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!
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.
Men's Retreat
In a world of taking our lives oh-so-seriously, you're invited to “return to square one and start over like children” at our Men's Retreat at the Warwick Conference Center, October 13 to 15. Consider this a permission slip to explore innocence and ruckus as pathways that support or shatter life. It’s time to shed self-defeating behaviors or beliefs that straight-jacket us from our glorious spontaneity, from abundant life, and keep us playing too small. Our leader will be Matthew Lyda, who is co-founder of Recover the Wild as well as an author, poet and spiritual director.
Women's Retreat
Join us on Saturday, November 18 for a day-long (8:30 am to 3:00 pm) retreat at West Side. With The Circle of Life by Joyce Rupp and Macrina Wiederkehr as our guide, we'll explore the relationship between the seasons of the earth and the seasons of our lives through reflection, poetry, prayer, meditation and conversation. Our retreat leader will be Pastor Dale Selover, spiritual director and director of The House Next Door, a retreat center providing respite for all who hunger for a safe space and a place of grace. Women of all ages are invited to attend...and bring a friend.