Upcoming Events Conducted by Members of
Unitarian Universalist Spiritual Directors' Network

September 15 — 18, 2011
Writing Your Spiritual Journey
presented by: Kathleen Moloney-Tarr
http://www.wildacres.org
Little Switzerland, North Carolina
Writing Your Spiritual Journey
The world cannot be discovered by a journey of miles,
no matter how long, but only by a spiritual journey,
a journey of one inch, very arduous and humbling and joyful,
by which we arrive at the ground at our feet and learn to be at home.

— Wendell Berry

If you are curious about your spiritual path and others' stories, then join us to explore the holiness of the ordinary in our lives. This shared experience offers space to see and make sense of your spiritual life through discussion, writing exercises, drawing and reading with the intent of producing a short spiritual autobiography.

Perhaps you seek continuity between your inner world and the outer world, between your past self and who you are now, or between what you claim to believe and how you live. Perhaps you sense a power beyond you that influences and gives greater meaning to your life. Perhaps your life is shifting in focus and intention. It is with curiosity and an eye to the sacred in each life that we write our stories. You don't have to consider yourself a "writer" to be a part of this experience. Register early and bring a friend!

The retreat center provides a scenic, comfortable and inspiring place to write, meet new people and explore your path. Check out the website at www.wildacres.org

Contact Kathleen at leaders@mindspring.com or kathleenmoloney-tarr.blogspot.com or 704-365-2112.

— Kathleen Moloney-Tarr

April 30 — May 1, 2010
Friday 7:00 pm—Saturday 4:00 pm
Into the Lengthening Light
presented by: Reverend Karen Foley
http://www.retreatinmaine.com
Living Water Spiritual Center
Winslow, Maine
207 872-2370
Pre-register with fee by April 16, 2010
$85.00 includes Saturday breakfast and lunch
Into the Lengthening Light
As sunlight grows and days lengthen, as the earth seems to stir and come alive, we too may feel a stirring within. Come explore whether, where and how light may be emerging in your life. What is your heart's deepest desire and how might the lengthening light illumine your way for you? In what ways might this movement of the natural world invite us into deeper relationship with the sacred?

Rev. Karen Lewis Foley is a Unitarian Universalist spiritual director and retreat leader, Karen has completed programs for both individual spiritual direction and retreat and prayer group leadership at the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation. She previously served several congregations as a parish minister in Massachusetts.

October 16 — 17, 2009
Friday 7:00 pm—Saturday 4:00 pm
Into the Deep and Fertile Dark
presented by: Reverend Karen Foley
http://www.retreatinmaine.com
Living Water Spiritual Center
Winslow, Maine
207 872-2370
Pre-register with fee by October 9, 2009
$85.00 includes Saturday breakfast and lunch
Into the Deep and Fertile Dark
Between the autumn equinox and the winter solstice, the northern hemisphere turns toward its darkest time. Some cultural traditions hold this as their new year. What is your heart's deepest desire for your life and what does the increasing darkness say to your spirit? Can this movement of the natural world invite us to deepening?

Rev. Karen Lewis Foley is a Unitarian Universalist spiritual director and retreat leader, Karen has completed programs for both individual spiritual direction and retreat and prayer group leadership at the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation. She previously served several congregations as a parish minister in Massachusetts.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009, 9:30 am—3:30 pm
Letting Go: The Gift of Forgiveness
presented by: Reverend Karen Foley
http://www.rollingridge.org
Rolling Ridge Retreat and Conference Center
North Andover, Massachusetts
978 682-8815
$48.00 early registration fee
$55.00 after October 20
Includes lunch
Letting Go: The Gift of Forgiveness
At times in our lives we all are called upon to forgive or stand in need of forgiveness. This is at the heart of most spiritual traditions. Forgiving and requesting forgiveness can be stumbling blocks in our spiritual lives. Informed by various spiritual traditions, we will explore forgiveness in our own lives, our embrace of and resistance to it. Come with your heart and spirit as they are; you will not be "required" to forgive anyone, just open to reflection. Please note this "day apart" is not group therapy; we will focus on the spiritual process and gifts of forgiveness.

Rev. Karen Lewis Foley is a Unitarian Universalist spiritual director and retreat leader, Karen has completed programs for both individual spiritual direction and retreat and prayer group leadership at the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation. She previously served several congregations as a parish minister in Massachusetts.

September 10 — 13, 2009
Writing Your Spiritual Journey
presented by: Kathleen Moloney-Tarr
http://www.wildacres.org
Little Switzerland, North Carolina
Writing Your Spiritual Journey
The world cannot be discovered by a journey of miles,
no matter how long, but only by a spiritual journey,
a journey of one inch, very arduous and humbling and joyful,
by which we arrive at the ground at our feet and learn to be at home.

