(Westin - Capitol I)
Disciples will have their choice of a variety of spiritual practices in settings appropriate to each style of engagement of the Holy. From labyrinths to yoga to various prayer styles to journaling and even wood-crafting, this learning track will lead Disciples in the practices that help shape our life of faith. All ages. No experience required for any of the practices. (Gather at 1:30 p.m. in the Capitol I room for a brief orientation on Friday, or go directly to your practice in the room indicated below)
Please note: Options, times and locations could change before the Assembly. Please check this page often for updates.
Options for Friday, July 31
(Locations listed with descriptions)
Offered from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Song writing as a spiritual practice
led by Laura Hall, Disciples lay musician, known for her work on stage and screen, and to her home congregation as a deeply spiritual leader in worship (Westin - Council Room)
Labyrinth as spiritual practice
led by Warren Lynn, Director of Search and Call, and a Certified Labyrinth Facilitator and Council Member for the international Labyrinth training organization, Veriditas. (Learn to walk a labyrinth - and to build one.) (TBD)
Woodworking as spiritual practice
led by Mark Whitley, skilled artist who creates sanctuary furnishings that move beyond the ordinary into remarkable expressions of his deep spirituality. No experience is necessary. (TBD)
Sufi wisdom informing spiritual practice
led by Wahhab Baldwin, ordained Disciples co-minister of a new Sufi-Disciples congregation, takes a journey to the crossroads of Christian confession and Sufi practice. (Westin - Congress I)
Liturgy as spiritual practice
led by Joan Dennehy, gifted Disciples pastor, musician and liturgist from the Seattle Area who explores creating Congregational Story Poems as worshipful engagement of congregational life and identity. (Westin - Chamber Room)
Stress reduction as spiritual practice
led by Delma Mindel, licensed staff therapist at a Pastoral Counseling Center In Indianapolis, trained teacher of therapeutic Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, which helps reduce stress and manage chronic pain. (Westin - Cabinet Room)
Stewardship as spiritual practice
led by Eugene Fisher, who champions the priority for clergy health and wholeness as Assistant Vice President for the Pension Fund of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). (Westin - Congress II)
Offered from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Stress reduction as spiritual practice (repeat)
led by Delma Mindel, licensed staff therapist at a Pastoral Counseling Center In Indianapolis, trained teacher of therapeutic Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, which helps reduce stress and manage chronic pain. (Westin - Cabinet Room)
Options for Saturday, August 1
(Locations listed with descriptions)
Offered from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Writing as a spiritual practice
led by Carrie Newcomer, internationally known contemporary folk musician from the Quaker tradition (Westin - Council)
Woodworking as spiritual practice - led by Mark Whitley, skilled artist who creates sanctuary furnishings that move beyond the ordinary into remarkable expressions of his deep spirituality. No experience is necessary. (TBD)
Ancient prayer forms as spiritual practice
led by Joseph Driskill, Professor of Spirituality and Dean at Disciples Seminary Foundation at the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California (Westin - Cabinet)
Discernment as spiritual practice
led by Ruth Fletcher and Ron Greene, a Disciples clergy couple, (Ruth serves as Regional Minister of the Montana Region; Ron is Senior Pastor of the Central Christian Church in Great Falls, Montana and a certified spiritual director); (Westin - Caucus Room)
Movement as spiritual practice
led by Laurie Rudel, a gifted and creative Disciples pastor experienced in a practice called Body Wisdom who has taught worldwide to students regardless of ability. (Westin - Chamber)
Singing as a spiritual practice
led by Nadine Burton, Minister of New Church Leader Development at Church Extension, and a gifted musician (Westin - Congress II)
Offered from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Yoga as spiritual practice
led by Barbara Kennedy, founder of YogaWorx in Indianapolis, who also teaches yoga at Northwood Christian Church, to help students become more self-aware, facilitate relaxation and centering, and improve quality of life. (Westin - Caucus)
Movement as spiritual practice
led by Laurie Rudel, a gifted and creative Disciples pastor experienced in a practice called Body Wisdom; she has taught worldwide to students regardless of ability. (Westin - Chamber)