“Re-Treat Yourself”

St. James’ Episcopal Church All-Parish Retreat at Shrine Mont 2008

by Keith Nelsen Stroud, Director of Parish Operations

The weekend of May 9-11, 2008, 236 people from St. James’ gathered at our Diocesan Conference Center at Shrine Mont, in Orkney Springs. The weather was damp and chilly but did not dampen the spirit of fellowship and celebration felt by all who came together to “re-treat” themselves.

The Friday evening feast grew in scope and gustatory diversity as people arrived and shared their offerings with the group. We mingled in the Outdoor Pavilion until it was time to move to the Ladies’ Parlor of Virginia House for a welcome by Fr. John and a hilarious icebreaker and more food.

As if these two events were not enough -- we then moved to the bonfire area for s’mores and more… fellowship. The kids milled about and toasted marshmallows as adults connected with old and new friends identifiable only by flashlight or firelight.

After most had retired for the night, the rains came and provided soothing and live environmental sounds to lull us all to sleep. We awoke to cloudy but dry skies, and proceeded to a fabulous breakfast of scrambled eggs and bacon (crisp & thick).

We all then moved into the ballroom for our program on Sabbath Rest as told through the eyes of Ferris Bueller, who drove home the point that respite is good for the soul, the body, and the mind. All the while, the children enjoyed tie-dye activities, snacks, and hikes into the woods surrounding Shrine Mont.

Saturday afternoon was spent in pursuits such as rocking, napping, reading, and browsing (and in my case, spending) in the new bookstore. I saw fishing in the pond and children wading in the muddy waters at the edge. I saw newts swimming in the comparative luxury of a white plastic tub (soon to be returned to the wild), and impromptu softball games on the lawn beside Maryland House. It was quintessential Shrine Mont.

Saturday evening, the social hour moved to the porches of Virginia and Maryland houses where attendees talked over their afternoon experiences, and kids swooped in and out for cheese and crackers and chips and salsa. Just after dinner, we all convened in the ballroom for what was definitely one of the highlights and the best-attended event of the weekend: the Kids’ Talent Show. There was dancing and singing o’plenty by our VERY talented young people. Great thanks to MC Mike “Chief” Nunally, who, once again, kept the audience in suspense and the acts moving forward with excitement and variety.

After watching the next generation spread their performance wings and regale us with all sorts of charming and amazing feats, the masses moved back up to the Outdoor Pavilion where we had a really fabulous dance with live band, HOSS.

Attendees of every age came and listened, danced, mingled, and danced some more. It really rocketed more than one of us back to the good old college days. Some had to go farther back than others, though! It was truly a blast. The dancing and camaraderie went on until a respectable 10:30 p.m., when everyone returned, sated and danced out, to their rooms.

Sunday morning, after a pancake breakfast, all of the mothers in the group were presented with a carnation from the clergy in honor of Mother’s Day. There was informal time with Fr. John and Pastor Mary where attendees posed fun and lighthearted questions to both. Rev. Kate was not in attendance as she had returned to Leesburg to hold down the fort, flying solo for all three services and Adult Forum. Hats off to her for her amazing grace under pressure and her talent for making everything function like clockwork.

The culmination of the weekend was the Eucharist in the outdoor Shrine of the Transfiguration. Accompanied by a phalanx of drums, bells, guitar, and keyboard, we sang lustily and listened to Pastor Mary preach on breath and breathing.

In her homily, she told us of the 75-year-old newlywed who described the best thing about being married for the first year as “being able to breathe again.” She also drew the unfortunate but true parallel between us and the gerbil that spends 85% of its time running on a wheel and never getting anywhere… take a breath and step off the wheel. And finally, Pastor Mary explained that Sabbath rest is intended not only for us, but to temporarily minimize our impact on the world around us.

After communion and exchanging God’s peace, we all assembled for our picture and then scurried back down the hill to be first in line for the traditional Sunday Shrine Mont fried chicken feast.

Shrine Mont is a precious gift to this diocese and this parish. The transformation that takes place there should be experienced by each and every one of us. In only a few days, you will feel refreshed, renewed and “Re-treated.” We will return the same weekend next year (May 8, 9 and 10), and encourage you be a part of the 2009 All-Parish Weekend.