Dear Friends,

We hope that many of you, our friends and retreatants, will join us as we celebrate our Stations of the Cross. For over ten years it has been a dream but other projects have taken precedence. May this Way of the Cross give God glory and help us appreciate what Christ has done for us.

As I read each memorial plaque I am made aware that those mentioned have themselves walked their own way to Calvary and in doing so have helped others on the way. As members of the Body of Christ we all share in Christ's act of redemption when we join our sufferings to His.

I invite you to consider making a weekend retreat this fall. We have some very fine offerings with competent facilitators. Come during the week for a day or two of quiet to listen to the stillness and hear God speak through Word and nature.

Many blessings on you and yours.

Meditation Path Laid in Mid-June

Two workers from Smith Landscaping are shown here putting finishing touches on the meditation path. The new path begins at the west door of Umbria Guest House, stretches to the pond, then creates a loop north to the orchard and returns to the water's edge.

The dirt displaced by the path was deposited throughout the west lawn and was spread out by the Knights of Columbus on their volunteer day. The path proved to be very labor intensive. We thank everyone involved in its creation.

Stations of the Cross Erected July 18

Kevin Yoder, the creator of the Stations, mixes cement while Alva, his father, lowers the shrine in the ground and awaits the next step. Grandson Thomas and assistant, Shaun Roby, observe.

The entire project was a labor of love. It is truly a work of art. All our readers and retreatants are invited to experience the beauty of the landscape and the spiritual experience of the Way of the Cross.

To Complete the Picture-

we are planning three meditation areas along the path at the 4th, 7th, and 12th stations and a gazebo by the water. We have envisioned a small area with a park bench on decorative cement squares surrounded by shrubs and shaded by crepe myrtle.

If anyone would like to donate the materials, shrubs, and benches for these areas, the suggested donation is $300. The bench would hold a memorial plaque in memory of the loved one you request.

If anyone would like to donate the funding for the gazebo, the cost is approximately $2500.