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Dear Friends and Supporters of Cedar Cross,
As many of you are now aware, there is a huge void in our retreat mission group in the wake of Margaret Hilpert’s sudden and unexpected death on October 7th. We grieve the loss of her energy and creative spirit and ask for your prayers for John and the family. We do pledge ourselves to continue the mission of Cedar Cross to provide a place for rest, reflection and renewal—a mission to which Margaret was so deeply committed. And it is for such that we once again come to you requesting your investment and support.
(Those of you on our mailing list will also receive a copy of this letter in the mail. If anyone wants to be on our mailing list, please let us know. Send an email to cedarcrossregistrar@gmail.com.)
Please know that we are committed to carrying this ministry into the future and assuring its continuance. While our group numbers are slowly recovering from the pandemic, we have been pleased to welcome a surge in individual (and couple) retreatants and with your help have been able to remain in the black financially. At 22 years of operation, however, we are well aware that both our buildings and equipment are in need of some repairs and/or replacements and have initiated plans to address both.
As we reflect on and remember Margaret’s extraordinary gifts and graces among us, it has provided an occasion for sharing with you some of the more behind the scenes activities of other mission group members:
– Jimmy Allen, serves as our Retreat Coordinator with a depth of understanding the spiritual life and sharing a commitment to it. His pastoral skills have also served us well. Jimmy thoroughly understands the need for a place like Cedar Cross;
– John Hilpert, co-founder, trailblazer and overall steward of the vision. John faithfully stewards the property even in retirement which may mean lawn mowing one day or offering spiritual direction the next;
– Vickie Grove, our trail signs maker extraordinaire and steward of our precious connections with you;
– Butch Grove, Cedar Cross’ own “Mr. Greenjeans” whose mechanical, computer and moderating skills help to keep us on task and service focused;
– Ginger Allen, our newest member, brings her business acumen and cyber knowledge which all contribute to welcomed administrative needs and improvements;
– Lillie Jones, who, besides providing backup housekeeping help, always brings a prayerful presence to each of our undertakings;
– Mac Hulslander, chief “mosser” (presently enjoying creating a meditation moss garden) while also serving as a “swing man” for helping with whatever’s needed.
And, YOU, our great “cloud of witnesses”, whose support we feel undergirds us in all of the above and without which this ministry could not exist or move forward. THANK YOU!
We are, together in ministry,
the Cedar Cross Mission Group
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Jimmy Allen
Ginger Allen