Twenty-one
New York State's Friends in Temporary Service (NYSFits) and the Wellspring
staffers began every morning at 7 a.m. with a
hearty breakfast followed by some spiritual and physical stretches and a
final admonition to "be careful out there!" Then the day's work
began: hammering, sawing, breaking down and building up, up and down ladders
and clambering around on roofs. These (mostly) retired folks showed us how
to keep young and active.
The results,
after five days high energy, great humor and back-breaking labor included:
two new roofs, one gorgeous knotty-pine ceiling (smells great), a new sliding
glass door (no more mouse holes), 2 new window-sills replacing the ones
so rotten that a finger could poke through it, and new electrical wiring
in the Center and kitchen. Wow! What an incredible gift ! Thank you NYSFits!
Thank you donors whose generosity also made this work possible! Thank you,
God! - JH
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In response to the NYSFits' and donors' generosity to us and our sensitivity
to and caring for those who continue to struggle in these economic times,
Wellspring has reduced the price of our events to make them more available
to more people. Please come!
Please read about the events that will be offered at Wellspring below!
Led by David Hilfiker and Ann Moczydlowski
The kind of
market capitalism practiced in the United States and imposed upon much of
the developing world is based on a series of assumptions - that are diametrically
opposed to the Good News of the Gospel. We tend, however, not to expect
morality of economics … the "experts" have presented these
assumptions as "just the way things are." These assumptions, however,
lead to destructive consequences -environmental disaster, poverty and inequality,
increasing unhappiness even among the affluent, resource depletion, and
others-but we feel helpless to oppose them.
In fact, however, the assumptions of market economics are value choices
that we could make differently.
In fact, there are hundreds of thousands of organizations, large and small,
around the world that are challenging the domination consciousness that
supports the economic system as it is. Why haven't we heard of this movement?
How can we join it?
What are the changes in government, corporate structure, economic principles,
and general spiritual consciousness that might save us from what looks now
to be a calamitous future? Where do we find our hope? How is Christian community
relevant to a new consciousness that might lead to a healthy economics?
What are the practical steps we might begin to take? And what's the role
of our faith?
Sunday we join one of the sister churches in the tradition of The Church
of the Saviour, Dayspring Church, for worship. Dayspring Church resides
on the same land upon which Wellspring lives.
$150 includes program, lodging and all meals/snacks
For registration information click here
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Come Away for a Daily Rhythm of Song, Silence, Conversation, Work and Play
Wellspring is delighted to host a Pilgrimage of Peace from July 23- August 22 (see below). The first and last weekends (July 23-25 and August 20-22) will be especially with and for young adults. There will be daily sung prayer led by Br. Stefan Andre Waligur, opportunities for work and play. Space and time will be given to dialogue with your peers on matters of social justice, living in community, practices of sustainability, sexuality, relationships, life choices, inner life and discernment. The daily rhythm will also include opportunities for body work and yoga. All are welcome. Come for a day or so, a week or the entire time! Pay what you can. Come! SEE PILGRIMAGE OF PEACE BELOW!
For registration information click here
July 23-August
22
Pilgrimage of Peace
This
summer from July 23-August 22 Brother Stefan Waligur
and Wellspring invites you to join us as we gather on our beautiful grounds
in what we call a Pilgrimage of Peace. Whether you come for
a day or two, a week, or the entire month, together in the midst of song
and silence, conversation, work and play we'll search for the sources of
peace; peace in our own hearts and minds, and peace in our world.
How did all of this come about? In 1999 I (Br. Stefan) encountered for the
first time two communities of faith that have shaped and guided my life
these past ten years. The first is the Community of Taizé in France.
The simplicity, joy, and integrity of this community spoke deeply to me.
And the most beautiful thing of all was to see the young people sitting
in silence, praying and singing, searching for God and meaning for their
lives. This was the beginning.
When I returned home to the United States I remember a prayer rising up
in me - " Oh God, let it be here." For more than 10 years this
prayer/desire has deepened and I have been working toward the
creation of a new ecumenical community that in many ways would be "a
little Taizé" for this country. That same year, 1999,
I entered the world of The Church of the Saviour (CoS). I felt drawn in
by the clear commitment of her members to live more deeply an inner and
outer journey rooted in the Call of God and the desire to flesh out the
gospel of Jesus Christ in community. I had to acknowledge that after years
of theological education I didn't get it. So, I began to attend just about
every CoS faith community, and every class in the Servant Leadership School.
In the process I entered into relationship and became mentored, guided and
shaped. Early on, I founded and led a weekly Taizé prayer at the
Potter's House and served as Liturgical musician at Christ House. For five
years, CoS continued to form me in the way of Jesus. I began to teach classes
at the SLS and lead retreats at Dayspring and Wellspring with my friends,
David Hilfiker and Carol Marsh with whom I entered into a mission group.
And now, I am delighted to return to Wellspring to be part of this daily
rhythm of life, to be a Pilgrim of Peace with you.
