Chapel of Mercy
An entire letter on the joys and challenges of the two-year construction project could be written, but suffice to say the Chapel of Mercy was completed in May, 2005.
Rising up out of the ground, tucked in the woods, is a breathtakingly beautiful chapel. This non-denominational chapel with awe-inspiring views from every angle is a place for prayer, meditation, peace and perhaps a miracle or two.
Labyrinth
The labyrinth is an ancient tool, a meandering but purposeful path leading to a center and out again. The sacred path, symbolic of life’s journey, is meant to give those using it a chance to pray, meditate, and find wholeness. Those walking the labyrinth meander back and forth, turning 180 degrees each time they enter a different circuit. As they shift direction, it is said that they also shift awareness between the right brain and the left.
Unlike a maze, which has dead ends, tricks and turns, a labyrinth has only one path leading to the center and back out again. There are no dead ends. Walking the labyrinth is about receptivity and homecoming. Visitors are encouraged to take the pilgrimage through the labyrinth at their own pace, skipping, dancing or singing if they choose.
The labyrinth dates back to the Middle Ages. Well of Mercy’s labyrinth is a seven circuit labyrinth, similar to the one on the floor of Charters Cathedral in France, which dates back to the 13th century. Situated outdoors, it’s perched atop the hill overlooking the Well House and is lit for nighttime walks. Over 7000 bricks, and 3 tons of sand were used in the construction of this unique labyrinth. A meditation gazebo is situated nearby.
God ahead, God behind.
God be on the path I wind.
God above, God below
God be everwhere I go.
—Celtic Prayer
Spiritual Direction
As practiced today, the ministry of spiritual direction is usually understood to be an ongoing relationship in which the spiritual directior (or companion, or mentor) and the directee (or seeker) meet regularly (about once a month for approximately an hour) for the purpose of discerning and responding faithfully to God’s presence in the seeker’s life. In contrast to therapy or counseling, the emphasis is not on problem solving, but rather on discerning the “stream beneath the stream” of circumstances. Or in other words, “Where is God in all of this?”
Spiritual Direction is available at Well of Mercy on a donation basis. Peg Cartner, a graduate of Sursum Corda Spiritual Directors’ Formation Program is available by appointment.
Contact Peg Cartner at 336-816-4882 prior to your arrival at Well of Mercy for information, rates and to schedule an appointment
Healing Modalities
Touching someone in a loving, attentive way, when they hurt or are stressed can promote healing. When one learns to be calm, fully present in the body, and open to being a healing influence, then the effect of touch or simply being present can assist the person in need.
Massage
Massage is one of the oldest, simplest forms of therapy. Massage does much more than create a pleasant sensation on the skin, it also works on the soft tissues (the muscles, tendons, and ligaments) to improve muscle tone. Although it largely affects those muscles just under the skin, massage benefits may also reach the deeper layers of muscle and possibly even the organs themselves.
Brenda Wallace, a Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist (LMBT, NC #623) has been working at Well of Mercy since 1998. Brenda graduated from Body Therapy Institute in Siler City, NC in 1997. She is available for massage sessions Thursday through Saturday by advance appointment only.
Contact Brenda at 704-871-6687 prior to your arrival at Well of Mercy for information, rates and to schedule an appointment.
Healing Touch
Healing Touch is a holistic energy-based approach to health and healing that emphasizes compassionate, heart-centered care. Practitioners use gentle non-invasive touch.
Healing Touch complements conventional health care and is also used in collaboration with other approaches to health and healing. Application of this therapy often brings about a decrease in pain, deep relaxation and energetic balance for the body.
Well of Mercy offers Healing Touch through Certified Healing Touch Practitioners. Please request Healing Touch when making your reservations.
Reiki
Reiki (pronounced “Ray-key”) is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing.
Karin Sawhill, MRT is a certified, Usui Reiki Master Teacher, and a Member, International Association of Reiki Practitioners She has been practicing Reiki since 2004. She is available at Well of
Mercy on Thursdays by appointment. Karin can also be found cooking in the Well of Mercy kitchen on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Contact Karin 704-576-4246 prior to your arrival for information, rates and to schedule an appointment.
Trails
Well of Mercy is situated on 110 acres of wooded rolling hills just outside of Harmony, North Carolina. Guests can take advantage of the miles of nature trails on this sacred piece of land. Hunting Creek cuts a swathe through the property, creating a nurturing and soothing environment adrift with the healing sounds of the water. The many paths and benches along its banks provide a quiet place for a stroll, for daydreaming or nature viewing. Visitors often report sightings of wild turkey, deer and an abundance of songbirds.
Like just about everything else at the WELL, there is a story behind the wonderful Bridge that spans the creek. The real beauty of the 35-foot bridge is that it now provides guests with access to the meandering trails on the other side of the stream, enabling them to walk the entire scope of our property.
Hot Tub
Several years ago one of Well of Mercy guests made a suggestion to the Sisters that it sure would be nice if there was a hot tub at the Well. A group of guests left some seed-money for the project and the next time the guest arrived, there it was! Just out the back door of the Well House. Guests interested in enjoying the relaxing waters of the outdoor hot tub are reminded to bring a bathing suit with them.
Nearby
The small community of Harmony is within six miles of the Well and offers a small grocery store, drug store, post office, and gas station.
By Phone
To make reservations at Well of Mercy is to call 704-539-5449 between 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday.
Room availability is based on a first-come first-served basis. We offer private, single rooms as well as shared double occupancy rooms for those staying with a friend or spouse. Cottages are ideal for silent retreatants or anyone wishing to have more privacy.
Please visit the guest information area for details on guest amenities.
Additional Information
For additional details, please refer to our Guest Information.