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A CASE FOR REDISCOVERING PEACE

Here at The Abbey of the Hills in the silence God speaks Day of Recollection Attendee 1 WELCOME TO THE ABBEY OF THE HILLS

WELCOME TO THE ABBEY OF THE HILLS May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way The Lord be with all of you 2 Thessalonians 3 16 The Abbey of the Hills Inn Retreat Center opened in 2013 after the closing of the former Blue Cloud Abbey Blue Cloud Abbey was built and established by Benedictine Monks in 1950 Due to dwindling numbers Blue Cloud Abbey closed in 2012 In 2013 The Abbey of the Hills Inn opened as a non profit 501 c 3 The Abbey of the Hills is committed to maintaining the harmony and holiness of this very special place in the world The space and place is open to all faiths whether you like to write hike pray or play This beautiful place is often described by its guests as peaceful prayerful sacred hospitable and holy When crossing the entrance into The Abbey of the Hills more than half a century old building you can immediately rediscover peace and reconnect with yourself You experience a unique and peaceful state in which your mind body and soul may deepen your relationship with God May your soul be filled with peace and gratitude as you continue to read and discover more about this peaceful and faith filled destination called The Abbey of the Hills Inn Retreat Center located in the of the Midwest WELCOME TO THE ABBEY OF THE HILLS 2

THE NEED FOR PEACE 75 of adults reported experiencing moderate to high levels of stress in the past month and nearly half reported that their stress has increased in the past year American Psychological Association Why is rediscovering peace important to our wellbeing According to The National Institute of Mental Health stress affects everyone Daily life work school family daily responsibilities Sudden negative changes losing a job illness loss of relationships Long term stress can harm your health and or cause serious health problems Do you relate to being a n Employee who feels the need to find peace from a stressful job Farmer who faces the stresses of raising crops and plummeting livestock markets City dweller who endures bumper to bumper traffic Homemaker who wishes for more social interaction Person who lives with addiction mental health issues or a disability Parent who recognizes the need to spend more time as a family Individual Couple who feels the need for peace in their relationships No matter who you are stress affects you in some way 3 THE NEED FOR PEACE

How can you reduce stress and find peace at The Abbey of the Hills Come for a private stay for a day a night or a week Attend a retreat that is best suited for your needs interests Walk the trails and spend time soaking in the beauty of God s creation Bring your family and unplug from technology and reconnect with each other Attend a concert in the beautiful church with angelic like acoustics Journal read or pray inside or outside of The Abbey When I came I didn t see the beauty in anything I never saw my child s death as being a blessing I didn t want to be alive anymore I couldn t find value in living at all Now as I m ready to leave The Abbey I thank God for sending me here to find peace and discover that I am worthy Captivating Retreat Attendee THE NEED FOR PEACE 4

FARGO ND THE ABBEY OF THE HILLS TWIN CITIES MN SIOUX FALLS SD DRIVE TIME TO THE ABBEY 5 Fargo ND 2 hrs Twin Cities MN 3 5 hrs Sioux Falls SD 2 hrs Omaha NE 4 5 hrs St Cloud MN 2 5 hrs Mt Rushmore SD 7 hrs PEACEFUL SOLUTIONS

PEACEFUL SOLUTIONS Lord you establish peace for us all that we have accomplished you have done for us Isaiah 26 12 What does The Abbey of the Hills offer to help you find peace Retreats Concerts Family Reunions Business Gatherings Meetings Personal Getaway Besides the various retreats and concerts scheduled throughout the year at The Abbey you can come and enjoy a private stay Relax and recollect while unplugging from the stressors you may have in your life From retreat rooms to private cabins to the lakes the Abbey has a unique array of accommodations to fit your needs Take advantage of this unique opportunity to rediscover peace at The Abbey of the Hills Located halfway between Fargo and Sioux Falls The Abbey s secluded location is what makes the space and place unlike any retreat center in the region PEACEFUL SOLUTIONS 6

