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Restoring the Spiritual Heart: A Contemplative Retreat in Asheville, NC
October 4, 2019 @ 7:00 pm - October 5, 2019 @ 12:30 pm
Restoring the Spiritual Heart of Christianity: A Mini Retreat Led by Carl McColman
“I’m spiritual but not religious.” It’s a common refrain in our time, especially by youth and young adults. But this idea that religion and spirituality are somehow different is a recent way of seeing things. Historically, Christianity and spirituality would have been seen as basically the same thing. So for those of us who care about Christianity — or even if we just care about spirituality — how do we bring a meaningful inner life and the path of following Jesus back together?
This weekend retreat consists of two programs:
Friday evening (7-9 PM) Carl McColman, author of books like The Big Book of Christian Mysticism and Answering the Contemplative Call, will discuss how “religion” and “spirituality” came to mean two separate things, and what steps Christians can take in our day to restore the spiritual heart of life in Christ. We’ll have plenty of time for conversation and discussion, and maybe even a prayer exercise or two.
Saturday morning (9:30 AM-12:30 PM) we’ll look at the practice of spirituality, by exploring traditional Christian exercises that bring prayer, meditation and contemplation alive: practices like Centering Prayer, Lectio Divina, and the Jesus Prayer (also called “the Prayer of the Heart”). This will be an experiential program, with time for prayer, journaling, and personal reflection.
About the Retreat Leader: Carl McColman is a contemplative Christian blogger, podcaster, and author. His books include The Big Book of Christian Mysticism, Answering the Contemplative Call, Befriending Silence, and Unteachable Lessons. He is a life-professed associate of the Trappist monastery in Conyers, GA, and a Centering Prayer instructor. Learn more about Carl by visiting his website at www.carlmccolman.com.
Cost for the Retreat: This retreat is offered on a love-offering basis. Suggested offering is $10 for Friday night, $25 for Saturday, or $30 for both events. No one is turned away for inability to pay.
To Register: pre-registration is not required, but we appreciate knowing how many people to expect. So please indicate you are attending on our Facebook Events page, or if you are allergic to Facebook, contact Carl directly to indicate you will be attending.
Limited Lodging Available: Haw Creek Commons has a limited number of guest rooms. If you are interested in staying the night, click here for more information or to register: www.hawcreekcommons.com/retreat-house
Invite Carl to speak to your community: Book an Event.