spiritual enough? Like many people, I sometimes get caught up in the game of , I should do this or I should be that. Working at a retreat center, I occasionally find myself thinking, I should be more spiritual. “Don’t should on yourself,” someone will say. I know, I know but that doesn’t make it stop!

I order the books for our little bookshop here, books with titles such as: Care of the Soul, Cries of the Spirit, Eternal Echoes, Listening for the Soul, Sacramental Living, Seeds of the Spirit, Soul Gardening, Soul Making, Soul Weavings, The Spiritual Life. I’m sure these are wonderful books. People buy them. I think, I should really read them. But I’m not drawn to them. Give me fiction any day.

As a community we worship together daily. Presumably that might contribute to my spiritual vigor. But I came to ARC after five years as a parish pastor. Conducting worship was and is a part of my job. That makes it hard to simply experience it, to be a “pew sitter”. I’m always wondering about things like, will people be able to sing the hymns?, is the language inclusive?, is the silence uncomfortable (especially for that person whose stomach is growling)? Which leads to-- are we feeding the guests too many beans?, will supper be late because the worship service is too long?, will I be home in time to watch Ally McBeal? (Yes, I confess, some of us do watch TV here and not just public television!)

So, I took my concerns to a spiritual director. For those who may be unfamiliar with it, spiritual direction (some-times called companioning) can help people discern, and be more aware of, how the Spirit is at work in their lives. It provides an opportunity to discuss issues of faith and to focus intentionally on strengthening relation-ships with God, others, and oneself. Surely that would make me more spiritual?!

As my spiritual director patiently listened, she heard me talking about how much I love to tend the wild flowers in the field next to the ARC cottage where I live. Three years ago it was just dirt and weeds, having been dug up to put in a septic system. Now it is covered with daisies, black-eyed Susans, cosmos, poppies, day lilies, bachelor buttons, lupine, sunflowers, and lots of other kinds whose names I don’t know.

Each spring and summer I seed some more plants, faithfully weed, water, daily admire them, and gather bouquets for the cottage and for ARC. My spiritual director kindly suggested this might be one of my primary prayer times, a time when I am closest to and most aware of the Spirit’s presence in my life and in the world. I am certainly aware of the beauty of creation. This summer, as I’m out there when it’s 90 degrees and I’m covered from head to toe in clothing thick enough to protect me from the most mosquitoes I’ve ever seen in my life, I can also easily think of the wild flower field as my spiritual discipline.

Could it be that there are other such ways to be spiritual? Could it be that I don’t need to be more spiritual-- that I simply need to recognize the ways in which I already am? I don’t mean to be promoting some kind of nature religion...surely God is just as present when I’m spellbound in a novel, spending time with a good friend, talking with ARC guests or community members, even doing dishes. (In an appeal to experiencing the sacred in the ordinary, Thich Nhat Hanh has said that washing dishes is like bathing a baby Buddha.)

How spiritual is spiritual enough? I think some people come on retreat hoping to get a spiritual boost. Many people who apply to be in the community here seem to expect to become spiritually super charged. (I was probably one of them but that was long ago!) But perhaps those experiences and our experience of life in general are determined more by what we bring with us than by what we find when we get wherever it is we think we’re going. As so many great writers and spiritual teachers have said (including the ones who wrote all the previously mentioned books!) it’s mostly about paying attention.

You don’t have to go on retreat to be closer to God, although, of course, we’d be happy to have you! To paraphrase the great novelist Alice Walker, you just have to be sure to notice the color purple in the wild flower fields of your life.
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TWO QUOTES ABOUT ATTENTIVENESS

When we pay attention, whatever we are doing-- whether it be cooking, cleaning or making love-- is transformed. ...We begin to notice details and textures that we never noticed before; everyday life becomes clearer, sharper, and at the same time more spacious. -- Rick Fields

If I am incapable of washing dishes joyfully, if I want to finish them quickly so I can go and have dessert, I will be equally incapable of enjoying my dessert. With the fork in my hand, I will be thinking about what to do next, and the texture and flavor of the dessert, together with the pleasure of eating it, will be lost. I will always be dragged into the future, never able to live in the present moment. -- Thich Nhat Hanh
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NUMEROLOGY FOR PEACEMAKING
(excerpted from FOR Witness, the newsletter of the Fellowship of Reconciliation)

36,000: Number of nuclear weapons on earth.
40,000: Number of homeless people who could be adequately housed for the cost of one Trident submarine.
10: Number of times that one Trident submarine is capable of multiplying the deaths of the Holocaust.
1 Trillion: Number of dollars the nations of the world spend on the military each year.
1/4 of 1 Trillion: Number of dollars each year which could provide clean water for all who need it, and provide shelter for all who need it, and eliminate starvation and malnutrition, and provide health care for all, and stop soil erosion and deforestation, and stabilize world population.
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COMMUNITY NEWS
New to the ARC Community this summer is Jason Jolley, who comes to us from a peach farm in South Carolina. Jason heard about ARC through the Friends Journal, a Quaker publication. He has a bachelor’s degree in religion and philosophy and has worked in a family owned restaurant and on the peach farm for several years. At 28, Jason will be the youngest member of the community. (We’re not telling who the oldest is!) He also adds diversity to our mix as a member of the Society of Friends. We’re happy to welcome him.

