Rocci Hildum tells tales
It is pretty difficult to adequately describe Men’s Retreat. It truly is more of a state of being and an experience than it is a place or event. The annual Men’s Retreat at Camp Myrtlewood is not a traditional Christian Retreat. It is not a traditional anything. Men’s Retreat began with a small group of men in the Pacific Northwest District of the Church of the Brethren who wanted to get together and share. It has evolved, or is that devolved, into an annual event that inspires in men a loyalty and devotion that few other things will.
The event takes place on a weekend in February beginning on Friday evening and ending on Sunday. There is always an option of staying over Sunday and leaving on Monday. The event is attended by a group of about 20 or 30 regulars who have been attending for years and a few visitors from as far away as Ohio, Illinois, and Virginia; there are always newcomers and unexpected arrivals including a few lost travelers who always seem to find their way to Myrtlewood. This annual event has become for many of the regular attendees the high point of their spiritual life every year.
What is most truly unique about Men’s Retreat is the absolutely unconditional acceptance and love offered to each and every man who comes, whether you have been there for the last fifteen years or you got lost on your way to a motorcycle race in California (which has happened); no matter your physical and/or mental abilities and/or limitations; no matter your theology and lack thereof. All are more than welcomed, they are embraced.
On Saturday mornings there may or may not be a planned program with leadership (Men’s Retreat has cultivated a unique culture that abhors too much planning); there is time for hiking to Vista Point and sharing Camp Myrtelwood’s greatest gift of hospitality to people and nature; or just sitting in the lodge by the fireplace telling and listening to lies told with varying degrees of expertise and flourish. In the afternoon on Saturday there is a Native American Sweat Lodge Ceremony in a lodge built on the Camp Myrtlewood Property. The weekend officially ends on Sunday after worship, though several men usually stay Sunday and leave on Monday.
There is usually a lot of music and singing, though music and singing may not be terms that would be universally applied to what happens when a lot of men without the benefit of female supervision pick up musical instruments. There is usually an eclectic mix of jokes both told and practical, including occasionally playing an unaware victim with Margaret’s soup and simultaneously jacking his truck up on blocks and then watching him try to drive away, which has also happened.
Do be cautious, come once and it’s very likely you’ll be back, every year.
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Camp Myrtlewood Managers:
Margaret &
John Jones
Managers in Training:
Sol Weil &
Trina McDaniel
(541) 572-5307
Our address:
49658 Myrtle Creek Road,
Myrtle Point, Oregon 97458
Affiliated with
The Church of the Brethren
Member of the
Outdoor Ministries Association
Comments
Men's Retreat synopsis
Good synopsis, Rocci, though the entire Retreat can't be covered or explained in mere words. As you wrote, it is more of a feeling and "state of being" (not just state of Oregon). I guess I'll try to share some of my feelings/thoughts on our Retreat to let others see it through MY eyes.
There are so many activities, and non-activities, going on at the same time that one would have to really work hard to find a way to be bored. While the "sweat" is going on there are alternative events for those who either cannot, or prefer not to, crawl into the lodge. Some of us take part in the portions of the sweat that happen outside the lodge. Some do craftwork. Some take hikes/commune with nature. A few use that time to play frisbee or other field games and some head to "town" to sample local life.
The "organized" discussions, church service, bible/book study and other activities are such that nearly everyone WANTS to be involved, though there is no obligation to participate. Its just that knowing the others are going to be there encourages nearly everyone to attend, and understanding that everyone is free to share and all will be accepted is such are rarity in our society that a special bond is created each year. In such an atmosphere it doesn't take long to feel the acceptance of "brotherhood" in Christ.
We understand that even the Disciples were MEN (make that HUMAN as most of us accept that WOMEN were also important to Christ's teachings in that era), not minor gods to be worshipped or placed on a pedastal. They also needed food, fellowship, support and encouragement. Though not mentioned in the Bible, their bodies also functioned as ours do and sometimes they weren't as "clean" as they might be. We, too, fail to reach "perfection" and we don't expect it of others - ordained or not - so we look to each other for "leadership" and understanding of Christ, the Bible and the mundane aspects of our daily lives. Among ourselves we are truly "BROTHERS" and this retreat holds everyone both to accountability as well as in loving acceptance.
The music, to me, is an important part of sharing. Everyone can participate either as a musician (regular accoustic instruments, spoons, washboard, washtub, empty cans,...) singers (even if you've been "removed" from every choir you've ever joined!) to active listeners. EVERYONE of every (non)ability is welcome to add. And the result is some of the best unsophisticated joyful noise I've ever heard -- while the most talented musicians/singers among us help make it good enough to please nearly any ear.
These are MY feelings, MY impressions, MY Men's Retreat. I'd like to read the thoughts and feelings of others regarding this time. Perhaps YOUR words will reach out and touch others encouraging them to join us. Maybe you will be responsibile for bringing someone who needs us to the right place for them. Maybe it will show others that we have something they need. Give it a try.
PEACE,
Pat
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