St. Simon's Island, Georgia

Last week Heather and I attended a Spiritual Friends Retreat, sponsored by Asbury Theological Seminary and funded by Eli Lilly Foundation. Located on the beautiful St. Simon's Island on the coast of Georgia, at the Methodist retreat center Epworth By The Sea, we were accompanied by 50 others--clergy and spouses--to learn, grow, and bask in the presence of God. It was a remarkable experience, emphasizing Sabbath and Rule of Life, and the most refreshing retreat experience since Heather and I have had children.

Pics... (1) Entrance to Epworth By The Sea. Notice the spanish moss draping the majestic branches of these enormous live oaks.
(2) Our hotel. The facilities were a mix of modern and not-so-modern. We were fortunate to have stayed in the updated hall. Our room overlooked the 'sound' (i.e. land side of the island), which was peaceful. At times we could see dolphins curling up and down the waterway.

(3) Christ Church in Frederica, just moments away from Epworth By The Sea. Christ Church was the first Episcopal Church established on the Island just weeks after the first settlers arrived in the mid 1700's. Though the building itself was built later, the church began meeting under the leadership of the Anglican priest Charles Wesley, who often preached under the 'Great Oak' on these premises.