Continuing in the community are co-directors Dwayne Daehler and Katherine Dutton, along with Jerome Belanger, Mark Faris, Dave Tidball and Chris Wolf.

This spring Chris graduated from United Seminary with an M.Div. Mark, who is our resident artist, now has some of his work on display at The Oasis Fine Arts Gallery in St. Cloud. During the month of August it will also grace the coffee shop area of the St. Cloud Barnes & Noble. In July Jerry served as a delegate to the Dignity USA National Convention held in Chicago. Dignity is the organization which supports Catholics who are gay/lesbian/ bisexual/transgender.
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TWO COOL, HOT SUMMER RECIPIES FROM THE ARC KITCHEN

Frozen Fruit Dessert
6 oz. frozen orange juice
6 oz. frozen lemonade
2 small packages frozen strawberries w/ juice
large can crushed pineapple and juice

Cook 1 cup sugar in 2 cups water to dissolve sugar.
Add strawberries while sugar is hot. Add remaining ingredients. Then add 4 cut up bananas. Other fruits are optional...blueberries are nice. Freeze covered in a 9 x 13 pan. Thaw 15 minutes or so before serving.

Potato Salad
Boil 3 lbs. red potatoes just until fork pierces easily. Peel or leave skin on. Cut into cubes.
Add: 1 cup chopped white onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
3 chopped hard boiled eggs
1cup shredded swiss cheese (optional)

Dressing: Combine 3/4 cup Miracle Whip and 2 or 3 tbsp. dijon mustard (more to taste).
Mix all ingredients together and serve cold. Serves 4 - 6.
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SECOND ANNUAL BENEFIT CONCERT AND SILENT AUCTION
Saturday, November 10th, 7:30 p.m. at St. Joan of Arc Church, 4537 3rd Ave. South, Minneapolis
featuring Gabe Gabrielsen

Gabe is on the faculty at Augsburg College in the Music Department and is the organist at Calvary Lutheran. He will entertain us with piano music, sing along songs, and story-telling. Gabe and his wife, Kathleen, are former community members of ARC. We’re hoping Kathleen will also grace us with a rendition of Lime Jell-O Marshmallow Cottage Cheese Surprise. You won’t want to to miss it!

Like last year, there will be lots of good stuff to purchase at the auction...beautiful handmade items, services like housecleaning and cooking, and much more. If you have items or services to donate for the auction, please call ARC at 763/689-3540. Mark your calendars to come for a fun evening. Refreshments will be served!
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BOOK REVIEW BY KATHERINE DUTTON
Things Seen and Unseen: A Year Lived in Faith by Nora Gallagher

“I live in a world filled with evil,” writes Nora Gallagher. “And my faith cannot always endure it.” So begins this memoir written by an Episcopal laywoman who lives in Santa Barbara, California. She goes on to write:

My husband, who is not a Christian, fiercely says to me in the midst of an argument, “In Rwanda, fifty percent of the people were Catholic.” His words stop mine on my lips: if religious faith cannot stop genocide, of what use is it at all?

And thus I doubt. Doubt is to me the handmaiden to faith, its cop, the one that keeps faith straight. To doubt is an indication of freedom and a guard against fanaticism. But it is also so easy to doubt, so easy to be cynical, that the job appears to be to enlarge the part that believes, but only to enlarge it by taking the path made painful by the doubt and with the integrity born of the doubt rather than the inflation born of sentiment, heightened emotion, or the sometimes false camaraderie of a faith community.

Gallagher does not proceed to dwell on either evil or doubt but to speak to her experiences of attempting “to enlarge the part that believes.” As she writes of her faith journey, the reader can’t help but think of Kathleen Norris’ Dakota and Anne Lamott’s Traveling Mercies. But Gallagher has her own style and voice. She proceeds through the church year with chapters covering each season from Advent to Ordinary Time. Woven into the themes of these seasons are Gallagher’s reflections on events such as her work in her church’s soup kitchen, her experiences of both a friend’s and her brother’s cancer, and her denomination’s attempts to welcome gay men and lesbians. Through it all she finds God revealed in the most extraordinary ways but in the most ordinary places.

