As we look toward the close of this calendar year and into next year, it is my intention to focus even more on nurturing spaces for study, reflection, and practice within The Center for Prayer and Spiritual Practice. This Center has been a holding space for deep spiritual work, bringing in guest speakers and offering times for music, meditation, conversation, and prayer beyond the typical framework of how we have understood “Sunday School.” These days challenge us to use our spiritual imagination to foster fresh ways of exploring our Christian practice, and I plan on focusing much of my attention on such opportunities as we step forward together.
I wanted to share these opportunities with you, with hopes that you will go ahead and save the dates on your calendar.
We will share another rich practice time with a Sound Bath. Rebecca Turk will be with us again, leading us through a time of healing and meditation using sound. This is a wonderful and powerful time of paying attention to how our practice of prayer includes our bodies. We will gather at 6:00 PM in the nave (enter under the tower doors). Feel free to bring a yoga mat, blanket, or favorite pillow.
Learn more about Rebecca TurkSave the date for a Lenten retreat space with Brian Sellers Petersen. Brian has worked for years with the Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church as part of a collaborative team seeking to focus our attention on the connection between creation and prayer. How do we see ourselves as connected to—as part of—creation, and how are we being challenged to honor the presence of God within our bodies, on a personal, communal, and global level?
Learn More about Brian’s workSave the date for an Easter retreat with the Rev. Dr. Cynthia Bourgeault. Cynthia is a renowned Episcopal priest, mystic, teacher, and author, and we are glad to welcome her to Grace next Spring. She will focus her reflection on her new book that explores the deep teachings and witness of Fr. Thomas Keating’s life. Fr. Thomas, a Trappist monk, was a key leader and teacher within the Christian contemplative movement, and he was a dedicated teacher to many.
Learn More about Cynthia’s workI also want to share that we will begin monthly times of focused study, reflection, and prayer as we collaborate with friends at the Charis Foundation for New Monasticism and Interspirituality. I first met Rory McEntee at a gathering in Snowmass, Colorado in August 2017, at Fr. Thomas’s invitation, and his work continues to inspire us to reflect on how practices of prayer and reflection can foster community in the wider world. I am working with a core team to begin a Charis Circle, an intentional space for study, reflection, and prayer, here at Grace. This circle’s work will explore key insights from faith traditions, wisdom traditions, and contemplative practices with the hope of seeking a deeper appreciation of our shared humanity. If you want to be a part of this work, please email me. You can learn more about Charis Circles and the rich work of this community on their website.
Also, I will soon begin working with the Rev. Dr. Cynthia Park to lay out a date for our first Park Lecture next Summer. We will share information as soon as we have it, but my hope is that the Park Lecture can be an annual anchor for us to reflect more deeply on the power of story and the way the Spirit continues to shape the life of the community.
Also, next October, we will have our pilgrimage to Greece!
As you will see, there will be layers to the work of The Center for Prayer and Spiritual Practice at Grace. I am excited to listen to how the Spirit is leading us to delve more deeply into our practice of prayer as we honor the Spirit’s work in transforming our hearts. Please feel free to write with any questions you may have, and we can follow up.
Blessings!
Stuart