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Revisiting Our Past - To Prepare For Our Future
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Greetings!
We are still on a high from the experience of our 60th Anniversary and first annual homecoming event here at Stony Point Center. About sixty of us gathered to renew connections, share memories, and dream about the future. There were many highlights, but a few things stood out.
Former directors and their spouses were honored for their service to Stony Point Center, which spanned from 1958 to 2008. As each remembered his or her time here, what crystallized for us was the way in which SPC has always pushed the edge of the envelope, crossing barriers in ways that seemed to challenge conventional wisdom.
- From 1958 to 1961 the Ecumenical Training Institute challenged notions of partnership across denominational boundaries.
- For the next dozen or so years, The Missionary Orientation Center prepared a new generation of mission workers who brought a clear critique of the ways that the mission enterprise had been linked to the vagaries of the colonization of much of the world.
- In the 1970's and 80's, SPC became home to people from around the world who were known for their commitment to the causes of peace and social justice.
- By the late 1990's, SPC had figured out how to be truly welcoming to people from a wide variety of economic, racial and theological backgrounds in the New York metro area.
What fascinated us most was the resonance that those from Stony Point's past felt as they listened to and reflected on the words of Rabbi Lynn Gottleib, founder of Shomer Shalom, and Chaplain Rabia Harris, founder of the Muslim Peace Fellowship. You can read Rabia's powerful words on the Muslim Peace Fellowship website. As these two amazing women prepare to move to Stony Point Center to found residential Jewish and Muslim communities in partnership with the Luke 6 Project (A Christian Community for Nonviolence, Justice and Care for Creation), it is obvious that the spirit is once again "on the move" here at SPC.
We worshipped together (click here for a copy of Susan Andrew's marvelous sermon), spent time with Dean James Morton viewing his art collection, and saw "Free Man of Color" at the Penguin Theater. Most importantly, we remembered and we dreamed. As you plan your calendar for next year, view our rich Program offering and stay tuned for the dates for next year's "Second Annual" Homecoming!
Kitty and Rick
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 Past and Present:
Betsy Yeager's Story
by Joyce Cass Pratt
Stony Point Center is a place of peace. A peace that people yearn to come back to and renew and refresh their spirit. This is the case with Betsy Yeager, who is 84 years old and is still drawn to God's presence here at SPC. During our homecoming weekend, many folks shared their stories and wisdom with each other. Betsy blessed this writer with her stories about the very rich life she leads and how SPC has been a constant and vital part of it.
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| Tribute to Margaret Flory
Many of those attending our homecoming ceremony took part in a moving memorial service where Margaret's ashes were spread in her cherished Japanese Garden. For more on Margaret's life and legacy, click here. |
Faithful Feasting
 As hosts at Stony Point Center, we want to welcome our guests to join us in our spiritual pilgrimage of Faithful Feasting. Faithful Feasting encourages the use of fresh vegetables and locally sourced food while limiting meat preparation and consumption. Our food choices and menus during your stay will reflect our commitment to this pilgrimage. You can expect to see creative, hearty and healthy vegetarian entrees during the week, with the addition of locally sourced beef, poultry, or fish for weekend dinners. We are excited about reducing the impact to our environment through the food we offer our guests. We encourage you to join us on this pilgrimage and together we can keep the feast, eat with all of our senses, enjoy our food and leave little behind. Do not hesitate to let us know your special dietary needs. | |
First Annual Homecoming was a huge success!
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Oral History Project
Tell your story!
View sample clips of our on-going oral history collection. Do you have a story to tell about Stony Point Center? Email Lawrence Soehnel to set up a time to document your connection to the Center!
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Friend's Boost Technology
 The Friend's make a generous contribution to technology upgrades. The Friend's of Stony Point Center are a dedicated group often sneakily supporting aesthetic upgrades and quietly supporting projects that enhance the guest experience. They have helped to push us further into the 21st century. For more information about how their gift will improve the guest experience, see story. |
Boat anyone?
 We are lucky to be in such close proximity to the Hudson River and the Seven Lakes of Harriman State Park. We are looking to build a flotilla of canoes and kayaks to help our guests enjoy these local gems. If you have a canoe or a kayak in good repair that you would be willing to donate (tax-deductible), please contact Rick by email.
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Programs 2010
View our Program Offerings for 2010. More details to follow!
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Come Join Us in Ministry, Stony Point Center is a ministry of the Presbyterian Church (USA) Stony Point Center 17 Crickettown Road, Stony Point, NY 10980 845-786-5674
Photos courtesy of Carloyn Klassen |
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