Annie Dillard said the following about Things Seen an Unseen: “This is a wonderful book. I laughed more often than I cried, but I did both. Nora Gallagher is perfect company, both witty and deep, and she describes church life and spiritual life with absolute accuracy.” You can’t get a much better recommendation than that.

If this book sounds intriguing to you, read it and then come join us for discussion at our upcoming Book Retreat listed below.
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UPCOMING ARC RETREATS

Photography and Contemplative Seeing 7 pm Fri - Sun aft, Oct 26-28
We do not see with our eyes, but with our hearts and minds. In this retreat we will consider
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, what helps and hinders seeing, and how we can see beyond our usual patterns. Although this is not a photography technique retreat, bring your cameras, because we will take photos.
Led by Dwayne Daehler, ARC Co-director Cost: $145

Things Seen and Unseen Book Retreat 9:30 am-4:30 pm, Sat, Nov 3
Things Seen and Unseen: A Year Lived in Faith by Nora Gallagher is an engrossing memoir about the author’s spiritual journey. See the review on p. 3 of this newsletter. Book retreats include time for discussion, relaxation, and a chance to connect with others who share a love of reading.
Led by Katherine Dutton, ARC Co-director Cost: $25

Benedictine Spirituality 1:30 pm Sat - Sun aft, Nov 3-4
“I speak to you, whoever you may be.” That small phrase from the Rule of Saint Benedict is wonderfully accurate and perhaps more true today than ever before. During this retreat, we will look at the Rule-- in particular Lectio Divina (Sacred Reading), Ora et Labora (Pray and Work), and how it can be lived in our every day life.
Led by Jerry Belanger, ARC Community Member & Benedictine Oblate Cost: $80

Silent Advent Retreat: Listening for God 7 pm Fri- Sun aft, Nov 30-Dec 2
An opportunity to take some quiet time as Advent begins, to prepare inwardly for Christmas. There will be some optional sessions during which we will consider how to listen attentively for God in our lives. Come and enjoy the beauty of this special season at ARC.
Led by Ann Bergstrom, Chaplain & Spiritual Director Cost: $145
and Katherine Dutton


Looking Ahead to 2002....

A Celebration of Winter led by Dwayne Daehler, Jan 18-20

Desert Spirituality led by Dwayne Daehler, Feb 8-10

Couples Retreat led by Ruth and Loren Halvorson, Feb 15-17
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SWITZERLAND PILGRIMAGE POSTPONED

Due to scheduling conflicts the Pilgrimage to Grandchamp Comunity in Switzerland to be led by Ruth & Loren Halvorson has been post-ponned to October 4-18, 2002. A few changes have been made to last year's itinerary. The revised pilgrimage will include a day and overnight at Taize Community in France on the way to Grandchamp, which is Taize's sister community. There will also be almost a full additional day in Geneva at the beginning of the pilgrimage to allow sightseeing there. The time at Grandchamp will be one day shorter but will still include a day excursion to Sonnenhof, a brother community in German-speaking Switaerland. The pilgrimage will still conclude with three days in the delightful village of Wengen at the base of the Jungfrau. More information will be in the next newsletter or call
ARC for details. Final cost is yet to be determined.
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ARC WISH LIST
window air conditioners
dehumidifiers
cordless 12V electric drill
new/gently used dish towels, dish cloths, and hot pads
jumper cables
cat and dog food, bird seed
colored copier paper
inkjet print cartridges
(HP 51645A or HP C1823 G)
lamps, end tables
couches, chairs
frequent flier miles
flashlights
brooms, sponge mops
firewood
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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, meditating in the chapel, walking in the woods, rocking in the bench swings overlooking the creek, and ARC‘s tasty homemade meals. The hermitage, a single-person dwelling in the woods, lends itself to a more solitary retreat. Also called Poustinia, which means ‘desert space,’ the hermitage is a bright, lofty room with a kitchenette and screened-in porch. The setting is ideal for those desiring more solitude.

The cottage is our newest space, a cozy but luxurious cabin available to individuals, couples, or small groups. It has a full kitchen, bedroom, bath, loft, and a living room with a gas fireplace and an A-frame window wall.



SCHEDULING RETREATS
To schedule a group or private retreat, call (763) 689-3540 (not long distance from the Twin Cities).
Office hours: 9 am to 5 pm
e-mail: arcretreat@hotmail.com
Web-site: www.arcretreat.org
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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.
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RESPONSE FORM
Mail to: ARC Retreat Community, 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:
_________________________________ ___________ ________________
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 to the scholarship fund 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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