ABIQUIU, NM — In today’s tumultuous world, we find that we can lift our spirits by directing the energy that has been stirred by current events and busy lives to focus and find Spirit through the creation of art, song, writing and healing. This helps to free ourselves to find an outlet for the feelings of our hearts whether they be gratitude, sorrow, anger or immense joy. Ghost Ranch offers individuals time to dedicate themselves to the creative pursuit of their choice, and be immersed in an experience that shifts us from the routine and challenges of everyday life to a week of exploration and immersion. No experience in creating art, song or written word is required.
CHURCH ART
Time Sensitive: Quickly approaching is the church art workshop with Brenda Grauer. Brenda is known most widely as the creator of contemporary, liturgical stoles and installation fabric art for the Presbyterian Church. Her April 24-29 retreat at Ghost Ranch, “Creating Art For, With, and In the Church,” provides focused time for creative renewal as well as the “re-newing” of our church’s life. Each day begins with the practice of new and ancient prayer forms, followed by the use of art materials to visualize insights from those experiences. For the first ten registrants, use this code to register. Ghost Ranch is extending registration scholarships. Participants or their church pay for lodging and meals fees.
MUSIC – Chorale and Gospel
Singing as a form of spiritual liberation allows individuals access to the exuberance of life. Ghost Ranch Chorale: Together in Song with Adam Waite (July 10-16) and Ghost Ranch Gospel Choir (July 17-23) offer two opportunities for individuals to be uplifted through song amidst a community of voices.
Ghost Ranch Chorale returns after a two-year hiatus. Conductor Adam Waite and accompanist Barbara Hulac, of Montview Presbyterian Church in Denver, CO unite a community of voices lifted in four-part plus harmony. Repertoire includes music by Stephen Paulus, Rosephanye Powell, Jonathan Dove, and Aaron Copland. The Chorale will perform in concert from the beautiful Agape Worship Center at the end of the week.
Ghost Ranch Gospel Choir is a decades old tradition, famous for making the red rocks sing. Pastor Todd and Linda O’Neal sing traditional and contemporary, old and new, gentle and rockin’ music with new insight and zeal. Participants are transformed and uplifted through community and song, leading to a performance at the end of the week for all ranch guests.
Other spirituality retreats and workshops in 2022:
- Creating Art for, With, and In Church | April 24-29
- Ghost Ranch Chorale with Adam Waite | July 10-16
- Ghost Ranch Gospel Choir with Todd and Linda O’Neal | July 17-23
- Creating Liturgy: The Art and Story of the Church | July 24-29 (5 nights)
- The Art of Aging | October 8-14
- Saints and Aints | October 8-14
- We Live Storied Lives | October 16-23
Costs for retreats are $625 plus lodging and meals. Rates range by number of workshop nights and on the type of lodging chosen – camping, dorm-style bath and rooms with private bath, range in price from ranging from $684 (dorm) to $1,074 (private bath). Camping is open for May-October workshops. Additional persons sharing a room pay a retreat fee plus meals.
About Ghost Ranch
Ghost Ranch was donated to the Board of Christian Education (BCE) in 1955 and continues to honor its history and connection to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Ghost Ranch is managed by The National Ghost Ranch Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that depends on donations to support its mission to provide transformational experiences. The 21,000 acre property is located 65 miles north of Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Open year-round, Ghost Ranch offers many programs and gatherings for spiritual formation and growth, including weeks for youth and families, among many other offerings. About 45,000 visitors come to Ghost Ranch each year from every U.S. state, plus 40 or more countries. Visitors can take tours of Ghost Ranch to visit the places artist Georgia O’Keeffe captured in her paintings and see locations made famous in films. Ghost Ranch museums showcase world-renowned paleontological fossils and archeological artifacts, and workshops include programs in spiritual/religious development, arts, sciences, environmental education and outdoor adventure, and health and wellness.