WHAT TO DO LEARN THE ABBEY S HISTORY 7 LISTEN TO MUSIC OBSERVE WILDLIFE VOLUNTEER CANOE ON THE LAKES CELEBRATE ECUMENISM REFLECT STAY OVERNIGHT WHAT TO DO AT THE ABBEY

AT THE ABBEY OF THE HILLS QUILT OR CRAFT REUNION WITH FAMILY HIKE ON THE TRAILS ENJOY PERSONAL RETREATS PRAY STAY IN A HERMITAGE CABIN STROLL THROUGH THE ORCHARD EAT HOME COOKED FOOD WHAT TO DO AT THE ABBEY 8

WHY IS THE ABBEY SO UNIQUE As a non profit and community resource The Abbey of the Hills is open as a retreat center as well as an Inn The Abbey offers unique spaces for retreats and lodging It is a refuge for souls yearning for healing and connection with God at any time and on any day of the week With 87 acres of nature and trails The Abbey of the Hills Inn and Retreat Center is a gift to all who spend time on its premises The friendly staff does its best to continue the Benedictine hospitality that was so evident dating back to the time when the monks lived here Each Monday Friday the staff gathers for an ecumenical prayer time held at 3 00 PM in the lower chapel The staff reads passages from the Bible reflects on the day and recites a litany of the names of people who have requested prayers This practice keeps the staff and anyone interested in attending focused and centered on the mission to foster the rediscovery of peace For over 60 years prayers have emanated from the very foundation of bricks first lain by the Benedictine monks The staff continues the peaceful tradition of prayers with dedication Because of its historical and rural location The Abbey of the Hills serves as a true escape from life s stresses Individuals truly rediscover peace at The Abbey of the Hills After their time here many can go back to their lives feeling God s peace guiding them 9 WHY IS THE ABBEY SO UNIQUE

The embers of my heart were stirred this weekend Jesus opened my eyes and heart to his love and I can feel my heart again It was breath taking and much needed Retreat Attendee WHY IS THE ABBEY SO UNIQUE 10

FISCAL POSITION As a not for profit The Abbey of the Hills has celebrated years of financial stability THE ABBEY OF THE HILLS INCOME SOURCES 1 000 000 800 000 600 000 400 000 200 000 YR 1 YR 2 YR 3 Contributions Events Retreats Agriculture Gift Shop Total Income YR 4 YR 5 Rent THE ABBEY OF THE HILLS STAFF GROWTH 500 000 12 10 400 000 8 300 000 6 200 000 4 100 000 2 YR 1 YR 2 YR 3 Wages 11 FISCAL POSITION of Staff YR 4 YR 5 0

THE ABBEY OF THE HILLS REVENUE IN EXCESS OF EXPENSES 450 000 119 960 400 000 70 869 350 000 300 000 234 804 46 867 250 000 200 000 150 000 100 000 50 000 45 506 YR 1 YR 2 YR 3 YR 4 YR 5 As each one has received a gift use it to serve one another as good stewards of God s varied grace 1 Peter 4 10 FISCAL POSITION 12

THE ABBEY OF THE HILLS SUCCESS Our Reach Over the years The Abbey has hosted and sponsored 400 RETREATS EVENTS To date The Abbey has had been over 13 000 VISITORS Currently The Abbey has 4 500 FACEBOOK FOLLOWERS Evaluations Evaluations indicate that guests rate their experience at 95 OR HIGHER SATISFACTION RETREAT TOPICS SPEAKERS ACCOMMODATIONS FOOD REDISCOVERY OF PEACE Food was wonderful Thank you The grounds here building are so beautiful I could feel the presence of God here Marriage Retreat Attendee 13 THE ABBEY OF THE HILLS SUCCESS

