February Practice: Feeling Spiritual

Member for

10 years 7 months
Engagement Results Display
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Email
mroselle@gmail.com
Submitted by Roselle on Tue, 02/01/2022 - 12:07

Our free, downloadable “Guide to Exploring Spirituality & Civic Life” includes key findings from “What Does Spirituality Mean to Us? A Study of Spirituality in the US,” related activities, questions, and actions to help you explore your own spirituality and how it relates to your civic life. We invite you to use the following prompt from the guide for this month’s practice.

It Is Well With My Soul Retreat [FULL]

Member for

5 years 5 months
Photo
Cover Photo
bergamot blooms in a summer field
First Name
Deborah
Last Name
Haak-Frost
Biography

If you make a reservation for a retreat at GilChrist, you will most likely see my name on the email signature, talk with me on the phone, or see my face when you arrive. I’ve always delighted in being able to connect people with the natural world in ways that allow them to experience their environment deeply and meaningfully. My undergraduate degree in psychology and environmental studies paved the way for this beautiful integration of two passions of mine. The principles of permaculture – earth care, people care, and fair share – also shape my approach to my work. Making rest and retreat more accessible for all is something I try to work toward.

I also do a lot of the behind-the-scenes logistics and administrative work at GilChrist: working with group retreat facilitators, handling billing, managing social media, keeping the website up to date, cataloging the library, and also pitching in with cabin cleaning and feeding the goats.

When I’m not at work, you can find me volunteering in my Three Rivers community, cooking and baking in my kitchen, taking in thought-provoking television and movies with my husband, or daydreaming about grand garden plans for my backyard.

Job Title
Caretaker for Community Engagement
Cover Caption
Bergamot blooms in this summer view from the GilChrist office
Engagement Results Display
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Staff Department
GilChrist Retreat Center
Department or Org
GilChrist
Email
dhaak@fetzer.org
Submitted by dhaak on Mon, 01/31/2022 - 14:53

This retreat is fully booked. To inquire about being added to the waiting list, please reach out to Kayle Rice at the contact information below. 

Is Spirituality an Indicator of Human Flourishing? 

Member for

12 years 9 months
Photo
Amy Ferguson
Cover Photo
Book stack
First Name
Amy
Last Name
Ferguson
Featured Posts
We the People Book Club Guides
Biography

I am part of a web of writers, editors, videographers, communicators, and ambassadors who help shine a light on how we can all contribute to a loving world. For me this comes through in three simple words: reveal, serve, and inspire. It means researching, listening, sleuthing, writing, connecting, and conspiring for good. 

Our teachers in this work are numerous. I have learned so much from others' fine "translations" of the need for love in our world--epidemiologists, neuroscientists, and public health specialists, artists, clergy, and various lifelong practitioners of compassion--who carry this work into realms of our social life like schools, prisons, and law enforcement circles.

My background is deep in the humanities, and my family tree is of full Catholics (faithful and lapsed), skeptics, and librarians. I have a master's degree in literature and am drawn to volunteer with arts-related organizations and projects. 


 

Staff Picks
Edith Wharton on spreading light
Multidimensional Measurement of Religiousness/Spirituality for Use in Health Research
Where Science, Spirituality, and Storytelling Meet: Introducing the Study of Spirituality in America
Quote
Quote

“We are all born with 200 bad poems in us.”  —Billy Collins

Job Title
Internal Communications Officer
Cover Caption
Selections from the We the People Book Club.
Engagement Results Display
On
Engagement
DSE: Spiritually touched by the beauty of creation
Staff Department
Programs
Email
aferguson@fetzer.org
Submitted by aferguson on Wed, 01/12/2022 - 13:02

What does it mean to live well? To be truly healthy? To thrive? Researchers and clinicians have typically answered these questions by focusing on the presence or absence of various pathologies: disease, family disfunction, mental illness, or criminal behavior. But such a “deficits” approach tells only so much about what makes for life well-lived, about what it means to truly flourish.

That’s all about to change.

January Practice: Taming Our Egos

Member for

10 years 7 months
Engagement Results Display
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Email
mroselle@gmail.com
Submitted by Roselle on Sat, 01/01/2022 - 13:35

“The spiritual life, the spiritual work is fundamentally about, for us normal human beings, overcoming the many facets of our own egoism, the tyranny of the false self,” says Kabir Helminski, co-founder and co-director of The Threshold Society. In the brief video below, Helminski shares both practical and humorous advice from his teachers on taming our egos. Watch!

