CONNECTIONS
YOUR message from Contemplative Outreach of Northwest Florida
Presenters Formation for Centering Prayer Workshop
 April 28-May 3, 2013  
and 
Centering Prayer as the 11th Step, May 4 
Camp Beckwith Episcopal Conference Center  
Fairhope, Alabama  
 
      Following two years of planning and hopes of hosting this workshop in our area, through God's Grace and the support of Contemplative Outreach, Ltd. Formation Team, CONWF was honored to sponsor this Workshop.  The Workshop is designed to train persons in the essentials of the Introduction to Centering Prayer practice as service to the greater community of Contemplative Outreach.  Participants are invited to enter into a discernment process as a means of answering the question: "How is God calling me into contemplative service at this time in my life".  1

(1 Gail Fitzpatrick-Hopler, September 13, 2010)
  
   

The week was a journey of praying, listening, preparing, presenting, empowering and supporting.  Each day began and ended with four periods of centering prayer in community. In the morning conferences we listened to our teachers and in the afternoons, following individual preparation, each person presented the materials to a small group.  These small groups quickly bonded in a spirit of empowerment and encouragement.   The first Conference is *Prayer as Relationship* and over the course of the week we experienced this meaning as we transitioned from mere acquaintanceship to  deeper intimacy. 

 



Our Teachers and Staff were:  Roberta White, Atlanta, GA; Jenny Adamson, Carbondale, CO; Carol Lewis, Pensacola, FL, and 
David Dierig, Ft. Collins, CO.


At the workshop's conclusion, the nineteen participants ( from Oklahoma, Kansas, Alabama and Florida)   were commissioned Presenters In Training.  They will continue to discern their calling by working with a mentor to present Introduction to Centering Prayer Workshops or other contemplative service.   

If your church, small group, or centering prayer group would host an Introduction to Centering Prayer Workshop or offer the opportunity for these Presenters in Training to make presentations in a workshop or enrichment format, please contact Carol Lewis, [email protected] for information.

REFLECTIONS FROM PRESENTER'S FORMATION WORKSHOP

"The relationships that were developed through the week with shared stories, feelings and laughter were truly blessings. I appreciated all the time, thought, and encouragement that was put into the workshop." 

 

"I really experienced that Centering Prayer is Ecumenical prayer and a big contribution to Ecumenism.  I learned from all of you that the beauty of attitude of receptivity, and I was able to reduce my stress. It helped me to be myself."