Spiritual Practices

PRAYER, RETREAT, & WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

JOIN COMMUNITIES AROUND THE CORNER AND AROUND THE WORLD – IN-PERSON AND ONLINE:

~~~

OPEN HANDS, WILLING HEARTS

What is mine to do? Who am I called to be?

Living into one’s call is a lifelong process of discernment. This online class invites you to look at your life, no matter what age, and notice your unique contribution to God’s vision. Lean into spaciousness and learn to become more receptive to the ways the spirit is guiding you with this six-session series. Listen to stories of discernment and engage in enriching experiential exercises.

Registration is open.

Learn more and register here.

Course begins February 26 – taken on your own schedule. Group discounts available.

~~~

PRAYING WITH POETRY: ONLINE COURSE

Are you someone who doesn’t really ‘get’ poetry? Do you love poems? People in both categories are invited to participate in this five-week class hosted by Building Faith’s Lifelong Learning.

Walk through a process of reading with favorite poems called ‘reading a poem whole’, noticing how the words of poetry can shape our vision and our openness to the world and so deepen our relationship to the Holy One.

Find the course schedule and topics here.

Learn more about the course and register here.

Online: Thursdays, March 2 – 30, 2023; 6:00-7:30 PM CT

~~~

MEANING MAKING: SPIRITUAL CONVERSATIONS THAT MATTER

 Do you long for a place to have open conversations about what matters most in your life? Are you willing to share about your spiritual journey and to learn from the stories of others?

Join this facilitated exploration of how we make meaning in our lives and how we can accompany others along the way.

This is a free in-person gathering only; suggested donation $5.

Learn more and register here.

Tuesday’s, Feb. 14, 21, 28; March 6, 14, 21, 28, 2023

~~~

MINDFUL MONDAYS

Join Mountain Plains Mental Health Technology Transfer Center for their series of Mindful Monday sessions, which will feature a wide range of evidence-based practice from different disciplines, including Art Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Movement, and Compassion Focused Therapy.

Each month this 30-minute training will have a specific theme/focus with exercises from that discipline, including: Intentional Visualization, Compassion, Movement, and Creativity. Try different activities and practices applicable to your personal and/or professional well-being.

One registration allows for access to all gatherings; attend one, any, or all.

Learn more and register here.

All gatherings begin at 1:00 PM CT

February 20; March 6, 20; April 3, 17, 2023

~~~

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO

Join this online workshop with Rev. Dr. Angela Williams Gorrell to learn a process you can implement right away to eliminate the fear and anxiety that comes from facing the toughest of decisions and the biggest life changes.

Walk away from this hands-on training with new or refreshed skills in discernment, so that you can be empowered to make any difficult decision with God’s help.

$65

Learn more and register here.

March 23, 2023; 1:00-4:00 PM CT (3 contact hours)

~~~

GROWING THROUGH GRIEF

Whether you are grieving the death of a loved one, severed relationships, the loss of dreams, or more, this retreat will provide an opportunity for you to grow and heal. Experientially focused, this retreat will include options for processing grief through music, art, movement, prayer, meditation, and time in nature. In addition, participants can meet briefly with a counselor, spiritual director, or pastor for support and consultion throughout the day.

$50-125

Mount Olivet Retreat Center

Learn more and register here.

Saturday, March 25, 2023; 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM – In-person

~~~

WALKING THE RAMPARTS: A PILGRIMAGE WITH TERESA OF AVILA AND JOHN OF THE CROSS

Join Pilgrimage Leaders Jackson Droney and Bryan  Berghoef in the sacred city of Àvila, Spain to learn from Teresa as we walk the same city walls she knew, as well as the ramparts of the interior castle of our lives. In historic Toledo, one of Spain’s World Heritage Cities, turn to John and consider the communal dark nights of the present, while surrounded by the deep history of that place. Reflecting on both inner and communal journeys, embrace a pilgrim’s spirit of discovery and be open to what is and who we are.

Learn more about Walking the Ramparts Pilgrimage here.

Registration closes March 26, 2023

July 5-15, 2023

~~~

IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF ST FRANCIS & ST CLARE: ASSISI PILGRIMAGE

Experience the culturally-rich birthplace of the 13th century saints Francis and Clare, and walk in their footsteps through the beautiful landscapes of Umbria and Tuscany. As you journey to the sacred sites where the saints sought clarity and spiritual sustenance, you may find your connection to the divine grows stronger and see your own life with renewed vision. Open yourself to the possibilities of transformation as you draw on the natural beauty of this land and the spiritual imprint left by the saints.

Learn more here.

April 18-28, 2023

~~~

WRITING IN THIN PLACES: A WORKSHOP AND EXPERIENCE IN THE HIGH DESERT OF NORTHERN NEW MEXICO

Ghost Ranch itself has been and is a thin space for many. Its dramatic, otherworldly beauty enthralls, inspires reverences, can even jolt us out of our usual ways of looking at the world.

In this Writing in Thin Places workshop, you will write about your own experience with thin places – Ghost Ranch or around the world – both in group activities and on your own. Discuss together how other writers and mystics have written about such special places. Share your writing with others in the group. Come away with a fresh perspective and a collection of new and thoughtful texts. Writers of all levels are welcomed.

Learn more and register here.

Sunday, April 23; 11:00 AM – Friday, April 28; 11:00 AM CT

~~~

RENEW: A CURATED RETREAT

To renew our spirits and reform the way we look at our work in the world.

Get away for this day-long retreat to experience renewal and be nourished by inspiring leaders (including Kate Bowler, Eric Barreto, Jacqueline Bussie, Angela Khabeb, and Deanna Thompson) who have found hope in the midst of life’s challenges. Interspersed among short-form, curated talks will be worship, reflection, conversation, and recreation. Enjoy delightful hospitality, great food, and rich conversation, and walk away with a fresh witness for your own community.

Learn more and register here.

April 23-24, 2023

~~~

STANDING STONES & SACRED WELLS PILGRIMAGE

Join Revs. Sally Johnson and Elizabeth Macauley in traveling through the countryside of England and Wales, exploring the stone circles and holy wells that have held the spiritual energies of people for centuries. Attendees will visit cathedrals and small churches, villages, and seaside towns. Two opportunities to hike some of the most beautiful paths in these countries will be provided.

View a detailed brochure and registration information here.

Monday, May 8 – Friday, May 18, 2023: add to calendar

~~~

BENEDICTINE CARE WELLNESS PROGRAM

Benedictine CARE integrates Contemplative Practices, the Benedictine Monastic Heritage, and Therapeutic Lifestyle Programming.

Old habits, choices we no longer want to make, over indulgences, and living within a loud culture all amplify internal static that makes it almost impossible to hear, to listen, to our embodied true selves.

Monthly gatherings are enrolling at all times for both in-person and online participation.

$89/month

Learn more and register here.