Spring 2008 - Ring Lake Ranch
Transcription
Spring 2008 - Ring Lake Ranch
The Ring Lake Carillon Ring Lake Ranch – Dubois, Wyoming Spring 2008 An ecumenical retreat center “ renewal in a sacred wilderness” “Speak with the earth, and she shall teach you.” Job 12:8 Sacred Space, Sacred Time Rev. Warren Murphy Warren Murphy has been a long-time friend of the Ranch and former member of the Board. This reflection well portrays the richness of experience so many guests have had at Ring Lake Ranch. O Wyoming Time Early morning cool; Sunshine and blue sky waters Early morning calm; Perfectly executed–clearly amazed at itself Early morning peace; everything in a harmony of quiet Embers of fading nighttime Ignite an impatient dawn Morning Light; I stand alone as mother earth gently caresses sleep from the eyes of her waking creatures My thoughts ride her wind it is–a chariot of self discovery We live Such model mornings Only on Wyoming time. – Bevin Spencer Rolfs n a late August afternoon, I pulled into one of my favorite places in the world, Ring Lake Ranch. The ranch was established years ago as an ecumenical and spiritual retreat center. It is situated between Ring and Trail Lakes outside of Dubois, Wyoming. I was coming to participate in a two week seminar featuring renowned theologian Marcus Borg and his wife Mariane. For me, Ring Lake is a sacred place. Sacred places are identified by how they feel. I’m not the only one who feels this feeing of sacredness about the Ranch. The ancient people knew this feeling too. The surrounding area is filled with rock art left by unknown tribes in the past. Maggie Kahin, the ranch founder, felt the sacredness of the place when she purchased the property in the 1960’s. I have come to the realization that sacredness is defined by space and time. It makes us who we are. The loss of spiritual identity so prevalent in the world today can be traced back to our failure to honor the sacredness of both. I’m sure this is why people make pilgrimages to their own “sacred places” in order to re-connect, if just for a brief time, with the spiritual energy that these places convey. For most people in western culture the greatest commodity is time. Value is placed on how much time we have, and we affirm that value with phrases like “time is money”. Most of us take on more than we can handle, and we end up feeling guilty when we find ourselves “wasting time”. Our ingenuity has enabled us to create technology (computers, cell phones, palm pilots, etc) to make us more time efficient. Then we take on more, which puts us back in the bind of not having enough time. It’s an endless cycle. One of the strengths of going on retreat is that you can escape the restraints of time. The time becomes yours rather than what others expect from you. Native American people are more inclined to see space as more important than time. Their sense of place becomes more important than getting things accomplished, especially if it has to be done “on time”. Native people find it easier to root their existence in sacred places like the Medicine Wheel in the Big Horn Mountains or Dinwoodie Canyon in the Wind River Mountains. In my life I try to honor the value of both space and time. I find spiritual energy when I go off to my sacred spaces like Ring Lake Ranch, and I find fulfillment when I utilize my time wisely. My life becomes disjointed when I become separated from the sacredness of both. For me, this is why I take seriously all my time commitments and why I constantly get away to my sacred places. While I speak only for myself, I’m sure that as many others in our world today could better put their life in perspective if they worked to redeem their time and discover their space. That is what spiritual people have been called to do ever since those ancient people carved on the rocks at Ring Lake. Mary Murphy L ast December, we lost another friend, Mary Murphy, who had been caretaker at the Ranch for over two years. Mary brought to the community skills in carpentry, landscaping, mechanics, horse care, and what she didn’t know she learned quickly and competently. She was also one of the funniest people most of us had ever met. Mary knew how to spin yarns that would keep us enthralled for hours. In addition, Mary had deep compassion for underdogs. Ring Lake Ranch Board; front row: Ann Mebane, Beth Klucher, Nathan