— Wendell Berry

If you are curious about your spiritual path and the stories of other's experiences, then join us to explore the holiness of the ordinary in our lives. This shared experience offers space to see and make sense of your spiritual life through discussion, writing exercises, drawing and reading with the intent of producing a short spiritual autobiography.

Perhaps you seek continuity between your inner world and the outer world, between your past self and who you are now, or between what you claim to believe and how you live. Perhaps you sense a power beyond you that influences and gives greater meaning to your life. Perhaps your life is shifting in focus and intention. It is with curiosity and an eye to the sacred in each life that we write our stories.

We'll gather at Wildacres on Thursday for dinner and meet for 5 sessions of group activities, warm-up writings, individual writing, revising and readings. During the program you will write three preliminary pieces and draft a spiritual roadmap in preparation for a spiritual autobiography. Saturday afternoon is your free time on the beautiful mountain of Wildacres. This retreat center provides a scenic, comfortable and inspiring place to write, meet new people and explore your path. Check out the website at www.wildacres.org.

— Kathleen Moloney-Tarr

July 11 – 18, 2009
Star Island Meditation Retreat
See http://www.starmeditation.org/ for additional information.
presented by: Rev. David Scheuneman
Star Island, New Hampshire
See http://www.starisland.org for additional information.
Meditation, Nature, Community
Come spend a week simply devoted to "practicing presence" — being aware, open and grounded in the moment. Star Island is ideally conducive to this fundamental spiritual practice. The beauty of nature here has a way of awakening the senses and drawing out our contemplative potential. And the simple way of life, away from the mainland, makes it is easier to let go of our usual preoccupations.

We will spend each morning together in a traditional silent retreat mode, following a formal schedule of sitting and walking meditation sessions. Then, afternoon is devoted to solitary nature-contemplation and free time. Evenings will center on various planned activities, such as chapel, small group discussion, a theme talk or a bonfire. Finally we will end the day with a return to sharing silent contemplation.

This retreat is suitable for beginning and experienced meditators, from both Eastern and Western faith perspectives. The meditation sessions are compatible with a variety of forms, such as Buddhist calm-abiding/insight/Zen meditation, Christian centering prayer, and many other simple "be-here-now" styles.

— Rev. David Scheuneman

Saturday, May 9, 2009
2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Annual Meeting of the Thomas Jefferson District of the Unitarian Universalist Association
presented by: Kathleen Moloney-Tarr
Haw River Retreat Center
Greensboro, North Caroline
(http://cityvoter.com/haw-river-state-park-339-conference-center-dr-browns-summit-nc-27214/loc/125955)
Introduction to Spiritual Direction: A Comtemplative Relationship
Friday 7:00 pm-Saturday 4:00 pm, February 6-7, 2009
A Balm in Gilead: Forgiving and Letting Go
presented by: Reverend Karen Foley
Living Water Spiritual Center, Winslow, ME
http://www.retreatinmaine.com     (207) 872–2370
A Balm in Gilead: Forgiving and Letting Go
We can run but we can't hide. Every one of us hurts others and is hurt, by intention or accident; and every one of us is called upon to forgive and stands in need of forgiveness. This is at the heart of most spiritual traditions. Yet if we're honest, both forgiving and requesting forgiveness can be a stumbling block in our spiritual lives. Informed by various spiritual traditions, we will explore forgiveness in our own lives—its presence and absence, our embrace of and resistance to it. Come with your heart and spirit as they are; you will not be "required" to forgive anyone, just to be open to exploring and reflecting.

$85.00     Pre-register with fee by 1/30/09.

— Reverend Karen Foley
Unitarian Universalist spiritual director and retreat leader, retired parish minister

July 12 – 19, 2008
Star Island Meditation Retreat
See http://www.starmeditation.org/ for additional information.
presented by: Rev. David Scheuneman
Star Island, New Hampshire
See http://www.starisland.org for additional information.
Meditation, Nature, Community
Come spend a week simply devoted to "practicing presence" — being aware, open and grounded in the moment. Star Island is ideally conducive to this fundamental spiritual practice. The beauty of nature here has a way of awakening the senses and drawing out our contemplative potential. And the simple way of life, away from the mainland, makes it is easier to let go of our usual preoccupations.

We will spend each morning together in a traditional silent retreat mode, following a formal schedule of sitting and walking meditation sessions. Then, afternoon is devoted to solitary nature-contemplation and free time. Evenings will center on various planned activities, such as chapel, small group discussion, a theme talk or a bonfire. Finally we will end the day with a return to sharing silent contemplation.

