Ufford-Chases begin as Co-Directors of Stony Point Center

Stony Point Center is embracing a direction that places peacemaking and nonviolence at the center of it mission. Below is the vision letter from new Co-Directors Rick and Kitty Ufford-Chase (Rick Ufford-Chase continues part-time as PPF's Executive Director).

Vision Letter From Rick & Kitty, Co-Directors

As each day unfolds and we continue to get our "feet under us" as Co-Directors, we are continuously impressed by the powerful legacy of Stony Point Center, and excited to craft a vision that will honor that legacy as Stony Point looks to the future. In the short term, our task is to support the staff and volunteers who do such a marvelous job of providing hospitality to the wide variety of guests who come to this place.

In our first few weeks, that has included hosting the Association of the Visually Impaired for a cook-out lunch, supporting a number of Korean Church groups and the worship and music conference, welcoming the students and faculty of New York Theological Seminary, and hosting the Police Organization Providing Peer Assistance, just to name a few. So, as you plan for 2009- a retreat or meeting for your organization or faith community, a family reunion, or a well-deserved time of rest- we would love the opportunity to serve you.Rick and Kitty

The long-term vision for Stony Point is also beginning to take shape. The dream, fully embraced by our Governing Board, is that Stony Point will slowly become the spiritual home for a geographically dispersed, Christian community dedicated to nonviolence and the practice of radical hospitality. Those who live here will practice daily prayer, weekly worship, Sabbath-Keeping, sustainable food practices and energy conservation, while welcoming conferees who seek spiritual nurture, artistic expression, and the critical thinking and concrete skills necessary to practice nonviolence and justice in the world.

Even while we work to live the best of our Christian values in a violent and unjust world, we are also aware that we must build on Stony Point's strong tradition of welcoming those of other faith traditions. We are in conversation with potential partners of other faith traditions about whether they also would like to ground their own practice of nonviolence and hospitality in this place.

Perhaps, sometime in the not too distant future, you'll discover Christian prayers in the morning, Muslim prayers throughout the day, Quaker Meeting for Worship, and a service of Shabbat all taking place on the same day, and you'll have the opportunity to join with others who share your commitment to a just and peaceful world.

If you'd like to be part of the 'living into the dream', we are on the lookout now for some short and long-term volunteers to contribute their energy and expertise to Stony Point and participate in the life of our budding community. Please be in touch.
Blessings, and Strength for the Journey,

Kitty and Rick Ufford-Chase
Co-Directors
Stony Point Center