Bachtell, Terri Schulz, Naomi Petersen back row: Ed Everding, Gerry Balboni, Roger Strout, Kenneth Fuller, Paul Vogelheim Two weeks before she died, Mary wrote in a letter: “The Ranch was the best thing that ever happened in my life.” Well, Mary gifted all of us with her life too, and she will be sorely missed. Rest in peace, Mary, rest in peace. Carl Koch Rest in Peace, Don Rolfs The Ring Lake Carillon Published twice yearly by Ring Lake Ranch Ring Lake Ranch PO Box 806 Dubois, WY 82513 (307) 455-2663 (888) 458-5253 toll free email: [email protected] www.ringlake.org A ll friends of Ring Lake Ranch will be saddened to hear that Don Rolfs, Director of the Ranch for several years, died on January 2, 2008, at age 68. He had suffered from Alzheimer’s disease for a number of years. With his wife Donna, Don was Director at Ring Lake in the summers of 1988, 1989, and 1990. In that capacity he made very important contributions to the continuation and development of this institution that we all love at a critical time in its history. When Maggie Kahin died in 1984, virtually all Ranch staff were volunteers, and that situation continued for a number of years. In the years immediately following her death, the position of Director was handled by several volunteers every summer, each serving two weeks or so. Don was the first person able to get sufficient leave from his church position to spend entire summers as Director. Guests at Ring Lake during his years will remember Don’s lively and sometimes wry sense of humor and his bright smile. His morning meditations were witty and insightful. For all guests at the Ranch he was a warm and welcoming presence, always willing to talk with them. His favorite activities were horseback riding, hiking, and fishing. It seemed to many that he could find a fish behind every rock in the stream above and below the bridge, and usually caught them with flies he had tied, cast with a rod he had made. Don was a United Methodist minister who served in the Southern New Jersey Conference for thirty-three years. Remarkably, twenty-four of those years were in the same church, Delran United Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife Donna of Moorestown, NJ, his son Mark of Pleasantville, NY, his daughter Bevin Spencer of Denver, CO, daughter-in law Melinda Rolfs, son-inlaw Edward Spencer, and four grandchildren. Continuing her father’s tradition, Bevin served for several years on the Ring Lake Ranch Board. Gene M. Tucker Ring of Friends All our generous donors for 2007 are listed here: HEF means a gift in honor of Henry Everding to the Henry Everding Memorial Fund. Please let us know of any mistakes or omissions -- for which we apologize. May all our donors be richly blessed. Louise ($500 and above) Ball Corporation Don & Ann Lee Bachtell Nathan Bachtell Gerry & Cece Balboni Ed & Lee Everding – HEF Lee Everding in honor of Ed’s Birthday Lee Palmer Everding Foundation Rodney & Ann Hunter in honor of Joan Guntzelman Dr. MerryAnn Jancovic in honor of RLR Staff Beth Klucher & Ross Whitney Lin & Ann Knight Dan Kreimer Anonymous Dick & Marge McIntosh Anonymous Sara Myers & David Peteresen Kristy Richards – HEF Mark & Melinda Rolfs in memory of Don Rolfs Terri & Keith Schulz Samantha Tarricone for OTA LLC. Gene & Charky Tucker Ruth Venable Paul & Lisa Vogelheim Janet Youngberg in honor of Joan Guntzelman Ring ($250-$499) Kalita Beck Blessing Sylvia Crouter in memory of Fred Wardenburg Edmund & Adelaide Donnan in honor of Lin & Ann Knight Linda Eldridge in honor of Ed Everding Ann Maxwell Doug McWhirter & Ann Mebane in memory of Mary Murphy and in honor of Joan Guntzelman Debra Scoggins Herb & Libby Ware Trail ($100-$249) Edgar & Becky Adams in thanksgiving for RLR Louis & Pam Battey Jack & Marilyn Carlson Victoria Chaney Elizabeth G. Cook Jeff & Cat Cross – HEF Bobbi Dean Kelly Everding & Eric Lorberer – HEF Louis & Beverly Everding LaRae Schneider & Sam Foushee Jim & Lurine Fowler – HEF Bill & Bev Fry Kenneth Fuller Robert & Susan Gardner Barbara Gray Kris & Tom Gridley Laurie Gunst Ray & Sue Guntzelman Treva Hall in honor of Joan Guntzelman Stuart & Katherine Haskins Anne Husted Julia Royall & Brian Kahin Linford & M. Etta King Larry & Rose Kleiman Leanne Golinvaux & Lisa Landgraf Jean Lee Patrick F. & Diane Leisgang Kathy J. Leithner Marianne Leahy & Bruce Logan in honor of Kent & Mary Logan Lauren & Charles Loos Cal & Carolyn Luker Richard & Deborah Manley in honor of Laura Gene Manley Charles & Karen Marsh Karen Metz Allison & Jackie Moody Warren Murphy in honor of Ed Everding Richard & Nancy Niebuhr Dorothy Remy Lisa & Garyl Roberts Don & Donna Rolfs in honor of Lilian, Norah, Hadden, & Elsa David & Karen Sautebin John & Peggy Stoeckinger Jim Sullivan in honor of Ray Vaughan Bob & Nelda Thelin Boyce & Melissa Thomas Erik Esborg & Becky Tucker - HEF Tom & Leslie Tupper Austin Turney Susan Vogel in honor of Joan Guntzelman Fred & Susan Webb in honor of Joan Guntzelman Ron & Kay Wells in honor of Joan Guntzelman, Lin & Ann Knight Eric Wheeler Tom Ewell & Cathy Whitmire Dennis & Lenore Williams Dick & Gretchen Williams Larry Wiseman Torrey ($1-$99) Sue Bailes Bobbi Wrenn Banks Catherine Beck in honor of Kenneth Beck Dorie Beres in honor of Elizabeth Wyland Pat Bernard in memory of her brother Terry Bernard Annette Bishop Phyllis Boardman Andrea Brainard Carolyn Casarella Elaine Casteel in memory of Carl & Willovene Ridder Patty & Michael Cervellera in honor of Marie T. Cervellera Grace Curry Matt Demey – HEF Audrey Dwyer in honor of Joan Guntzelman Mary Jo Erickson Grant & Susan Gilfeather Grayson Gowen Debra Ricci & Dwight Haberman in honor of Joan Guntzelman Mark Haberman in honor of Dwight Haberman Lisa Haynes David & Marjorie Horne Carter & Louise Jackson in memory of Charles & Sue Beck Barbara Jollis in memory of Margaret & Graham Jollis Jean Jorgensen Lois & Pat Kelley Doris Kurath in memory of my son, George Margie P. Loiseau-Bauerle in memory of Paul Loiseau Anonymous Comer Meadows Dorothy Messenger Don & Arline Miller in honor of Fred & Susan Webb Michael & Nancy Miller Jack Moore Willis Henry A. Moore William & Patricia Morton in honor of Pastor William Morton Aldean Newcomb Richard & Nancy Niebuhr David & Bonnie Northcutt Mary & Dennis O’Flyng Phillip & Gayle O’Hare in honor of Priscilla Marsh Hertha & Francisco Oliva Beth Olson Claire Peterman – HEF Naomi Petersen Penny Pope Jude & Alex Rakowski Jim & Sue Roberts Warren Sautebin Sheila Smith - HEF Martha Stahl Jan & Rick Stanton Dennis Sterosky in honor of Joan Guntzelman Allan, Carla, Karen, & John Townsend Inge Trump – HEF John & Carolyn Twiname in honor of the Hodgsons Paula Wellnitz Dana & Linda Wilbanks - HEF July 13-19 Bill Brown Ring Lake Ranch Programs for 2008 A Spiritual Field Guide to Creation: June 1-7 Volunteer Week Opening the Ranch takes lots of people power, so we are inviting volunteers to come and work with us for this week. Consider joining us! June 8-14 Elder High School – Group 1 June 15-21 Come Apart and Rest Awhile Experience an encounter with the sacred wilderness, spiritual direction, prayer, massage, reiki, journal writing, quiet rides and hikes, and meditative singing and collective silence that nurture the soul and calm the mind. Your presenter is the Holy Spirit, and you are the facilitator (with help from Barbara, Lauren, Joyce, and Carl). “Often God’s voice comes in a whisper, in a breath of silence. Remaining in silence . . . open to the Spirit, is already prayer” (Brother Roger of Taizé). Barbara Bridge is a composer of choral music for worship and for contemplative prayer and the General Editor of Hear the Prayers That Rise: A Music Resource for Contemplative Prayer. Lauren Loos is a counselor, spiritual director, facilitator for Contemplative Outreach and leads classes in Centering Prayer and meditation. June 22-28 Elder High School – Group 2 June 29 – 5 Vincent Hatt Mid-Life/Long-Life Directions for People 35-65+ This week is a time to look at mid-life as transition and renaissance, to ask anew “what is the purpose of life,” to reflect on my deepest beliefs as they illumine my life, to allow my past, present, and future to come together: “We cannot live the afternoon of our life according to the program of life’s morning” (Carl Jung). Vincent Hatt directs the Franciscan Spirituality Center in La Crosse, WI. He offers retreats nationwide and is a certified leader of Mid-Life Directions retreats. Vince has been a pastor, educational administrator, spiritual director, and retreat facilitator. In his late sixties, Vince retired from running marathons. July 6-12 Elder High School – Group 3 Contrary to popular opinion, the Bible has much more to say about the natural world than just its