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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

 

The Middleton Center • Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church
625 Montgomery Ave • Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
610-525-0766 • mail@middletoncenter.org

This pastoral care ministry is made possible through a generous gift to
Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church in memory of Herbert H. Middleton Jr.