Upcoming Programs

Monday, July 26 through Sunday, August 1 Directed Retreats - Summer 2010 Begins Monday at 2:00 pm and continues through 12:15 pm Sunday Holy Family Chapel, Nazareth The sisters of The Congregation of St. Joseph invite you to join them in one of their directed retreats held throughout the summer. All of the retreat directors are trained and experienced in spiritual and retreat direction. There are several directors available during each of the retreat weeks and choice of director will depend on availability of openings at registration. Cost includes private room with bath, meals and retreat direction. Each retreat week begins at 2 p.m. on Monday with an opening prayer service in Chapel and concludes with the noon meal on Sunday. Shorter retreats (3-4 days) may also be scheduled. Please call for more information. Registration is required one month prior to the first day of the retreat. When registering online, please indicate the retreat week you wish to attend in the Additional Comments field at the bottom of the registration form. Contact Christine Parks, CSJ (269) 381-6290 ext. 323 or info@TransformationsCenter.org for more information. May 17-23 June 21-27 July 26-Aug. 1 Aug 30-Sept 5 $445 for early registration, 60 days prior to retreat beginning $490 for registration less than 60 days prior to retreat beginning

Friday, August 27 through Saturday, August 28 Listening to God Through Our Dreams Begins Friday at 7:00 pm and continues through 4:00 pm Saturday ~~Aug. 27-28 is a rescheduled date for this event.~~ 3rd Fl Community Room Olga Wittekind, OSF One of the fascinating mysteries of life is that of dreams. We all dream, whether we remember them or not, and our dreams can be intriguing, disturbing and inspiring. They can also be messages from God—who is present in our waking and sleeping. Dreams open us to our inner landscape and can help us grow spiritually. Working with dreams can help bring inner wholeness. Whatever your experience of dreams this retreat with Olga Wittekind (spiritual director, psychologist and Jungian therapist) is sure to bring new insights and awareness of your own dream life. Using a Jungian approach to the theory of dream work, the retreat will include learning about symbols and archetypal images found in dreams; working with your own dreams; and gaining spiritual insights from their rich stories. $130 Early registration when paid by July 27; $140 after Retreat cost includes private room with bath, meals, and materials. Please register by Aug. 13

Wednesday, September 1 Group Spiritual Direction Orientation 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm     Gertrude Maurer, CSJ and Christine Parks, CSJ Whether you are racing through your busy day or sitting quietly in prayer, Spiritual Direction can assist you in becoming more aware of the many ways God is present with you, and reaches out to you in your daily life. Your time in Spiritual Direction can help you realize how the Spirit is speaking to and through you. Because they’re now more aware of their actions Spiritual Directees often experience an easier time discerning direction in life’s difficult and ordinary times and move toward achieving greater consistency between deeply held values and the actions they take. Spiritual Direction conversations cover topics like the most significant event over the last month and where directees have seen movement within their life. The Spiritual Direction discussions can be shared during one-on-one meetings with a Spiritual Director, called Individual Spiritual Direction, or as a group, Group Spiritual Direction. Group Spiritual Direction is facilitated by a trained spiritual director and takes place in a small group setting. It provides the benefit of shared insights and broadened perspectives among the group. Orientation is a pre-requisite for those new to the group process. Orientation for Group Spiritual Direction Wednesday, September 1; 6:30–8:30 p.m. Led by: Gertrude Maurer, CSJ and Christine Parks, CSJ This orientation session provides an introduction to the Group Spiritual Direction process along with the opportunity to experience the process. It is a prerequisite for those new to Group Spiritual Direction, and may lead to the formation of new groups or placement in ongoing groups. $5 due with registration by August 25; $10 after Group Spiritual Direction Series Led by: Gertrude Maurer, Christine Parks, and Laura Smith, CSJs Group Spiritual Direction sessions meet every other week for five times each series. Series I Sept. 8 - Nov. 9, 2010 Tuesdays (1:30 - 3:30 p.m.) Wednesdays (6:30 - 8:30 p.m.) Thursdays (1:30 - 3:30 p.m.) Series II Nov. 17, 2010 - Jan. 20, 2011 Tuesdays (1:30 - 3:30 p.m.) Wednesdays (6:30 - 8:30 p.m.) Thursdays (1:30 - 3:30 p.m.) $75 is due with registration one week prior to the beginning of each series. Those continuing with an ongoing group may register through your group facilitator.