seven-day ordering in Genesis. The Bible’s perspective on creation is complex and pluralistic. As a “field guide,” this session will lead participants in an informal and in-depth exploration of seven discrete yet interrelated creation traditions in Scripture, from Genesis to Job, and offer ways to interpret them in light of their spiritual and ecological relevance for today. Warning: Eyes will be opened and hearts will be stirred! Bill Brown is a professor of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, GA. His specialties include wisdom literature, the prophets, and creation theology. He is author of among other books Seeing the Psalms, The Ethos of the Cosmos, and Ecclesiastes. July 20-26 Pamela Eisenbaum Has the Holy One Been Lost in Transmission? How the Bible was preserved, transcribed, translated, and interpreted presents just as many challenges to people of faith today as it did 2000 years ago. We will reflect on specific varying translations and how they affect key sayings and stories of the Bible. Assisted by online resources, including digital images of early manuscripts, we can see how the scriptures were historically transmitted and how our faith has sometimes been molded accordingly. We’ll revisit tools we can use to meditate on the richness of our scriptures. Pamela Eisenbaum is Associate Professor of Biblical Studies and Christian Origins at the Iliff School of Theology in Denver, Colorado, and is associate faculty of the Center for Judaic Studies at the University of Denver. One of four Jewish NT scholars teaching in Christian theological schools, she is the author The Jewish Heroes of Christian History and Invitation to Romans. She is a contributor to the Women’s Bible Commentary, the Oxford Access Bible, and appeared in the recent ABC documentary, “Jesus and Paul: The Word and the Witness.” July 27-August 2 George (Tink) Tinker The Rocks Shall Cry Out Consciousness, Rocks, and American Indians The American Indian experience of the world around us as both alive and conscious makes euro-western anthropocentrism an impossibility. The Indian understanding of the personhood of rocks and trees and the kinship of all of life has important ethical consequences when it comes to waging war, cutting down a forest, or even eating lunch. These sessions will unpack some of the traditional worldview of Indian folk, setting that worldview in tension with the globalization of capital and its worldview. George (Tink) Tinker is an enrolled member of the Osage Nation and professor of American Indian Cultures and Religious Traditions at Iliff School of Theology. A popular presenter on American Indian Spirituality, his publications include Spirit and Resistance: Political Theology and American Indian Liberation and Missionary Conquest: The Gospel and Native American Genocide. He co-authored A Native American Theology and is co-editor of Native Voices: American Indian Identity and Resistance. Aug 3-9 Bill Short, OFM Francis of Assisi – A Saint for Everyone? Francis of Assisi has been hailed as “wholly Catholic” and “the first Protestant,” a bold preacher of the Gospel and the friend of a Muslim Sultan. Once a knight, he became a preacher of peace during the Crusades. A successful businessman, he became a beggar. Though considered uneducated, he is one of the earliest poets of the Italian language. We will spend these days reflecting on the remarkable legacy of this Patron Saint of Ecology and Troubadour of Lady Poverty, asking what his message might mean for us today. Bill Short, OFM is professor of Spirituality and past-president of the Franciscan School of Theology at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, CA. “My great passion is to help others unpack the revolutionary insights of Francis and Clare of Assisi. It is amazing to realize that these two friends had a vision of an inclusive Church community 800 years ago.” Brother Bill is an avid propagator of California native plants, an interpreter and translator, and a novice wine-maker. Aug 10-23 Don & Emily Saliers Saturday Night & Sunday Morning: Music and Spirituality Crossing-Over: Don and Emily will explore questions of spirituality that emerge in the cross-over between music of Saturday night (folk-rock & jazz) and the music of Sunday morning (hymns, psalms, congregational song). They will continue their intergenerational