A

SAFE

&

SACRED

SPACE

where everyone is welcome

and accepted,

where the primary

focus is on Holy Listening, acting as companions

and co-listeners

for the voice of God

in the stories shared.

~~~~~

“Listening to our hearts

brings us to the core of

our being, where we are

most authentically

ourselves. In that place,

we can hear God’s prayer

within us.”

~Rose Mary Doughtery

~~~~~

REGISTRATION

Questions:

Nancy Bellamy,

Program Coordinator.

nancy@StarretteFarmRetreat.com

(336) 971-7275

Tending the Holy

GROUP SPIRITUAL DIRECTION FORMATION PROGRAM

The Lydia Group retreat ministry in collaboration with School of the Spirt faculty

We are pleased to announce that our Group Spiritual Direction formation program is now named Tending the Holy — a safe and sacred space for 4 to 5 people, guided by a trained and experienced facilitator. Together, participants companion one another and listen deeply for God’s voice within the group, discerning how to respond faithfully and authentically for God’s glory, our fullness, and the world’s good.

Spiritual conversation is an ancient practice, exemplified by the disciples on the road to Emmaus. Reflecting on their experience, they said, “Were not our hearts burning within us?” In that sacred conversation, the Holy Spirit made his presence known in their hearts, helping them recognize and respond to him.

This is the essence of group spiritual direction. Through attentive listening to sacred stories and asking Spirit-led questions, we help each other tend to our hearts and to the presence of the Holy within.

PROGRAM DETAILS

THREE LEVELS. CHOOSE THE LEVEL TO MATCH YOUR NEEDS

LEVEL ONE: basic training

  • ONLINE. Three weekly online session: 1 1/2 hours a week with resources and home “practice” assignments.

  • Thursdays: April 16, April 23, April 30, 2026

  • 6:00 - 7:30 pm each week

  • Cost: $75

LEVEL TWO: group spiritual direction participation

  • ONLINE. Six monthly online session: 2 hours a month, 4 to 6 in a group plus a trained facilitator

  • Dates/Time determined

  • Cost: $180

Prerequisites:

Completion of Level One or other spiritual direction or group spiritual direction training.

LEVEL THREE: facilitator training

  • IN PERSON. Three-day workshop / retreat at Starrette Farm Retreat, Statesville NC. Lodging on your own.

  • March 20, 21, 22, 2026

  • Friday, 4-8pm, Saturday, 9:30am-4pm, Sunday, 9:00am - 12:00pm

  • Cost: 250, which includes $75 non-refundable deposit to hold your spot, facility, leadership, materials, experiential learning, practice leading a group, reflection on the experience, dinner on Friday, lunch on Saturday, snacks, coffee, and teas throughout. The event is nestled in a beautiful setting for discerning how God is calling you forward with this practice.

Prerequisites:

Completion of Level One and Level Two or other spiritual direction or group spiritual direction training.