Servant Song Ministries Retreat House and Spirituality Center

HOME

What We Offer

About Us

Our Facility

Special Gifts

CONTACT

Printable Program Schedule
Printable Brochure
RETREAT CALENDAR
Registration Form
NEWS & NOTES HOME

Retreat House & Spirituality Center

"A peaceful sactuary

in the midst of

God 's people..."

" We join together to share our gifts and celebrate our unity under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. To all who come, we offer the gift of hospitality."

Hearts afire to serve God

and one another....

All for the Glory of God!

Our Mission Statement

Servant Song is an ecumenical, collaborative ministry of like-minded individuals who seek to further the message and mission of Jesus Christ for the betterment of humankind and the world. This ministry encourages and promotes spiritual growth and enrichment through prayer, silence, retreats, education, and spiritual direction in the Christian tradition.

ABOUT SERVANT SONG

Whether attending a day or evening program or an overnight retreat, guests will find Servant Song's homelike atmosphere warm and inviting. From its living room type meeting room, small parlors, and dining room to its lovely chapel, Servant Song's welcoming presence will draw guests into a gentle reverence toward God, self, others, and all of creation. In addition to providing comfortable, quiet space for prayer, reflection, and meditation, the facility offers private guest rooms with half bath; separate private shower rooms; and is handicap accessible and "user friendly" for guests who are physically challenged. Lovely meditation gardens extend the inviting space of this holy ground. To nourish the body as well as the soul, meals and refreshments are provided. All faiths are welcome!

What We Offer

1

"Cups of Kindness" Christian Outreach

Each month, a group of volunteers gather to prepare gift cups of nourishment for those less fortunate in the area.

2

What Our Guests Are Saying...

“Whatever your spiritual need is, Servant Song is a place to be in God’s presence.”

“This has been an experience of profound blessing.”

4

Volunteers Also Experience

Great Blessings...

Some who have availed themselves to ministry opportunities at

Servant Song have experienced physical improvement/healing, and spiritual and emotional uplifting. They return periodically, bringing others with them—sometimes just to offer praise and

thanksgiving to the Lord.

3

"Servant Song's welcoming presence will draw guests into a gentle reverence toward God, self, others, and all creation."

On-Going Services
We offer many weekly and/or monthly on-going services. Below is a current listing. Check the CALENDAR for days and times. Please come join us...All are welcome!Weekly Healing Prayer Ministry The Rev. Peter Ostrander an Anglican priest, will begin with a Communion Service bringing before God the needs of those who have sent their prayer requests or have come to Servant Song, and also those of Servant Song Ministries. Everyone is welcome. Private Christian healing prayer ministry will follow and may include laying-on-of hands or anointing in ways respectful of various Church traditions and personal boundaries. Monthly Christian Healing Prayer ServiceEach healing prayer service includes a time of communal praise and worship, prayer, and short teaching. There is also an opportunity for individual healing prayer following the same patterns as the private healing prayer ministry."Gone From Our Sight" Grief Support Ministry This gathering offers the bereaved time to remember, share, reflect, and pray as he/she navigates the turbulent waters of life's most difficult journey. Those struggling with grief are invited to come together with others who are also mourning the loss of a loved one for and evening of comfort, healing and hope. Amedisys Hospice (formerly Albert Gallatin Hospice) partners with Servant Song Ministries to make this program available. Reservations are not necessary but are helpful in planning. "Cups of Kindness" Christian Outreach Join a group of volunteers at Servant Song to prepare gift cups of nourishment as part of our community outreach program to those less fortunate in the area. The cups are then distributed to the needy through one of the Good Neighbor meal programs.Whatsoever Christian Reading Fellowship Servant Song invites you to fellowship with others who enjoy reading, discussing, and pondering, good Christian literature. We begin with fellowship and a deli-type supper followed by discussion of the months book selection. Books are available free of charge at Servant Song. Reservations are helpful for planning.

Types of Retreats & Services
• Guided Group Retreats offer small groups an opportunity to come together with a retreat director in an extended group spiritual direction experience. Normally about 42 hours long, these retreats are most popular on weekends. • Guided Days of Prayer/Reflection provide individuals, assisted by a retreat director, an opportunity to come apart for up to 24 hours of prayer and quiet reflection/meditation. • Directed Retreats can be scheduled at anytime throughout the year. These retreats include the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola (offered for 3, 5, or 7 days) and Ignatian Spirituality in Everyday Life - Annotation 19.• Preached/Conference-Type Retreats are presented around a central theme on some aspect of spirituality. Time is allotted for prayer and reflection. The theme can be tailored to fit the specific needs of a group.• Private Retreats provide an individual with an opportunity to enter into a time of intense silence to seek Gods direction in solitude. • Day Breaks are available if you need "something" but find it difficult to get away overnight or for more than a day. A guided day of reflection will refresh your spirit and provide rest for your soul. These "day breaks" can be scheduled any day of the week. Call for date availability.OTHER OFFERINGS...Ignatian Spirituality in Everyday Life - Annotation 19 For those who desire to make the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius but are unable to do so in a typical retreat setting, Annotation 19 is offered year-round. By appointment.*NOTE: Directed retreats according to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius may be scheduled at anytime throughout the year with resident Spiritual Director, Donna Koller. These retreats can be 24 hours, full weekend, 5 days, and 8 days and include room, meals, and daily private spiritual direction.Private Spiritual DirectionTrained directors offer individual private spiritual direction on a daily basis. By appointment. Tailored RetreatsWe will be happy to tailor a retreat to the special needs of your group. We also make our facility available for private retreat groups that provide their own retreat directors/leaders.

