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The Inner
Track, Fall 2009
Programming to Deepen Individual Spirituality
According to the Reformed
tradition, the goal of the Christian life is "to
know God and to enjoy God forever." Do you ever wonder how you can come to
know God? Our tradition suggests two possible tracks: on is the Outer
Track, which is most clearly illustrated by acts of outreach and mission.
The other is the Inner Track which calls for study, deepening prayer,
reflection and contemplation. These tracks come together in community and
worship.
Spiritual Direction
"As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul
longs
for you, O God."
Psalm 42.1
 The pace of life at the dawn of a new century is creating
in many people a longing for God, for a place to explore the spiritual
dimension of life, and for someone who will listen. If you desire such
things, you may wish to consider Spiritual Direction.
Spiritual
Direction is an ancient Christian discipline. It is essentially a
relationship between two persons, a seeker and a teacher or guide,
which aims to help the seeker grow in awareness of God's grace in
everyday life, both in ordinary events and in specific difficulties.
The spiritual director listens; helps the seeker learn to recognize
God's "still small voice;" and encourages the expression of growing
intimacy with God in creative and life-affirming ways.
Who would benefit from Spiritual Direction?
- Persons who want to deepen their prayer life.
- Those seeking a language to express their experience
of God.
- Individuals who are asking some of the following questions:
- How is God working in my life?
- What is God calling me to be?
- How can I live more faithfully God's world
Spiritual Directors at The Middleton Center
Ellen Stratton, M.Div., is an ordained minister
in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and an active member of the Presbytery
of Philadelphia. She also has a certificate in spiritual Direction from
Chestnut Hill College.
Donna Holstein is a
Presbyterian and a graduate of the Spiritual Direction Training Program
of the Kairos School of Spiritual Formation. She is committed to
helping others as they seek a deeper relationship with God and will be
offering individual and group spiritual direction, retreats, and
formation instruction. Donna has
served as a guide for the labyrinth for several years.
Both Spiritual Directors are affiliated with Spiritual Directors International.
To explore an interest in Spiritual Direction, please
call Karen Dunkman, Middleton Center Director at 610-525-0766. Day and
evening hours are offered. All conversations are confidential.
Labyrinth Ministry
The labyrinth is
a powerful tool for transformation, and the best way to learn about it is to
walk it. On the following days, the labyrinth will be available in
Congregational Hall,
from 2-8 p.m.:
January 14, February
11, March 11, April 8, May 13
Special hours for Holy Week: March 31, 6-8 p.m.;
Maundy Thursday, April 1, 8:00 a.m. – 8: p.m.;
Good Friday, April 2, 8:00 a.m. – noon
If
you are interested in learning more about the labyrinth and how it may enrich
your prayer life, please speak with one of the guides at the labyrinth or call
the Middleton Center. Spiritual Director Donna Holstein is happy to find time
to talk with you.
 The
Prayerful Life
Praying My Life and Living My
Prayer
As part
of Sunday morning Adult Education, this class will explore how the work for
social justice and the life of contemplative prayer are reflected in the lives
of Jesus, Thomas Merton, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Dorothy Day and Archbishop
Oscar Romero.
Led by Rev.
Marcus Pomeroy,
former pastor of Central Baptist Church, Wayne
January 17, 24, 31.
9:30 a.m.
Witherspoon Parlor
Living with an Open Heart: Waking Up to God’s
Presence in Our Lives
Also as part
of Adult Education, this class will focus on the writings of Paula D’Arcy, the
2010 Middleton Center Spring Symposium speaker. Although discussion will draw
from several of Paula’s books, class participants are asked to read Paula’s
newest book, Waking Up to This Day.
Led by Donna Holstein, Spiritual Director
February 21 & 28. 9:30 a.m.
Witherspoon Parlor
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