View Full Version : Grace lutheran church hostel in waynesboro, Va
Hostel just opened today for the season and i am the lucky one to be their first guest, and so far i am amazed about the hospitality that they offer here. if your planning to spend the night in this town i recomend checking this place out! There is a lot of nice people that run this place and there are a lot of ammenities that they offer here!
-Pusher
Blissful
05-19-2008, 21:21
Waynesboro is a great town and the outfitter is top notch.
sofaking
05-19-2008, 22:09
there are a trio of 'friendly' winos that hang around the ymca campsite...willie and the boys- they 'live' somewhere further down the river, 'got a cot and lanterns and everything'...don't leave your camp unattended and the staff at the y appreciate being told when these guys are hanging around.
i agree, the outfitter is amazing and has everything you could possibly need, its a nice town with everything you need in it. lots of trail angels here to that will give you rides all over town.
when you get off the trail at rockfish gap, look for the tourism office on the other side of the road, and they will call one of the trail angels to come and pick you up. its amazing the whole system that they've got set up.
i wish i had zero-ed here and not at daleville
Hostel just opened today for the season and i am the lucky one to be their first guest, and so far i am amazed about the hospitality that they offer here. if your planning to spend the night in this town i recomend checking this place out! There is a lot of nice people that run this place and there are a lot of ammenities that they offer here!
-Pusher
Do you have a phone number for the place? Address? thanks
Don't forget AYCE pancakes at Weazies!
Rockhound
05-20-2008, 00:18
are there check in/check out times? other rules and regs that have to be followed? an alterior motive? whenever i hear the words church and hostel in the same sentence im a little leary. often times hospitality is paired with an agenda. i compare it to a timeshare presentation. you can go get your gift so long as you spend time with someone pretending to be your friend as he attempts to sell you a bag of goods. im not saying im chuch hostels are bad. on the contrary. the pearisburg hostel is wonderful and they practice thier faith rather than pushing their faith. offering comfort and hospitality without pressuring hikers into religious conversations. i dont like feeling as though ive offended my host if i dont convert on the spot after ive paid the fee or made an appropriate donation and have followed all the rules (no alcohol, etc...).
Pacific Tortuga
05-20-2008, 00:26
S#!T, I need to send off some DVD's to them. They were top shelf to me and, well, everyone.
I was there last year when they closed. I've been trying to get them in the magazine "The Luteran", with a story on there great renewal hostel for thru- hikers, to no avail.
I thought I had some pull with them nordic types in Minneapolis. If you can tell them hi for me ' Tortuga' and I will be sending them a thank you package ............ this week.
Talking about your faith is much the same as talking about your favorite sport and team. If folks don't want to listen, they won't hang around. Political correctness is neither political nor necessarily correct. If you don't want to hear about God or Jesus, don't stay at a church hostel. If someone is too pushy, tell them it turns you off. Maybe they'll learn something.
minnesotasmith
05-20-2008, 01:35
And remains so, they don't let you in the place between 8-5 so they can run a daycare. You have to get up early. Also, you can't access your stuff, so no taking your clothes with you to a laundromat, washing them, dropping them back off, and going on about your town day.
Note that I did not stay there, just heard that that was how they were. I was fortunate enough that a Trail Angel (Darwin Again) offered me lodging for my time in that area.
Appalachian Tater
05-20-2008, 02:22
the pearisburg hostel is wonderful and they practice thier faith rather than pushing their faith. offering comfort and hospitality without pressuring hikers into religious conversations.That place is pretty much run by one man unless you count his little dog.
are there check in/check out times? other rules and regs that have to be followed? an alterior motive? whenever i hear the words church and hostel in the same sentence im a little leary. often times hospitality is paired with an agenda. i compare it to a timeshare presentation. you can go get your gift so long as you spend time with someone pretending to be your friend as he attempts to sell you a bag of goods. im not saying im chuch hostels are bad. on the contrary. the pearisburg hostel is wonderful and they practice thier faith rather than pushing their faith. offering comfort and hospitality without pressuring hikers into religious conversations. i dont like feeling as though ive offended my host if i dont convert on the spot after ive paid the fee or made an appropriate donation and have followed all the rules (no alcohol, etc...).