About Us

1

Donna and Larry Koller

Co-Founders and Co-Management Team

2

Board of Directors

Melissa Watkins, Rev. Peter Ostrander, Mary Sielski, Donna Koller & Larry Koller

4

Board Members & Staff

Gina Woods, Shannon Theys, Debby Ludwig & Nancy McClarren

(not present for photo)

3

Our Volunteers

We couldn't do what we do without our many wonderful volunteers! This is just one small group of those who volunteer their time at Servant Song. They did the initial planting of the prayer gardens. Thank you all!

WHO WE ARE
Hearts afire to serve God and one another.... All for the Glory of God!Servant Song Ministries was co-founded on February 14, 2005 by Donna and Larry Koller. TOGETHER with a group of great volunteer staff, we offer the gift of hospitality to our guests.MEET OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORSAt the annual board meeting in August 2011, our new board of directors was elected. We wish to extend our heartfelt gratitude and deep appreciation to those board members leaving us as well as a warm welcome to our new members. GOD BLESS YOU ALL!Donna Koller - PresidentRev. Peter Ostrander -Vice President of Ministry ServicesMelissa Watkins - Vice President of DevelopmentLarry Koller - TreasurerMary Sielski - SecretaryNancy McClarren - Ex-Officio with VoiceDebby Ludwig- Ex-Officio with VoiceGina Woods - Ex-Officio with Voice OUR MINISTRY TEAMMinistry services are provided by the staff spiritual/retreat director and an independent ecumenical ministry team comprised of religious, ministers, priests, and qualified/certified lay persons. It is the heartfelt desire of our servants to companion others, even if only briefly, on their spiritual sojurn toward wholeness, healing, and transformation in Christ.OUR VISION STATEMENTFirst Song of the Servant - Isaiah 42:6- 8 "I, the Lord have called you for the victory of justice. I have grasped you by the hand; I formed you, and set you as a covenant of the people, a light for the nations, to open the eyes of the blind, to bring out prisoners from confinement, and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness. I am the Lord, this is my name; my glory I give to no others, nor my praise to idols."

OUR STORY
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN...Where it all began is really difficult to say. But the seed of an ecumenical retreat house and spirituality center in Waynesburg planted in our hearts over 20 years ago began to germinate around New Years Day 2005. The thought of it all just wouldnt go away. So with much prayer, reflection, spiritual direction, and discernment, we stepped onto the new path that would lead us to Servant Song Ministries. We had stepped onto this path three times in earlier years, but each time doors closed before us and we knew the time was "not yet." So we waited....and waited....and waited. This time was different. God literally made a way where there was no way! Each day God made us aware of what needed to be done, and how we ought to do it. Sometimes we just had a sense that we should do something not really understanding why only to find it to be a necessary piece of the whole plan. Daily we marveled at the unfolding! On Ash Wednesday, February 9, 2005, Larry and I filed incorporation papers creating Servant Song Ministries. On February 14, 2005, Servant Song Ministries became a registered PA nonprofit corporation. A board of directors and a core ministry team was assembled. The next task at-hand was to find an appropriate facility to call home. In May, through a very generous sales offer and equity donation from the property's previous owners, Tom and Gretel Smith, Servant Song was able to purchase the house that would become its retreat house and spirituality center. With the sale completed in early July, renovations began to transform the 105-year old Victorian home into a facility that would accommodate a number of overnight retreat guests and provide meeting and quiet spaces needed, while maintaining the homes traditional appeal. In November, seven months after our initial application, we received IRS designation as a tax- exempt 501(c)(3) charitable organization, retroactive to February 14, 2005, our date of incorporation. As a public charity, Servant Song could now receive charitable contributions that are tax-deductible to donors. While renovations took longer than originally anticipated, with Gods grace, guidance, and His gifts of unbelievable strength and endurance in family and friends who helped, the house was finally ready to open. The New Year was busy with final preparations to actively begin the work weve been called to. With great rejoicing, Servant Song Ministries officially opened its Retreat House and Spirituality Center with a blessing service and dedication on January 28, 2006, followed by an open house and catered reception that continued Sunday, January 29. It was awesome! The first prayer in the service began "Almighty and everlasting God, grant to this home the grace of Your presence . . . " God certainly answered that prayer as we heard comments throughout the weekend, you can feel the presence of God when you walk in the door! Everyone enjoyed the fellowship and delicious refreshments too. Our regular weekly ministry events began immediately, and overnight retreats soon followed. People who come to Servant Song are met with welcome, listening hearts, compassionate understanding, love, and acceptance. Many have said that during their time here, they have experienced profound peace, joy, forgiveness, and a fresh realization of his/her preciousness before God. Others have experienced improvement/healing in physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Our name Servant Song comes from the First Song of the Servant, Isaiah 42:6-8. This is our call - this is our vision. Our logo symbolizes a heart afire - we are servants with hearts afire to serve God and one another. The very existence of Servant Song itself is witness to the power of God as described in Ephesians 3:20, "Glory be to him whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine." All for the Glory of God! Donna KollerPresident & Co-Founder

