What if middle school was:

• Reading Shakespeare under the shade of a Chestnut Oak
• Working on a school-wide theater production
• Perfecting canoe strokes in preparation for a class trip down the Haw River
• Measuring and calculating product yield at The Community Farm
• Tending bees
• Hiking to Big Rock for a discussion about the Fall of Rome
• Writing poetry by the lake
• Monitoring water quality in the lake
• Measuring snakes and turtles
• Hiking the Lost Cove Wilderness to learn geography and land forms
• Focused on being outdoors, instead of at a desk
• A 2-week winterim each January in which students could focus on an area of special interest
• A day that starts with morning prayer, and shared joys & concerns
• A place where youth are loved and nurtured in community

Join us on December 6

Intrigued? We are too. On Sunday, December 6, from 2 to 5pm, we'll host a Community Forum to solicit and hear your ideas for what a middle school at Chestnut Ridge might look like. Bring your kids, your neighbors, but maybe not your dogs. We'll provide seasonal snacks, video clips, photos, and hands-on break out sessions designed to capture your bright ideas. Then, join us in January as we unveil the results of our time together.

Planning to come? This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Sunday, October 11 at 2:30 pm, Bishop Gwinn joined Chestnut Ridge staff and friends to consecrate 1 acre of land alongside Lake Fellowship as an EcoEternity Forest. Under a beautiful blue sky and autumn shades of leaves, guests congregated at the outdoor chapel overlooking the lake to participate in the consecration. An EcoEternity Forest is an alternative green burial concept where memorial trees are chosen as final resting places for the cremated ashes of individuals, families, or friends.

The People Have Spoken

For the THIRD year running, Chestnut Ridge was voted #1 by Carolina Parent readers! In their 2010 annual "Family Favorites" contest, Chestnut Ridge was voted the #1 day and residential camp by the readers of Carolina Parent Magazine.

The first weekend in March, 99 confirmands from Haw River, Christ, Salem, Davis Street, New Hope, Purley, Union Grove, Lebannon, Shiloh, and Hayes Barton United Methodist Churches gathered for a 2-night confirmation retreat.

During the weekend, they were blessed with gifted keynote speakers: Rev. Dr. Gayle Felton, who spoke on the meaning of Baptism and Holy Communion; Sarah Arthur, who talked about John Wesley and our distinctive United Methodist beliefs; and Rev. Dr. Fred Edie, who showed us his toolbox and shared a powerful message, "Christs and Christ's."

Rev. Jan Thornton-Irvine led a workshop on Christian service, and Rev. Kathy Hoyle led a workshop on worship, which included topics such as liturgy and prayer. Rev. Rich Greenway and Luke Lingle provided an interactive workshop on scripture and storytelling. Rev. Rhonda Parker and the staff of Chestnut Ridge offered ice-breakers and other activities as well as delicious meals. Rev. Duane Partin led worship music.

Between games, talks, worship, late night snacks and s'mores, confirmands found friendship and an experience of God's presence in and among the gathered community. "The best part is being outside," said one confirmand as she sat by the campfire. Confirmands enjoyed the camp’s activities such as canoeing, tree climbing, working in the garden, playing basketball, and taking hayrides.

Giving God,
Our provider, our starvation stopper,
Help the hungry see your greatness and provide for them the bread of life. Equip them to sustain and support themselves, their families, and future generations
So that they can be satisfied and not go hungry, and that they may teach future generations faith in you through your love.
Hanenu! Thanks be to You! Amen!

-Written by the girls of the 2009 Christ UMC Confirmation Class

On Sunday morning, the group celebrated a closing commissioning service and Holy Communion by the lakeside with the Rev. Bill Gattis (Burlington District Superintendent) giving the morning message. The confirmands left with a deeper understanding of what it means to bear the name "Christian" to the world. May God continue to bless them on their journey! To receive information about participating in a confirmation retreat at Chestnut Ridge next year, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

More Ways to Connect to CR

Can't get enough Chestnut Ridge news and happenings? We know the feeling. That's why we've created more eNewsletters, a Facebook fan page, a new blog authored by Rhonda, another blog about The Community Farm, and the ability to follow us on Twitter.