The Pine Ridge Retreat Center was built on the property of the Pine Ridge Presbyterian Church during the summer of 2000. Various forms of ministry happen at the Retreat Center, some of which are highlighted below.
The lower level of the Retreat Center is open each afternoon from 3:30-5:00 p.m. for school-age children. During that time, they play board games, read, enjoy foosball, table tennis, or pool, or enjoy quiet time one-on-one with staff and guests of the Retreat Center. An afternoon snack is served before the children go home.
The Retreat Center is open to church groups and individuals interested in religious retreat and/or participation in other facets of the Retreat Center's ministry. Weekend time might be spent assisting with the Sunday church service, After School Program for Youth (which continues to meet on Saturday and Sunday), Bible study, educational seminars on Lakota culture, meditation, and/or participation in on-going service projects within the broader community.
Senior high school church groups and older adults may choose to come to Pine Ridge for a five day stay (typically Saturday evening through Thursday Noon). Prior to arrival, the group's leader(s) coordinate plans with Pastor Karen Rupp to participate in some type of service project. Often those projects relate to construction work and/or youth out-reach ministry combined with educational seminars focusing on the rich Lakota heritage and culture. Side trips may also be planned to regional events and attractions such as Wounded Knee, Badlands National Park, powwows, and the Black Hills.
Occasionally individuals (typically seminarians, pastors, or college faculty members) choose to spend a longer time on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation for religious or cultural studies. If the individual's agenda fits with the mission of the Retreat Center, a long-term stay (a month or longer) may be possible. Individuals who stay for long periods of time are accommodated in private rooms on the upper level of the Retreat Center, where they have access to bathroom, kitchen, and laundry.
The lower level of the Retreat Center is available for groups needing meeting space. About 25 people can be accommodated. The upper level kitchen area can be used by groups and individuals for meal preparation.
With a grant coordinated through Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN, a complete computer lab has been outfitted in the Pine Ridge Retreat Center. The purpose of the lab is to provide seminarians, pastors, and long-term guests with computer technology to word process, access e-mail, use the Internet for educational purposes, and especially, to participate in distance education.
Pastor Karen Rupp will work with group leaders or individuals to develop an appropriate assortment of educational experiences. For example, a speaker may be invited in to share information about Lakota culture and language (for a fee), or a tour of the site of the Wounded Knee massacre might be planned. These sorts of engagements will be uniquely developed upon the request of the retreat leaders/individuals.
Guests are encouraged to attend group learning opportunities. The Retreat Center offers these experiences with members of the comunity, like Gabby Brewer and Will Peters (who speak on Lakota culture, language, and family.
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Last updated: August 7, 2008