A new service called Contemplative Prayer will soon be offered at St. Mary’s on a monthly basis. Many people meditate regularly for short periods and some participate in retreats lasting a day or longer. However, there appears to be an interest in something in between involving an extended period of time for meditation. To meet this need a two-hour monthly block of time will be available at St. Mary’s beginning in March of this year. Here are the main planning details:
Planning: A team consisting of Geoff Colvin, Marilyn Nersesian, Rudy Hwa, and Helen Hwa has been formed to manage the ongoing planning.
Silence: Silence will be maintained except for some talk during orientation and the short teaching period, and in using chimes for timing.
Format: Rotating periods of 20 minutes sitting meditation and ten minutes of walking meditation.
Teaching: One 15 minute teaching period on unique features of Contemplative Prayer such as the Divine Indwelling; the role of silence and stillness; responding to God Who is already present within us, within others, and in all things; connecting sitting and walking meditation; and extending contemplative prayer to daily living. A summary handout will be available for most sessions.
Attendance: Participants will generally stay for the duration of the service but people may leave as needed at any time.
Dates: Third Saturday of the month (except when the Parish Quiet Days are scheduled). First session is scheduled for Saturday, March 19, 2016.
Times: 2:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. (Participants can then attend Circle Service beginning at 5:00 p.m. if they wish).
Location: Chapel, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 1300 Pearl St., Eugene.
Questions: Contact Geoff Colvin should questions, comments, or suggestions arise −Telephone: (541) 915-1645; or Email: geoffcolvin@comcast.net.
