“…peace meets you at the garden gate… At Bethany every leaf and tree, every stone and flower seems infused with the prayers of the faithful.”

– Desmond Tutu

Come away to a quiet place, and find rest for your soul.

The day begins with a morning contemplative practice. Upon arrival, each person receives a packet with suggested ways to spend the day in quiet contemplation, focused on the theme: Be Still and Know.

Aside from the opening and closing practices, your time is unstructured. An atmosphere of prayerful silence is maintained in the houses and on the grounds for the duration of the Quiet Day.

Cost is $75, lunch included.

Limit of 10 participants.

Register through the link below.

In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.

– Isaiah 30:15

Through the centuries, people have cultivated practices to help them navigate the challenges of being human. In times like these, finding ways to tend our heart, body, and mind is vital. When we can find and regularly connect to our own center, our peace heals us and radiates into the lives of those we encounter.

This six-week course will introduce contemplative practices from multiple faith traditions that help us listen to and be with life as it is, not as we wish or fear it to be.

The invitation in meditation is to draw the attention inward, becoming aware of the flow of ever-changing experiences in each moment. Resting the attention on a home base; the breath, bodily sensation, or other anchor, mindful meditation nurtures the quieting of the mind. Thoughts continue to be part of the flow, but our relationship to them is changed.

All we can do in prayer is to position ourselves; the rest is in the power of the Spirit who leads us.

– St. Teresa of Avila

Over the six weeks, we will explore and practice mindfulness of breath, thought, emotion, and body. We will also spend time exploring loving kindness and compassion. Each session includes guided practice, brief teaching, and discussion. This class is open to all levels of contemplative practice. Meditation offers real steadiness for navigating uncertain times, and works best as one part of a broader web of support in your life.The course will encourage and support you as you nurture a practice of being still and meeting what comes.

Submit an application for a place in the course through the link below.

"I have spent my life watching, not to see beyond the world, but merely to see, great mystery, what is plainly before my eyes. I think the concept of transcendence is based on a misreading of creation. With all respect to heaven, the scene of the miracle is here, among us."

(Excerpted from Gilead, by Marilyn Robinson)

Part prayer practice and part poetry workshop, this gathering is for anyone who is nourished by good company and conversation, beauty and quiet, and writing as a way for the unexpected to enter in for our surprise and reflection. The only requirement for this workshop is that you are curious about what might land on the page as we write together.

The practice is designed so that you can attend one or two of them, or all three. You’ll leave with the rough draft of a poem, which you may revise later or set aside. Our focus will be on what Marilyn Robinson calls the “miracles among us” that come for our attention and care.

All workshops are in person, though we will pivot to Zoom if the winter weather does not cooperate. Each circle will gather in St. Gabe’s House from 12:30 to 3:30pm on Wednesday, October 7, January 13, and April 7. (Group size is a maximum of eight and a minimum of five.)

Cost: $120 total for the three sessions or $45 for one session

Register through the link below.

In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.

– Isaiah 30:15

Through the centuries, people have cultivated practices to help them navigate the challenges of being human. In times like these, finding ways to tend our heart, body, and mind is vital. When we can find and regularly connect to our own center, our peace heals us and radiates into the lives of those we encounter.

This six-week course will introduce contemplative practices from multiple faith traditions that help us listen to and be with life as it is, not as we wish or fear it to be.

The invitation in meditation is to draw the attention inward, becoming aware of the flow of ever-changing experiences in each moment. Resting the attention on a home base; the breath, bodily sensation, or other anchor, mindful meditation nurtures the quieting of the mind. Thoughts continue to be part of the flow, but our relationship to them is changed.

All we can do in prayer is to position ourselves; the rest is in the power of the Spirit who leads us.

– St. Teresa of Avila

Over the six weeks, we will explore and practice mindfulness of breath, thought, emotion, and body. We will also spend time exploring loving kindness and compassion. Each session includes guided practice, brief teaching, and discussion. This class is open to all levels of contemplative practice. Meditation offers real steadiness for navigating uncertain times, and works best as one part of a broader web of support in your life.The course will encourage and support you as you nurture a practice of being still and meeting what comes.

Submit an application for a place in the course through the link below.

In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.

– Isaiah 30:15

Through the centuries, people have cultivated practices to help them navigate the challenges of being human. In times like these, finding ways to tend our heart, body, and mind is vital. When we can find and regularly connect to our own center, our peace heals us and radiates into the lives of those we encounter.

This six-week course will introduce contemplative practices from multiple faith traditions that help us listen to and be with life as it is, not as we wish or fear it to be.

The invitation in meditation is to draw the attention inward, becoming aware of the flow of ever-changing experiences in each moment. Resting the attention on a home base; the breath, bodily sensation, or other anchor, mindful meditation nurtures the quieting of the mind. Thoughts continue to be part of the flow, but our relationship to them is changed.