~ Br. Stefan Andre Waligur
__________________For registration information click here_________________________
Year by year the complexities of this world grow more bewildering, and so each year we need all the more to seek peace and comfort in joyful simplicities. ~ author unknown
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Wellspring on the road, in the air….
Did you know that if you are unable to come to Wellspring
but can gather a group for one of our events, we can bring Wellspring to
you? In April of this year some of our mission group members joined
with the Servant Leadership Center and The Rev. Jenny Gregg in "The
Berkshires" of Western Massachusetts to consider how to recover from
our cultural addictions. In past years we have taken our foundational event
around the globe and are happy to speak with you about coming to a group
in your town. Contact the Wellspring office at: office@wellspringministry.org
or 301-428-3373.
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June
25-27, 2010
Exploring the Non-Violence of Christ
Led by Ahimsa Christi
Join Dayspring's
peace and nonviolence group, Ahimsa Christi, for a retreat focused on living
the nonviolence of Christ. Through discussion, music, quiet time, and creative
exercises, we'll explore a spectrum of issues, including forgiveness, non-violent
communication, the sacredness of all life, and living in harmony with animals.
We will also consider various interpretations of violence in the Gospels
and the importance of joy as we face the challenges of living a non-violent
life.
§
$150 includes program, lodging and all meals/snacks
For
registration information click here
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October 8-11
13th Prayer
of Embodiment (PoE) Retreat
Leaders: (PoE)Mission Group, New Community Church
A retreat to recover, integrate and practice Christianity's profoundly embodied spirituality. Experience the love of God in Christ through a twice-daily rhythm of gentle yoga stretches, centering meditation, and communal silence. See more complete description of this annual fall event and costs at: www.wellspringministry.org/Prayerofembodiment
___________________For registration information click here____________________
October 21-24, 2010
World
Within/World Without
Led by Wellspring Mission Group Members
During Wellspring's foundational event we'll experience the
World Within: our personal relationship to God, and the World Without: the
world "out there" as well as the world that goes without the necessities
of life.
As we move through our time together we will discover and experience covenant
community, without which no Church of the Saviour ministry can happen, meet
with one of the down-town representatives of The Church of the Saviour,
and see the work of call enfleshed in various missions located in Adams
Morgan, Washington, DC.
Back on the beautiful 200 acre campus of Wellspring, there will be a time
for soaking in the wisdom and love of God through the gift of Earth Scripture
and companionable silence. Short presentations, small group discussions,
shared meals, and times for holy rest all culminate in an experience of
spiritual nurture, challenge and refreshment.
World Within - World Without provides an environment in which to touch your
own "world within" through an environment that is safe and conducive
to the work of the Spirit that may result in practical applications of service
to those who live in the "world without...." - JH
$225 includes program, 3 nights lodging & all meals/snacks
Contact us at: office@wellspringministry.org or 301-428-3373
For registration information see below
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To register for a Wellspring Event:
1. Send a $75 deposit* with:
2. Your name, address & phone #s
3. Your email address
4. Event name and dates you're coming
*If you are unable to pay, know that many churches offer scholarships. If
yours cannot help, please request a scholarship from us. Directions
to Wellspring
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Spring Medley
Colorful rainbows of birds are returning to Wellspring, warblers
and robins abound! A flock of Snow White Swans circle the Lake in their
migration towards the tundra. Buds are swelling on the magnolias and silver
maples; and yesterday the fox trotted easily across the ball field, enjoying
the warm day. What else can we do but rejoice as spring unfolds in a beautiful
creative display? -Susan Quass
Click here to read the rest of Susan Quass'
reflection.
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"Bloom
where you're planted," the thick, multicolored letters proclaimed as
they stood out on the green burlap hanging in the church hall of my childhood.
I don't recall the occasion - only that our family and others in the church
created an array of banners for all to see. I loved our chosen expression
and can't help but think of it now as I unpack my boxes yet one more time.
Those who have helped me move probably hope I will do just that, bloom certainly,
but even more become planted (or at least leave some books behind if I feel
called to move again).
Over roughly the last ten years I've moved from Union Theological Seminary
in Richmond to the farmland expanses of the southwest Virginia hills to
serve as a pastor to New Dublin Presbyterian Church... to the inner city
of Adam's Morgan in Washington, DC for Church of the Savior's discipleship
year program where I served at Joseph House as "compassionate companion"
to those dying with AIDS. Now, I have come to Wellspring Retreat and Conference
Center situated amidst the suburbs of Germantown, MD. As I write, I sit
in Siloam Cabin nestled among hardwood and evergreen trees. No matter where
I find myself, the saying has remained with me long after the burlap has
faded: "Bloom where you're planted." Here and in other Church
of the Savior ministries we might say: "Bloom where you're called"
instead. And it's here in these cabins, on this land many have sensed a
new call or a new place of planting, or been renewed to live into a calling
already taking root, or caring for a call well worn.
What a blessing it is to be planted here, to walk the paths, worship in
the farmhouse with Dayspring Church, learn with others in the school of
Christian living, to care for the cabins where many of you have slept. I'm
exploring with the Wellspring Mission Group the shape an ongoing intern
position might take here. For the year I will involve myself in the life
and work of this community and see where our lessons might lead and just
what blooms might be found here.