Saturday, September 18 Praying with Jesus & ‘The Lord’s Prayer’ 9:00 am - 3:00 pm     Ginny Jones, CSJ “…one of the disciples said to Jesus, ‘Lord, teach us to pray’…” Luke 11:1 Prayer is a conversation of the heart and when scriptural passages become overly familiar, rote, memorized prayers, instead of living words they lose their capacity for transformation. In the ‘Lord’s Prayer’ Christ’s words continue to challenge us across the ages…striking at the heart of our contemporary concerns and questions. Join us for a prayerful and reflective retreat day listening to the very familiar ‘Lord’s Prayer’ in the words Jesus himself used during his lifetime. We will “listen” and pray with the prayer Jesus taught using the text from the Aramaic language—the language Jesus spoke. We will be invited to listen for the heart and mind of Jesus in the prayer he taught his disciples. Bring: writing/journaling materials, folding lawn chair (if you have one), and dress comfortably for some time outdoors—weather permitting. $35 Early Registration paid by Sept. 3; $40 after Make it a retreat by adding an overnight stay. $45 single occupancy, $60 double Registration includes lunch. Please register by September 13.

Saturday, September 18 Watercolor: The Free Flow of Letting Go 9:00 am - 3:30 pm     Frankie Dutil, CSJ Spiritual traditions tell us that the deeper beauty and substance of life often emerges when we stop grasping and struggling for control in our lives. Watercolor painting is a truly experiential metaphor for the spiritual journey. This medium defies precise control yet yields wonderful results when we are able to let go. Prior experience with watercolor is not necessary to enjoy this day. Beginners will learn basic techniques, so whether you have previous experience, or just want to try watercolor—come, and let yourself go! Participation is limited to 14 people to allow individual work with the presenter. Payment is due with registration to guarantee a place. This program will also be offered May 21, 2011. $75 Early Registration paid by Aug. 23; $85 after Registration includes program, materials and lunch Make it a retreat by adding an overnight stay. $45 single occupancy, $60 double Please register by September 7.

Tuesday, September 21 Centering Prayer Introduction 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm     Unity Chapel Christine Parks, CSJ and Betsy Meagher, CSJ Silence is often described as the language of God. If your spiritual journey has led to a hunger for a deeper experience of prayer and silence in God’s presence, join us for an evening on the process and practice of Centering Prayer. Centering Prayer is a spiritual practice grounded in Christian tradition that can help us enter into God’s silence which then enters us. It can move us through meditation into contemplation. The evening will include some teaching on the history, tradition and dynamics of Centering Prayer along with the opportunity to experience this Christian prayer form. This program is also offered Nov. 11. Once you have completed this introduction, or if you already practice Centering Prayer, we invite you to join an ongoing Centering Prayer group at Transformations' Unity Chapel on Wednesdays, from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. $15 Early registration when paid by Oct. 28; $20 after Please register by Nov. 3

Friday, October 1 through Sunday, October 3 Living From Within, 2010-11 Circle of Trust: The Journey Toward an Undivided Life A Four Part Retreat in the Spirit of the Work of Parker Palmer Begins Friday at 7:00 pm and continues through 12:00 pm Sunday October 1-3, 2010; January 28-30, 2011; April 15-17, 2011 and June 24-26, 2011 (a series of four retreats) 3rd Fl Community Room Marianne Novak Houston The more passionate we are about our life and work, the more vital it is that we take time to renew our own spirits – to reconnect with the wellsprings of our service to others. In this series of four retreats we will focus on the rejoining of soul and role, on reconnecting who we are with what we do. The focus is neither on techniques nor skills required in our work, but on renewing our inner lives. Using individual, small and large group formats, poetry, archetypal and personal stories, we will address basic life questions which, though they are personal and private, are often deeply instructive when shared in a “circle of trust.” This series, led in the spirit of the work of Parker Palmer, is open to those interested in participating in the four seasonal retreats during which a “courage community” will form. In this environment of trust the deep work of soul is given voice. This is the approach which has proven transformational for the numerous participants in these circles which Marianne has led throughout the U.S., Australia, Canada, and Asia. Registration costs include a private air-conditioned guest room with bathroom, meals, snacks, spacious grounds to walk, and time to “be”. Bring a journal, writing materials, and clothing appropriate for variable indoor and outdoor temperatures. Click here for a copy of the brochure. Check in between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. on the first day of each of the four retreat weekends. Space is limited so register early. Save money and register for the four part series by September 1. Non-refundable deposit of $240 for the series is due with registration. Register after September 1; non-refundable deposit of $360 due with registration. Balance of $225 due upon arrival for each of the four weekends. All registrations must be received by September 17, 2010.

