Upcoming Events September 10 - 13, 2009 Writing Your Spiritual Journey presented by: Kathleen Moloney-Tarr http://www.wildacres.org Little Switzerland, North Carolina Writing Your Spiritual Journey The world cannot be discovered by a journey of miles, no matter how long, but only by a spiritual journey, a journey of one inch, very arduous and humbling and joyful, by which we arrive at the ground at our feet and learn to be at home. - Wendell Berry

If you are curious about your spiritual path and the stories of other's experiences, then join us to explore the holiness of the ordinary in our lives. This shared experience offers space to see and make sense of your spiritual life through discussion, writing exercises, drawing and reading with the intent of producing a short spiritual autobiography.

Perhaps you seek continuity between your inner world and the outer world, between your past self and who you are now, or between what you claim to believe and how you live. Perhaps you sense a power beyond you that influences and gives greater meaning to your life. Perhaps your life is shifting in focus and intention. It is with curiosity and an eye to the sacred in each life that we write our stories.

We'll gather at Wildacres on Thursday for dinner and meet for 5 sessions of group activities, warm-up writings, individual writing, revising and readings. During the program you will write three preliminary pieces and draft a spiritual roadmap in preparation for a spiritual autobiography. Saturday afternoon is your free time on the beautiful mountain of Wildacres. This retreat center provides a scenic, comfortable and inspiring place to write, meet new people and explore your path. Check out the website at www.wildacres.org. - Kathleen Moloney-Tarr

July 11 - 18, 2009 Star Island Meditation Retreat See http://www.starmeditation.org/ for additional information. presented by: Rev. David Scheuneman Star Island, New Hampshire See http://www.starisland.org for additional information. Meditation, Nature, Community Come spend a week simply devoted to "practicing presence" - being aware, open and grounded in the moment. Star Island is ideally conducive to this fundamental spiritual practice. The beauty of nature here has a way of awakening the senses and drawing out our contemplative potential. And the simple way of life, away from the mainland, makes it is easier to let go of our usual preoccupations.

We will spend each morning together in a traditional silent retreat mode, following a formal schedule of sitting and walking meditation sessions. Then, afternoon is devoted to solitary nature-contemplation and free time. Evenings will center on various planned activities, such as chapel, small group discussion, a theme talk or a bonfire. Finally we will end the day with a return to sharing silent contemplation.

This retreat is suitable for beginning and experienced meditators, from both Eastern and Western faith perspectives. The meditation sessions are compatible with a variety of forms, such as Buddhist calm-abiding/insight/Zen meditation, Christian centering prayer, and many other simple "be-here-now" styles. - Rev. David Scheuneman