Founded in 1984, Penuel Ridge Retreat Center was the realization of a dream for Don and Joyce Beisswenger and their friends. Penuel Ridge is a contemplative, interfaith retreat center near Nashville, Tennessee. Its name comes from the Genesis story of Jacob, who wrestled with God at a place called Penuel.
There are times when we too need to encounter God in a special way. We are not a church or synagogue; rather we’re a place for personal spiritual renewal.
Our Heritage Statement: To call people apart in a natural setting, to encounter in deep ways the love of God, neighbor, and self and to experience the integrity of all creation.
Mission Statement: We are a spiritual retreat center in Middle Tennessee, honoring our heritage and fostering values of contemplation, silence, hospitality, rest, social justice and communion with nature; nurturing the journey inward to strengthen the journey outward
Who We Are
Penuel Ridge is a not-for-profit group who have 120 acres of lovely, rolling land, with a lake, meadows, woods, trails, and wildlife. On the land, we've built a straw bale chapel (The Well) and a hermitage (The Dorothy Day House). The Main Retreat House serves as a comfortable meeting, dining, and sleeping space, as well as an office and living quarters for the Resident Staff person. We offer a quiet, hospitable setting to all who need time and space to relax, to be out-of-doors, to pray or play, or to seek guidance and clarity for their life journey. You may sit by the lake, walk the trails, browse the library, or simply "be" in the presence of God.
From the very first we made the following commitments:
"We are rooted in the Christian and Jewish faiths, but welcome persons of all traditions, for whom we want to provide a safe and hospitable place. We want to deepen our inward spiritual lives, and at the same time to work for justice and peace.
"Our primary tool for this is silence. We offer worship and meditation, rather than workshops or classrooms, for individuals or small groups. We are inclusive as to race, gender, income, age and education.
"Because we believe that spirituality cannot be found apart from all of creation, we care for our natural environment, keep our groups small, and listen to the land. Our activities are earth-friendly, compassionate, and simple, welcoming the poor, and caring for this garden."
Penuel Ridge Fee Structure*
Individuals: $20 per day, $25 overnight.
A Family (two adults): $35 per day, $40 overnight.Children up to the age of 12 are free; those 13-18 pay half price.
Groups: During the week (Monday-Thursday): $20 per person per day, $25 per person overnight.
Groups: Weekends (Friday-Sunday): $25 per person per day or $30 per person overnight.
Penuel Ridge sponsored retreats: $50 per person, including lunch. Retreat fee to be paid at the time reservation is made.
Deposit for Individuals and Families: for day retreats and single overnight stay - no deposit required; for multiple night stays - 50% of total stay required
Deposit for Groups: for day retreats and all overnight stays - 50% of total stay required
PLEASE NOTE: Deposits are refundable if notice of cancellation is received 30 days or greater from your retreat date. If notice of cancellation is received less than 30 days from your retreat date, the deposit is retained as a cancellation fee.
*Fees may be negotiated with the Resident Staff person to ensure that cost alone never prevents a person or group from coming to Penuel Ridge. |