Wednesday, October 6 Mid-Week Sabbath: Harvesting the Fruit of Prayer 10:00 am - 12:00 pm     Christine Parks, CSJ There was a time when Sunday’s were truly “the Lord’s day”, days of worship and rest. For many of us, that is no longer as true. Join us for a refreshing and re-creative ‘mid-week Sabbath’ on one or more of these three mid-week mornings. Each morning will be a time of prayer, quiet reflection, sharing and peace on themes that speak to our hunger for more time with God. Other programs in the series... Nov. 10th: Living a Life of Gratitude & Thanksgiving Dec. 8th: Light in the Darkess $15 early registration paid by Sept. 27, $20 after

Saturday, October 9 The Art and Prayer of Journaling 9:00 am - 12:00 pm     Christine Parks, CSJ "Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands…” Isaiah 49:16 Since the invention of writing people have engaged in the art and practice of journaling; recording meaningful thoughts, feelings and experiences for personal and spiritual reflection. Some of the most inspiring journaling has come from those seeking to understand and deepen their relationship with the sacred. If you’ve thought about beginning a spiritual journal, but put it off; if you’ve begun, but put it aside; if you’re a disciplined journal writer and want some time away—this morning is for you. It will include time for prayer, reflection; sharing of methods, resources and suggestions; as well as quiet time to engage in conversation with the Holy. Bring you own journal and a favorite pen. $30 before Sept.10; $35 after Please register by Sept.20

Tuesday, October 12 Spiritual Literacy — A Group Discussion of 'Books You’ve Been Meaning to Read' The Naked Now: Learning to See as the Mystics See by Richard Rohr 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm     Gertrude Maurer, CSJ This program continues Oct. 26 and Nov. 9. In The Naked Now, Richard Rohr, is primarily concerned with what keeps us from seeing reality truthfully, humbly, and helpfully. He draws on the wisdom of Native and world religions to explore a different way of knowing and describes a way of "seeing the moment," the Naked Now. Through reading, reflection and discussion we will explore how this way of seeing enables us to “be present...to the Real Presence” in daily reality. Read the first two chapters before Oct. 12, and come prepared to share observations. $25 Early Registration paid by Sept. 21; $30 after Please register by Sept. 28

Monday, October 18 9th Annual Community of Caregivers Conference Caregivers and Transitions: Navigating the Land of Uncertainty 9:00 am - 4:30 pm     Lacy ABC Br. James Zullo, FSC, PhD As Caregivers we are constantly responding and reacting to transitions — whether our own or those of the people we serve. The external evidence of these transitions is often visible, however, much of the work of moving through transitions involves the inner world of psychological and spiritual perspectives. In assessing transitions in human life and organizations we recognize that all transitions begin with an ending; and we hope they end in a new beginning. While the ending may be highly emotional, and the beginning not clear, it is the crucial time and space in-between, the land of uncertainty, that holds the heart and soul of transition. Transitions often challenge us to face what is ending, to name the underlying losses, and to undergo the grieving process. There are normal and predictable periods of transition when endings and beginnings constitute the flow of human life, such as, adolescence, early adulthood, midlife and the senior years. But there are also transitions that are occasioned by untimely or unanticipated life events, such as serious physical illness, death of a loved one, downsizing of an organization or even terrorist activity. The challenge in a time of transition is to trust the process. CEU credits are availabe for this program. Social Work - 5.5 Nursing - to be determined Clergy - to be determined $80 Early registration when paid by Sept. 7, $95 after Registration includes the program and lunch Conference Co-Sponsors Partnering Sponsors Episcopal Diocese of Western Michigan Lunch Sponsors John E. Fetzer Institute, Inc. Supporting Sponsors Battle Creek Health System Borgess Medical Center Congregation of St. Joseph Pine Rest Kalamazoo Clinic Redmond Funeral Homes United Church of Christ, SW MI Conf