This retreat is suitable for beginning and experienced meditators, from both Eastern and Western faith perspectives. The meditation sessions are compatible with a variety of forms, such as Buddhist calm-abiding/insight/Zen meditation, Christian centering prayer, and many other simple "be-here-now" styles.

— Rev. David Scheuneman

6:45 - 8:15pm, Thursdays, March 13 through April 3, 2008
Sacred Ceremonies
presented by: Kathleen Moloney-Tarr
Unitarian Universalist Church of Charlotte
234 N. Sharon Amity Road
Charlotte, NC 28211
This I Believe
I believe in the journey, not the arrival,
in the conversation, not monologues,
in multiple questions rather than a single answer.
— Commentator Andrew Sullivan
What do you believe?

Do you have a few ideas spinning around your head? Do you spend time considering what feels true to your heart? If you would like to explore your beliefs with the intention of choosing a specific belief to examine in an essay to share, then please join others in this dialogue and commitment on the spiritual path.

This four-session offering is lightly structured on the current NPR This I Believe series based on Edward R. Murrow's project of the 1950's. We will examine our beliefs and capture our insights in short writings to share with others in our group. In a collegial, supportive community of seekers, we will each draft, revise and share our 3–5 minute (300-500 word) personal essay.

Writing a This I Believe essay can be a powerful personal experience as individuals develop deeper understandings or new insights. Engaging with others in respectful, insightful dialogue about basic beliefs helps reach common ground, brings deeper trust and creates stronger connections within our faith community.

10:00am - 4:00pm Saturday, November 10, 2007
Sacred Ceremonies
presented by: Ellen Dionna
Agape Healing Center, 907 Roosevelt Avenue, York, Pennsylvania
A guide for creating personal cermonies for healing, manifestation and spiritual transformation.

This is the third of three workshops which may be taken individually ($75 each) or as a series ($200 for the three). The others are "Chakra Energies for Meditation, Joy, and Healing" on August 25 and "Shamanism for Soulful Living" on September 29.

For additional information visit http://www.ChaliceSpring.com or write to Ellen Dionna
5:00pm - 5:00pm, Friday, November 9 to Saturday, November 10, 2007
Spiritual Exercises for Unitarian Universalists
presented by: The Revs. Jenny Rankin and Carl Scovel
St. Margaret's Convent, Boston MA
$170 (includes single room and three meals)
$75 deposit by November 1st will reserve a space
"Our faith comes in moments, our vice is habitual," Emerson once wrote, and he encouraged us to lift up those rare "deep moments" in life when we DO feel in touch with our faith, or with life's depths, or with a flash of beauty, meaning or eternity — when we connect to what matters most. Do you have good intentions to deepen your spiritual life and then get swamped by the business of daily life? For many of us it can be challenging to find the time or space in our hectic lives to focus on the inner life.

We will meet at an Episcopalian women's religious community in the historic William Lloyd Garrison house located in the heart of Roxbury on a hill overlooking Boston. We will explore the historical roots and known benefits of spiritual practice, with particular focus on simple spiritual exercises/practices we can integrate into our busy, daily lives to help us deepen and grow. There will be short talks, and we will spend time in group conversation, meditation, prayer and silence, with opportunity for individual time with retreat leaders. Meals will be taken in silence. We have a limit of 16 participants, so please register right away if you would like to attend.

I am thrilled to be co-leading this retreat with Rev. Carl Scovel, who has led retreats for Unitarian Universalists all over the country. We are very fortunate to have him here in our own neighborhood. I hope you will take advantage of this rare opportunity and consider joining Carl and me for this special retreat.

In faith,                                   
Rev. Jenny Rankin                   
Minister, First Parish in Concord

To register and for additional information visit http://www.WrightTavern.org, write to Mary Elizabeth Wheeler, Director or call (978) 369-9602.
Thursdays, October 11 through November 29, 2007, 6:45 – 8:30 pm
Writing Your Sacred Journey
presented by: Kathleen Moloney-Tarr
Unitarian Universalist Church of Charlotte
234 North Sharon Amity Road
Charlotte, NC 28211
Perhaps you seek continuity between your inner world and the outer world, between your past self and who you are now, or between what you claim to believe and how you live. Perhaps you sense a power beyond yourself that influences and gives greater meaning to your life. If you are curious about your own spiritual path and the stories and experiences of others, then join us to explore the holiness of the ordinary in our lives. This shared experience offers space to see and make sense of one's life and experience through discussion, writing exercises, drawing and reading with the intent of producing a short spiritual autobiography by the end of the seven class meetings.

