“I used to believe that prayer changes things, but now I know that prayer changes us, and we change things.” ~ Mother Teresa …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Dear Friends of Cedar Cross, Through the years, Cedar Cross Retreat Center has been shaped and stewarded by the servant leadership of many. We, the Mission Group, come to you today announcing a leadership transition. After eight years of faithful service as Retreat Coordinator, Jimmy W. Allen is stepping back from this role. We are pleased to welcome Jane Williams as our next Retreat Coordinator. During Jimmy’s time as coordinator, many of you have gotten to know him, experienced his warm welcome, and benefited from the heavy behind-the-scenes work he has done to foster this special place of rest, reflection, and renewal. Through Jimmy’s years of leadership, the retreat center has increased in capacity, much needed work has been done to the facilities, and hospitality has shone forth as a central value. |
Serving through Cedar Cross has been a labor of love for Jimmy, and when love is poured into something, transformation often occurs. Many guests over these years have experienced spiritual shifts in their lives — big and small — and a piece of that has come from Jimmy’s work to create space where Spirit can move, flow, and act. We are deeply grateful for Jimmy’s dedication and work, but also for his welcoming presence, and his prayers which have flowed over this place. As he steps back from this role to focus on his health, we ask for your prayers over him and his family.
Jane Williams, a member of the Cedar Cross Mission Group, will be stepping into the role of Retreat Coordinator. She and her husband came on retreat during the pandemic, and found their souls deeply at home. For many years, they have both sensed a calling into retreat ministry, and over their years of involvement with Cedar Cross, have had this calling affirmed in many ways.
Jane wears many hats in life. She is an ordained Baptist minister and holds certificates in Leading Contemplative Spiritual Groups and Retreats from the Shalem Institute and in Spiritual Formation from Columbia Theological Seminary. She works as a nurse anesthetist (CRNA) in surgical centers and offices around the Triangle and is also a Duke-trained Health and Well-Being Coach. She is the mom to two boys (11 and 13). A Master Gardener in Orange County, Jane volunteers monthly heading up a booth at the Eno River Farmers Market in Hillsborough. In her free time, she loves to weave scarves and table linens on her looms and to hike local trails. She and her family live in Chapel Hill. (Scroll down for a note from Jane.)
When you reach out to schedule your next retreat, you’ll reach Jane through the usual channels:
(919)729-2586
If you haven’t been to Cedar Cross yet, or it’s been a while, we invite you to come, slow down for a bit, and nourish your soul in this set-apart place.
You are welcome here!
Sincerely,
Cedar Cross Mission Group
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A note from Jane
One of life’s constants is that things change.
Change comes at us every day, and we are left to figure out whether to embrace it, reject it, modify it, fight it, or just ignore it. Different seasons call for different responses.
Change throws us into that place of threshold, liminal space, of standing right on the precipice between what was familiar and what is unknown. Some may respond by squaring shoulders, ‘locking in’ (new lingo from the kids these days), and launching off boldly into the unknown. For costly change, most of us probably shrink back, try to weight the costs, do all of our research, poll the audience, and try everything in our power to get a glimpse of what this unknown might actually be before we are willing to step through the doorway to greet it. Some change sneaks up on us and rocks us to our core, causing all the unimportant fluff of life to fall away. Some change comes gently, friendly-like, and beckons us toward it.
When these moments come, as they always will, it is comforting to remember that we are held by the One who remains changeless.
A contemplative chant by the late Gerald May:
Changeless and Calm
Deep Mystery
Ever More Deeply
Rooted in Thee
As we at Cedar Cross navigate change, one wise Mission Group member has reminded us, “Proceed as Way opens.” Though change is hard, Spirit’s provision and care through this time has been evident. This transition time has given the Mission Group an opportunity to envision some new ways of doing things and ways of streamlining processes. Others are sensing the call to step up in involvement to help fill gaps and to fill new roles. There will inevitably be some bumps and detours along the way, as we journey into a different season, but we are also experiencing unexpected gifts from taking steps into the unknown.
As we look with excitement to the future of Cedar Cross, we also remember and deeply appreciate the vision and dedication of many who have had a part in shaping the retreat center over the years. We ask for your prayers and grace as we faithfully adjust to changes and continue fostering this special retreat space.
— Jane Williams, Retreat Coordinator, Cedar Cross Retreat Center
Cedar Cross Retreat Center
Sarah Williams
Ginger Allen