Camp Myrtlewood Managers:
Margaret &
John Jones
(541) 572-5307
Our address:
49658 Myrtle Creek Road,
Myrtle Point, Oregon 97458
Located in southwest Oregon near the town of Myrtle Point.
Maps & directions to Camp
current weather and forecast
Affiliated with
The Church of the Brethren
Member of the
Outdoor Ministries
Association
Brother John spreads the good news:
Hey brothers—it’s time!! Fifteen years is a long time—we must like something that’s going on.
What’s goin’ on?
Friday afternoon/evening arrival—We’ll keep the soup pot on for those who have to show up late. As always—we lay out/create the schedule/program on Friday evening. As always—WE are the “program.” So, get with the program! Bring your ideas, craft stuff, musical instruments, Bibles and other inspirational literature, pair of sticks (in case you don’t have any other musical instrument), raspberry jam and midnight pancakes, stories (new and old), recorded tunes or films or slideshows or PowerPoint presentations about your trip to Tim’s Buckaroo, peanuts in the shell, poetry and other writings, prayer concerns, photos of family, friends or past men’s retreats (the three are not necessarily mutually exclusive). In short—feel welcome to share whatever is in and on your heart!
Also bring the basic material stuff: bedding (most guys just bring a sleeping bag and pillow)—mattresses are provided, toilet kit, towel, extra clothes—it’s bound to be cold and wet at times, maybe some extra shoes too, your favorite hat, flashlight, rain coat and pants are always a good idea, gloves if you’re prone to cold hands or if you are the sort who is always looking for a wee chore to help out with, extra socks, earplugs, a writing implement of some kind—and good jokes!
Three wise guys from the east are joining us again this year! Jim Lehman, Phil Rieman and Ken Klein-Smeltzer have all said that they want to be part of the party. I hope other Eastern brothers can make it also but I haven’t had any confirmations yet. Bring your Western Grit and be prepared to show these eastern boys a wallopin’ good time!!
Brother Barry Joyce of the Native American Church will again join us and “pour water” for our Traditional Native American Sweat Lodge Ceremony on Saturday Afternoon. Brother Mike Titus won’t be able to lead Bible study this year—he will be at home in Seattle preparing for intestinal surgery the following week—he’s been dealing with a serious case of diverticulitis and has been getting better. Mike will be with us in Spirit as we pray and Sweat. Brother Rocci Hildum won’t be with us either—not because of illness but because he has been invited to a big-time story telling event in Pullman, Washington—way to go Rocci! (I just got word that Rocci might drop in on us Sunday morning). If you might be interested in offering leadership for a Saturday session or Sunday morning’s worship service please let Doug Eller (503) 287-8455 or John Jones (541) 572-5307 know.
Please phone John Jones and Margaret Jones at (541) 572-5307 to let them know if you are coming. We always appreciate your calls because it makes camp cleaning and meal planning so much easier!
Also, please tell John and Meg if you have special dietary needs, allergies, etc. Please don’t be shy—special needs are not a problem as long as we know about them ahead of time!!
The retreat will officially end after lunch on Sunday. As always, guys who wish to stay over on Sunday night are most welcome—no extra charge; we’ll eat the leftovers! ;-)
Cost this year is $50. Scholarships are available, so let John and Margaret know if you are interested when you call or email them.
Many blessings to everyone—hope to see you soon!!
Brother John
PS: Please pass this on to other brothers—we don’t want to leave anybody out who might not be on the current email list or not checking the website!
PPS: I know it sounds a bit formal but if anyone is interested in doing a bit of preparatory reading I can recommend Marcus Borg’s book The Heart of Christianity: Rediscovering a Life of Faith—specifically pages 61 thru 79 and Chapter 8. Do you think Camp Myrtlewood is a “thin place”?
It is pretty difficult to adequately describe Men’s Retreat. It truly is more of a state of being and an experience than it is a place or event. The annual Men’s Retreat at Camp Myrtlewood is not a traditional Christian Retreat. It is not a traditional anything. Men’s Retreat began with a small group of men in the Pacific Northwest District of the Church of the Brethren who wanted to get together and share. It has evolved, or is that devolved, into an annual event that inspires in men a loyalty and devotion that few other things will.
The event takes place on a weekend in February beginning on Friday evening and ending on Sunday. There is always an option of staying over Sunday and leaving on Monday. The event is attended by a group of about 20 or 30 regulars who have been attending for years and a few visitors from as far away as Ohio, Illinois, and Virginia; there are always newcomers and unexpected arrivals including a few lost travelers who always seem to find their way to Myrtlewood. This annual event has become for many of the regular attendees the high point of their spiritual life every year.
What is most truly unique about Men’s Retreat is the absolutely unconditional acceptance and love offered to each and every man who comes, whether you have been there for the last fifteen years or you got lost on your way to a motorcycle race in California (which has happened); no matter your physical and/or mental abilities and/or limitations; no matter your theology and lack thereof. All are more than welcomed, they are embraced.
On Saturday mornings there may or may not be a planned program with leadership (Men’s Retreat has cultivated a unique culture that abhors too much planning); there is time for hiking to Vista Point and sharing Camp Myrtelwood’s greatest gift of hospitality to people and nature; or just sitting in the lodge by the fireplace telling and listening to lies told with varying degrees of expertise and flourish. In the afternoon on Saturday there is a Native American Sweat Lodge Ceremony in a lodge built on the Camp Myrtlewood Property. The weekend officially ends on Sunday after worship, though several men usually stay Sunday and leave on Monday.
There is usually a lot of music and singing, though music and singing may not be terms that would be universally applied to what happens when a lot of men without the benefit of female supervision pick up musical instruments. There is usually an eclectic mix of jokes both told and practical, including occasionally playing an unaware victim with Margaret’s soup and simultaneously jacking his truck up on blocks and then watching him try to drive away, which has also happened.
Do be cautious, come once and it’s very likely you’ll be back, every year.