All we can do in prayer is to position ourselves; the rest is in the power of the Spirit who leads us.

– St. Teresa of Avila

Over the six weeks, we will explore and practice mindfulness of breath, thought, emotion, and body. We will also spend time exploring loving kindness and compassion. Each session includes guided practice, brief teaching, and discussion. This class is open to all levels of contemplative practice. Meditation offers real steadiness for navigating uncertain times, and works best as one part of a broader web of support in your life.The course will encourage and support you as you nurture a practice of being still and meeting what comes.

Submit an application for a place in the course through the link below.

In this free, mini-retreat (in partnership with Agape Spiritual Community, founded by Rev. Matt Carriker), we will explore together what it means to build a strong spiritual foundation amidst a world that feels like it is crumbling. 

How can we stand unshaken in the midst of breaking worlds? 

How do you stand on a firm foundation amidst all the personal and collective challenges?

Please register through the link below.

In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.

– Isaiah 30:15

Through the centuries, people have cultivated practices to help them navigate the challenges of being human. In times like these, finding ways to tend our heart, body, and mind is vital. When we can find and regularly connect to our own center, our peace heals us and radiates into the lives of those we encounter.

This six-week course will introduce contemplative practices from multiple faith traditions that help us listen to and be with life as it is, not as we wish or fear it to be.

The invitation in meditation is to draw the attention inward, becoming aware of the flow of ever-changing experiences in each moment. Resting the attention on a home base; the breath, bodily sensation, or other anchor, mindful meditation nurtures the quieting of the mind. Thoughts continue to be part of the flow, but our relationship to them is changed.

All we can do in prayer is to position ourselves; the rest is in the power of the Spirit who leads us.

– St. Teresa of Avila

Over the six weeks, we will explore and practice mindfulness of breath, thought, emotion, and body. We will also spend time exploring loving kindness and compassion. Each session includes guided practice, brief teaching, and discussion. This class is open to all levels of contemplative practice. Meditation offers real steadiness for navigating uncertain times, and works best as one part of a broader web of support in your life.The course will encourage and support you as you nurture a practice of being still and meeting what comes.

Submit an application for a place in the course through the link below.

In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.

– Isaiah 30:15

Through the centuries, people have cultivated practices to help them navigate the challenges of being human. In times like these, finding ways to tend our heart, body, and mind is vital. When we can find and regularly connect to our own center, our peace heals us and radiates into the lives of those we encounter.

This six-week course will introduce contemplative practices from multiple faith traditions that help us listen to and be with life as it is, not as we wish or fear it to be.

The invitation in meditation is to draw the attention inward, becoming aware of the flow of ever-changing experiences in each moment. Resting the attention on a home base; the breath, bodily sensation, or other anchor, mindful meditation nurtures the quieting of the mind. Thoughts continue to be part of the flow, but our relationship to them is changed.

All we can do in prayer is to position ourselves; the rest is in the power of the Spirit who leads us.

– St. Teresa of Avila

Over the six weeks, we will explore and practice mindfulness of breath, thought, emotion, and body. We will also spend time exploring loving kindness and compassion. Each session includes guided practice, brief teaching, and discussion. This class is open to all levels of contemplative practice. Meditation offers real steadiness for navigating uncertain times, and works best as one part of a broader web of support in your life.The course will encourage and support you as you nurture a practice of being still and meeting what comes.

Submit an application for a place in the course through the link below.

“…peace meets you at the garden gate… At Bethany every leaf and tree, every stone and flower seems infused with the prayers of the faithful.”

– Desmond Tutu

Come away to a quiet place, and find rest for your soul.

The day begins with a morning contemplative practice. Upon arrival, each person receives a packet with suggested ways to spend the day in quiet contemplation, focused on the theme: Holy Darkness.

Aside from the opening and closing practices, your time is unstructured. An atmosphere of prayerful silence is maintained in the houses and on the grounds for the duration of the Quiet Day.

Cost is $75, lunch included.

Limit of 10 participants.

Register through the link below.

Life brings moments of joy, but it also brings anxiety, grief, disappointment, self-doubt, and uncertainty. Rather than pushing difficult emotions away or becoming overwhelmed by them, what if we could learn to meet them with greater awareness, compassion, and God's loving presence?

Join us for a peaceful evening of guided meditation, reflection, and conversation as we explore the RAIN practice—a gentle mindfulness meditation that offers a compassionate way of relating to whatever we are experiencing.

RAIN is an acronym for four simple steps:

• Recognize what is present.

• Allow the experience to be there without resistance.

• Investigate with curiosity and compassion.

• Nurture ourselves with kindness and care.

During the evening, Diane Anderson, ordained UCC pastor, certified mindfulness meditation instructor, and spiritual director, will guide participants through the RAIN meditation. After the practice, there will be time for gentle discussion and shared reflection, allowing participants to deepen their understanding of the experience and learn from one another. Sharing is always welcome but never expected.

