Visit the Rivendell Web site at RivendellCommunity@wildblue.net
Contact the Rivendell Guardian: The Rev. Virginia Brown,CRC MotherVirginiaDB@aol.com
The Rivendell Community, 365 East 372nd Road, Dunnegan, MO 65640, 417-754-1054
The Motherhouse of the Rivendell Community is located in the beautiful countryside of southwestern Missouri, near the village of Dunnegan. Its 67 acres include forest, pasture, garden and orchard, a creek and a pond, along with a barn and chicken coop. Built by its original Amish owners, the house is now supplied with electricity and partially remodeled to furnish comfortable guest accommodations. A chapel and a library have been added. A cedar log cabin hermitage is the latest addition to the facilities.
The house offers several comfortable guest rooms, including facilities which are fully handicapped-accessible. It is also home to the residential religious community who staff it and maintain its daily patterns of prayer and life. Linens and towels, and all meals, are provided. Guests need to bring only comfortable, casual clothing and personal items. (Comfortable walking shoes for outdoors, and slippers for indoors, are suggested.)
The Motherhouse also offers facilities and hospitality for personal retreats and for small groups. Retreatants may stay either in the House or in the hermitage. Silent and/or directed retreats are available by request. Guests may simply participate in the life of the Community as fully as they wish. Hospitality is offered as part of the work of the Community.
There is no charge for retreats at Rivendell, though donations are welcome. Guests who are able to be more generous help us provide hospitality for those of more modest means.
UPCOMING RETREATS AND CONFERENCES SPRING, 2006 
December 14 - 17 (Wednesday evening through Saturday evening) Rivendell Community Advent silent retreat Guests are welcome to share this time of quiet, prayer, preparation and joyous expectation with the residential community.
February 19-21 (Sunday evening through Tuesday morning) Homosexuality in the Church: Scripture, tradition, reason and experience, and the politics of change Debates about the place of homosexual persons in the Church, and the Scriptural and theological issues involved, have threatened the fabric of our life together–but careful study of the scripture has often been overshadowed by fear and political agendas. As the Episcopal Church continues to deal with the aftermath of the last General Convention, and approaches the upcoming one, we will reexamine the issues, asking how the Bible actually addresses homosexual activity, and how Christian tradition, reason and experience shape our understanding. Differing points of view are expected!
March 10-12 (Friday evening through Sunday morning) Healing through Stories Stories are not only entertaining; they can be healing and transformative for hearer and teller alike. The folklore of many cultures, and the great spiritual traditions, include stories which distill and convey potent healing wisdom. Hear, learn and explore some of these healing stories with drama teacher and master storyteller Sue Godsey.
March 30-April 1 (Thursday evening through Saturday noon) Praying for Justice and Peace: Sustaining hope in a world of anguish What are the possibilities for Christians called to intercessory prayer for the needs and sufferings of the world? How do faithful activists sustain strength for the long haul, and avoid burn out? How can any of us bear to live, clear-eyed and hopeful, with the overwhelming griefs that surround us? We will explore some approaches and insights into the role of prayer in the Church’s vocation to work for justice and peace.
April 20-22 (Thursday evening through Saturday midafternoon) The Artist’s Way: Art as prayer and meditation If you are an artist and a person of faith, you’re likely well aware of art as a spiritual practice. If you feel you’re not artistically inclined, much less talented–you may have some remarkably rich discoveries in store! Emily Frost, a highly gifted artist and art teacher with special interest in art as both a spiritual experience and a Christian discipline, will lead this special hands-on retreat.
May 18-20 (Thursday evening through Saturday midafternoon) Sacred Spaces Exploration of outer space is a great adventure; but inner space can be at least as challenging and adventuresome. Just as astronauts need a launching pad for their spacecraft, pilgrims of inner space need a base to launch them on the journey inward. We’ll learn how to create a special space and place of prayer where we’re especially willing to be open to meet the Divine Presence. This hands-on workshop/retreat will be led by Patty Brooke of the Diocese of West Texas, whose special interests and expertise include women’s spirituality and spiritual direction.
June 18-20 (Sunday evening through Tuesday midday) Women of Courage and Vision How easy it would be to forget the struggles and the heroism of women who pioneered the way of ordained ministry, often in church and social cultures which believed such ministry was unsuitable if not impossible. Explore the stories of women from the early days of the Christian movement as well as those from the 20th century who heard the call to ordained ministry and dared to break both tradition and church rules to follow it. What difference does it make to have women celebrating the Eucharist in a community of faith, and preaching in the church’s pulpits?
Most retreats and conferences open with Evening Prayer at 5:30 and supper following, and conclude with lunch, or, if Sunday, with breakfast and Eucharist.
