DEAR FRIENDS OF RING LAKE RANCH,
Ring Lake Ranch has enjoyed another very successful summer: guests, programs and speakers, weather and wonderful upgrades to the facilities. As you are undoubtedly well aware from the "Sermon on the Amount" which has become an informational, and, for some, an inspirational part of each Ring Lake Ranch session, guest fees do not cover all of the expenses of running the ranch. We are dependent on the generosity of the many friends which Ring Lake has garnered over the years to institute needed upgrades and to address deferred and not-to-be deferred maintenance issues. You have heard about and possibly seen and used the new bridge, new cabin, cabin/bed décor, dining room deck, septic tank, water heaters, etc., etc. You might be interested to learn that the original of one of the septic tanks, which had to be replaced, was lined with railroad ties (probably constructed by "tie-hacks"??). Is that old or what??
The ranch is an important part of the lives, now second and third generation attendees, of the many folk who have visited and revisited here over the years. Stimulating lectures, discussions, a beautiful setting, making new friends and becoming reacquainted with old friends, developing a sense of community, hikes, fishing, horseback riding and quiet times are all important parts of the Ring Lake Ranch experience which draw so many of you back again and again.
For those of you who have been so generous with your donations we offer a special thank you! It would not be possible to continue the Ring Lake Ranch experience without your support. For those of you who would be interested in becoming a "special friend of Ring Lake Ranch" you may send checks to the address listed elsewhere in the Carillon or contact the Development Committee of the Ranch's Board of Directors regarding special opportunities for large donations or to make Ring Lake Ranch a part of your estate planning.
Again, many thanks for your continued support!.
~ Dick McIntosh Board Member
NEW PORCH
Our Dining Room porch was in need of replacement. Now, thanks to a generous donor, the pot at the end of this rainbow is a new porch that is wheelchair accessible.
THE STORY OF TIME
Time stands still at Ring Lake. Or so it seems. But the truth is Ring Lake and all that surrounds it are anything but static. Everything is still undulating. Rhythmically. You may not feel it. But you can see the evidence of the perpetual rising and falling of the landscape everywhere.
Ring Lake tells the story of time. And I suggest Ring Lake tells our story as well. The deepest part of our story, its ultimate and primal mystery. Ring Lake tells the story of dying and rising.
Ring Lake is witness to the seeming eternal rising and dying that marks the very principle of life. And ecology. Of the land. And us.
Dying and rising.
This is how the universe is made. This is the rhythm of the landscapes of life. This is the pattern of human existence. And in this movement is our character born.
I suggest that dying and rising is not a duality. It is all one movement. It is all one great work. God is clearly in the rising. And God is clearly in the dying as well. God is in the upthrusting. And God is in the tearing down. And it is all marvelous in our sight.
The processes that began billions of years ago are ongoing. And ever will be. It's all so immense. At Ring Lake Ranch I stood deeply in time. And felt vastly out of time. Ah, this must be the eternal present. So, let us express our reverential happiness for being here now!
Thoughts excerpted from her homily, 14th Sunday after Pentecost, after a visit to Ring Lake Ranch, August, 2000.
~ Marianne Wells Borg
