One Pastor’s Experience
Dear Church Leader,
Thank you for all you do to provide spiritual care and prophetic challenge for your congregation. As a recently retired clergy person, I very much appreciate the leadership all pastors and coordinators provide at this moment in time. Thank you for your faithfulness.
I am writing to introduce you to a free resource for your ministry. It has the potential to both help you and those you serve to grow spiritually by experiencing the transforming love of God at a deep level. Contemplative Outreach of Madison is offering to come to your congregation, at no charge, to conduct an introductory workshop on Centering Prayer.
Centering Prayer is a simple form of contemplative prayer deeply rooted in the ancient Christian tradition. The purpose of Centering Prayer is to deepen our relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Centering Prayer practice has been a key daily spiritual discipline for me since 2004 (along with scripture reading and intercessory prayer). Two churches I have served-Trinity United Methodist Church in Madison, WI and First United Methodist Church in Baraboo, WI-both hosted introductory centering prayer workshops and had on-going Centering Prayer groups. Those who commit to the practice often discover the fruits of the spirit (especially peace, gentleness, patience, and self-control) becoming increasingly abundant in their lives.
Please consider sponsoring an introductory Centering Prayer workshop for your congregation/community. Contemplative Outreach of Madison will not only conduct this workshop but they will be available to lead a four-session follow up, to support those who want to continue doing Centering Prayer. If you are curious to learn more about hosting an introductory workshop, just send an email to centeringprayermadison@gmail.com.
Centering Prayer has been a true blessing in my life. Maybe the same will be true for you.
Grace and Peace,
Marianne Cotter, Retired Elder
Wisconsin Annual Conference
United Methodist Church
Baraboo, WI