Gather at the Center for Spiritual Nourishment - This Saturday, August 9

Christ Episcopal Church
Aug 2
4 min read

Updated: Aug 7

Join seekers of a deeper relationship with the Divine at the 2nd Saturday Center for Spiritual Nourishment. The 2nd Saturday CSN offers free experiences that engage the mind, body, and spirit by offering safe spaces to explore an array of opportunities for spiritual growth. The CSN is for anyone interested in spiritual nourishment, regardless of religious affiliation or spiritual beliefs. Come for one session or the entire morning.

This month’s CSN includes seven free group sessions, plus one film screening. You can choose to join any of these (or more than one, in some cases). The morning then concludes with a short Reflection Circle Service. If you want to learn more about future Center for Spiritual Nourishment events, submit your email address below to receive regularly updated information (we will not share or sell your address to anyone).

Whether you've joined us before or are a first-timer, we are sure that there's something special waiting for you here. Everyone is welcome, and we hope to see you there!

Join us on Saturday, August 9 as we offer:

Community Bike Ride

led by Kevin Osborn

All cyclists are welcome on a one-hour bicycle ride! The ride will be self-paced and out-and-back. An experienced ride leader from the CEC community will lead the ride, which will be conducted according to Baltimore Bicycle Club rules. Riders should be adults and everyone should wear a helmet. Cyclists should rest their bicycles by the lower-level outside of the CEC New Brick building before 10:15, so that they can quickly "jump" onto their bicycles at 10:15. The ride course will depend on weather conditions, and it will be cancelled for steady rain.

Film Screening: The Ultimate Gift

led by George Toth

Love Teaches. Love Transforms. Only Love Makes Life. Jason Stevens finds himself in a life-altering situation. His grandfather Red Stevens has passed away, leaving behind a vast fortune. While most relatives are eager for their inheritance, Jason’s fate is different as Red has hope he can save Jason from the poison that wealth has inflicted on the nearest family members. To grow Jason into the man Red desires, he sets twelve tasks that Jason must complete each nurturing an understanding of the value of true life. Can Jason complete the tasks and earn his inheritance? What is Red trying to teach Jason that all of us should know and understand? Are all these tasks worth this “ultimate gift” about which Red speaks and what is that gift?

Drawn to God : Praying through Art

led by Jenn Todd Lavanish

God gave everyone a gift - a special aptitude, ability, power, or talent, and these gifts are meant to be an act. Drawn to God is a place for spiritual nourishment through the practice of creativity - creating ways to engage with God. This is a short session of fellowship in process-oriented art projects, but no matter what gifts or talents you bring, you will be inspired to become a maker - and enjoy a moment of creative flow. Plus, it is just fun to make things - the joy is in the journey, and your creation is your reward.

Contemplative Meditation

led by Kathy Lyon

Discover the desire God has to commune with us and how to inwardly attune ourselves to the Spirit's voice. Learn about the history of contemplative Christianity, study the power of breathwork, be led through guided visualizations, become proficient in multiple techniques for stilling the mind, and practice drawing focus into your heart center. In a mixture of teaching, discussion, and practice, strengthen your ability to engage in the equally important side of the conversation with God--if prayer is talking to the Lord, meditation is listening to God’s voice, and being changed by God’s presence.

Self and Spirit : Introduction to St. Ignatius' Spiritual Exercises

led by Seminarian Michael Looney

St. Ignatius developed what many consider the gold standard of spiritual discernment and discerning how God may be calling us to be. For example, when considering multiple good options, ‘which is best?’. During this interactive discussion, Seminarian Mike will introduce participants to the spiritual discipline and exercises St. Ignatius developed and how to consider their application in our lives.

Yoga

led by Connie Bowman

The word yoga means union. Yoga is a centuries-old sacred practice for integrating and unifying body, mind, soul, and spirit and involves the entire person. There is often breathwork and meditation, along with physical asanas, or movements. This yoga practice will be customized to meet the needs of the practitioners who show up. If students prefer, they may practice seated in a chair. Yoga class will take place in the New Brick sanctuary.

Conversations on Spiritual Practices and Growth

led by The Rev. Emmanuel Mercer

How well do you know yourself? Which practices help you in trying to discern who you are, your relationship with God and how to best nurture that relationship? Join us in a conversation about how we can better know ourselves and deepen our relationship with God. If self-knowing leads to greater participation in life, then join us as we journey to better know ourselves.