". . . writing is a spiritual practice — a means of opening one’s self to transformation and connecting the generative inner sanctum of hope, doubt and faith to the wider world of community." — Elizabeth Andrews (Writing The Sacred Journey)

“The past isn’t over, it isn’t even past." — William Faulkner

“The world cannot be discovered by a journey of miles, no matter how long, but only by a spiritual journey, a journey of one inch, very arduous and humbling and joyful, by which we arrive at the ground at our feet and learn to be at home.” — Wendell Berry

For further information contact Kathleen Moloney-Tarr
Open only to members and prospective members of the UU Church of Charlotte.
10:00am - 4:00pm, Saturday, September 29, 2007
Shamanism for Soulful Living
presented by: Ellen Dionna
Agape Healing Center, 907 Roosevelt Ave., York, Pennsylvania
This is the second of three workshops which may be taken individually ($75 each) or as a series ($200 for the three). The others are "Chakra Energies for Meditation, Joy and Healing" on August 25 and "Sacred Ceremonies" on November 10.
For additional information visit http://www.ChaliceSpring.com or write to Ellen Dionna.
10 am to 12:15 pm on six Thursdays in the Fall of 2007: 9/20, 10/4, 10/18, 11/1, 11/15 and 12/6
A Group Spiritual Direction Experience for UU Seminarians
presented by: The Reverend Jade Angelica
Andover Newton Theological School
Sturtevant Hall Center for Faith Health and Spirituality
Third Floor, room 32
Cost: For Six Sessions - Sliding Scale: $45-65
Financial Assistance may be available for candidates
Limited to 8 participants

This group provides the unique opportunity to explore your own spiritual life and to learn to accompany others on their spiritual journeys. The group is open to Theists and Non-theists, and welcoming of images of The Holy as they emerge and change.

Following the classic tradition of the Desert Mothers and Fathers, and incorporating Buddhist practice, the groups will focus on self-discovery and reality as paths to deepening the connections with self, others and God.

Directed by The Rev. Jade Angelica, certified spiritual director, Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation. Rev. Angelica received her MDiv from HDS in 1992, is a UU Community Minister and a DMin. Candidate in Faith Health and Spirituality at ANTS.

To register for the group, Please contact Carmen Emerson, assistant group leader at 617-923-1311 or rev2bcme@verizon.net Registration deadline is 9/13/07.

Sponsored by Faith Health and Spirituality, Andover Newton Theological School

10:00am - 4:00pm, Saturday, August 25, 2007
Chakra Energies for Meditation, Joy, and Healing
presented by: Ellen Dionna
Agape Healing Center, 907 Roosevelt Ave., York, Pennsylvania
This is the first of three workshops which may be taken individually ($75 each) or as a series ($200 for the three). The others are "Shamanism for Soulful Living" on September 29 and "Sacred Ceremonies" on November 10.
For additional information visit http://www.ChaliceSpring.com or write to Ellen Dionna.
July 14-15
Spirit Collage
presented by: Ellen Dionna
Pocono Manor Resort & Spa
Pocono Manor, Pennsylvania
Collage is a marvelous medium for the "non-artist." Through guided imagery and shamanic journeying we call forth your personal archetypes, symbols, and totems. Your dreams, wounds, visions, and personal myths will emerge and offer themselves as soul material for your creative compositions. Your artwork then becomes your key to healing, sacred living, and manifesting your aspirations.
For further information see: http://www.lifespectrums.org
June, 2007
Sharing the Ministry: Creating a Covenant of Right Relations
presented by: the Professional Planning and Leadership Council
UUA General Assembly
Today there is often reference to “sharing the ministry” in congregations, but what does this means in practice? Shared ministry requires more than being active on boards and committees. It calls on us to develop and live out a covenant of right relations that can guide us in relating to each other authentically and constructively when the going gets tough, creating congregations that renew our spirits – and attract newcomers! This workshop will explore what involved in creating a covenant that becomes a safe container for the thorniest issues to be resolved - and enables a true sharing of the ministry.
Rev. Cathleen Cox Burneo
Community Minister, UU Church of Berkeley
revcat@revcat.net — 415.461.4142
Four-year program beginning in June, 2007
Path of Illumination
presented by: Ellen Dionna
"Path of Illumination" in spirituality, psychology, shamanism and energy healing will involve personal awakening and deepening as well as preparation of participants to open their own practices. It is based on Medicine Circle teachings, each year devoted to one of the Four Directions on the sacred hoop.
Ellen Dionna
April 27-29, 2007
Repairing Congregational Rifts
presented by: Pacific Central District Assembly
San Mateo CA
Information available at http://www.pcd-uua.org/PCDCalendar.htm
An ongoing challenge for congregational leaders is trying to accomplish their work in the face of complications caused by damaged relationships in which trust and goodwill have been lost. There are concrete processes leaders can use to bring meaningful healing and repair to congregational brokenness - even without others being trained in using them! This workshop will present an in-depth overview and practice session in using the concepts and tools of Compassionate Communication, developed by Marshall Rosenberg, Ph.D and now being used to transform conflict into new beginnings in organizations, inner cities and hot spots around the world.
Rev. Cathleen Cox Burneo
Community Minister, UU Church of Berkeley
revcat@revcat.net — 415.461.4142
eight Thursdays, March 1 through April 26, 2007, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
"Writing Your Sacred Journey"
presented by: Kathleen Moloney-Tarr
Unitarian Universalist Church of Charlotte
234 North Sharon Amity Road
Charlotte, NC 28211
Perhaps you seek continuity between your inner world and the outer world, between your past self and who you are now, or between what you claim to believe and how you live. Perhaps you sense a power beyond yourself that influences and gives greater meaning to your life. If you are curious about your own spiritual path and the stories and experiences of others, then join us to explore the holiness of the ordinary in our lives. This shared experience offers space to see and make sense of one’s life and experience through discussion, writing exercises, drawing and reading with the intent of producing a short spiritual autobiography by the end of the 8 week class.

