Village View – February 2021
Dear Friends,
As you may know, as of today, I am leaving my position as Abode Executive Director, transitioning to an advisory and counseling role.
In March, I will take up new responsibilities as the ED & CEO of the local Habitat for Humanity. Shelter is as essential a human need as is faith, and I felt called to do this. The well wishes I have received have been heartwarming and gratifying. Thank you all.
But our story, and the journey is not done. New pages in the book of the Abode are being written, even as the current chapter closes. Change has been ever present at the Abode, for 45 years, though we at times pretend that we are stuck in time.
The COVID pandemic is still impacting all of our lives and, of course, the Abode’s operations. It will likely be more months before a clearer picture emerges that enables more effective planning for the summer ahead.
It is likely that 2021 will be a year of small gatherings, and individual stays. The Abode’s service to the Message is through Sacred Hospitality and whatever emerges in the next few months, I am confident that the staff and administration will be ready.
New hands and hearts will arrive, to work alongside our tenured friends, and create new beauty and meaning for all who travel up this sacred mountain.
What an amazing journey we have had! What an amazing journey lies ahead!
It has been my privilege to have led this caravan of souls for a time.
Bless us all.
Al
![A photo of a sunrise over a snowy field, bordered by black bars on the top and bottom. Text reads, "Universal Worship [line break] Led by Wahaba [line break] March 21 -11:00 am et"](https://theabode.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/january-classes-8.png "january classes (8)")
Universal Worship
Sunday, March 21 | 11:00 AM EDT
Join us for February’s Universal Worship, led by Wahaba!
Held via Zoom every third Sunday with password: 472313
Message Class
Thursday, March 4 | 7:00 PM EDT
The Thursday classes, March 4th and 11th, will be led by Yaqin on the theme of zikr. Zikr means remembrance. Remembrance of what? Remembering what is really important in our lives. There are many important things in our lives, but which of these is more important? If you allow room in your house for sorrow, laziness, and deceit, these qualities will eventually take over your life, making it difficult to find space for joy, happiness and bliss.
All are welcome to join in exploration this sacred practice!
Upcoming Classes:
- March 4 & 11 – Led by Yaqin
- March 18 & 25 – Led by Shakur
- April 1 & 8 – Led by Nur Gale
The Abode is a retreat and spiritual center situated in an 19th century Shaker Village on Mount Lebanon, NY. Each year, the Abode welcomes visitors to its historic campus for contemplative and rejuvenating activities.
The Abode service team is a group of dedicated people helping to tend a facility and land that have been considered sacred since the land’s earliest known stewards, the Mahicans. The Abode’s spiritual and service focus is the basis for offering sacred hospitality to all who cross our threshold.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the Abode has been closed to guests, and has been working on a rejuvenation of its campus structures and facilities.
As 2021 arrives, and we plan for a Spring opening, we are seeking to recruit experienced maintenance and facilities folks to help us undertake day-to-day care and upkeep and to facilitate upgrades. If you are looking to apply your skills and experience to preserving and rehabilitating something worthwhile, and to belong to a service-oriented team, please see the position descriptions below and connect with us!