This month let’s take these teachings out for a spin. Let us know in the comments below how this practice is playing out for you (and your ego).

What Does Spirituality Mean to Us?

Member for

1 year 4 months
Photo
Kellen Manley
Cover Photo
pine and sunlight
First Name
Kellen
Last Name
Manley (He/Him/His)
Biography

To do what I love to do for an organization centered on love is indescribable. I am a social media specialist and a videographer and editor. Most of the time you will find me either behind a camera or in front of one or in the editing bay with headphones on, creating and sharing stories. Beyond this, my work is about engagement and our digital platforms—sharing, listening, and maintaining authentic community spaces that welcome everyone into this work.

BA in Film, Video, and Media Studies, am a proud WMU Bronco, and a passionate Tom Hanks Day founder. I love filmmaking, stand-up comedy, and all things humorous.

Job Title
Digital Media Manager
Engagement Results Display
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Email
kmanley@fetzer.org
Submitted by kmanley on Wed, 10/27/2021 - 10:31

A Study of Spirituality in the United States

“The Lord, Our Potter”: First Love Silent Directed Women’s Retreat

Member for

5 years 5 months
Photo
Cover Photo
bergamot blooms in a summer field
First Name
Deborah
Last Name
Haak-Frost
Biography

If you make a reservation for a retreat at GilChrist, you will most likely see my name on the email signature, talk with me on the phone, or see my face when you arrive. I’ve always delighted in being able to connect people with the natural world in ways that allow them to experience their environment deeply and meaningfully. My undergraduate degree in psychology and environmental studies paved the way for this beautiful integration of two passions of mine. The principles of permaculture – earth care, people care, and fair share – also shape my approach to my work. Making rest and retreat more accessible for all is something I try to work toward.

I also do a lot of the behind-the-scenes logistics and administrative work at GilChrist: working with group retreat facilitators, handling billing, managing social media, keeping the website up to date, cataloging the library, and also pitching in with cabin cleaning and feeding the goats.

When I’m not at work, you can find me volunteering in my Three Rivers community, cooking and baking in my kitchen, taking in thought-provoking television and movies with my husband, or daydreaming about grand garden plans for my backyard.

Job Title
Caretaker for Community Engagement
Cover Caption
Bergamot blooms in this summer view from the GilChrist office
Engagement Results Display
Off
Staff Department
GilChrist Retreat Center
Department or Org
GilChrist
Email
dhaak@fetzer.org
Submitted by dhaak on Thu, 09/09/2021 - 11:58

“Yet, O Lord, You are our Father. We are the clay, You are the potter; we are the work of Your hand.”  Isaiah 64:8

Are you longing to be in the palm of His hands? To let Abba Father mold and shape you?

Welcome to this weekend away with Him!

Join a group of like-hearted women for plentiful time for you and God alone in your own private cabin (at GilChrist) or room (at The Hermitage) while also enjoying community and one-on-one spiritual companionship.

Sant Mat America - Fall Retreat

Member for

5 years 5 months
Photo
Cover Photo
bergamot blooms in a summer field
First Name
Deborah
Last Name
Haak-Frost
Biography

If you make a reservation for a retreat at GilChrist, you will most likely see my name on the email signature, talk with me on the phone, or see my face when you arrive. I’ve always delighted in being able to connect people with the natural world in ways that allow them to experience their environment deeply and meaningfully. My undergraduate degree in psychology and environmental studies paved the way for this beautiful integration of two passions of mine. The principles of permaculture – earth care, people care, and fair share – also shape my approach to my work. Making rest and retreat more accessible for all is something I try to work toward.

I also do a lot of the behind-the-scenes logistics and administrative work at GilChrist: working with group retreat facilitators, handling billing, managing social media, keeping the website up to date, cataloging the library, and also pitching in with cabin cleaning and feeding the goats.

When I’m not at work, you can find me volunteering in my Three Rivers community, cooking and baking in my kitchen, taking in thought-provoking television and movies with my husband, or daydreaming about grand garden plans for my backyard.

