Living Stones at Lake Logan

Last weekend, nearly 25 Trinity men gathered for the Trinity Men's Retreat. We gathered at our Diocesan Conference Center, Lake Logan, where the beauty of creation set the stage for a time of conversation, connection, relaxation, and fun. We were led by the Rev. John Ball, an Episcopal priest from Washington, D.C., who guided us through a weekend built around one image from the First Letter of Peter: "Like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house" (1 Peter 2:5).

John has more than thirty-five years of ordained ministry behind him. He is the Interim Rector of St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Washington, and before that, he served for more than 28 years as Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in St. Mary's City, Maryland. Those of us there quickly saw what others have long known: his warmth, storytelling, humor, and gift for putting a room full of men at ease.

For one part of the weekend, each of us brought a stone from home, a small symbol of where we find ourselves in life today. Those stones started the stories, conversation, prayer, and reflection on the experiences, relationships, and lessons that have shaped us. We talked about what it means to be men who are still growing, still learning, and still being shaped by God's grace.

This was not a conference or a workshop. There were shared meals, walks along the lake, long conversations around the fire, quiet moments, and plenty of laughter. Some came seeking spiritual renewal, some came for fellowship, and some simply needed a break from the demands of daily life. Most of us found a little of all three. I invite you to click here to view photos of some of the moments that we shared together.

We came home with a deeper sense of connection to God, to ourselves, and to one another. Old friendships grew stronger, and new ones began. We experienced what Peter describes: ordinary stones being built together into something larger than ourselves.

My thanks to John for his leadership, to the Lake Logan staff for their hospitality, and to every man who came. If you missed it this year, I hope you will join us next time.

Scott+