Friday, October 22 through Saturday, October 23 Discovering God Anew Begins Friday at 7:00 pm and continues through 3:00 pm Saturday Marcella Clancy, CSJ Many believers have learned about God through a theology that has often viewed God mainly in abstract concepts. In these views, God is presented as almighty, omnipresent, and omniscient. Today, emerging theologies and contemporary experiences of revelation are discovering God anew through major events and movements occurring within the human community, and new understandings of scripture. These approaches present new images and understandings of God. They invite believers to grow in relationship with this living God. They challenge us to follow God along new paths. Together we will explore these events and movements and the new visions of God they reveal. $120 Early Registration with payment by Sept. 24, $130 after Please register by Oct. 11 Retreat cost includes private air-conditioned room with bath, meals, and materials.

Saturday, November 6 Seeing God in Everyday Life: A Day of Mindfulness 9:00 am - 3:30 pm     Laura Smith, CSJ Many yearn to live our ordinary daily lives more mindfully and connected with the sacred. Join us as we spend the day opening to this yearning—reflecting on life’s meaning, our relationship with God in everyday life, and allowing the child in us to wash out the shadows within. We will spend time with questions such as: How does God permeate the ordinariness of all the little things you encounter? How aware are you of God’s presence in the moment? How do you rest in the peace of God’s presence? Our time together will be spent in presentation, stories, meditation, reclaiming the transparency of childhood, sharing, and finding peace and an awareness of God within. Bring a journal and pen to catch your reflections. $40 Early Registration paid by Oct. 15; $45 after Please register by Oct. 25

Wednesday, November 10 Mid-Week Sabbath: Living a Life of Gratitude & Thanksgiving 10:00 am - 12:00 pm     3rd Fl Community Room Christine Parks, CSJ There was a time when Sunday’s were truly “the Lord’s day”, days of worship and rest. For many of us, that is no longer as true. Join us for a refreshing and re-creative ‘mid-week Sabbath’ on one or more of these three mid-week mornings. Each morning will be a time of prayer, quiet reflection, sharing and peace on themes that speak to our hunger for more time with God. Other programs in the series... Oct. 6th: Harvesting the Fruit of Prayer Dec. 8th: Light in the Darkess $15 early registration paid by Nov. 1, $20 after

Thursday, November 11 Centering Prayer Introduction 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm     Gertrude Maurer, CSJ and Christine Parks, CSJ Silence is often described as the language of God. If your spiritual journey has led to a hunger for a deeper experience of prayer and silence in God’s presence, join us for an evening on the process and practice of Centering Prayer. Centering Prayer is a spiritual practice grounded in Christian tradition that can help us enter into God’s silence which then enters us. It can move us through meditation into contemplation. The evening will include some teaching on the history, tradition and dynamics of Centering Prayer along with the opportunity to experience this Christian prayer form. This program is also offered Sept. 21. $15 Early registration when paid by Oct. 28; $20 after Please register by Nov. 3 Once you have completed this introduction, or if you already practice Centering Prayer, we invite you to join an ongoing Centering Prayer group at Transformations on Wednesdays, from 12:15 to 1 p.m. in Unity Chapel.