RAIN can be especially helpful when we are facing difficult emotions such as fear, sadness, anger, shame, loneliness, or overwhelm. By learning to turn toward our inner experience with curiosity and compassion rather than judgment, we begin to discover greater resilience, emotional freedom, and a more spacious way of being with life's challenges.

No previous meditation experience is necessary. Whether you are new to mindfulness or have an established contemplative practice, you are warmly welcome.

Together we will discover how mindful awareness can become a doorway to prayer, healing, and resting more deeply in the loving presence of God. Come as you are and leave with a practical practice for everyday life, along with a renewed sense of peace, compassion, and hope.

Cost: $25 per person

Register through the link below.

In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.

– Isaiah 30:15

Through the centuries, people have cultivated practices to help them navigate the challenges of being human. In times like these, finding ways to tend our heart, body, and mind is vital. When we can find and regularly connect to our own center, our peace heals us and radiates into the lives of those we encounter.

This six-week course will introduce contemplative practices from multiple faith traditions that help us listen to and be with life as it is, not as we wish or fear it to be.

The invitation in meditation is to draw the attention inward, becoming aware of the flow of ever-changing experiences in each moment. Resting the attention on a home base; the breath, bodily sensation, or other anchor, mindful meditation nurtures the quieting of the mind. Thoughts continue to be part of the flow, but our relationship to them is changed.

All we can do in prayer is to position ourselves; the rest is in the power of the Spirit who leads us.

– St. Teresa of Avila

Over the six weeks, we will explore and practice mindfulness of breath, thought, emotion, and body. We will also spend time exploring loving kindness and compassion. Each session includes guided practice, brief teaching, and discussion. This class is open to all levels of contemplative practice. Meditation offers real steadiness for navigating uncertain times, and works best as one part of a broader web of support in your life.The course will encourage and support you as you nurture a practice of being still and meeting what comes.

Submit an application for a place in the course through the link below.

Join us for a day -long exploration of the journal as both a meditative process and a vital record of personal revelation. Led by Kathleen Hirsch, a veteran journal workshop leader, author of memoir and poetry, and a longtime Bethany House colleague, the workshop will combine contemplative prayer with a variety of journal approaches participants can continue independently once they leave the workshop. Prompts and instruction will balance time in quiet, gentle questions and a bit of (voluntary) conversation.

“The journey IS the destination.” This will be the day’s organizing philosophy; going deeper is more to be treasured that going far. Think of this as a “quiet day” in conversation with your soul and the depths that you find there.

A materials list will be sent upon registration.

Cost: $75 per person; bring your own lunch

Register through the link below.

"I have spent my life watching, not to see beyond the world, but merely to see, great mystery, what is plainly before my eyes. I think the concept of transcendence is based on a misreading of creation. With all respect to heaven, the scene of the miracle is here, among us."

(Excerpted from Gilead, by Marilyn Robinson)

Part prayer practice and part poetry workshop, this gathering is for anyone who is nourished by good company and conversation, beauty and quiet, and writing as a way for the unexpected to enter in for our surprise and reflection. The only requirement for this workshop is that you are curious about what might land on the page as we write together.

The practice is designed so that you can attend one or two of them, or all three. You’ll leave with the rough draft of a poem, which you may revise later or set aside. Our focus will be on what Marilyn Robinson calls the “miracles among us” that come for our attention and care.

All workshops are in person, though we will pivot to Zoom if the winter weather does not cooperate. Each circle will gather in St. Gabe’s House from 12:30 to 3:30pm on Wednesday, October 7, January 13, and April 7. (Group size is a maximum of eight and a minimum of five.)

Cost: $120 total for the three sessions or $45 for one session

Register through the link below.

"I have spent my life watching, not to see beyond the world, but merely to see, great mystery, what is plainly before my eyes. I think the concept of transcendence is based on a misreading of creation. With all respect to heaven, the scene of the miracle is here, among us."

(Excerpted from Gilead, by Marilyn Robinson)

Part prayer practice and part poetry workshop, this gathering is for anyone who is nourished by good company and conversation, beauty and quiet, and writing as a way for the unexpected to enter in for our surprise and reflection. The only requirement for this workshop is that you are curious about what might land on the page as we write together.

The practice is designed so that you can attend one or two of them, or all three. You’ll leave with the rough draft of a poem, which you may revise later or set aside. Our focus will be on what Marilyn Robinson calls the “miracles among us” that come for our attention and care.

All workshops are in person, though we will pivot to Zoom if the winter weather does not cooperate. Each circle will gather in St. Gabe’s House from 12:30 to 3:30pm on Wednesday, October 7, January 13, and April 7. (Group size is a maximum of eight and a minimum of five.)

Cost: $120 total for the three sessions or $45 for one session

Register through the link below.