A Little Piece of Heaven

Gretchen S. Jordan, Christian Education Director

Chapel Hill is often referred to as a little piece of heaven. But I now claim one more spot on the North Carolina map which could just as easily be referred to as another little piece of heaven. Tucked into the rolling hills of western North Carolina outside of quaint Hendersonville is our very own KANUGA Conference Center. "Episcopalians of all ages and points of view have now for three score and more years looked to Kanuga as the steady, dependable ministry for good within our church...have found in this mountain village by a lake a gathering place where differences are discussed but with lowered voices...where prayers are said, the Bible read, deep thoughts pondered, reconciliation sought...where the real work of the Gospel - evangelism, education, concern for the hungry, the poor, for those endangered by ravaging disease - is proclaimed...from which the faithful depart recalling and taking with them to neighboring town, distant city, to African village, English countryside the Good New of Our Lord." (From the Kanuga Conferences 2004 program brochure)

The exuberance displayed and praises spoken by some of our parishioners (Vivian and Barney Varner, Anne and Kevin Collins, Martha and Larry Hart and so many others) who have spent time at Kanuga gave me some indication of what I might expect as I prepared for my time there. But even the sparkle in little Kevin and Haleigh Collins' eyes (4 and 10 year old children of Kevin and Anne) could not fully prepare me for the experience. I return to the Chapel of the Cross wanting to share with others the beauty and power of this place and encourage more of you to reap the benefits of a stay at Kanuga, the other piece of heaven just a bit west of us!

During the week of June 20, I participated with more than 200 people from across the United States in the Christian Formation Conference as a part of my annual study leave. It was a kaleidoscopic event designed to engage each person in a colorful and lively array of workshops, worship, and fellowship. Several parishes brought groups. One parish from Phoenix, Arizona, boasted the largest representation with eight adults and nine children! This is a place for all ages. There are camps for the children and youth and inspiring presentations and workshops for the adults. There are also rocking chairs, walking trails and a labyrinth for a more relaxed pace. Evenings offer intergenerational learning and play. The dining room exceeds the usual conference center bill of fare. Our concluding dinner was a sumptuous buffet of seafood and beef complete with linens and candles! Have I whet any appetites? It is my hope that next summer we, too, can boast one of the largest representations. The Christian Formation Conference and the Spirituality Conference will again share the facility space; these conferences will be the week of June 19, 2005. While the Kanuga Program Committee plans a wide array of conferences, one can simply enjoy the beauty during special guests periods. Bert and Molly Dempsey with children, Lucy and Alice, will be spending some time there this summer and should be ready to share more with you upon their return.

A full calendar can be found on the Kanuga Website, www.kanuga.org. Early 2005 offers these outstanding opportunities:

January 30 - February 3, 2005 Listening for the Heartbeat of God with Philip Newell

March 7 - 11, 2005 Bowen Conference with Barbara Brown Taylor