What Makes Your Soul Sing?

On my drive to work, I often listen to a choral recording of “Hallelujah, Amen” by G.F. Handel—a piece I know well from my youth choir days. Over time, it’s become part of my commute. Even without the CD playing (yes, I still use one), turning onto Eagle Mill Road makes my soul sing “Hallelujah, Amen.” Who knew that something as mundane as a morning commute could be a spiritual experience?

Scripture reminds us that God’s presence stirs song in us. Ephesians says to sing and make melody in our hearts. Psalm 100 calls us to “make a joyful noise.” 1 Corinthians exhorts us to “sing with our spirits.”  

We do not need pretty voices to sing in this way. We sing with our souls. So, here’s the big question. What makes your soul sing?

You know when it happens. You know the people who feed your soul and the people who eat it for lunch. You know the activities that make your soul light up and the activities that suck the life right out of you. You know when you feel the comfort or the spark of God’s Spirit. When that happens, you are in what mystics call a thin place - one of those places where heaven feels close and our souls sing to life.  

As we continue on in this world with its floods and disasters and wars and divisions and hatefulness and meanness and blah, blah, blah, I wonder if, every now again, we could drive into a Hallelujah. I wonder if we might fill our days - even our sad days – with things that inspire our souls to sing – things that make us say, “Hallelujah, Amen.” In the little things we do to make room for God, Hallelujah, Amen. In the efforts we make to care about people, Hallelujah, Amen. In the commitment we make to pray, to worship, to live at peace with all – Hallelujah, Amen.  

Friends, the world needs to hear a new song. I invite you to tune up your soul at Well of Mercy. The Spirit constantly hums here. Even in the silence, you can hear her whistling through the trees. Your soul is always welcome to join the choir and sing along. Hallelujah, Amen.

Lea Slaton

Executive Director



Do You Have a Story?

What is your “Well” story? Did you run into a childhood friend? Did you run into God? Did you get rest, clarity, or blessed quiet? Where has the Spirit shown up for you here?

We would love to hear your stories because we would love to share your stories. September will be our first official Well of Mercy month. We will share many facts and stories about Well via social media, so if you have a story to share, please send it to mercy@wellofmercy.org. Put "Lea" in the memo line, and get ready for September!



~ Well is looking for a new Hospitality Coordinator ~  

As the face of Well, the person in this position is responsible for reservations, greeting guests, preparing guest rooms, and various office duties. The person must have a heart for Well, compassion for guests, be a self-starter, motivated and able to think on one’s feet because each day is a wonderful new adventure!

The position is 32 hours per week (Tuesday-Friday) and one Saturday and one overnight per month.

Email resumes/cover letters to lea@wellofmercy.org

~ August ~

~ September ~

~ October ~

~ November ~

~ Sold Out Retreat? Wait List Available ~

Deep Dive into Silence with Spiritual Direction

September 17-20, 2025

WAIT LIST

Come to the Quiet: A Guided Silent Retreat with Spiritual Direction (August)

August 21-23, 2025

WAIT LIST

Living in Harmony

Living in harmony is about fostering peaceful, cooperative relationships with God, oneself, others and nature. It could be viewed through multiple lenses—spiritual, environmental, social, or even personal well-being. Living in harmony often implies balance, mutual respect, and understanding among diverse people, cultures, and the environment.

Well of Mercy is a contemplative retreat center founded by the The Sisters of Mercy in the peaceful countryside of Hamptonville, NC which is near Harmony, NC. The story goes that while the Sisters of Mercy and the foundresses, Sister Donna and Sister Brigid were in discernment of the location of Well of Mercy the two Sisters were traveling down the interstate. Sister Brigid saw the exit sign for Union Grove/Harmony and said “wouldn’t Harmony be a great place for a retreat center.”  And so it is… The mission is to offer a sacred space where people can rest, renew, and reconnect with themselves, with God, and with nature.  

Living in harmony at Well of Mercy isn't just a concept—it's a practice:

Living in Harmony with Self

• Silence and solitude may help guests face their inner lives with compassion.

• Journaling, prayer, contemplative practices and contemplation assist in personal integration.

Harmony with Nature

• The retreat center emphasizes eco-spirituality.

• The beauty of nature surrounds this beautiful retreat center.

• Guests are encouraged to slow down, walk mindfully, and listen to the rhythms of the earth.

Harmony with God (or Spirit)

• Daily liturgy, sacred music, and quiet spaces nurture spiritual connection.

• There's no pressure—guests are free to seek God in their own way.

Harmony with Others

• While retreats are often individual and may be silent, the shared respect for the space creates a powerful sense of community.

• Workshops and guided experiences occasionally invite gentle interaction.

• Being in a sacred place lends itself to a sense of community.

We invite you to visit the Well of Mercy and be in Harmony.

Connie Hoffner

Programming Director

Being There When it Matters Most

Have you ever had something stop you in your tracks? The loss of someone you love. The end of a marriage. Burnout so deep you didn’t know how to keep going.

We all face moments that leave us needing to breathe, grieve, rest, or just be. For many, Well of Mercy has been that place. A space to process life’s hardest curveballs. A place to find peace and healing.

But imagine needing that space—and not being able to afford it.

That’s where you come in.

There are seasons in life when you’re the one who needs help. And there are seasons when you’re able to give it. If you’re in a season of giving, would you consider making a donation?

Your gift—no matter the size—helps someone find the rest they desperately need. Let’s be there for each other, exactly when it matters most.

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.