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Meeting the Mystics Series

Meeting the Mystics Series LogoA monthly gathering at the Journey Center. Throughout the past 2,000 years, men and women have been called to the mystical path of ever-deepening relationship with the Divine and have inspired and encouraged followers of Christ to engage more fully with Holy Mystery. In this series, we will be inviting speakers to introduce us to these contemplative ancestors of ours.

In each session we'll learn about a particular mystic, experience a practice that supported them in their journey, as well as have time for personal reflection and sharing. See below for specific dates and topics or call Ruah Bull at 707-762-3404 for more information. Please register with our online registration form or by calling the Journey Center at 707-578-2121.

photo of grassSharing Our Stories- The Mysticism of Daily Life

Saturday, September 10, 2011, 10am-Noon
During the past two years, we have been meeting our elders, well-known Christ-centered mystics. This month we are inviting you to come and share personal stories of times you have sensed the Presence--in words, images, in nature.....These experiences, though not often spoken about, are not uncommon-especially in childhood. At the Journey Center we want to cultivate an awareness of how the Divine breaks into all of our lives-- and so in this gathering we will listen to each other's stories and create a collage reflecting what they teach us about the Holy.

Facilitated by Ruah Bull and Cecilia Tonna, spiritual directors and teachers in the Journey Center Spiritual Direction Training Program. Ruah and Cecilia believe that the purpose of Christ-centered mysticism is, to quote Thomas Keating, 'to live an ordinary life with extraordinary love'. Cost: $10 donation.

View the September Meeting the Mystics Poster

john of the crossJohn of the Cross and the Mystic's Dark Nights

Friday, October 14, 2011, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
John of the Cross was a 16th century mystic, poet, spiritual reformer and teacher of prayer. He is best known for his writings on the dark nights, those key transition points in the spiritual journey where we face our personal darkness and encounter a God of Mystery who lies beyond what we can understand or control. This evening we will explore John's life and teachings, pray with one of his poems, and discuss what gifts he offers us today.

Guest facilitator Jim Neafsey is a long-time spiritual director, retreat leader and teacher of Christian spirituality. He has worked in several formation programs for spiritual directors and has given classes and retreats on John of the Cross for many years. Cost: $10 donation.

View the October Meeting the Mystics poster

photo of martin lutherMartin Luther: Radical Mystic

Friday, November 11, 2011, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Most people think of Martin Luther as the religious reformer whose disgust with unethical Church practices initiated the Protestant Reformation, but not many know of the Luther who was a profound mystic. He experienced the grace of God in a way that transformed him-- and the entire Christian Church. In this workshop we will explore what Luther teaches us about the invitation to total surrender and dependence on God that is at the heart of the Christ-centered spiritual journey.

Guest facilitator Tim Kellgren has been the pastor at Elim Lutheran Church in Petaluma for over 30 years and is active in ecumenical and interfaith service work throughout his community. He is a practitioner of contemplative prayer and an artist interested in the relationship between creativity and spirituality. Cost: $10 donation.

View the November Meeting the Mystics poster

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