God Never Tires of Surprising Us

In early April, Well of Mercy had an unexpected treat! As we ate lunch, a guest glanced out the window as a large bird flew through the trees and landed. It was an owl! A huge owl! Right there! In our dogwood tree! There were many ooohs and aaahs as we got up to look at our winged friend. Although we often hear the owls conversing in the treetops, we have never seen one perched in its full glory in our dogwood tree in full daylight!

That says something. Many staff members have been here for years and have never seen an owl. I’ve been visiting since 2018 and have never seen an owl. I’ve been on every path, stayed in every house, and taken advantage of every common room - I thought there was nothing new to see. After all, we look out of the same windows every day– but an owl flew in! Same creek dances by, but an owl flew in! Same trees stand guard, but an owl flew in! I wonder how many times that owl has flown through those treetops, and I just have not seen him – I wonder how many other things are happening right under my nose – things that show the glorious creativity of God. That owl had a lesson for us. Even in the most routine place like a dinner table, God still shows us new things, gives us new things. It’s exhilarating, really, that God never runs out of newness…if only we have the eyes to see and the ears to hear. This same old world reveals God new every day like that old hymn – morning by morning new mercies I see!

Those new mercies are budding right now at Well of Mercy! Spring is coming into full bloom in a beautiful season of new life. Tis the season of waking up. Tis the season of resurrection – when life rises up and lights the way. One message that Well teaches me is that God never tires of surprising us with resurrection. Something new and creative is always on God’s horizon. We never deplete the ways God’s abundant love embraces us…a love that even the grave cannot squelch. I encourage you this week to ask God to open your eyes. Ask God to open your ears. Ask God to open your heart. And, then walk into your days confident that the God who creates owls and rolls away stones – swoops into your life, too. May we all have eyes to see and ears to hear…I hope to see YOU soon!

Lea Slaton

Executive Director

~ May ~

~ June ~

~ Future Retreat ~

Well of Mercy Summer Day Retreat

~ Sold Out Retreat? Wait List Available ~

 Finding Hope in Grief: A Day of Comfort and Connection

May 29, 2025

WAIT LIST

Embrace Your Wings

May 7-9, 2025

WAIT LIST



Partner with Us!

Would you list “organizational” skills in your skill set? If so, and you have a couple of hours per week to spare, consider serving as a Well volunteer in our gift shop. No, you do not have to run a cash register, but we could surely use some help with stock, inventory, and general upkeep and organization. If that sounds like something you would enjoy doing, please let us know!

Speaking of fabulous volunteer opportunities, do you enjoy the smell of fresh-baked cookies? Or the fulfillment of dinner table conversations and laughter? Would you consider offering a few hours one Saturday a month to help in our kitchen? Lunch OR dinner. Lunch AND Dinner – creative scheduling is available. Since Tammara is reducing her hours to enjoy semi-retirement, we would so appreciate your help! If interested, please contact Brenda Wallace at brenda@wellofmercy.org.

Renewing Our Sense of Wonder

Spring has truly settled in here at Well of Mercy, and our landscape is a vibrant tapestry of every color, teeming with new life.

Eastern Redbuds have just finished a spectacular display of blooms, and now the Dogwoods have taken the stage to put on quite the show. Trees are emerging from dormancy throughout the forest leaving the canopy brushed with every shade of green imaginable. Each unfurling leaf brings with it a sense of renewal and rebirth—a reminder that every season invites transformation and a renewed sense of wonder. Our times of rest and quiet reflection become the fertile soil for the new life that spring carries with it.

The familiar hum of insects, birdsongs, and gentle breezes once again fill the air, while bright sunshine warms the land. Swallowtail butterflies explore the patches of Creeping Phlox that cling to the rocks near the entrance and Mother’s Garden, as Bearded Irises and Bleeding Hearts wait to welcome you into the loving arms of this sacred space.

Jordan Marvin

Landscape Coordinator

Gracing the Chapel

For years, Peter Strafaci has crafted these beautiful chalices for Well of Mercy, each one unique in its design. With variations of colored glazes, no two are the same—just as no two moments of worship are the same.

The chalice holds deep significance in Christian faith, reminding us of the Last Supper when Jesus offered the cup to His disciples just hours before His crucifixion. Each chalice is shaped by hand, taking at least 40 minutes on the potter’s wheel, then carefully glazed and fired in the kiln.

This Lent, the chalices were displayed in the Chapel as a visual reminder of Christ’s sacrifice and the invitation to draw closer to Him. For those who weren’t able to see them in person, please enjoy this picture.

Give a Gift that Gives Back

Is there someone in your life who has been a source of wisdom, encouragement, or kindness? Honor them with a gift that reflects the care and compassion they’ve shared with you.

When you make a donation in their honor, Well of Mercy will send a special Well-inspired card, letting them know that your gift is making a difference in their name. It’s a meaningful way to celebrate a loved one while supporting a place of rest, renewal, and healing for so many.

Give in honor of someone special today.

Well of Mercy's Core Values



Well of Mercy, a retreat ministry sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, grounded in the spirit of hospitality, provides quiet sanctuary and time in nature for reflection, rest and renewal for those choosing sacred time apart, enriching their spiritual and emotional wellbeing.