Beginning Friday, November 19 Joel Mabus and Carrie Newcomer Concert and Workshop - Make a Joyful Sound: The Fresh Voice of Spiritual Music Joel Mabus and Carrie Newcomer The Michigan Festival of Sacred Music, in collaboration with Transformations Spirituality Center, presents singer-songwriters Carrie Newcomer and Joel Mabus in concert Friday night, November 19, with workshops on Saturday, November 20. Concert Friday, Nov. 19; 7 - 9:30 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.) Music touches our heart, invites us to praise the Holy and can also make our spirit soar beyond the confines of everyday life. On November 19, join us for an evening of entertaining and spiritfilled music with these two popular singer-songwriters as they “make a joyful sound” with their fresh, engaging and spirit-filled musical performances. $17 Concert tickets paid by Nov. 15; $20 at the door Tickets for Concert & Workshops $60 when purchased together by Nov. 1 Workshops Saturday, Nov. 20; 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Participants will attend both workshops. Register early—spaces are limited. $50 Early Registration paid by Nov. 1, $60 after Tickets for Concert & Workshops $60 when purchased together by Nov. 1 Joel Mabus Singing From Other Hymnals: Finding the Sacred in the Secular – a Songwriter’s Perspective Each of us has our own ‘hymnal’-the song book housed in the pew in front of you, or the recording of your favorite teenage band. Too often we turn only to familiar sources when we seek solace or spiritual fulfillment. In this workshop Joel will explore ‘hymns’ in unlikely places, and survey songs that might not be religious or even reverent in some cases, but that speak to the soul and “our better angels.” He will look at folk songs, their historical context and development. We’ll hear popular music of other years and places—listening with fresh ears for surprises. As a songwriter and performer, Joel is keen to point out the overt lyric content, the interplay of words and music, image and subtext working together in some fabulous and moving music. Learn more about Joel Mabus at www.joelmabus.com and on YouTube. He is also part of the Kalamazoo FretBoard Festival Carrie Newcomer Writing Mindfully: Exploring the Sacred Ordinary in Story and Song There is sacred power in telling stories—in telling our own story, whether in music or words. Join Carrie Newcomer as she focuses on exploring life through the power of small details and personal story. Using writing exercises, music and discussion we will explore how paying attention to small moments, and everyday miracles opens our hearts and art to encountering the Sacred in daily life. Carrie will share writing tools to writing practice, and present new ways for actively participating in our world and art-making in a more spirit-filled manner. This workshop is designed for songwriters, poets and prose writers of all experience levels. It will facilitate the development of a unique artistic voice, discover the power of the authentic story, and the use of specific song and creative writing tools. Learn more about Carrie Newcomer at www.carrienewcomer.com and become a Facebook fan. --"Carrie Newcomer, whose work also sparks discussion, will be onstage with me (Parker Palmer). If you don't know this superb singer-songwriter, you are in for a treat." Center for Courage and Renewal’s Newsletter, February 2010 --As Rolling Stone said, "Rapturously tuneful, Newcomer's material asks all the right questions and refuses to settle for easy answers."

Beginning Sunday, November 28 Advent Vesper Service with the Sisters of St. Joseph 7:00 pm - 7:45 pm     Holy Family Chapel, Nazareth Betsy Meagher, CSJ The servies are held Sundays, Nov. 28, Dec. 5, 12 & 19 at 6:30 p.m. Enrich your Advent experience by joining the Sisters of St. Joseph in a beautiful Taizé service of chanted music and quiet prayer. The vesper service lasts about 45 minutes and is held in Holy Family Chapel. Please enter through the main Nazareth Center entrance. Call ahead to arrange for barrier-free access. Cost - free will donation

Saturday, December 4 Journeying Towards Bethlehem: An Advent Retreat 9:00 am - 12:00 pm     Christine Parks, CSJ Every year during the four weeks before Christmas we enter the season of Advent—time of anticipation, waiting. As much as we might wish to truly enter into and keep this season, it is also a time of distraction, busyness, and cultural consumerism. This year give yourself the gift of a morning ‘walking toward Bethlehem,’ anticipating Emanuel—“God with us.” Walk in the company of those who journeyed toward Bethlehem, beginning with Mary and Joseph, shepherds, angels and Magi, and many others throughout the centuries. The morning will include prayer, input, quiet reflection and sharing your own Advent walk. Bring writing materials and a Bible. $30 Early Registration paid by Nov. 12; $35 after Register by Nov. 22