Our Facility

IM001564.JPG

IM001580.JPG

IM001544.JPG

SunRoom.JPG

IM001085.JPG

SunRoom2.JPG

IM001153_edited.JPG

IM001071.JPG

IM001070.JPG

SERVANT SONG IS UNIQUE...
We are an ecumenical center and unique. Although a nonprofit religious organization and a public charity, we are not owned by any individual, denomination, or religious community. Our leadership, staff, and ministry team members come from major Christian denominations. We join together to share our gifts and celebrate our unity under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. To all who come, we offer the gift of hospitality. What Guests Can Expect...OUR FACILITY IS CENTRALLY AIR-CONDITIONED AND HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE. Servant Song offers private guest rooms (9), each with its own half bath. One room has a double bed the others have single twin beds. We also have a parlor that can be used as a 10th guest room.Three separate, private shower rooms assure guests privacy. An accessibility lift (minivator) between the first and second floors makes guest rooms more easily accessible to those having difficulty with stairs and luggage. Our beautiful new chapel provides a lovely, peaceful atmosphere for private and group prayer and worship. A library turret and sun room parlor provide private quiet spaces and small meeting rooms. A living room-type meeting room (for up to 12 people), a dining room (up to 16 people), and outdoor prayer/meditation gardens complete this peaceful sanctuary. We offer a Resource Center where guests or visitors can purchase books, religious articles and gift items. In the future, a second house on the property will serve as a retreat cottage with additional guest rooms & a hermitage. Unless guests choose otherwise, delicious home-style meals are included in the accommodations. We will do our best to meet any specific dietary or other special needs our guests may have. All bed linens and towels are provided for guests. Also, for their convenience, we make available irons/ironing boards on each floor; refrigerator (3rd floor) and refrigerator space (1st floor) for personal choice or dietary restrictive beverages/snacks; and hot/cold water dispensers (1st and 3rd floors). Except for liturgical purposes, alcoholic beverages are prohibited.Apart from specially scheduled retreats, Servant Song is able to offer year-round guided, directed, and private retreats tailored to the needs of guests or groups. The staff retreat/spiritual director is also trained and certified in the methods of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. She is also available for private spiritual direction daily and during retreats. Wireless internet is available for those who must remain connected during their stay at Servant Song. We will do our best to meet any specific dietary* or other special needs our guests may have.*We can accommodate gluten-free dietary needs.Use of Facility by Private Groups...Servant Song is deeply committed to promoting a real appreciation and respect for the different roads by which God leads us and to fostering a greater unity of all Gods people under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. We will make our facilities available for retreats, meetings, and workshops to outside groups whose main emphasis is directly related to spiritual growth and development and who maintain that same appreciation and respect. We welcome all denominations that seek to nourish and sustain the growth of their members.

Special Gifts

Special Gifts

Memorial Gifts

Gift Certificates

Memorial Gifts

Memorial Gifts
Do you need a birthday or Christmas gift for that special someone in your life who has everything?Why not make a monetary gift to Servant Song in his or her honor? An appropriate gift card will be sent.When a friend or loved one passes from this life, consider a memorial gift that keeps giving for the Glory of God!In lieu of flowers, why not make a monetary gift to Servant Song in memorium to be used for our prayer gardens, or any other purpose you deem appropriate. A memorial gift card will be sent to the family. With all Special Gifts Donations, both the name of the person you have honored with your gift and your name, will be entered into our Book of Thanksgiving and remembered daily in prayer.And remember...Servant Song Ministries is a PA Non-Profit Corporation and IRS 501(c)(3) Charitable Organization. Donations are tax deductible to the full limit of the law.May God bless your generosity today, tomorrow, and always!
Gradient

Gift Certificates

Gift Certificates
Give that special someone in your life the refreshing experience of withdrawing to a quiet & comfortable place, stepping aside from everyday concerns, relaxing, taking a fresh look at life, sorting things out, and caring for their soul! Gift Certificates are available to purchase in any amount. So, you can give a gift of a scheduled overnight or weekend retreat from our calendar or a simple day break with rates starting as low as $15.00. Call or email us for complete details!

CONTACT

Contact us

Servant Song Ministries

720 East Greene Street

Waynesburg, PA 15370

724-852-2133

DRIVING DIRECTIONS

720 East Greene Street • Waynesburg, Pennsylvania 15370 • 724-852-2133

Servant Song Ministries is a PA Non-Profit Corporation and IRS 501(c)(3) Charitable Organization. Donations are tax deductible to the full limit of the law.

Copyright © 2005-2011 Servant Song Ministries • All Rights Reserved.