Opportunities for Study and Retreat

"A spiritual guide need only be one who has traveled some distance along the path of the Christian life. A guide should be knowledgeable about the markers that lead forward on this path, as well as familiar with the pitfalls, detours, trials, and temptations along its course. Such a person will reflect something of the character of Christ as a result of following in his way."

Books, Web sites and other resources can teach us so much. But there is no substitute for being with others, as companions on the way or experienced guides on the spiritual walk. There are training opportunities, camps and conference centers and places for retreat and respite.

You can also check out our calendar for upcoming events.

Training Opportunities

Introduction to Centering Prayer

Saturday, February 21, 2009 • 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

First Presbyterian Church
924 Van Buren Avenue
Oxford, Mississippi

Sponsored by First Presbyterian Church in Oxford, Miss., and Contemplative Outreach Chapters of Mississippi and West Tennessee. For more information contact Ann O’Dell at (662) 234-2907.

Centering Prayer is a method that assists the pray-er in learning the art of being in God’s presence without using words or images. The practice does not preclude other forms of prayer, but rather enhances all of one’s prayer life.

Prayer is an integral part of the spiritual journey for each of us. The principal focus in Centering Prayer is to deepen our relationship with Jesus Christ who is present within us through the Holy Spirit by whom we pray to our Father. As we grow in deeper relationship, words become less important and the presence to God takes on a new dimension.

A $45 workshop cost includes a copy of the book Open Mind, Open Heart by Fr. Thomas Keating, six follow-up sessions and a light lunch. Scholarships are available. There will be six morning and six evening follow-up sessions weekly between February 21 and April 4 to be announced.

Presenters

Mike Potter is a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Memphis and has led many workshops of the inner life. He has completed advanced courses in presenting both Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina (Praying the Scriptures) and has been commissioned a Presenter by Contemplative Outreach, Ltd. He is an estate planning attorney.

Nancy Bridges is a member of St. James Catholic Church in Tupelo and has been a practitioner of Centering Prayer for many years. She was recently commissioned as a Presenter of Centering Prayer Introductory Workshops by Contemplative Outreach, Ltd. Nancy is owner and CEO of a dental laboratory in Tupelo and enjoys a large family.

Both Nancy and Mike have benefited greatly in their spiritual journey through Centering Prayer and welcome the opportunity to introduce it to others.

San Francisco Theological Seminary — The SFTS Program in Christian Spirituality emphasizes an integrated, holistic spirituality where personal and corporate prayer, study, worship and service are maintained in dynamic relationship.

Columbia Theological Seminary/Certificate Program — Columbia Theological Seminary is excited and honored to offer study and growth opportunities in the area of spirituality. Christian spirituality explores the relationship with God — how it is initiated, affirmed and nurtured. Spiritual development demands that hard, ethical questions be asked about the living of faith in a changing world.

Pittsburgh Theological Seminary — Today's theological climate has fostered a growing interest in the nature, practice and significance of a life in the Spirit of Christ. In response, the Certificate in Spiritual Formation, sponsored cooperatively by Pittsburgh, Columbia and Austin Seminaries, provides a non-degree program specifically for committed laypersons and church professionals. Participants help each other on their spiritual journeys as they learn more about Christianity's rich spiritual heritage and how to impart it more effectively in their own work and lives.

Austin Theological Seminary —  Austin Seminary can help you discern the work of the Holy Spirit in your life through its Certificate in Spiritual Formation program. Open to lay people and clergy alike, the Certificate program integrates the personal, the communal, the academic and the practical dimensions of spirituality. Sound teaching and deep reflection inform and inspire the participant; dialogue and hands-on experience light the way for lasting connections and contributions.

Spiritual Directors International — Spiritual Directors International [SDI] is an ecumenical association of colleagues, grounded in the Christian faith, whose sole purpose is to serve the growing network of spiritual directors world-wide and the people who train them.

Camps and Conference Centers

Ghost Ranch — One education and retreat center in two New Mexico locations.

Montreat — The Montreat conference center offers a year-round schedule with over 35 conferences and retreats for all ages and interests and attracts over 30,000 participants annually. For over 100 years, groups and individuals have come to Montreat to be inspired by its programs and to be physically and spiritually renewed in its beautiful western North Carolina mountain setting.

Stony Point — The Center is nestled in the Lower Hudson River Valley, between New York City and West Point. It began as a summer get-away cottage for a New York family and has grown into a 32-acre place of renewal that welcomes ALL who seek its hospitality. Thousands of people from all over the world, representing all walks of life, have come and been touched by the experience, the presence and challenge of God.

Presbyterian Church Camp and Conference Center Links

Retreat and Respite

Blessing Center
Memorial United Presbyterian Church of Xenia, Ohio

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