dialogue begun in their book, A Song to Sing, A Life to Live. Questions of words and music, poetry and theology will be the heart of the matter. Don Saliers is William R. Cannon Distinguished Professor of Theology and Worship at Candler School of Theology at Emory University. Don’s daughter, Emily Saliers and Amy Ray are the Indigo Girls, “internationally acclaimed folk, rock, pop divas who remind the whole world that music with a social conscience should be fun, rockin’ and brilliant” (The Wittenburg Door). “Both of us agree on this issue: spiritual life is not about ideas in the head. A great idea doesn’t make you spiritual. For both of us, spirituality has to be physically practiced in our bodily existence—fasting, or restraint, or healthy spiritual practices. Spirituality is the whole person, not just the intellect.” Aug 24-30 Carla Aday & Dave Ehman Rekindling the Gift: A Retreat for All Couples Relationships change, develop, deepen and grow as couples face various life circumstances and life transitions. This week will be a chance to pause, to reflect on the original gift of your spouse/partner and discover ways to treasure and celebrate the graces alive in your shared journey. Carla Aday is Senior Associate Minister at Country Club Christian Church in Kansas City, Missouri where she co-authored and piloted the Great Start Marriage ministry program. Dave Ehman is Director of Midwest Christian Counseling Center (A Samaritan Institute) in Kansas City, Missouri. He is a licensed psychologist and ordained minister. Aug 31-Sept 6 Roberta Bondi Prayer through the Seasons of Life A great fourth Christian century teacher said, “If you want to pray, then it is God you need, for it is God who gives prayer.” Drawing on our own experience, as well as the Desert Fathers, Julian of Norwich, and Rumi, we will look at ways in which prayer is given to us at different times of our lives. Roberta Bondi is professor of church history emeritus at Candler School of Theology, Emory University. Author of many works on spirituality and church history, Roberta has a profound influence on all who came under her influence. Russell E. Richey, former Dean of Candler School of Theology remarked that “generations of Candler graduates call themselves ‘blessed,’ especially women whose subsequent religious leadership owes much to Roberta’s example and her opening up the lives of the great women spiritual path-finders, especially Julian of Norwich.” Sept 6-12 Fred Webb Fly Fishing and Theology Faith – Fellowship – Flyfishing Though not a regularseminar session, guests are welcome to register with Fred Webb for the 10th edition of this program: (540) 962-1300. Thanks & A Request A nother year has passed. Like the rest of us, the petroglyphs, the Ranch road, and the log cabins are also a year older. The only difference is that we tend to head indoors or to warmer climates for the winter. As majestic as the Wyoming winter is to experience, the icy winds and snow take their toll on the Ranch property. Every spring, much work and repair is done to make the Ranch safe and livable before guests arrive. This year we decided to create a Volunteer Week (June 1-7) hoping to increase the number of hands to help with projects and grow the sense of Ranch community. This will be a fun week of hard work and bonding among Ranch friends, and all are welcome and encouraged to participate. We are greatly indebted to those who donated time, resources, and prayers in 2007. Please pay tribute to our list of 2007 donors. The volunteer Board continues to do all it can to keep costs down, the environment safe, and the staff and speakers of the highest quality. Regardless, every year we cannot make ends meet without the generous contributions of our extended community. If you are able, please continue to include Ring Lake in your annual giving. The cabins, horses, and trails may not be able to thank you, but the spirit of the Ranch will continue to pay back the dividend for the next generation. Nathan Bachtell, MD RLR Board Web Site and E-Newsletter Keep track of Ranch news, find out more information about the presenters, and direct your friends to the Ring Lake Ranch website: www.ringlake.org. We also periodically send out e-newsletters. If you are not receiving them, you can sign up by listing your email address on the News page or by requesting that you be