Rivendell is supported by a Christian community, rooted in the gospel values of prayer, silence, simplicity, hospitality and social action. The hosts at each site endeavour to provide a sacred place for individuals and groups who seek spiritual renewal, and who wish to deepen their spiritual lives. The principles that reflect this intention are as follows.

Silence
A peaceful ambience is encouraged at all times at all Sacred Spaces.  The Hermitage, in particular, is designed for silent retreats. At the Lodge there are quiet hours throughout the building from 10 pm to 7 am. The Listening Post is a peaceful sanctuary in the heart of Vancouver's downtown eastside. 

Prayer
Rivendell’s rhythm of worship offers times of gathered prayer. At two of our locations – the Sanctuary at the Lodge and the loft in the Forest House of Prayer at the Hermitage - 8am and 5pm are designated times for prayer.  Those on retreat at the Cottage and the Writer's Retreat are welcome to join at the Sanctuary. At the Listening Post prayer times are at 1 and 3 pm. 

Centering prayer, usually held at 8 am at the Lodge and Hermitage and at 1 and 3 pm at the Listening Post consists of 20 minutes silence for those who would like to gather for centering prayer or meditation.

5pm is considered our sacred hour at the Lodge, Cottage and Hermitage. It begins with a time of gathered prayer using music, readings, and/or contemplative practices such as lectio divinia. All are invited to enter into this sacred hour in an intentional way at all sites fostering a quiet atmosphere. 

Hospitality
In welcoming retreatants to Rivendell as hosts from many Christian traditions, we are open to people of all spiritual paths, but we ask that everyone who comes respects the rhythms of Rivendell in which Jesus is honoured and God’s presence is assumed.

We give preferential option to marginalized and not-for-profit groups. In this vein, for each site accommodating overnight retreats, our principle of accessibility invites each retreatant, whether on group or personal retreat, to pay as generously as they can within their means for their stay. We are able to offer Revenue Canada charitable receipts for amounts contributed over $100 per person per day. We are able to accept cash, cheque or e-transfer for payment. 

The recommended minimum retreat stay for the Lodge, Cottage and Hermitage  is two nights. Exceptions to this are made from time to time.  The Writer's Retreat can book for longer periods of a few weeks or more.

Retreats at the overnight Sacred Spaces normally begin by 3pm on the first day and finish by noonday on the final morning. 

Simplicity
We invite you into a spirit of simplicity while on retreat, opening yourself to the spaciousness of time and place.

Consider leaving technology behind, or at least turned off while on retreat. If you need to use your cell phone, be mindful that the sound carries in the building. Wi-fi is available in the Lodge and Penny Lou cottage but not at the Cottage on Cates Hill or at the Hermitage.

Taking inspiration from the Benedictine understanding of prayer and work, we invite care and cleaning of the space in a mindful way. Prior to leaving, we ask all to clean their rooms and common use areas as an essential and sacred task, prayerfully preparing for those who will come next. We ask groups to allow time and intent for this as part of their program.

We encourage consideration to maintaining a peaceful ambience keeping conversations and socializing to a quieter level. Alcoholic beverages are permitted, in moderation, to accompany an evening meal.

Social Action
The Rivendell Community is committed to working towards reconciliation with the Indigenous peoples of our land, recognizing that Nex̱wlélex̱wm (Bowen Island) is traditional Sḵwx̱wú7mesh territory and the Listening Post in Vancouver is located on traditional xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) territory. 

We are committed to give preferential option to marginalized and not-for-profit groups and to limiting barriers of access.

Recognizing that we live in a world in which injustice and inequality take a spiritual toll on us, we are committed to supporting change-makers whose contemplative practice strengthens their ability to take action on fundamental issues of justice in our world.

We believe all five of our sacred spaces are living sanctuaries.  We invite all who come to be custodians of their own living spaces and common areas, cooperating in the practices of recycling and conservation of energy as well as following general guidelines for community living and cleaning.

Group Retreats

Groups are able to book overnight retreats only at the Lodge.  Day retreats are also available at the Listening Post. 

Our priority is for those groups whose goals most closely align with our own sense of purpose.  All groups who wish to book a retreat are asked to write a letter describing the intention of your group retreat and how it intersects with our core principles of silence, prayer, simplicity, hospitality and social action.

Groups usually provide their own programs & facilitators, and make their own arrangements regarding food.  Contact us if you need information regarding caterers. 

Group accommodation is for a maximum of 17 bedrooms for up to 29 people with single or double occupancy.

Rates
Rivendell is committed to accessibility, recognizing that in the imbalance of this world's economy, people differ greatly in their financial resources.

Rates are based on the ability to pay generously within your means.  Receipts for income tax purposes will be given on request for amounts more than $100.00 per person per day.  For groups we encourage a principle of fairness with overall accommodation payment at least matching food costs.  We are able to accept cash, cheque or e-transfer for payment. 

Group leaders are asked to make a single payment to Rivendell and take responsibility for collecting from their group members.

Guidelines for Groups
We encourage groups to have some significant time of quiet reflection incorporated into their programs so they can take advantage of the quiet atmosphere of Rivendell. Times for teaching, training, visioning and meeting are permitted, but groups are encouraged to minimize these in favour of opportunities for quiet.

Spiritual direction may be a part of any retreat group’s activities. The Rivendell Community offers "spiritual accompanying" to personal retreatants who need a listening ear or seek assistance with their retreat experience and can sometime provide the same service to members of a group retreat if they so wish.

In order to live by the ideal space arrangements we have, we prefer all participants and leaders to be in residence.

Rivendell retreat encourages single occupancy as the ideal retreat experience.

All groups desiring to have group retreats are expected to send the community a letter of intent indicating both their understanding & acceptance of these principles, along with the intended purposes of their retreat. Also, well before their arrival, the group should send a copy of the group’s retreat programme along with the names of their participants.

No programming is permitted in this time period 10 pm – 7 am.  We ask that groups provide opportunity for any individuals from their groups to attend the community planned sacred time at 5pm each day should they so desire. Rivendell Community members are happy to work with group leadership in helping to create these sacred events.

Personal Retreats 

Personal retreats for individuals are available at the Lodge, the Hermitage.  Retreats for families and those seeking respite are available are available at the Cottage.  We recommend retreatants to stay for a minimum of 2 nights.

Spiritual Companioning may be available upon request and to be arranged with the hosts.

Meals
Personal retreatants at the Lodge and Hermitage share a kitchen for preparing their meals and are responsible for bringing their own food. Our suggestion is to bring food that is simple to prepare.

Rates
Rivendell is committed to accessibility.  In the imbalance of this world's economy, people differ greatly in their financial resources. We invite people to give generously within their means.  Receipts for income tax purposes will be given on request for amounts more than $100 per person per day.  We are able to accept cash, cheque or e-transfer for payment.