Making Merriment

Dec 9, 2022 | EVENTS, PLACES, REFLECTIONS

As a change of pace, we thought we’d share a glimpse into the homestead calendar for these coming holiday days, leading with our first public event at the newly constructed Village Blacksmith Shoppe!.

A Poet’s Reception

Come share some precious time with author and poetess Sarah Cornelius in celebration of the release of her new book, Falling Forward. Sarah will share excerpts from the book, and will sign copies. Christmas desserts and beverages will be served from 7-8:30 on Tuesday night, December 13.

A special guest, poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, will be in attendance to congratulate Sarah and to mark the first public event at Magnalia’s Village Blacksmith Shoppe, a working forge named in Longfellow’s honor to commemorate the spirit of his poem, The Village Blacksmith.

https://magnalia.org/events/a-poets-reception/

The Adler Society

The Adler Society is an invited fellowship of high school students who read and converse about great literature (poetry, short stories, historical source documents and the catechisms) and the implications of it all for the life well-lived.

The theme of this next Roundtable, Session 4 of 12, is Resolve, or the Will. Students will gather at Table as they do most Wednesday nights from 7-9pm to meal together and talk together fireside about the session readings. You can contact co-host Ben McIndoe () for more information.

https://magnalia.org/events/the-adler-society-session1-4/

ORMA Cadet’s Christmas

Welcoming the ORMA Cadets for holiday merriment.

Cadets from Oak Ridge Military Academy will make merry with us celebrating Christmas at the Homestead. Gathering at 6:30, the Cadets will rotate through activities planned in Semper Fi Hall, The Village Blacksmith Shoppe and The Music Room for holiday foods and drinks, fellowship, and opportunities to consider the glories of the Christ of Christmas.

Please contact us at if you’d like to help with arrangements for this gathering, which we hope will become an annual tradition!

https://magnalia.org/events/a-homestead-christmas/

Walden Cabin

Inspired by Henry David Thoreau’s legendary 1845 cabin at Walden Pond, this studied replica was built over a one-year period with careful attention to detail. Featured woods were locally harvested, the nails were smithed to 1850-era specs, recycled products were used as possible, and framed quotes and historical artifacts are aplenty to help our guests step back in time. There is a single bed in the main room and a queen-sized mattress in the garret, and the fireplace and wood burning stove and candle light make it a specially magical place in these cold months of the year.

Visitors come each week from (literally) all around the world. During the past month, we’ve hosted guests from Germany, Singapore, Paris, London, Richmond, Chicago, Atlanta, and all parts of the Carolinas. What a privilege (and ministry opportunity) it has been for us! In addition to these kinds of bookings through AirBNB and VRBO, we host people each month who are invited guests, arriving here to pray, to read, to write, and to rest.

https://magnalia.org/i-went-to-the-woods-because-2/

The Pigfest Society

The Pigfest Society was created to foster friendly dinner discourse about the topics of culture, history, philosophy, political-economy and the theology behind it all. “Pigfests” are an ad hoc gathering of young and old alike who meet to indulge in great conversation as they forage for good food and drink. The first Pigfests at the Homestead were held in 2000. Hosted in the context of spirited Christian hospitality, each gathering features a moderated discussion of the big issues of the day — connected as appropriate to specific calls to action that foster a more flourishing society.

Organized in the tradition of The Clapham Circles formed by William Wilberforce, The Pigfest Society follows the general Rules of Order practiced by Ben Franklin’s Junto Society, which are explained by the moderator at the start of each gathering. Contact co-host Jim Van Eerden () for more information.

Special Meal Feature: Family Favorite Dishes

https://magnalia.org/events/the-pigfest-society-gathering-jan2023/

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