Retreat.Engage.Support
Penuel Ridge was created and is sustained by the generous resources of people like you. Your time, talent, and financial support is critical to supporting our mission of keeping the retreat fees modest to ensure all can experience our healing space.
Upcoming Retreats
Penuel Ridge sponsors themed retreats which focus on contemporary topics of the day.
2022 Offerings
11.23.2022 - Quenching a Deep Thirst...a Guided Silent Retreat (on-site) held on the 4th Wednesday of each month from 10 am - 4 pm, Penuel Ridge offers a day to engage in the restorative practice of silence. An experienced Guide will lead you through time-honored techniques to transition from daily life into the deep quenching pool of inner quiet. Bring a journal, sack lunch, inquisitive mind, and a willingness to immerse yourself in quiet, stillness, and rest. Reserve your space below:
Kathryn L. Mitchem, is a retired Deaconess in the United Methodist Church and founding member of Penuel Ridge Retreat Center. She will share the practice of Contemplative Meditation as a way to enter the sanctuary of silence for the day.
Your Guide for November:
Kathryn L. Mitchem
Upcoming Guided Silent Retreat Days:
December 28th - Robbie Pinter will be our guide, offering the practice of Lectio Divina with Poetry. For her introduction, she will bring a series of poems and questions and participants will respond in writing and/or art to the poems.
January 25th - to be announced
February 28th - Kasey Hitt will be our guide
10.13.2022 to 11.17.2022 -Autumn Contemplative Nature Walks
This six-week series will be part nature walk, part contemplative practice, and part conversation, led by Soul Companion, Susan Ernst. Attend one session or attend them all! Each session is a stand-alone event with the walk held from 10 AM - 12 noon and personal reflection time from 12 noon - 1:00 PM. Taken as a whole, they provide a foundation for practicing nature contemplation.
We will walk together through the gorgeous autumn landscape at Penuel Ridge, meeting some of the plants and animals that reside here while learning more about ourselves and each other. Participants should wear clothing appropriate for the weather; hiking shoes, a journal and pen, and bring water.
Together, we'll engage in contemplative practices, including: Noticing, Openness, Wonder, Concentration, Appreciation, and Gratitude during these sessions:
Session I - Noticing (10.13.22) To notice involves slowing down, paying attention, and being present to the physical realities around us. We will begin with a brief introduction to the history and benefits of contemplative walking, then explore the trees along the Lake Trail, practicing our noticing skills. Lastly, we will gather to share what we have encountered.
Session II - Openness (10.20.22) Nature teaches us that there is always something to learn if we are open to it. This week we gather to open ourselves to this autumn in this place. What new inspiration and lessons await us?
Session III - Wonder (10.27.22) Wonder is an emotion not often acknowledged. How can wonder enhance our well-being as well as our concern for the natural world? Come learn how to open yourself to experience wonder as we walk one of the trails at Penuel Ridge.
Session IV - Concentration (11.3.22) Time in nature helps us slow down, relax, and rejuvenate. That is, if we are intentional about it. We can be as distracted in the natural world as anywhere. This session will focus on concentration and awareness, which can lead to deeper appreciation and understanding for every aspect of life. Please bring a magnifying glass if you have one.
Session V - Appreciation and Delight (11.10.22) Discover how time with nature can help us grow in appreciation and delight. Can this practice help shift our perception of situations we don't view favorable? We will explore those ideas during our personal reflection, conversation, and walk.
Session VI - Gratitude (11.17.22) November is the season of Thanksgiving and Gratitude. Let's gather to discuss the themes of abundance, harvest, thanksgiving and gratitude. We will walk the trails with an eye for how these themes are expressed in nature.
Cost: $30 per session or $168 for the series (6 sessions)
Location: Penuel Ridge Retreat Center - 1440 Sams Creek Rd - Ashland City, TN 37015
This series is facilitated by Susan Ernst, our resident Spiritual Director. Susan is an artist, naturalist and soul care practitioner who is passionate about Nature, Creativity, and the Sacredness of Everyday Life. Susan holds degrees in Horticulture, Studio Art, and Religion & Ecology, as well as certificates in spiritual direction, master naturalist training, and nature contemplation.
Penuel Ridge and Rev. Edwin C. Sanders, II, Senior Servant at Metropolitan Interdenominational Church invite you to a day-long experience centered around Howard Thurman's great contribution to the 20th century. We will delve into the thought of this incredible minister, mystic, philosopher, and preacher-educator.
Together, we will gather in the idyllic setting of Penuel Ridge Retreat Center, a 135-acre natural setting designed to be quietly hospitable for the enhancement of personal reflection and spiritual renewal. Listen to excerpts from Howard Thurman's sermons and teachings, delivered in his own voice, participate in a small group interaction, and have ample time for reflection and rejuvenation.
A healthy lunch will be served. Please indicated any dietary restrictions when booking the reservation
Date: Saturday, November 11, 2023
Time: 9 am – 4 pm
Location: Penuel Ridge Retreat Center – 1440 Sams Creek Rd Ashland City, TN 37015
Cost: $40 per person, a nutritious lunch and materials will be provided
To Register, please purchase the retreat below:
Donate
Penuel Ridge is supported by gifts from individuals, faith communities, grants, and modest retreat fees. Please contact us for our current needs or donate directly online.
Volunteering
Penuel Ridge is powered by volunteers! We need people to help as greeters, landscapers, maintenance, and communicators. We are recognized as a project site for Alternate Spring Break, community service for Middle Tennessee counties, and Service projects for groups and individuals. Please contact us for our current needs.
 Americorps VolunteersAmericorps housed these volunteers during the 2010 Nashville floods |
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 Alternative Spring BreakStudents from Drexel cleared invasive bamboo and delivered to the Nashville Zoo as part of their Alternative Spring Break. |
 Landscaping VolunteersLocal groups often hold work days at our center |
 LandscapingLocal groups often hold work days at our center |
 Labyrinth constructionVolunteers from a local college built our 11 circuit labyrinth |