added to the list by emailing [email protected]. Scholarships Available Scholarships are available to people needing assistance to attend programs at the Ranch. Please direct your questions to or ask for our simple application from Carl Koch at [email protected] or phone 1.888.458.5253. Wish List Here are some other specific items we need: A Power Point projector: DONATED A Bob Cat: needed for road repair, hauling heavy materials, etc. 12 new Dining Room chairs 12 chairs for the Chapel: DONATED Massage table: DONATED A commercial microwave oven Invitation to Volunteer I n the early days, Ring Lake Ranch was staffed almost entirely by volunteers. Forty-two years after its founding, we still depend on the generous assistance of volunteers. Consider volunteering for a week or more this summer. Come for Volunteer Week, June 1-7 and/or join us when you have time during the summer. To discuss volunteering, contact Joyce at 1.888.458.5253 or by email at [email protected]. 2008 Registration Seminar Registrant Name(s) Names & ages of children (if applicable) 2008 RATES All rates are per person and based on double/multiple occupancy Includes lodging • meals • seminars • horseback riding • guided hiking • boating. No charge for children 12 & under. Address City/State/Zip Scholarships are available: Contact – Carl Koch at mailing address or [email protected] Home Phone ( ) Work Phone ( ) ADULT FEES - 6 DAY SESSIONS Cell ( Basic lodging with shared bath Basic lodging with private bath Larger cabin with private bath Kitchenette cabin YOUTH FEES - 6 DAY SESSIONS Youth (ages 13 – 17) Child (ages 12 and under) Email $682 $768 $827 $924 $525 no charge ADULT FEES - 12-DAY or 2 SESSION(S) Basic lodging with shared bath $ 1200 Basic lodging with private bath $ 1350 Larger cabin with private bath $ 1450 Kitchenette cabin $ 1625 YOUTH FEES - 12-DAY OR 2 SESSION(S) Youth (ages 13 – 17) $ 900 Child (ages 12 and under) no charge All fees exclude sales & lodging taxes. We try to honor your accommodation requests, but we cannot guarantee them. To reserve a private room, contact Carl or Joyce about additional fee & availability. Daily and off-season rates are available upon request. ) Accommodation preference: ❑Basic/shared bath ❑Basic/private bath ❑Large/private bath ❑Kitchenette Cabin A Cabin # Roommate preference (registering separately): ❑One bed ❑Two beds Is walking over steep or rough terrain difficult for you? ❑Yes ❑No Any other physical limitations: Dietary restrictions/food allergies: Will you need transportation from the airport? (Fee $40/person 13 yrs. old and over, each way) ❑No ❑Yes Jackson/Riverton Signature: Date We now accept Visa & Mastercard Pay by cash or your personal check and receive a 5% discount in fees. I prefer to use my (circle one) Visa MasterCard: Deposit To hold your reservations, we request a deposit of $225/adult and $125/youth for 6 day sessions or $400/adult and $175/youth for 12-day session. The deposit is refundable (less a 20% handling charge) up to 60 days in advance of the session for which you have registered. After that time, the deposit is refundable (less 20%) only if we can rebook your space in the session. No. of Registrants: Fee _______ Adults @ rate ________ _______ Youth (13-17) ________ _______ Children(12/ under) no charge TOTAL (without taxes) ________ Deposit Amount ________ Card # Expiration Date: Signature: Return form to: (to May 15) Ring Lake Ranch P.O. Box 446 La Crosse, WI 54602-0446 (888) 458-5253 toll free [email protected] www.ringlake.org (after May 15) Ring Lake Ranch P.O. Box 806 Dubois, WY 82513 (307) 455-2663 (888) 458-5253 toll free [email protected] www.ringlake.org Ring Lake Ranch Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 25 La Crosse, WI P.O. Box 806 DuBois, WY 82513 Return Service Requested Come join us at Ring Lake Ranch for “renewal in a sacred wilderness.” This poem from a guest in 2007 speaks to the sacred presence found at Ring Lake Ranch. Clear, distant echo Howling from ridge to ridge You’ve walked here before And you are with me now Remind me of who I am Clear, distant echo Hauntingly you call to me Waking me from sleep Do not let me fail to hear Your resounding word of life Clear, distant echo Thunder deep in the valley Bids me to listen Is it voices of the past Or my soul speaking softly? Visit our website to find out more: www.ringlake.org