Meeting the Mystics | Prayer and Meditation Gatherings

Meeting the Mystics Series Logo A 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.

The Expanded Moment: Art and Spirituality in the Protestant Tradition

Saturday, September 18, 2010, 10 a.m.-Noon
Join us for an exploration of how a distinct Protestant spirituality has found positive expression in both art and mystical literature. We will view luminous artwork by Dutch masters Rembrandt and Vermeer side by side with writing of the German mystic, Jacob Boehme, who saw divinity in a blade of grass. Guest facilitator Dr. Bruce Elliott teaches courses on History and Art through Sonoma State, Dominican University and Stanford Continuing Studies. Cost: $10 donation

Download the September Meeting the Mystics poster

Ignatius of Loyola, Soldier-turned-Mystic

Friday, October 15, 2010, 7-9 p.m.
Born in the Basque region of northern Spain in 1491, Ignatius was a soldier, penitent, student, and the founder of the Jesuits. Join us to experience his wisdom as we look at his life and explore the Spiritual Exercises, a remarkable discernment process he developed that has helped so many through the centuries in discovering God's presence in their daily lives. Guest facilitator Cecilia Tonna is a spiritual director in Santa Rosa. She holds an M.A. in Religious Studies and has been teaching and giving retreats for over 30 years. Cost: $10 donation.

Download the October Meeting the Mystics poster

The Beguines: Women in Community

Saturday, November 13, 2010, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Beginning in the 13th century, women began to come together to form communities based on prayer and service. Join us to learn about these amazing contemplative servants who believed that God could be found anywhere and that all people could experience a deep presence of God without having to enter a monastery or cloister. Guest facilitator Father Terry Ryan, C.S.P., is a Paulist priest who travels throughout the United States offering workshops and retreats on the Contemplative Experience that focus on contemplation as a way of deepening spirituality. Cost: $15 donation.

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