Job Title
Caretaker for Community Engagement
Cover Caption
Bergamot blooms in this summer view from the GilChrist office
Engagement Results Display
Off
Staff Department
GilChrist Retreat Center
Department or Org
GilChrist
Email
dhaak@fetzer.org
Submitted by dhaak on Wed, 09/08/2021 - 15:13

This retreat focuses on the teachings of the Saints, also known as Sant Mat, and the associated meditation practice. It is open to anyone interested in meditation and spiritual growth. No specific practices or knowledge is required of attendees. All are welcome and questions regarding the fundamentals of Sant Mat teachings are encouraged. Generally, there is some social interaction but the weekend primarily focuses on a Q&A Saturday evening and a one-hour spiritual discourse (Satsang) based on Sant Mat teachings Sunday morning. The gatherings are in the WindHill facility at GilChrist.

Sant Mat America - Summer Retreat

Member for

5 years 5 months
Photo
Cover Photo
bergamot blooms in a summer field
First Name
Deborah
Last Name
Haak-Frost
Biography

If you make a reservation for a retreat at GilChrist, you will most likely see my name on the email signature, talk with me on the phone, or see my face when you arrive. I’ve always delighted in being able to connect people with the natural world in ways that allow them to experience their environment deeply and meaningfully. My undergraduate degree in psychology and environmental studies paved the way for this beautiful integration of two passions of mine. The principles of permaculture – earth care, people care, and fair share – also shape my approach to my work. Making rest and retreat more accessible for all is something I try to work toward.

I also do a lot of the behind-the-scenes logistics and administrative work at GilChrist: working with group retreat facilitators, handling billing, managing social media, keeping the website up to date, cataloging the library, and also pitching in with cabin cleaning and feeding the goats.

When I’m not at work, you can find me volunteering in my Three Rivers community, cooking and baking in my kitchen, taking in thought-provoking television and movies with my husband, or daydreaming about grand garden plans for my backyard.

Job Title
Caretaker for Community Engagement
Cover Caption
Bergamot blooms in this summer view from the GilChrist office
Engagement Results Display
Off
Staff Department
GilChrist Retreat Center
Department or Org
GilChrist
Email
dhaak@fetzer.org
Submitted by dhaak on Wed, 09/08/2021 - 15:10

This retreat focuses on the teachings of the Saints, also known as Sant Mat, and the associated meditation practice. It is open to anyone interested in meditation and spiritual growth. No specific practices or knowledge is required of attendees. All are welcome and questions regarding the fundamentals of Sant Mat teachings are encouraged. Generally, there is some social interaction but the weekend primarily focuses on a Q&A Saturday evening and a one-hour spiritual discourse (Satsang) based on Sant Mat teachings Sunday morning. The gatherings are in the WindHill facility at GilChrist.

Sant Mat America - Spring Retreat

Member for

5 years 5 months
Photo
Cover Photo
bergamot blooms in a summer field
First Name
Deborah
Last Name
Haak-Frost
Biography

If you make a reservation for a retreat at GilChrist, you will most likely see my name on the email signature, talk with me on the phone, or see my face when you arrive. I’ve always delighted in being able to connect people with the natural world in ways that allow them to experience their environment deeply and meaningfully. My undergraduate degree in psychology and environmental studies paved the way for this beautiful integration of two passions of mine. The principles of permaculture – earth care, people care, and fair share – also shape my approach to my work. Making rest and retreat more accessible for all is something I try to work toward.

I also do a lot of the behind-the-scenes logistics and administrative work at GilChrist: working with group retreat facilitators, handling billing, managing social media, keeping the website up to date, cataloging the library, and also pitching in with cabin cleaning and feeding the goats.

When I’m not at work, you can find me volunteering in my Three Rivers community, cooking and baking in my kitchen, taking in thought-provoking television and movies with my husband, or daydreaming about grand garden plans for my backyard.

Job Title
Caretaker for Community Engagement
Cover Caption
Bergamot blooms in this summer view from the GilChrist office
Engagement Results Display
Off
Staff Department
GilChrist Retreat Center
Department or Org
GilChrist
Email
dhaak@fetzer.org
Submitted by dhaak on Wed, 09/08/2021 - 14:32

This retreat focuses on the teachings of the Saints, also known as Sant Mat, and the associated meditation practice. It is open to anyone interested in meditation and spiritual growth. No specific practices or knowledge is required of attendees. All are welcome and questions regarding the fundamentals of Sant Mat teachings are encouraged. Generally, there is some social interaction but the weekend primarily focuses on a Q&A Saturday evening and a one-hour spiritual discourse (Satsang) based on Sant Mat teachings Sunday morning. The gatherings are in the WindHill facility at GilChrist.

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