Yes there are rules.. No fees, but do accept donations. It opens about 4:00 pm as I recall and you need to be out in the morning. It is run by volunteers who do have a life besides cleaning up after you. There is no "alterior motive" other than caring for strangers in the spirit of the Good Samaritan. I stayed twice in 2005 and would stay again anytime I can.
It is down by the YMCA and across from the library. Easy to find behind the grocery store and Chinese AYCE...
max patch
05-21-2008, 15:07
There were more church hostels around when I thru'd than there are today, and I was never, not once, prosetylized when I was a guest at a church hostel.
Jack Tarlin
05-22-2008, 10:59
Wow, lighten up, folks.
There's no "hidden agenda" in Waynesboro. These are really wonderful folks, doing wonderful things for hikers, and they have no ulterior motives whatsoever.
And yeah, there are check in/out times and other rules and regulations at this hostel, as well there should be. So what?
Why this would trouble anyone amazes me.
Folks who are bothered by rules and regulations at hostels, especially church ones, probably shouldn't stay there.
Wow, lighten up, folks.
There's no "hidden agenda" in Waynesboro. These are really wonderful folks, doing wonderful things for hikers, and they have no ulterior motives whatsoever.
And yeah, there are check in/out times and other rules and regulations at this hostel, as well there should be. So what?
Why this would trouble anyone amazes me.
Folks who are bothered by rules and regulations at hostels, especially church ones, probably shouldn't stay there.
My point exactly Jack!
Chainsaw 08
06-14-2008, 01:11
I'm there right now. The hours are in by 5 pm and out by 9 am. The folks are super nice. I have an injury and will likely be here 2-3 days, and I'm glad. Yes, leaving during the day is a pain, but food and a very good public library are nearby.
Blue Jay
06-14-2008, 09:41
Note that I did not stay there, just heard that that was how they were.
Therefore, as usual, you are talking about something you know nothing about.
Blue Jay
06-14-2008, 09:44
I stayed there this year and they were flat out, one of the best places I've ever been to on the AT. They could have not been more friendly and helpful.
minnesotasmith
06-14-2008, 10:01
Therefore, as usual, you are talking about something you know nothing about.
Not everyone has to personally experience something to get the most basic idea about it. I don't have to walk to a distant off-trail water source that another hiker coming the other way has passed on to me is dry to figure out that taking the time to walk to it is a poor use of my time. Neither do I have to experience staying at a particular hostel with hours more limited than I care for to know that I'd be inconvenienced if I stayed there. This is what schools, textbooks, and how-to books are based on. I for one am capable of learning useful information from talking to other people. It's a useful capacity.
Wow, lighten up, folks.
There's no "hidden agenda" in Waynesboro. These are really wonderful folks, doing wonderful things for hikers, and they have no ulterior motives whatsoever.
And yeah, there are check in/out times and other rules and regulations at this hostel, as well there should be. So what?
Why this would trouble anyone amazes me.
Folks who are bothered by rules and regulations at hostels, especially church ones, probably shouldn't stay there.
I agree w/JT. Would be nice if some folks would just accept the generosity of these people, instead of questioning their agenda. I might bet that these would be the ones who would not be making a modest donation to help them defer their expenses. There are always just "takers" and not "givers".
_terrapin_
06-14-2008, 11:01
There were more church hostels around when I thru'd than there are today, and I was never, not once, prosetylized when I was a guest at a church hostel.
That was my experience also. The closest I came to being proselytized was at Blackburn Center last summer. Redwing and Hopeful are sweet folks... and very Christian...
Chainsaw 08
06-14-2008, 12:32
Just to add -- the reason you have to leave during the day is because the Hostel is actually IN the church, not in another building. They have volunteer hosts on site the whole time, including overnight, and this way they don't have to try to find someone to be there all day long.
Rockhound
06-14-2008, 13:50
Wow, lighten up, folks.
There's no "hidden agenda" in Waynesboro. These are really wonderful folks, doing wonderful things for hikers, and they have no ulterior motives whatsoever.
And yeah, there are check in/out times and other rules and regulations at this hostel, as well there should be. So what?
Why this would trouble anyone amazes me.
Folks who are bothered by rules and regulations at hostels, especially church ones, probably shouldn't stay there.
