Friends of Rivendell 

Those who are drawn to participate and support Rivendell’s sacred spaces are invited to become a Friend of Rivendell.  They commit to their own contemplative practices and offer service to Rivendell in a way that utilizes their gifts of time, talents and/or financial contribution. They will receive communications from Rivendell about ongoing news, events and programs. 

Companions of Rivendell 

When a Friend of Rivendell feels drawn to become more involved in The Rivendell Way, they are invited to participate in a discernment retreat.  A Companion commits to participation in a Journey Group of about six people.

Companions intentionally attend to each of the five practices that shape our Christian faith and soul life: prayer, silence, simplicity, hospitality and social action.  Part of the expression of social action is the support of Rivendell’s sacred spaces according to one’s gifts and means. Their participation in a Journey Group provides for mutual support, nurturing, and accountability in the contemplative journey.  

The Companions commit to:

• Follow Rivendell’s rhythm of life.

• Nurture and support each other in a Christian contemplative life.

• Express service/social action according to one’s gifts.

• Support Rivendell’s places of retreat through one of the forms of service.

• Participate in a Journey Group for a minimum of two years.

• Attend an annual retreat of one’s Journey Group (ideally alongside another Journey Group).

• Receive regular spiritual accompaniment.

• Mutual accountability and support.

At the discernment retreat, participants will learn of the commitment expected and further possibilities for service, including hosting but also a variety of other opportunities such as a member of the booking team, communications, gardening, maintenance, spiritual companioning, board member, fundraising and program leadership. 

Journey Groups will include diversity in terms of their connections to Rivendell’s varied sacred spaces or other involvements.  The groups will change their composition every two years to provide the opportunity to journey with others in the broader membership. 

Each Journey Group will have one Leader who will participate in Rivendell’s Leadership Circle. The Leadership Circle will also develop and offer programming for Rivendell.

Elders of Rivendell

Elders of Rivendell have traditionally been those who have let go of hosting yet remain committed to Rivendell.  This circle will now welcome those Companions who discern it is time to step back from active service.   A recognition and ritual of naming the Elders among us will take place during our Annual Meeting. Elders are invited but not required to continue participating in a Journey Group.  Their wisdom and mentorship will remain a rich resource within the community.  Some Elders may be willing to continue service in ways that suit their energy and skill.

An elder-in-residence at the Lodge will host alongside other hosts and if interested, may offer leadership at 5 o’clock gatherings, provide spiritual accompaniment, general welcoming of retreatants, and support to hosts.