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The Inner
Track,
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, MDiv, an ordained minister in the Presbyterian
Church (USA) and a member of the Presbytery of Philadelphia, provides
individual sessions. Her training in Spiritual Direction is from
Chestnut Hill College where she received a Certificate. She is a
supervisor at Neumann University in the spiritual direction program. Ellie is a faculty member of Kairos School of Spiritual Formation. She
has been with the Middleton Center since it began in 1999.
- Ruth Workman, EdM, MA, an elder in the
Presbyterian Church (USA) and a certified supervisor of spiritual directors,
leads spiritual direction groups. She earned a Master of Education at Rutgers
University and a Master of Arts in Holistic Spirituality and Spiritual Direction
from Chestnut Hill College. She has been offering Spiritual Direction since
1995. She offers individual spiritual direction in private practice, individual
and group direction at Princeton Theological Seminary, and leads retreats at the
Sanctuary, her home in Stone Harbor, NJ. She also trains spiritual directors at
Oasis Ministries.
Both Spiritual Directors are affiliated with Spiritual Directors International.
To explore an interest in Spiritual
Direction, please call the Middleton Center Director at 610-525-0766. Day and
evening hours are offered. All conversations are confidential.
Labyrinth Ministry
The labyrinth is one of the oldest symbolic figures
of humankind. For millennia, it has been scratched into rock or clay, painted
on pottery, laid out with stones on the ground and drawn in old manuscripts.
The labyrinth is not only a soothing design, but a metaphor of the life path.
It reflects our journey through time and major life themes: departures,
turnings, examinations, achievements, and the mysteries and graces of being
led. Walking the labyrinth is like looking into a mirror. Life’s questions and
answers rise up and are able to offer insights about self, life itself, God and
the world.
The best way to learn about the labyrinth is to
walk it. The labyrinth will be available in Congregational Hall, from 11:00 -
8:00 p.m., on the First Tuesday of the month. Special walking times will be
available during Holy Week.
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.
Coming Soon:
Walking Towards the Center:
Ten Days with Gernot Candolini.
Mr. Candolini, from Innsbruck, Austria, is an
author, photographer, and a
designer of labyrinths. In 1994, he traveled throughout Europe to find and
photograph ancient labyrinths, and collect stories about them. He has written
several books about the labyrinth, including Labyrinths – Walking Towards the
Center, which has been translated into English. He will be with us at BMPC for
a ten day residency, March 22-31, 2012. More Information. |
