What is pathways retreat?
Birthed in 2008, Pathways is a spiritual retreat center in Goshen for individuals and groups seeking sacred space for rest, reflection and renewal. Offering a rhythm of daily and seasonal prayers, Pathways creates community grounded in love and wholeness. Spiritual direction, personal retreats, and a variety of group retreats provide opportunities for companionship and solitude.
The retreat house, expanded in 2016, is the central hub for Pathways' ministries.
Pathways also includes 17 acres of forest and meadow on which two miles of trails are available for walking. A private cottage in the woods and several rooms in the retreat house provide welcoming space for personal retreats. Two prayer labyrinths and secluded alcoves located throughout the property invite guests to rest and reflect.
The retreat house, expanded in 2016, is the central hub for Pathways' ministries.
Pathways also includes 17 acres of forest and meadow on which two miles of trails are available for walking. A private cottage in the woods and several rooms in the retreat house provide welcoming space for personal retreats. Two prayer labyrinths and secluded alcoves located throughout the property invite guests to rest and reflect.
Who comes to pathways retreat?
Most guests live within a 50-mile radius and include clergy and others in service professions; adults of all ages and life stages; college and seminary students; and school-aged children. Leadership groups from churches, healthcare, and service organizations desiring a quiet, prayerful and convenient location for a meeting also come to Pathways. By providing leaders a place to rest, reflect and renew, they are better able to hold space for the people they serve, making known love and wholeness in the world.
What is the capital campaign?
In 2016 Pathways purchased 3 ½ acres adjacent to its property that is an open, expansive space. Having heard the land calling to be more fully integrated into Pathways’ mission, we invited our guests to help discern what this land offers. Based on this guidance, the Board of Directors is excited to raise $155,000 for the following:
Outdoor Pavilion
The pandemic and our desire to be able to offer more group events outside in creation, raised awareness of the need for a covered outdoor space . The pavilion is a response to this need. It will be an open, protected space for prayers, programs , and group gatherings. This octagon-shaped structure is designed as a unique space featuring a roof that allows light to enter and a painted labyrinth on the floor. A hard-surface walkway will provide access from the retreat house.
Land Restoration
Nurturing creation is one of Pathways’ six values. Living this value, a large part of the 3 ½ acres will be restored with native prairie grasses and wildflowers for a healthy ecosystem. Restoring the land involves removing invasives, planting for beauty and biodiversity, paying attention to what wants to emerge, and cooperating with nature’s generative forces. In this open space, boulders for sky gazing will complement Pathways’ wooded areas and trails.
Tree of Hope and Hammocks
The Tree of Hope features a sculpture by local artist Sunday Mahaja on which guests can tie strips of cloth for personal prayer, similar to the traditional Celtic clootie (cloth) tree. Nearby, in a shaded area located underneath mature pine trees, there will be space for guests to rest in hammocks.
Outdoor Pavilion
The pandemic and our desire to be able to offer more group events outside in creation, raised awareness of the need for a covered outdoor space . The pavilion is a response to this need. It will be an open, protected space for prayers, programs , and group gatherings. This octagon-shaped structure is designed as a unique space featuring a roof that allows light to enter and a painted labyrinth on the floor. A hard-surface walkway will provide access from the retreat house.
Land Restoration
Nurturing creation is one of Pathways’ six values. Living this value, a large part of the 3 ½ acres will be restored with native prairie grasses and wildflowers for a healthy ecosystem. Restoring the land involves removing invasives, planting for beauty and biodiversity, paying attention to what wants to emerge, and cooperating with nature’s generative forces. In this open space, boulders for sky gazing will complement Pathways’ wooded areas and trails.
Tree of Hope and Hammocks
The Tree of Hope features a sculpture by local artist Sunday Mahaja on which guests can tie strips of cloth for personal prayer, similar to the traditional Celtic clootie (cloth) tree. Nearby, in a shaded area located underneath mature pine trees, there will be space for guests to rest in hammocks.
How much do you need to raise?
The total cost for this is $155,000 and we enter the public phase of our fundraising effort with about $105,000 already committed. These funds have come from past and current board of directors, memorial funds, and a few large donors. One large donor has pledged an additional $25,000 donation, to be used as matching funds for contributions made during our public campaign. To reach our goal (and get the benefit of this generous matching fund offer) we need to raise $25,000 by the end of March.
What is the time frame for this project?
We are aiming to break ground for the pavilion early this spring and complete the building by the end of the summer. The prairie restoration is slated to be planted winter of 2024-2025. The Tree of Hope sculpture, the Sky Gazing Rocks, and the Hammock Room are already in place.
Why the theme "The land is calling...Restore the land, restore the soul"?
The land has always been an integral part of Pathways Retreat’s ministry. Back in the formational, dreaming stage, the founding board of directors were drawn to the possibilities of the land, and early on created walking paths, labyrinths, and a wildflower meadow. We have also engaged in creation care through ecological restoration activities in the forest. For the first 15 years, however, the focus has necessarily been on building and learning to use the retreat house, developing ministries, and creating solid and predictable operational procedures. These have been more indoor activities.
But the land is calling… calling to be more fully restored and integrated within Pathways’ ministry of rest, reflection, and renewal. Our capital campaign will enable guests to more fully experience the restoration of their souls, in support of our vision that all may know love and wholeness.
But the land is calling… calling to be more fully restored and integrated within Pathways’ ministry of rest, reflection, and renewal. Our capital campaign will enable guests to more fully experience the restoration of their souls, in support of our vision that all may know love and wholeness.
How can i help
Please consider a tax deductible contribution. Contributions can be made by cash, check, or on-line using the button below.
Pathways Retreat is a 501(c)3 Charitable Organization so your donation is fully tax deductible if you itemize deductions. Pathways Retreat is not owned by any individual or group. It is an independent organization, governed by a board of directors.
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