On November 20th, Contemplative Outreach of Central Pa had a wonderful Visioning Day. John Kelsey, our regional representative from Contemplative Outreach came up from South Carolina to facilitate. We would like to thank Sr. Ruth Ann and Sr. Therese at Bethany Retreat Center for hosting us.
We gathered to pray together and to discern our strengths, challenges, priorities, and a plan of action. John shared about Contemplative Outreach's Vision, Programs and Resources.
The intent of Contemplative Outreach is to foster the process of transformation in Christ in one another a through the practice of Centering Prayer. John reminded us that it is all about prayer. His attitude was one of leadership as service. Contemplative Outreach speaks of Contemplative Service as 'the God in me serving the God in you'.
John helped us to look at where we had been, where we are and where we would like to go as a chapter. He offered us a wealth of information about Contemplative Outreach and its structure. Centering Prayer is the most important piece, then the individuals who practice the prayer, the prayer groups and the prayer group facilitators.
Friday evening John led us through a presentation on the Stages of Prayer as related to Faith Development. It was very helpful and thought provoking. We saw firsthand how God is transforming us through this Divine Therapy, Centering Prayer.
We learned what a chapter does with an emphasis on the team approach. We follow the organic model of chapter growth and development - it will only happen if people have the time and willingness to do it.
We have a strong Leadership Team and two Co-Coordinators willing to serve. If you are interested in being part of it, please let us know. Our strengths include: the many people who are committed to the daily practice of Centering Prayer, we have at least nine Commissioned Presenters of Centering Prayer, eleven prayer groups with facilitators, a website and bi-monthly newsletter, a lending library with resources for prayer groups and individuals, and a regular ongoing opportunity to participate in Centering Prayer Retreats at Bethany Retreat Center.
Here are some of our needs:
1. Fundraising to send representatives to the Contemplative
Outreach Annual Conference. We would like to thank the
individuals who contributed to this last year and let you know it is not too early to contribute for next year. We would also like to thank those who donated to help bring John to our chapter and say it is not too late to make a donation.
2. Newsletter contributions - articles, quotes, poems, photos
3. Hospitality - Someone interested in hosting a Saturday morning of prayer.
4. One person to help Carol Baker facilitate United in Prayer Day March 19th at Bethany Retreat Center.
5. Treasurer (Claire Caputo has offered to talk to Nicole about this.)
6. Cards to let people know about COCPa and our website. Jet has offered to work on this project.
7. Database - Tim is willing to work on this project.
8. Facilitators Support - Nancy is willing to work on this project.
We are all members of Contemplative Outreach. The way you become a member is to practice Centering Prayer. Staying with the transformative process is one of the challenges. We are here to support you in that. Let us know how we can be of service.
Nancy Cord-Baran (email) or by phone - 814-237-1002
Tim Reddington (email) or by phone - 814-234-1333
