Summer Update and Eden Lead
Hello friends, and greetings from Shepherd’s Inn. We’ve had a busy summer at the Inn with a wide variety of guests, including international missionaries celebrating their anniversary while in the States, leadership teams getting away for intentional rest, and ministry leaders seeking God’s voice in what’s next in their ministry life. We continue to be amazed at how the Lord is using the ministry of hospitality and care at the Inn to encourage and replenish weary souls.
It’s also been a hot summer which has made for an arduous season of outdoor upkeep. No complaints here, but it is definitely informing how we will approach next summer in looking to bring on some extra help with the landscaping.
From September 2025-April 2026, we had the incredible opportunity to participate in an Eden Lead cohort. This truly amazing spiritual formation journey has shaped us AND our approach to life and ministry. That journey, paired with a sabbatical we took earlier in the year, has transformed our life’s pace and practice and helped align how we live and care for ourselves with what we are inviting our guests into at the Inn.
We are grateful for the prayers and support that made it possible for us to be a part of Eden Lead. We highly recommend the Eden Project to anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the love God has for you and allow that to transform your understanding of self and your rhythm of life. Check out theedenproject.com to find out more about the Eden Lead year or the Journey Home experience.
We’re excited to finally be able to share about this event! On Thursday, October 29, at 6:30 PM, we will be hosting an evening celebrating two years of ministry at Shepherd’s Inn. This fundraising event will be hosted at Summit Crossing Community Church in Huntsville, AL. We will be sharing our story, hear from ministers and missionaries who’ve stayed at the Inn, and we’ll be joined by a very special guest - singer/author/worship leader Christy Nockels.
We would love for you to be a part of this special evening. We have a limited number of tables still available to sponsor, which include eight seats, dessert, and coffee for you and your guests.
We’re also offering the option of sponsoring a virtual table for those who can’t join us in person but would like to livestream the event.
You can also sponsor a seat(s) if you’d like to attend in person but aren’t able to sponsor a table.
All proceeds will go toward our 2027 annual budget and will help us continue to offer the ministry of rest, renewal, and care to ministers and missionaries. To join in the celebration, click the appropriate link below.
October is Clergy Appreciation month. A great way to celebrate your pastor, missionary, or favorite ministry leader is a two to four-night stay at Shepherd’s Inn. It’s a simple way to share your love and appreciation, while giving them the gift of rest, renewal, and care. Sponsor a stay below, and we’ll send you a gift certificate to present to your minister or missionary. They can use it to book a stay at their convenience.
Autumn is in the air (praise the Lord!), and we’re planning our big autumn volunteer work day for Saturday, November 14, from 8 AM to 2 PM. We’ll be cleaning up limbs and brush to prepare for winter, as well as doing some painting and wall paper removal (for those with mad skills) at the Cottage. There will be something for everyone, and, as always, lunch is provided.
To sign up, click the link below. We hope you can join us!
Did we mention that Christy Nockels will be joining us for our Two-Year Celebration? (Can you tell we’re excited?!) In light of that, our great read and listen are listed below. Christy and Nathan Nockels have been writing songs we’ve been singing in church for years, but the Lord has been doing an amazing work in and through them over the last decade.
Her book “The Life You Long For” and album “King Who Never Sleeps” resonate deeply with the ministry of Shepherd’s Inn, so it was a no-brainer to ask her to join us for the celebration. Give them a read/listen, and you’ll see why!
Anticipation of Autumn/Winter
We’re heading into the autumn season with great anticipation. We’re almost completely booked for the remainder of the year, which is wonderful. Autumn temps are great for walks on the property, time around the fire pits, and rocking on our covered porches listening to the leaves fall. All beautiful and serene times to spend with our Father in the glory of His creation. Needless to say, it’s our favorite time of year at the Inn.
Because of all the Lord has been doing in our lives over the last year, we are able to be more present with our guests (if requested) or simply provide them sacred, uninterrupted space to be with Jesus. Doesn’t that sound lovely? Uninterrupted time to rest and be with the One who loves us more than we can comprehend. A place that nourishes and replenishes the soul.
And from that rest come strength, soul health, and vitality which empower them to continue ministering to their churches and communities. That’s what Shepherd’s Inn is about.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support of Shepherd’s Inn. You are on this journey with us. Together we can help our brothers and sisters in vocational ministry thrive and, in turn, see families, churches, and communities more vibrant with the love of Christ.
Blessings to you,
The Shepherd’s Inn Team
