By Barry Shumpert, President of the Board of Trustees
As many of you know, the annual WUUC retreat was held last weekend. About 22 Westsiders traveled to Rock Island State Park for a couple of days of relaxation and fellowship in a beautiful natural setting.
We “camped” in four cabins that were quite comfortable (except for one where the heater didn't work). Roughing it wasn't so rough after all. Rock Island Park does not offer a large common area where we could share meals and activities, so the cabins took turns hosting group activities. It was cozy but festive. The meals were fantastic—real gourmet fare in a rustic setting. We gathered inside the cabins and outside around a fire to eat and talk. I heard conversations ranging from the sublime (the pros and cons of an interventionist deity) to the mundane (where to find packaged ravioli in Knoxville).
Most of us had not visited this state park before, and quite a few had never even heard of it. It's just about 20 miles from its more famous cousin, Fall Creek Falls, and both are situated where rivers drop off the western edge of the Cumberland Plateau onto the Highland Rim. There are two sets of waterfalls at Rock Island, both beautiful and one really breathtaking. See the photos Ellen Greenwood has posted on the WUUC Facebook Group if you doubt me. (Editor’s note: see below for a preview!)
Spectacular weather supported our hikes and bike rides. The leaves may have been past their prime, but there was still an abundance of autumn beauty as we strode through the woods. The birders among us heard or spotted a number of interesting species. Less adventurous folks worked jigsaw puzzles on the cabin porch or played card games. And a few with really orange blood gathered on Saturday night to watch the Vols football game.
Through it all, we came to know each other a bit better as well as to appreciate each other's company and marvel at the range of interests, knowledge, and passions represented in our congregation. There was much laughter and a feeling that we had left our problems at home for a few days. Blessed relief!
This was the first time I had been able to take part in the retreat in several years, and I had such a fine time that I plan to make sure not to miss it in coming years. I hope to see all of you there!