COP July eNews

Contemplative Outreach Pittsburgh (COP)

2024 July eNews

We embrace the process of transformation in Christ, both in ourselves and in others, through the practice of Centering Prayer.

From Victoria's Desk

Greetings Friends,

With Summer in full swing, we experience God's blessings in nature, the bounties of our gardens, family and friends. Time seems to pass by so quickly even though the warm days are long. Let us not forget God's gifts to us this season and His presence in Centering Prayer.

You are encouraged to explore the many diverse offerings available through the Contemplative Outreach Ltd. website and Contemplative Outreach's June e-bulletin.

This newsletter will be paused for the remainder of the Summer. We will resume the newsletter in September. Have a safe and blessed Summer!

Contemplative Outreach, Ltd. 40-year Anniversary Conference

Mark your Calendar for:

Contemplative Outreach, Ltd.

40-year Anniversary Conference

September 27 - 29, 2024

Click Atlanta

Volunteer Opportunity

Contact: Victoria E. Graham

Coordinator Contemplative Outreach Pittsburgh

There is nothing small in the service of God.

victoriae4copcenteringprayer@gmail.com

coordinator@pghcenteringprayer.org

Facilitators' Corner

Nana Wilson from the CP group at Westminister Presbyterian has donated several CDs and DVDs to our COP collection for borrowing. Any new titles will be added to our resource list. Thank you Nana for your generous and inspiring donations!

Our Pittsburgh Chapter continues to request submissions for our eNewsletters from you. Submissions should arrive early in the last week of each month for inclusion in the upcoming edition. Know that you may submit and schedule publication at a later time in the upcoming year. We welcome news from your Group, perhaps Lectio Readings you have shared, and Study topics.

We hope to provide more Introductory Workshops which serve our Chapter, the Community, and the Globe. Please contact Victoria @ victoriae4copcenteringprayer@gmail.com should you wish to learn more about the Introduction to Centering Prayer Workshop Program.

Events and Retreats

Bethany Retreat Center, Frenchville, PA

2024 Events

August 11th – 16th:
CENTERING PRAYER – Led by Sr Ruth Ann Madera and Elizabeth Graboski

Sept 6th – Sept 8th:
ENNEAGRAM PRAYER – Led by Jim and Lynette Vaive

September 14th:
LABYRINTH DAY RETREAT – Led by Sr. Suzanne Thibault

October 12th:
GROUP DRUMMING RETREAT – FALL 2024 – Led by Tom Campbell

October 17th – 22nd:
WELCOMING FORGIVENESS AND CENTERING PRAYER – Led by Mary Dwyer

November 4th – 8th:
ICON WRITING WORKSHOP / RETREAT – Led by Peter Pearson

December 5th – 8th:
ADVENT CENTERING PRAYER WEEKEND RETREAT– Led by Sr. Ruth Anne

COL Young Contemplatives Community (40 and under) is starting on the spiritual journey series. Starting July 13, online meetings will be held every Saturday from 10:30 to 11:30. These are open, drop-in meetings. No pre-registration is required. Anyone is welcome to join as often as possible! We recognize it may not be feasible to come every Saturday but do encourage you to follow along with the sessions, viewing the videos for the previous week(s) you may have missed.
https://www.contemplativeoutreach.org/young-contemplatives-weekly-spiritual-journey-series/

Living Flame Program 2 https://www.contemplativeoutreach.org/event/living-flame-program/

Ongoing Programs and Resources

Opening Minds, Opening Hearts

This podcast series from Contemplative Outreach is available on all podcast streaming platforms (Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Google Play) and on our CO YouTube Channel. Each episode highlights Friends of Contemplative Outreach and their personal practice of Centering Prayer. You are invited to listen as our guests share insights about the teachings of Thomas Keating, how the practice impacts their work in the world and their thoughts about how Centering Prayer connects to the living traditions of contemplation and meditation.

Word of the Week

A free program offered by Contemplative Outreach. A short message is sent each Sunday, which includes an image, Scripture, reflections and suggested practices followed by two weekly prayer groups for practice in community.

Online Courses from Contemplative Outreach

Contemplative Outreach offers many online programs. Attending a workshop, a retreat, an online Centering Prayer group or participating in an online course with a global community is a great way of deepening one’s relationship with God and the experience of living a contemplative life.

COP Resources: Books & Lending Library

Some great books are now available to you locally:

~The Human Condition by Thomas Keating [at $8.95 plus postage]
Divine Therapy, Addiction, Centering Prayer and the twelve steps [at $15. plus postage],
~The Daily Reader for Contempletive Living, by Thomas Keating [at $21. plus postage]

The following used books in very good condition are also available locally for purchase:
~The Path of Centering Prayer by David Frenette [ $10. plus postage]
Divine Therapy, Addiction *autographed by Thomas Keating, [ $10. plus postage]
~Into The Silent Land, A guide to the Christian practice of contemplation by Martin Laird, [ at $10. plus postage]

Special Price on Books: Each for only $10 plus postage

Invitation to Love by Father Keating
The Loving Search of God by William A. Menninger

Lending Library

Click COP RESOURCES for a complete list of resources that can be borrowed from the COP library.

Please call or text your requests to Chris Volz at 412-779-8269 (you may leave a voice message) or send me an email at chrisvolzu@gmail.com.

For a complete list of the CO Theological Principles and Guidelines for Service, https://www.contemplativeoutreach.org/vision/.

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1620 Beechwood Blvd #8
Pittsburgh
Pennsylvania
15217
United States of America