Come on Jack. I'm not "blasting" church hostels. I even said the Pearisburg hostel was great. From what I've read I'm sure the Waynesboro hostel is great too. I was simply asking if there was a hidden agenda. last year i was with 12 other hikers who were lured by "trail magic" provided by an otherwise very nice couple. We were fed a wonderful meal and the offer was made for us to stay the night. We were told we would be provided with breakfast and lunch as long as we all attended service at their church. It was Easter so I figured what the heck it would make mom happy. Well we did have a great breakfast then went to church were we ushered downstairs for a 1 hour preservice by a person who gave me the impression of a used car salesman. Then we were all led upstairs for a service that "blasted" the Jews. I'm not a religious person but i feel any religion should preach tolerance, acceptance and forgivness. Not self richousness and hate. Anyway afterwards we did go out for lunch (which we had to pay for) No biggie but everyones understanding the previous day was that it was their treat. Then before continuing my hike I had a conversation with the husband who was of the adamant belief that the earth was only 7000 years old and dinosaur fossils were put here by god to create doubt in nonbelievers. All in all it wasn't a horrible experience. In fact I found it to be quite humorous. It just illustrates my point that some trail magic does come with strings attached
Chaco Taco
06-18-2008, 00:40
Come on Jack. I'm not "blasting" church hostels. I even said the Pearisburg hostel was great. From what I've read I'm sure the Waynesboro hostel is great too. I was simply asking if there was a hidden agenda. last year i was with 12 other hikers who were lured by "trail magic" provided by an otherwise very nice couple. We were fed a wonderful meal and the offer was made for us to stay the night. We were told we would be provided with breakfast and lunch as long as we all attended service at their church. It was Easter so I figured what the heck it would make mom happy. Well we did have a great breakfast then went to church were we ushered downstairs for a 1 hour preservice by a person who gave me the impression of a used car salesman. Then we were all led upstairs for a service that "blasted" the Jews. I'm not a religious person but i feel any religion should preach tolerance, acceptance and forgivness. Not self richousness and hate. Anyway afterwards we did go out for lunch (which we had to pay for) No biggie but everyones understanding the previous day was that it was their treat. Then before continuing my hike I had a conversation with the husband who was of the adamant belief that the earth was only 7000 years old and dinosaur fossils were put here by god to create doubt in nonbelievers. All in all it wasn't a horrible experience. In fact I found it to be quite humorous. It just illustrates my point that some trail magic does come with strings attached
In my opinion, if someone extends the hospitality of letting me in their home and feeding me, they can talk at me about their beliefs if they want to. I can either take it or leave it. Back in NC, Hercules and Fawn (?) took us in and fed us, then broke out the christian literature. I listened and then hiked out.
Currently, I am at the Grace Church hostel in Waynesboro and not a single person has approached me about any beliefs what so ever. They just love having hikers here. Its an amazing place.
I do think that a very select few people that do magic have the intention of doing what they believe to be the work they are chosen to do. I dont think there is a "hidden agenda" even though some people do try and force it upon you while you hike. Its your choice if you want to listen to it or not
Jack Tarlin
06-18-2008, 01:13
Um, simple answer, Rockhound:
Calm yourself. There is no "hidden agenda" at the Waynesboro Hostel, period.
Blue Jay
06-18-2008, 08:13
I for one am capable of learning useful information from talking to other people.
Yes and you are also quite capable of learning crap as you've proven over and over.
i was VERY pleased with the hospitality and kindness that i recieved there! very nice people.. if your there now, look for my picture!! i was the FIRST one of the season, how cool is that!!
Chaplain
06-28-2008, 00:49
What??!?!?? There are no rules in MOtels??!?!? You walk into a church, what do you expect?? Man get a life!!!!? Complaining about the church folk perhaps talking to you about the love of God and you complain when there is no charge to stay there and you walked in on your on accord? Man, go stay at the motel or somewhere else.
Jack Tarlin
06-28-2008, 01:06
Sunny:
You sound like an uncommonly sensible person.
Someone who doesn't want to hear the name of God invoked would probably do well to stay out of churches, but this might be a concept too difficult for some folks to grasp. :rolleyes:
camojack
06-28-2008, 02:12
Sunny:
You sound like an uncommonly sensible person.
Someone who doesn't want to hear the name of God invoked would probably do well to stay out of churches, but this might be a concept too difficult for some folks to grasp. :rolleyes:
Uncommonly sensible? That's the name of my blog...but you knew that. :)
_terrapin_
06-28-2008, 09:53
are there check in/check out times? other rules and regs that have to be followed? an alterior motive? whenever i hear the words church and hostel in the same sentence im a little leary.
