Annual Society Gathering
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The Annual Gathering of Shalem’s Society for Contemplative Leadership
October 4 – October 8, 2015
Gathering begins at 4pm on Sunday, October 4 and ends after lunch on Thursday, October 8, 2015.
RADICAL WILLINGNESS TO TRUST
The world is a beautiful mess.
Ever-present news media, together with our own experiences, can create a heavy awareness of the mess: human conflict, sin, illusion, evil, sickness, degradation of the environment, and failed or inadequate attempts to make conditions better. Other news and experiences show us the beauty: acts of human compassion, care of the earth, creative art, scientific discoveries, loving relationships, and sudden senses of a mysterious, enveloping atmosphere of loving Presence.
At times the seeming relentless mess of life can take center stage and lead us to question human and divine capacity to bring and sustain shalom on the planet and inside ourselves. Rather than despairing and shrinking our hope, such a sense of reality can be an invitation to sink deeper into our true self and community in God.
Responding to that invitation involves our willingness to enter the spiritual heart and leave behind our limited views of human and divine possibility. This means embracing a radical trust in the gracious One’s living among us and includes accepting that many of God’s ways are a mystery beyond our comprehension. Such acceptance calls for our complete openness to we-know-not-what while trusting that we will be guided and empowered to do what is ours to do.
You are invited to join us at this Gathering in reflection and prayer that seeks more radical willingness to trust (and act) amidst the “beautiful mess” of our inner and outer world. We will be helped by a generous time of silence, as well as small group listening circles and topics to explore. We also will hear a report from the special committee that has been exploring the Society’s mission and structure.
“Shalem always seems to be what I need.”
“I feel grounded again in my contemplative leadership. Thank you for your commitment to this grace filled ministry!”
— Comments from previous Society Gathering Participants. Read more comments of “Why I Attend the Society Gathering” by clicking here.
Location
Bon Secours Spiritual Center
1525 Marriottsville Road, Marriottsville, MD 21104
(410) 442-8219
Attendees
As one of the components of the Society for Contemplative Leadership, the annual gathering is open to all people who have completed the second residency of Shalem’s Extension programs: Clergy Spiritual Life & Leadership Program, Facilitating Group Spiritual Direction Program, Leading Contemplative Prayer Groups & Retreats Program, Personal Spiritual Deepening Program, Spiritual Guidance Program, and Soul of the Executive Program.
Please note: if you are a graduate of one of Shalem’s extension programs and are considering membership in the Society, you are welcome to come to the annual gathering to discern if the Society is right for you at this time.
Cost
Early Bird Registration: $745 before August 31, 2015
Regular Registration: $795 after August 31, 2015
Registration
For more information, you may contact our offices at [email protected] This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , (301-897-7334).
Directions
For directions and travel information for Bon Secours Spiritual Center, please click here.