and I Must Go! Enjoy Shrine Mont's hospitality and also explore the surrounding countryside. Explore the George Washington National Forest with hikes of varying degrees of difficulty using some familiar Shrine Mont trails and some new trails blazed through the national forest. Long-time Shrine Mont guide Fred Forestall will lead day trips and other staff will lead half day trips varying in distance and difficulty. Adequate footwear and hydration devices are required. Tentative Schedule (Meals and other activities will occur…

Regula Franz will work with participants at both the beginner and advanced level teaching them to use your digital camera more effectively, the fundamentals of image capture and camera operation, proper exposure and use of your flash. Daily assignments will allow participants to explore the Shrine Mont’s 1,100 acres photographically and then share images in class to help you troubleshoot and develop a creative eye. Regula is a documentary photographer and instructor who holds a Master of Fine Arts in…

Join senior high students and their adult leaders from throughout the Diocese at Shrine Mont and have a weekend of fun and fellowship while enjoying the opportunity to feel connected with something bigger than just your own youth group. The Senior High weekend will consist of around 150 folks total and the youth represent the different types of churches in our diocese: old and young, large and small - you name it, and they're here. Click here for more information…

Devote a weekend to your well-being and reawaken with yoga this spring. Spend three beautiful days in the Shenandoah Valley at the historic Shrine Mont Retreat Center located in Orkney Springs, Virginia. Join us in active and passive yoga practices, including Hatha asana, gentle, and Yin yoga. Find rest and renewal through daily guided meditations and enjoy the serenity and beauty of this unique mountain sanctuary. Shrine Mont offers hiking and space for contemplative strolls, pure mineral spring water, and…

In 2019 the Diocese of Virginia Parish Youth Ministries (PYM) retreat will be for sixth - eighth grades and their adult sponsors. Visit the PYM webpage to learn more and register.  Note that youth must be accompanied by their adult sponsors

Cardigan Sweaters, Magnolia Trees, and Brioche:  Overlooked Biblical Metaphors for God "Stale." That's how my friend Sheila recently described her experience of church and God. When I probed deeper, I discovered that the root of that "staleness" lay in the images of God Sheila held. "I go to a church called Good Shepherd," said she. "I am not getting anywhere trying to pray to a shepherd. I'm not sure I've ever seen a shepherd." She's also pretty sure she's never…