Spiritual Retreat - October

Dates: Friday, October 24th, 5:00 pm - Saturday, October 25th, 4:00 pm

Cost: $75

The Rhythm of Prayer: Turning Inward, Reaching Out

Sometimes our prayer is powerful and renewing.  Sometimes it is dull and empty.  Sometimes we turn inward to prayers, resting in God's love, finding the still place that heals us.  At other times, we reach out, praying for hurting people or difficult situations.

These are normal rhythms of prayer.  In this retreat, we will talk about those rhythms, and we'll learn a variety of prayer styles helpful in the different phases of our prayer life.

We'll begin with prayers that move us beyond our heads and lead us deeper into the stillness of God.  Later we'll learn various types of intercessory prayers.  You'll go home with new ways of prayer and renewed energy for your own prayer practice.  We'll share some of our joys and struggles with prayer.

But most of all what we'll do is pray.  This retreat will have a leisurely pace and is designed to teach you deep and more expansive ways of praying, and also to nuture your soul.

If you are seasons in your prayer life, this retreat will renew you and introduce you to some styles of prayer that may be new to you.  If you are a beginner at prayer, this retreat will help you find your way into a practice you can sustain.  If you are in a dry spell in your prayer life, this retreat will offer you some tools for making your way through that spiritual emptiness.

You will have some free time; we will share laughter as well as prayer.  Bring a notebook and an open heart, and come.

Retreats are good times for everyone including CENTER / LEARN / SEARCH students or Pilgrimage graduates to come for continuing renewal.  Retreats are also good if you are just starting in your faith exploration.

Our leader is the Rev. Janice Springer, an ordained UCC pastor currently serving as Minister of Spiritual Formation at University Congregational UCC in Missoula, Montana.  She has served 27 years as local church pastor in Missouri, Iowa, Michigan and Montana.  She also leads workshops and retreats in several states.  Her book "Nurturing Spiritual Depth in Christian Worship: 10 Practices", published by Resource Publications, Inc will be released in December.  Janice lives in Grinnell, Iowa and Frenchtown, Montana.

For more information call Janice at 406-396-6996 or email her at revjanicespringer@juno.com