At West Side, the desire to live contemplatively is a core value. We seek to be fully present to life as it is, purposeful in our approach to living and grateful for our blessings.
Contemplative Practices
Contemplative Practices, which includes Centering Prayer, meets on Sundays at 10:00 am in the West Side Room. Centering Prayer is an ancient form of Christian meditation in which we rest silently in the presence of God. It's powerful and easy to learn. All "levels" are welcome, including newcomers to the practice. No need to sign up... just show up!
Special Event: Welcoming Prayer Workshop
Would you like to face daily life with Christ and make choices calmly and freely instead of reacting impulsively to what's happening around you? Then join in person or online to learn about and practice "Welcoming Prayer". Welcoming Prayer helps us invite God to be with us in our feelings and reactions to life's challenges. It guides us to let go of past hurts and heal those wounds by focusing on where those feelings are stored in our bodies so we can calmly respond instead of react. Our guide will be Maureen Hanley of Contemplative Outreach, NJ. Maureen was taught contemplative prayer by Father Thomas Keating and has much to share with us. Hope you can join us on Wednesday, May 8, at 7:00 pm in the West Side Room.
Contemplative Retreat for Men: Finding Our Way to the Palace of Nowhere
Embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery at our annual fall retreat, "Finding our Way to the Palace of Nowhere." Guided by experienced retreat leaders and long-time soul friends, Joel Blunk and Glenn Mitchell and inspired by Chaung Tzu's wisdom, delve into contemplative living amidst nature, community, and solitude. Engage in teachings, practices, and immersive activities to reconnect with your inner self. Reflect on the teachings of spiritual figures like Thomas Merton and Howard Thurman during meditative wanders. Share stories and laughter around the campfire, forging bonds of brotherhood. Leave revitalized, equipped with insights to navigate life's journey with clarity. The retreat will take place from Friday, October 11, to Sunday, October 13.
Group Spiritual Direction
Group spiritual direction is a process in which people gather together in small groups (with an experienced leader) to deepen their ability to listen and respond to the movement of God’s Spirit in each other’s lives. It is not a support group or therapy group. Participants meet monthly, from September through June, both online and in person. Regular attendance is expected - it's not a "drop in" group - and an orientation is required.
Circles of Trust (Lectio Divina)
Lectio Divina ("divine reading") is an ancient practice of engaging with the scriptures that helps you connect scripture with day-to-day life in a way that makes a difference. It involves prayerful reading and meditation on a short passage of scripture and listening for the wisdom it offers. Participants meet monthly, from September through June, both online and in person. Regular attendance is expected - it's not a "drop in" group - and an orientation is required.
Men's Council
Council groups provide love, accountability, and support for your spiritual journey, and help ensure that we stay awake to God's presence in our lives. Participants meet monthly for 90 minutes, from September through June, both online and in person. Regular attendance is expected - it's not a "drop-in" group - and an orientation is required.
Our partners include the Center for Action and Contemplation, Contemplative Outreach, Illuman, Oasis Ministries for Spiritual Development and Princeton Theological Seminary.