Hope to see you at "the Well."
With A Grateful Heart,
Jean
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Calendar of Remaining Offerings for 2010
May 21-23
The Economic System:
What do our spiritual values have to do with it?
Leaders: David Hilfiker/Ann Moczydlowski
June 25-27
Exploring the Non-Violence of Christ
Leaders: Ahimsa Christi
(Peace and Non-violence Group of Dayspring Church)
July 23-August 22
A Pilgrimage of Peace
Leaders: Br. Stefan Waligur and Wellspring
See emphasis for young people at the top of this page
October 8-11
13th Prayer of Embodiment (PoE) Retreat
Leaders: (PoE)Mission Group, New Community Church
October 21-24
World Within/World Without
Leaders: Wellspring Mission Group
§
Remaining 2010 Days of Rest and Prayer
Easter: May 17-19
Ordinary: September 13-15
Advent: December 6-8 See: www.wellspringministry.org/Daysofrestprayer
~~~
Did
you know that you can receive Wellspring's newsletter electronically?
Just send us your address
(our's is office @wellspringministry.org )
and request the "green version" of our newsletter!
Thanks for helping us to care for our earth!
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Caution to the wind:
Faith Lessons from the Life of Don McClanen
A newly released biography of Don McClanen, a principal founder of Wellspring, chronicles the events leading to the creation of our ministry here thirty-five years ago.
The book, Caution to the Wind: Faith Lessons from the Life of Don McClanen covers Don's founding of five major ministries beginning with the national Fellowship of Christian Athletes. After leaving FCA, Don came to the Washington, D.C. area in 1962 harboring the dream of a ministry that would introduce people acrosss the country to exciting Christian renewal movements after World War II that resembled "springs of water welling up into eternal life" (John 4:14). One of those movements was The Church of the Saviour in Washington, the small, vibrant and unusual church Don joined at the time.
Initially, Don failed to find others interested in such a ministry. The Church of the Saviour's pastor, Gordon Cosby, counseled him to place the vision aside for a time. Don spent 10 years as manager of Dayspring, a retreat farm that the church owned at Germantown, MD. But he never forgot his Wellspring vision. In early 1973, two other church members approached Don separately and unexpectedly abou the idea he had discussed with them years before, saying they were now ready to "give their lives" to such a ministry.
Don and the two, Pat Davis and David Dorsey, "sounded the call" for others to join the Wellspring ministry at a Church of the Saviour service in February 1973. Ten people responded. The group initially held its weekly two-hour devotional and planning meetings at 5 a.m., a time Don adopted because of everyone's busy schedules but also to discourage half-hearted participation. The group refined its purpose to that of introducing people across the country to The Church of the Saviour's unique approach to Christian discipleship, with required daily disciplines of devotional reading and prayer - the "inward journey," the "outward journey" - through which members tackled social issues such as poverty, racism, homelessness and addiction, all lived out in a committed Christian community of accountability and support.
The group held its first "Wellspring Orientation" in October 1973, a weekend immersion into the life of the Church of the Saviour. Twelve people from acrosss the country came after writing spiritual autobiographies and reading assigned books. They shared about their lives, were introduced to the discipline of silence and visited several Church of the Saviour missions. Several later testified that the weekend changed their lives, giving them a new and powerful sense of what church could be.
At the same time, Don secured grants, donations and loans totaling several hurdred thousand dollars to build the Wellspring Center, a conference facility at Germantown, Md., where Wellspring events could be held.
Within two years, Wellspring mission group members led one event per month at Germantown and other locations across the country. The ministry also offered a three-year "covenant partners" program in which pastors reported to a Wellspring spiritual director for three years and returned for Wellspring events several times a year to fully absorb The Church of the Saviour's approach to ministry.
In 1975, a seven-day silent retreat moved Don in a different direction. During the silence his mind kept returning to the issues of money, sex and anger. Afterward, a nun told him, "You're contemporizing the old monastic vows of poverty, chastity and obedience." That insight inspired Don to organize Wellspring events highlighting those topics. He soon narrowed his focus to money, and Ministry of Money was born - an outreach under Wellspring's umbrealla that explored the relationship between faith and material possessions. In 1981, Ministry of Money separated from Wellspring and became its own separate entity. Don remained head of Ministry of Money for 25 years, until 1999. Ministry of Money, like Wellspring, continues its vital work today.
In addition to chronicling the details of Don's often-adventurous life, Caution to the Wind includes reflections of Christian traits and concepts that were crucial to his life, such as boldness, authenticity, calling, spiritual growth, friendship giving and identification with the poor.
The book, written by former journalist Joe Murchison, is available online for $16 from Cross Training Publishing (www.crosstrainingpublishing.com), the Potter's House bookstore in Washington, D.C. (www.pottershousedc.org/bookstore), Amazon.com and FCA Gear (www.fcagear.com). All royalties from the sale of the book will be donated to ministries aiding the poor around the world with which Don has worked.
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