September: Routines and Retreats Begin

Young Adults from the Diocese on Retreat

As we begin what feels like a new year, we are starting to fall into some patterns and routines. 

We're spending lots of time in prayer and silence listening to where God is leading us with Heart Ridge.  We're definitely feeling that the Summer Camps are an integral part of our Heart Ridge Ministry as we've seen much fruit in the families and interns who participated.  We're also working on being that quiet witness and servant to guests of other religions and denominations who spend time here by themselves or with their families.  These guests fill our Airbnb's and provide needed income.
 
We're thrilled with the support from our Diocese, particularly with the young adult and college-aged ministries who have come for retreats.  We hope to have repeat customers from these groups every year.  And finally, we're very pleased with hosting our own retreats on topics and with groups that we are passionate about.  We're trying to balance the frequency of these events with just letting other groups rent our facilities.  

We learn with each group.  We still need much discernment and covet all your prayers.  

One of our popular Airbnb cabins and some guests.

One example of a retreat that we feel passionate about is our upcoming Men's retreat. (November 5-6) We know the importance of time away (for women, too) but with a men's retreat, it will give men time to hang out and talk with other men.  We're also excited about the topic, learning about St. Joseph.  This retreat will be loosely structured with lots of time for just "hanging out", Mass, confession, and something we've not offered before: Brews, Brats, and Bourbon.  We can thank Fr. Duncan for that suggestion.  Gabe Lewis will also be there to assist Fr. Duncan with the meditations about St. Joseph.  So please, sign up for this great event or encourage that special guy in your life to sign up.  

Profit or Non-profit Discernment

As many of you know, Heart Ridge is not set up as a non-profit.  We were wisely advised as we purchased this rundown property and invested money into fixing it up, that this would be the best way to capitalize on the tax gains from all our first year losses.  As our losses are starting to balance out with our gains, we are considering the non-profit route.  Some of the reasons to do this would be to help keep our taxes down, be able to accept donations of both time and money, and finally to be able to receive grants.  It's hard to start and keep a small business going in these times of inflation, so a non-profit might be the way to manage this.  We are looking into it.  Thus, much more discernment and prayers are needed!!!  We continually say the surrender prayer.  We recommend this to you, too.  

Finally, mark you calendars!

And this, for another group that desperately needs a retreat.