Open Hands Ministries

04/01/2026

Our next retreat is a live virtual retreat available from the comfort of your own home! Details and registration here: https://www.openhandsministries.org/event/tracing-gods-hand-through-lent-holy-week-a-virtual-retreat/. We hope you’ll join us!

02/06/2026

Today’s Open Hands retreat focused on these thoughts and questions as we pondered Phillipians 2:1-11: “Oftentimes, the practice of entering into the Lenten season has been reduced to the question: ‘What are you giving up for Lent?’ This is a fine question but it can only take us so far. The real question of the Lenten season is how will I clear out the junk and garbage in my life so that I can be restored to God in some fresh way? What are the disciplines that will open up space for God to create a clean heart and new spirit in me?
• How will I give?
• How will I pray?
• Who do I need to forgive and from whom do I need to seek forgiveness?
• How will I fast?
• What earthly treasures am I attached to and how can I let go?”- Ruth Haley Barton

Thanks to all our are attendees, and especially to our facilitator, Kerry Hoke! One retreat exercise is pictured here.

Read more reflections here: https://transformingcenter.org/2010/02/practicing-lent-cleaning-our-messy-house/es

02/03/2026

It’s not too late! We’ll gladly have you join us for this Friday’s retreat! Sign up here:

Update: Click here to view or download the live streamed Memorial Service for Eldon Fry, late Founder & Spiritual Director of Open Hands. Event recorded on 2pm, Saturday, Jan 10th, 2026.

01/31/2026

“I wonder how many times I have allowed my life to become frenzied because of the threats I anticipate. I hope I will react with calm in the anticipation and even the reality of storms in life…Storms will come, but I live with the awareness that I can act with ‘the peace that passes all understanding’ (Philippians 4:7). There is still a storm in the forecast, but I am at peace.” Eldon’s words in Spiritual Formation: Attention Along The Way, page 10.

Whatever may be behind your storm (weather, world issues, personal struggles, work hardships, etc.) may these words bring you peace and comfort!

Looking for spiritual nourishment? Consider an upcoming retreat or meeting with a spiritual director/coach! Find out more at www.openhandsministries.org.

01/26/2026

Lent is just around the corner and Open Hands has a fantastic opportunity to prepare! Through a time of guided reflection and connection with our Savior, experience Lent in new ways. Attendees will receive a bundle of Holy Week practices to utilize during this solemn, reflective week.
Register here: https://www.openhandsministries.org/events/

Location: First Church, 135 W Simpson Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
Cost: $40.00 – includes a journal, pen and snacks.
Facilitator: Kerry Hoke

01/17/2026

There’s still space and we’d love to have join! Register here: https://www.openhandsministries.org/event/turning-the-page-retreat-saying-goodbye-to-2025-and-hello-to-2026/

01/14/2026

Our next retreat comes just at the time we most need it: as our hearts continue grieving, rejoicing, and reflecting on all our loving Savior’s work through Eldon. Is your heart longing for space and time to reflect on 2025 and attempt to welcome 2026?

Register here: https://www.openhandsministries.org/open-hands-events/

Join us for a time set aside to reflect on how God will meet you in the new year. This contemplative retreat is designed to offer time, space, and resources to connect with God regarding this past year and to prayerfully anticipate His leading going forward. Spend a peaceful morning renewing your relationship with God as you release 2025 and welcome 2026.

Connect with God by utilizing provided:
– guides for reflection and journaling
– creative prayer practices
– a beautiful church space for silence and solitude

Date: January 23, 2026
Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Cost: $40.00 (includes a journal, pen and snacks)
Location: First United Methodist Church
Address: 135 W Simpson Street, Mechanicsburg, PA
Facilitator: Jenell Paris

01/10/2026

We hope you will join us in-person or live-streamed as we celebrate the life of Eldon Fry:

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

01/10/2026

Eldon’s memorial service is this Saturday at 2pm at The Meeting House, Carlisle. The service will be live-streamed and the link will be available on the Open Hands Ministries website by 12 noon (www.openhandsministries.org). We are deeply grateful for your ongoing support!

“By inviting God into our difficulties we ground life—even its sad moments—in joy and hope.” -Henri Nouwen

01/07/2026

“O God, give me more moments like this - moments when I am fully present to you and to others in love. Moments when I am connected with what is purest and most authentic within me and able to respond to your presence in that place.” - Ruth Haley Barton in Sacred Rhythms (underlined by Eldon)

01/05/2026

Eldon’s memorial service will be this Saturday, January 10th at 2pm at The Meeting House (1155 Walnut Bottom Road, Carlisle PA 17015).

Details regarding a video recorded link and/or live stream will be posted closer to the service time. Thank you for the outpouring of support and messages received!

If you wish to share the impact Eldon has had on your life, feel free to email [email protected].

01/05/2026

Verses of encouragement as we remember Eldon:

“You yourself have done this plenty of times, spoken words that clarify, encouraged those who were about to quit. Your words have put stumbling people on their feet, put fresh hope in people about to collapse.” Job‬ ‭4‬:‭2-‭3

“He raises up the down-and-out, gives firm footing to those sinking in grief.” ‭ Job‬ ‭5‬:‭9

May we all feel encouraged by our loving Savior, in our grief today….