Guiding Spirit

There are two spiritual voices that fill this place. The first belongs to St. Benedict, whose model for Christian community in the sixth century was based on worship, hospitality, service to others and communal work. We want seekers and pilgrims to come to Tidewater Way and feel welcomed in our buildings and, especially, on the land and water. There is a rhythm to life here. Several times during your stay we invite you to join us in our home for good food and conversation. Should you wish to spend a part of the day, “keeping the place up,” there is plenty to do.

The second voice that fills this place is the song of creation. As we continue to discover these thirty-seven acres (most of it under conservation easement), “the beauty of nature’s sights and sounds” (E.J. Dennen) speak to us. The pine trees along the shore point beyond; the tide comes and goes twice a day and we are drawn to the rocky shore via a narrow bog bridge that leads to an island in the river. From Adelynrood in Massachusetts, we are borrowing their Stations of Creation and as we clear some paths there will be places to stop and pray and rejoice.

Finally, we care about discernment. The vocation of parish clergy and the spiritual lives of busy persons of faith are incredibly intense. Tidewater Way is a place for you to come to be with God and to feel the love of Jesus Christ. It is a good place to ask those deeper questions and to allow some new insights to reveal themselves.