Practicing Spirituality
Walking The Labyrinth
Using the model of walking prayer paths found in ancient cathedrals in Europe, we focus on our Christian journey and spirituality. The length of the retreat can be arranged to fit the needs of the congregation. Possible themes for the retreat include: Getting Acquainted with Labyrinths, Prayer Types, Sabbath Time, Stress Reduction, Healing, and Discernment. Contact Meredith Vanderminden to arrange a time.
Guide: Meredith Vanderminden, (518) 743-8728
Living Each Day in the Presence of God: A Celtic Christian approach to Spirituality
This retreat will encourage participants to explore the Celtic awareness of “seeing” and “hearing” the holy that surrounds and encompasses us every day, in every place. The content of the retreat will be designed to fit the participants and may include photography and/or music, and will include Celtic forms of prayer, and exercises in spiritual contemplation. The course usually takes a day-and-a-half to complete.
Guide: Linda Bartlettm (802) 454-7194
Introduction to Spirituality and Spiritual Disciplines
This program invites participants to explore their own spiritual foundations, including their images of God, self-images, experiences of the means of grace, resistance to God, and to learn about how spiritual formation occurs and the role and function of spiritual disciplines. It will also invite participants to explore their understanding of the church and to covenant with God concerning a personal rule of life. This workshop can be scheduled for all day Friday, Saturday or Friday evening to Saturday.
Guide: Rev. Ralph W. Howe, (802) 476-7904
Spirituality for Couples
This event is designed to help couples explore their mutual and joint spirituality through the use of spiritual disciplines. It is experiential in that it will use various disciplines and approaches to couples spirituality. It will also explore ways to address this sensitive and very personal subject together in non-threatening ways. The course can be scheduled to last three hours up to a full-day.
Guides: Judy and Ed Flower, Cloister Falls, (802) 874-4837
Healthful Spiritual Practices
Participants will be introduced to a wide variety of spiritual exercises designed to foster health of body, mind, and spirit. These exercises can be effective in managing stress or pain, in enhancing the healing process, and in maintaining good health. All are based in Christian faith. The workshop can be scheduled as a one-and-a-half hour introductory experience or as a half- to full-day retreat.
Guide: Denise Stringer, (518) 765-2743
The Practice of Centering Prayer
Participants will be introduced to the practice of Centering Prayer. Centering Prayer is a contemporary expression of an ancient prayer practice designed to open our aware of God beyond thoughts, words and emotions. During the time of prayer we consent to God’s presence and action within. It is not meant to replace other kinds of prayer; it simply puts other kinds of prayer into a new and fuller perspective. The course can be scheduled as a half- or full-day retreat.
Guide: David Lockwood, (518) 785-7729
The Twelve Steps as a Spiritual Path
This retreat will introduce the 12 steps from Alcoholics Anonymous as a model for spiritual growth. This experience is appropriate for anyone who has embraced the 12 steps, or would like to begin the 12 steps. The retreat will last half-day.
Guide: Al Johnson, (518) 236-7129
Harmonizing the Spirit Voices Within
This drumming workshop will bring spiritual centering and harmony to life. Through the use of polyrhythmic drum sounds, originating from the Afro-Caribbean tradition, participants will focus on finding their inner voice while listening for the voices around them. The workshop takes two-and-a-half hours to complete.
Guide: Gail Smallwood, (518) 584-8214, ext. 12
Spiritual Life Retreats
Enhance the spiritual life of your congregation through one of three different retreat experiences:
- Living One Day at a Time
- Creativity and Spirituality
- Trusting God in the Sunshine, in the Storm and in the Process
The reatreats are designed to last one day or an evening and half-day.
Guide: Jean Vigne, (802) 860-6212