NEEDS OF THE ABBEY OF THE HILLS There is no better time than the present to give the gifts of your presence and peace to the world 1 Support of Programs Support the development of new programming Age and theme specific faith based retreats Cultural and artistic retreats Family lifestyle retreats Retreats for widows and their children Sponsor an event or retreat Harvesting Hope Farmer Spouse Retreat Native American Youth Retreats Sing Noel Spring Gala 2 Structural Restoration Install air conditioning for the Retreat Wing Rooms 22 Rooms Create a new drain tile along dining hall auditorium Re caulk Mother of the Church mural Fix broken stained glass windows Convert lights to LED to save money have better lighting Create Stations of the Cross Path and or labyrinth in the trails Plant new trees in the Abbey of the Hills Orchard 3 General Operating Funds NEEDS OF THE ABBEY OF THE HILLS 14

A STORY OF PEACE I was first introduced to The Abbey of the Hills Inn and Retreat Center when my wife and I attended the spring 12 Step Spiritual Retreat Immediately captivated with the beauty of the grounds and the building s architecture I felt an inspiring state of awe that grew in its intensity as we walked across the entryway After being greeted warmly we received a tour of The Abbey of the Hills and learned how it became the center of peace for the community it is today While recovering from the over use of alcohol one of the greatest gifts I received from practicing the principles of a 12 Step Program is a state of serenity Since 1974 there have been 12 Step retreats hosted in conference rooms at the building and I am truly grateful that the tradition continues today As part of our gift to The Abbey of the Hills current and former members of the 12 Step program contributed to the adoption of the Board of Directors room on the second floor of the Retreat Wing It is now more beautiful and hospitable than ever The building s natural tranquility along with the ever present Benedictine values of love stability hospitality stewardship and community foster a place of peace unlike any other The walls and the grounds are simply infused with spirituality and goodwill that can be sensed by all who are open to receiving God s peace and grace With a mission to foster the rediscovery of peace The Abbey of the Hills staff makes peace a priority so you can relax enjoy renewed energy and heal The hospitality offered the prayers said and service extended by the Abbey of the Hills staff are sincerely appreciated by all who attend 12 Step Retreats and any kind of retreat God bless the work of The Abbey of the Hills staff and volunteers Eric H 12 Step Retreat Leader 15 A STORY OF PEACE

I love the silence and peace of the Abbey the world has enough noise Here in the silence God speaks Day of Recollection Retreat Attendee A STORY OF PEACE 16

17 YOUR GIFTS

YOUR GIFTS Give and gifts will be given to you a good measure packed together shaken down and overflowing will be poured into your lap For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you Luke 6 38 The Abbey of the Hills as a center where individuals can be rejuvenated undoubtedly impacts the region in profound and positive ways The increasingly stressful normal life challenges make The Abbey of the Hills a diamond in the rough resource However to keep this 100 000 square foot space a place of peace and healing and for it to be the most financially viable and spiritually valuable organization that it can be and is your help is needed Specifically as noted on page 14 your help is needed to bolster spiritual retreats make structural restorations and support of general operating funds In doing so your help will give more and more people the gift of peace Thank you for taking the time to read about The Abbey of the Hills and for any and all prayers time and treasures you offer to ensure the GIFT of PEACE is passed forward YOUR GIFTS 18

WAYS TO CONTRIBUTE 1 Donate funds online www abbeyofthehills org Click on Donate 2 Support the Abbey financially in other ways Charitable gift annuities Estate gifts Stock gifts Endowments Gifts of grain In kind gifts Donate towards an Adopt a Room project or Abbey Bench 3 Visit the Abbey of the Hills and donate in person The Abbey of the Hills 46561 147th Street Marvin SD 57251 4 Donate through the mail by addressing checks money orders to The Abbey of the Hills Attn Development PO Box 38 Marvin SD 57251 5 Volunteer time by contacting events abbeyofthehills org 6 Register for events www abbeyofthehills org or 605 398 9200 7 Contact the development office 605 398 9200 Ext 113 jilladelman abbeyofthehills org abbeyofthehills org 605 398 9200 abbey abbeyofthehills org