Wednesday, December 8 Mid-Week Sabbath: Light in the Darkness 10:00 am - 12:00 pm     Christine Parks, CSJ There was a time when Sunday’s were truly “the Lord’s day”, days of worship and rest. For many of us, that is no longer as true. Join us for a refreshing and re-creative ‘mid-week Sabbath’ on one or more of these three mid-week mornings. Each morning will be a time of prayer, quiet reflection, sharing and peace on themes that speak to our hunger for more time with God. Other programs in the series... Oct. 6th: Harvesting the Fruit of Prayer Nov. 10th: Living a Life of Gratitude & Thanksgiving $15 early registration paid by Nov. 29, $20 after

Friday, January 21 through Saturday, January 22 Yoga & Centering Prayer Retreat Begins Friday at 7:00 pm and continues through 4:00 pm Saturday Betsy Meagher, CSJ and Nancy Diment Expand your New Year celebration and resolutions by coming away for a winter weekend to relax and renew with this unique retreat that draws upon the experience and wisdom of your whole body. Our time together will focus on centering exercises of gentle yoga, breathing, relaxing, along with the contemplative experience of centering prayer practice as we touch into a deeper place of wholeness and sacred peace. $120 Early Registration paid by Dec. 31; $130 after Registration includes private room with bath, meals, instruction and materials. Please register by Jan. 10, 2011

Saturday, February 5 Real Men and Their Spiritual Lives 9:00 am - 3:00 pm     Rev. James O'Leary and Rev. Jim Dyke Have you ever wondered about your spiritual life and how to grow in an authentic male spirituality? Now that we’re in between sports play-offs, leaf blowing and lawn mowing, consider joining Fr. Jim O’Leary and Rev. Jim Dyke for a winter gathering designed “just for men”. We will explore some of the what’s and how’s of masculine spirituality as it focuses on tools for deepening men’s spirituality and examines the hunger for greatness at the heart of men’s lives. $55 Early Registration paid by Jan. 14, 2011; $65 after Includes snacks, lunch and materials.

Monday, February 21 through Friday, February 25 Beyond Words: An Icon Retreat Begins Monday at 9:00 am and continues through 5:00 pm Friday Diane Hamel If you are looking for a creative way to ‘beat’ the February blahs, consider registering for an Icon Retreat. This year’s Icon Retreat, with celebrated Icon writer Diane Hamel, will focus on an engaging and inspiring icon of St. John the Baptist. An icon retreat with Diane Hamel is a richly rewarding experience. As a past retreatant observed, "Fantastic lady - fantastic class!!!" And you needn't be an experienced iconographer to attend. In another retreatant's words, "Her ability to teach such a foreign art form to so many beginners was remarkable." This retreat is appropriate for those new to this form of expression as well as those who have previously written icons. Artists and non-artists alike can engage in this process and leave with a completed piece, ready to display. Participants are encouraged to make this a true retreat by staying overnight and to keep outside interruptions to the minimum. Class size is limited so each participant is able to receive individual attention. The prayer and reflection integral to the retreat help to create a receptive frame of mind, and you will be guided to explore a place beyond words via the beauty uncovered in the Christian symbolism of an icon. The beautiful image of the subject selected for this retreat will allow for a deeply reflective approach to the work. Experienced painters may choose to explore additional subjects if time permits. Diane is a lifelong artist, who has studied fine art and has a major in theology. She has studied with Peter Pearson, George Drobot, and Xenia Prokovsky. She has written many icons for private collections, churches, and other institutions and her work has been exhibited around the United States. Retreat Costs Full Retreat (five-day retreat includes 4 nights private room with bath, all meals, instruction and materials) $550 Early registration by 1/3/11, $570 after Commuter Retreat (five-day retreat includes lunch, coffee service, instruction and materials) $430 Early registration by 1/3/11, $450 after Details Early Registration Deadline: 1/3/11 for discount pricing Final Registration Deadline: 1/31/11 $100 Non-refundable Deposit due with registration Final Payment Due on or before arrival Each day begins at 9 am and concludes between 5 and 6 pm, although participants may wish to work in the evening as well. Although a commuter option is available, you are encouraged to stay overnight to truly enter into the spirit and rhythm of retreat. Interested in coming the night before or staying the night after the retreat? Request accommodations when you register. Additional charges apply ($45 single/$60 double, meals not included).