. . . writing is a spiritual practice — a means of opening one’s self to transformation and connecting the generative inner sanctum of hope, doubt and faith to the wider world of community.” — Elizabeth Andrews (Writing The Sacred Journey)

“The past isn’t over, it isn’t even past." — William Faulkner

“The world cannot be discovered by a journey of miles, no matter how long, but only by a spiritual journey, a journey of one inch, very arduous and humbling and joyful, by which we arrive at the ground at our feet and learn to be at home.” — Wendell Berry

For further information contact Kathleen Moloney-Tarr
Open only to members and prospective members of the UU Church of Charlotte.
February 25-27, 2007
Becoming the Change: The Practice of Non-Violent Communication
presented by: Unitarian Universalist Social Justice Ministry Conference, Co-sponsored by Society for Community Ministries and Urban Disciples
First Unitarian Society of Denver
It was Gandhi who said, “We must become the change we wish to see.” Intuitively, we know this to be true. But how do we “become the change”? This workshop, based on the work of Marshall Rosenberg, Ph.D, will introduce a powerful model for changing ourselves and impacting the world through the practices of Non-Violent Communication. NVC has been used successfully for conflict resolution in “hot spots” throughout the globe, including many urban settings, for over thirty years and offers clear, concrete tools for bringing positive, constructive energy for change to any conflict situation. The goal of the workshop will be to introduce participants to the theory and basic skills of Non-Violent Communication. The workshop content will blend presentation, discussion and structured exercises. It will be highly interactive with significant practice time through role plays and other small group exercises.
Rev. Cathleen Cox Burneo
Community Minister, UU Church of Berkeley
revcat@revcat.net — 415.461.4142
February 16-18, 2007 (registration deadline: February 2)
"Lengthening Light and Touches of Grace"
presented by: Rev. Karen Foley
Our Lady of Hope House of Prayer, New Ipswich, New Hampshire (just over the Massachusetts border)
We emerge from the dark of winter into the lengthening light. As the days and light lengthen, we will explore whether and how light is showing up in your life and in your relationship with the holy. Do you find yourself touched by grace? How are you longing for grace? Group and solitary time, worship, silence, time for just being.

Rev. Karen Foley, a UU minister of 19 years and spiritual guide and retreat leader, recently moved to Maine.
She has served congregations in Massachusetts and studied spiritual guidance at the Shalem Institute.

$175, non-refundable $25 deposit

To register contact Our Lady of Hope, 603-878-2346; olhope@yahoo.com
For further information contact Rev. Karen Foley
January 21-26, 2007
"Spiritual Collage for Empowerment and Healing in a New Year"
presented by: Ellen Dionna
Kripalu
Lenox, MA
Participants will learn to open their intrinsic symbology and mythological archetypes, as well as engage in shamanic journeying and chakra work to reveal totems and color and healing relationships.
For further information contact Ellen Dionna
Website: http://www.chalicespring.com
October 28, 2006
"A Spiritual Harvest"
presented by: Ellen Dionna
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of York
925 S. George St.
York, PA
Mandala creation for spiritual development and healing.
For further information contact Ellen Dionna
Website: http://www.chalicespring.com
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