Well, it's your choice to stay there or not. I've stayed at "church" hostels on several occasions and never been proselytized -- and I'm as atheist as one can be. Had anyone said so much as a peep to me about Jesus, I'd have been packed and gone in a flash.
Most of these places have strict rules about drinking and smoking... no surprise there. Watch out for the caretaker at The Place, he's got a mean streak.
Jack Tarlin
06-28-2008, 09:55
Yeah, imagine that....someone mentioning the name of Jesus Christ in a church.
Can anyone imagine anything so terrible? :rolleyes:
Truly, Terrapin World is a bizarre place.
_terrapin_
06-28-2008, 09:59
I sleep (on rare occasions) in hostels, not churches. If the purpose of the hostel is to proselytize, I wouldn't stay there. But that has not been the case, in my experience.
Jack Tarlin
06-28-2008, 10:05
There is not one church hostel on the Trail whose purpose is to proselytize, so I don't really know what you're talking about. The "problem" you seem so afraid of doesn't exist.
I had a conversation with the husband who was of the adamant belief that the earth was only 7000 years old and dinosaur fossils were put here by god to create doubt in nonbelievers.
Ha ha ha... too funny.
Lone Wolf
06-28-2008, 11:41
Most of these places have strict rules about drinking and smoking... no surprise there. Watch out for the caretaker at The Place, he's got a mean streak.
if hikers weren't such ******** all the time and follow the rules maybe we'd be a little nicer
_terrapin_
06-28-2008, 11:53
if hikers weren't such ******** all the time and follow the rules maybe we'd be a little nicer
Well, TOW sure put the fear o' g*d into slo-go-'en. From what I've seen of slo-go-'en's posts since that dust-up, he seems like a nice enough guy. Just picked a bad time and place to flaunt the rules, is all. Sch!tt happened, end of story.
Jack Tarlin
06-28-2008, 22:06
He just picked a bad time to flaunt the rules? :rolleyes:
So tell us Terrapin, imagine you're a guest, staying for free in a church or a place run by a church.
On the wall is a short list of the two or three things they'd rather you didn't do while you were there.
That being said, Terrapin, and assuming you had just read the sign, tell us:
When would be a GOOD time to flaunt their rules?
_terrapin_
06-28-2008, 22:11
When would be a GOOD time to flaunt their rules?
When TOW ain't lookin.' :D
Jack Tarlin
06-28-2008, 22:14
Well, Terrapin, you may not wish to believe it.......but when you're in a church, believe me.....SOMEONE is looking. :rolleyes:
_terrapin_
06-28-2008, 22:23
May the spaghetti monster have mercy on my soul...
"Proselytizing" intrudes into the person’s spiritual life and pushes him to convert. Muslims in their own countries often proselytize Catholics, who are forced to renounce their faith or suffer severe consequences, even death. Many centuries ago too many misinformed Catholics proselytized Jews. Catholic teaching, based on free will, firmly rejects such activities.
Evangelizing (http://www.secondexodus.com/html/catholicdefinitions/evangelization.htm) witnesses to the faith and allows the person to decide for himself whether to come forward. Jesus of Nazareth spoke to the people wherever they gathered to hear Him. Each individual was free to stay or go, believe or not, and be responsible to God alone for his decision. Jesus told us, Jn 20:21 “As the Father has sent Me, even so I send you.” Catholics are to evangelize as Jesus did, by gently inviting Jews to become interested in God’s glory through His Messiah.
Bare Bear
07-08-2008, 21:33
Jack hit it.
I stayed there in 06 and they couldn't have been nicer. One of the members got me a weekend visit to his doctor who came in just to see me and help with a trail problem, and dirt cheap too.
The only problem I had was getting away from the Vortex as they kept saying I should stay 'just another day or two' until I felt better.
Chaplain
02-10-2009, 00:23
I am planning on staying there when I come through that part of the trail. I welcome the Christain fellowship and blessing. It'll be great.
Hostel just opened today for the season and i am the lucky one to be their first guest, and so far i am amazed about the hospitality that they offer here. if your planning to spend the night in this town i recomend checking this place out! There is a lot of nice people that run this place and there are a lot of ammenities that they offer here!
-Pusher
And I was their second. I remember them being more than accomodating.