Newsletter

Dear Friends,

In a previous newsletter, we announced that a long time friend, community member, and former staff member, Morag Burgess, would be joining our staff as director. She began work here August 18.

As our ministry has continued to grow, our need for additional staff has become more apparent. We welcome her and greatly anticipate her sharing her gifts with all of us.

It will be a transition for all concerned. For a few months we will co-direct as we both gradually feel comfortable in our new roles. I have utmost trust in her competency as retreat director and her ability to lead.

We are moving toward a Capital Fund Drive for needed development. I have taken on the task of seeing that through. I ask your prayers during the months that lie ahead.

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Dear new friends:

It felt like coming home! It had been a long hard drive from central Texas but I finally made it to Columbus and now on to The Dwelling Place. Some of you know me already-- I worked as an adjunct staff director here from 1994-2001. Then in April Clare and the Corporation Board invited me to take the position of director here at The Dwelling Place.

I am a native of Scotland; I have lived in the US for over 20 years and so am used to driving on the "wrong" side of the road-- but I haven't acquired a taste for iced tea-- yet!

On a more serious note, I have an MA in Biblical Studies from Aberdeen University, Scotland and an MA in Christian Sprituality and certification in retreat direction from Creighton University in Omaha, NE. As well as being at The Dwelling Place, I was also an adjunct staff director at St. Mary of the Pines in Chatawa, MS and at St. Charles College in Grand Coteau, LA.

It is awesome to be back at The Dwelling Place- truly the ministry of prayer and hospitality here is so powerful. I am both humbled and energized to be part of the great things God does here. Please continue to hold us in your prayer. I am looking forward to meeting you or renewing old friendships.

Caring for the Whole Person:
Body, Mind and Spirit

Dr. Walt Porter gives a brief introduction to the Enneagram in the kitchen/conference room on August 2.

Over 60 people came to The Dwelling Place for our Wholeness Fair. They checked their cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure, bony mass index, degree of osteoporosis as well as being reminded of caring for their body through exercise, good nutrition and hair and makeup care.

Between hearing about the value of counseling, psychiatric care, alternative healing modes and spiritual direction and retreats, they walked the Labyrinth and enjoyed healthful goodies. Now what more enriching way could one spend a Saturday?

The day was planned and coordinated by Tracy Turner, John Hawkins, Walt Porter and Clare. A special thank you to all the presenters and support staff for their efforts. We may need to have a repeat performance in 2004.

Needs list

As in any home or business, occasionally our needs for small and large items overwhelm us as many of our machines have "bit the dust" because of age and use. If anyone could help us with any of these items, new or used, we would be most grateful. Special thanks to those who have helped this list become shorter [we've added new items].

• stamps
• paper products
• glue sticks
• 1 1/2 gallon hand sprayer
• Volunteers to send in meals on occasion
• a couple of hours volunteer assistance

Live-in Volunteer Opportunity

Would you like to live in Community for a time? Share in the day to day ministry of The Dwelling Place?

Join us for a week, two weeks, or a month. Contact our offices to learn more about being a Dwelling Place volunteer.