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SPIRITUAL RETREATS

MINDING YOUR CALL when no one is calling
with Ann Starrette and Nicole Greer
There is said to be a hidden wholeness within each of us. . .
A wholeness that once discovered and expressed, allows your life to speak with authenticity.  But it's hard and we know that!  We know that all too well!  If you're frustrated about your Call, then please come.  Learn from our mistakes and benefit from our lessons learned; receive six ancient spiritual tools to help turn everyday experiences into divine revelation. The workshop includes  "Minding Your Call" workbook, the online PATH elements profile, additional materials, delicious lunch, delightful facility and dynamic team teaching leadership. 

HOLY LISTENING / Sacred Questions
An Introduction to Group Spiritual Direction
with facilitators Ann Starrette  
Holy listening is the heart of group spiritual direction. This gentle, simple, rhythmic process of deep listening to self, God and others allows for --- one person at a time --- the healing and transformation of our world.  We come to be companions and co-listeners for the voice of God, helping each other pay prayerful attention to God's movement and invitations in the story of our life.    The process,  which occurs in small circles of four to five people, is an intentional action on our part to create a safe, quiet space to do what we were taught as children: stop, look and listen; a space where each can hear one's inner teacher, The Holy Spirit.  So, together, in community, we listen for the Ever-Abiding Spirit in ourselves, in one another and in all of life.  During this day you will learn the Holy Listening process, have "real play" practice experiences, share both challenges and blessings, and be given the opportunity to be a part of a small circle and/or introduce group spiritual direction to your church through a unique setting in which, as Parker Palmer states, "the true God comes to both comfort and disturb us."  Workshop includes workbook and leadership.

THE WELCOMING PRAYER
attending, letting go, & surrendering to God in the present moment of daily life. facilitated by Ann Starrette
Developed by Contemplative Outreach’s late master teacher Mary Mrozowski, it is based largely on the teaching and wisdom of Fr. Thomas Keating and the eighteenth-century work Abandonment to Divine Providence by Jean-Pierre de Caussade. Through my training with Contemplative Outreach, Ltd. (www.contemplativeoutreach.org) I am very excited to be providing you the opportunity to experience a prayer practice that for years now, continues to transform my response to both the challenges and ordinariness of everyday life!   Topics covered in this introductory retreat:   *  Human Condition  *  Method of the Welcoming Prayer Practice  *  Fruits of the Prayer & Extending the Fruits Into Daily Life.  " ... the ordinary events of daily life become our practice . . . The routine of life is the path to holiness for lay folk.  Contemplative prayer is aimed at transforming daily life with its never-ending round of activities."  Father Thomas Keating, Open Mind, Open Heart, p. 125  includes materials, food for the soul, and  leadership.

Contact Ann Starrette for questions and a proposal for you and your group at 704.892.4738.