BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Contemplative Outreach of St. Louis - ECPv6.15.11//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Contemplative Outreach of St. Louis X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://centeringprayerstl.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Contemplative Outreach of St. Louis REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Chicago BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20250309T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20251102T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20260308T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20261101T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20270314T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20271107T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20280312T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20281105T070000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261114T083000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261114T153000 DTSTAMP:20261002T222102 CREATED:20261002T223619Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261002T223620Z UID:77868-1794645000-1794670200@centeringprayerstl.org SUMMARY:Visioning & Discernment Day DESCRIPTION:Special Event \n\n\n\nVisioning Day\n\n\n\nListening Forward\n\n\n\n\nVisioning Team\n\n\n\nSusie Brent\, Wil Girresch\, Susan Komis\, Frank Krebs\, Jim McElroyand You!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGathering at 8:30 am\, Event Starts at 9:00 am\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou are invited to a special day of prayer\, reflection\, and discernment.Together\, we will listen for where the Spirit is leading us\, honor the grace we’ve received\, and dream courageously about the future of Contemplative Outreach St. Louis.\n\n\n\nPurpose– To prayerfully discern the next chapter for COSTL’s mission\, programs\, and community life– To invite and inspire collaboration in planning for our continuing growth– To create a shared sense of vision and hope for the futureWhy Now?We’ve traveled a long road through COVID and are regaining momentum. Our recent retreats and programs have brought new faces and fresh energy. Now is the time to gather\, celebrate our progress\, and open the door for others to experience and share the contemplative life.Desired Outcomes– Celebrate where we have seen God’s grace at work over the past three years– Discern and assess key priorities for COSTL in the years ahead — where is the Spirit leading us?– Strengthen community bonds through shared prayer\, reflection\, and action \n\n\n\nThis day is offered as a gift to our community — there is no charge. If you would like to help sustain the mission and programs of Contemplative Outreach St. Louis\, free-will donations and/or a dish to be shared will be gratefully received. \n\n\n\nLight Refreshments at 8:30AM and a Catered lunch – will be available – Bring a Dish if you would like to share. More details will follow. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLocation\n\n\n\n\n\nCommunity of Christ Church\n\n\n\nAddress 830 N Kirkwood RdSt. Louis\, MO 63122 \n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegistration\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister now to join us in prayer\, reflection\, and visioning for the future of COSTL.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n X/TwitterThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.Name(Required)\n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n \n Email(Required)\n \n Phone(Required)Address \n \n \n Street Address\n \n \n City\n \n \n State / Province / Region\n \n \n ZIP / Postal Code\n \n \n \n This field is hidden when viewing the formAttendance TypeI will attend the sessions (pick one please)\n \n \n In-person\n \n \n \n Zoom\n \n \n \n Watch Recording\n BackgroundPlease briefly share your contemplative prayer backgroundGuestsIf you are bringing guests\, please list their names below. Thank youNetworkHow did you hear about this event?VolunteerVolunteers help make events like this possible\, and we deeply appreciate any support to help lighten the load! Your presence is more than enough\, but if you’d like to help\, please arrive 30 minutes early for welcoming or setup\, and/or stay 30 minutes after for cleanup.\n \n Welcoming\n \n \n Set Up\n \n \n Bring a Light Dish or Refreshment\n \n \n Clean Up\n Donation\n \n \n Yes\, I would like to donate via credit card.\n \n \n \n Yes\, I would like to donate via mailed check.\n \n \n \n I will donate at the event.\n \n \n \n No donation at this time.\n Newsletter(Required)Do you want to be added to our newsletter?\n \n \n Yes\n \n \n \n No\n \n \n \n I already receive your informative posts.\n Visioning Day 2025 Donation\n \n Donation Total\n \n Credit CardCard Details\n Cardholder Name\n \n \n Make it payable to COSTL and mail it to: COSTL c/o Susie Brent \n489 Staines Court \nSt. Louis\, MO 63141IMPORTANT:  All information provided with your gift is strictly confidential and will never be exchanged with another organization or sold to anyone for other use. You may rest assured that we value your support and would not put you or your identity in jeopardy.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Δ \n \n\n\n\n\n For any questions please email: enlightenment@centeringprayerstl.com  \n\n\n\nHaving trouble registering or did not receive a confirmation email? Reach out to susiebrentcostl@gmail.com. URL:https://centeringprayerstl.org/event/visioning-discernment-day/ CATEGORIES:Special Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://centeringprayerstl.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/candles.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261210T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261210T200000 DTSTAMP:20261002T222103 CREATED:20261002T214223Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261002T214225Z UID:77849-1796925600-1796932800@centeringprayerstl.org SUMMARY:A Centering Prayer Follow-Up & Renewal Gathering December 2026 DESCRIPTION:Back to Basics \n\n\n\nA Centering Prayer Follow-Up & Renewal GatheringFacilitated by Charlie Lawrence \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJesus said to them\, ”Come away with me. Let us go alone to a quiet place and rest for a while”. Mark 6:31 \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBack to Basics is a gathering for anyone who would like a little “shot in the arm” for their Centering Prayer practice and for anyone who simply loves the prayer.Each gathering begins with a 20-minute period of Centering Prayer followed by questions and responses\, discussion\, sharing\, and occasional video presentations that support and deepen our understanding of the contemplative journey.Whether you are new to the practice\, returning after some time away\, or have been practicing for years\, you are welcome.Come renew your commitment to the practice\, deepen your understanding of Centering Prayer\, and enjoy the support and encouragement of a contemplative community.  \n\n\n\n\n“Centering Prayer is a way of consenting to God’s presence and action within.” \n\n\n\n— Basil Pennington\, ocso \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis event is free and walk ins are welcome. \n\n\n\nTime:\n\n\n\n\n6:15 – 6:30 p.m. Gathering\n\n\n\n6:30 p.m. Program Begins\n\n\n\n8:00 p.m. Conclusion\n\n\n\n\nPlease bring a notebook. It is recommended to bring your book Open Mind\, Open Heart\, by Father Thomas Keating if you have one. This is a beginner book with questions and answers specifically about the centering prayer practice and the spiritual journey. It is a great companion for the journey. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“Centering Prayer is a discipline to foster interior transformation\, initiated by God and leading\, if we consent\, to divine union. One’s way of seeing reality changes\, which empowers one to perceive and respond to everyday life with sensitivity to the divine presence in\, through and beyond everything.” \n\n\n\n—Thomas Keating\, Open Mind\, Open Heart \n\n\n\n\n\n\nCommunity of Christ Church\n\n\n\nAddress 830 N Kirkwood RdSt. Louis\, MO 63122 \n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor more information\, contact Charlie Lawrence at Charlesn.lawrence2@gmail.com \n\n\n\nRegistration for Centering Prayer Follow-Up & Renewal Gathering:\n\n\n\nThis event is free\, however all donations are appreciated. Contemplative Outreach is an unincorporated non profit organization \n\n\n\n \n\n X/TwitterThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.Name(Required)\n \n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n Email(Required)\n \n Phone(Required)Please briefly share your contemplative prayer background(Required)Which gatherings will you be attending?(Required)\n \n October 8th\, 2026\n \n \n November 12th\, 2026\n \n \n December 10th\, 2026\n VolunteerVolunteers help make events like this possible\, and we deeply appreciate any support to help lighten the load! Your presence is more than enough\, but if you’d like to help\, please arrive 30 minutes early for welcoming or setup\, and/or stay 30 minutes after for cleanup.\n \n Welcoming\n \n \n Set Up\n \n \n Clean Up\n Do you want to be added to our mailing list?(Required)\n \n \n Yes\n \n \n \n No\n \n \n \n I already receive your information\n Add a DonationIf you wish\, please support us with a donation of your choice\, which helps cover our rent\, website maintenance\, scholarship fund and other expenses. YesNoDonationIf you wish\, please support us with a donation of your choice\, which helps cover our rent\, website maintenance\, scholarship fund and other expenses. \n \n Total Contribution to COSTL\n \n Credit Card(Required)Card Details\n \n Cardholder Name\n \n Make it payable to COSTL and mail it to: COSTL c/o Susie Brent \n489 Staines Court \nSt. Louis\, MO 63141IMPORTANT:  All information provided with your gift is strictly confidential and will never be exchanged with another organization or sold to anyone for other use. You may rest assured that we value your support and would not put you or your identity in jeopardy.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Δ \n \n\n\n\n\nHaving trouble registering or did not receive a confirmation email? Reach out to susiebrentcostl@gmail.com. URL:https://centeringprayerstl.org/event/a-centering-prayer-follow-up-renewal-gathering-december-2026/ CATEGORIES:Back to Basics ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://centeringprayerstl.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/pexels-raybilcliff-1494639.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20270102T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20270102T160000 DTSTAMP:20261002T222103 CREATED:20261002T223402Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261002T223404Z UID:77864-1798898400-1798905600@centeringprayerstl.org SUMMARY:Poetry\, Centering Prayer\, and Journaling 2027 DESCRIPTION:Soul Trekkers \n\n\n\nPoetry\, Centering Prayer\, and Journaling\n\n\n\nPresented by Dwight Bitikofer\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGathering at 1:30pmSnacks\, coffee and tea will be available.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nContemplative Outreach “Soul Trekkers” invite you to a time of creative expression and Centering Prayer\n\n\n\nAs we embark on this New Year\, we invite you to join us for an enriching event where Dwight will share his inspiring poetry\, encouraging all participants to tap into their own creative expression. This gathering will also include a session of Centering Prayer\, a practice that deepens our connection to spirituality and fosters personal exploration. Additionally\, we will engage in the meditative practices of journaling and poetry\, offering an opportunity for reflections. We warmly welcome individuals at all levels of experience\, from beginners to seasoned practitioners\, to come together in this supportive community as we collectively explore our journeys.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDwight will open with a few remarks about poetry and centering prayer. We will explore a couple of poems that may enhance our sit. \n\n\n\nThen the four guidelines of Centering Prayer will be reviewed and lead into a  20 minute sit. \n\n\n\nFollowing the meditation\, we will free-write for a bit. Please bring a notebook and pen.  Next\, we will use an idea or two from our individual writing to create poems. There will be an optional sharing time for our creations.\n\n\n\nWe follow that with a poetry writing exercise\, stimulated by something from within the free write or perhaps some direction emanating from one’s sacred word. \n\n\n\nThen there will be an opportunity for participants to share what they have created.  And conclude with any questions or comments about your experience.  \n\n\n\n\nPlease bring a pen and notebook.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGathering at 1:30pm to 2:00pm – Bring a snack or refreshment to be enjoyed before or during the break of this event if able. Snacks\, coffee and tea will be available.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCommunity of Christ Church\n\n\n\nAddress 830 N Kirkwood RdSt. Louis\, MO 63122 \n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout the Presenter\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDwight Bitikofer has been active in St. Louis poetry circles for two decades. For a number of years he frequented open mic circles and curated several monthly poetry events. He has taken  poetry classes at the University of Iowa Summer Writing Festival. Dwight has published two chapbooks of his own poetry. He enjoys giving readings. With a jazz musician friend\, they have performed “pojazz” together. He is also a board member and past president of St. Louis Poetry Center.  \n\n\n\nDwight is a long-time member of Al-Anon. His centering prayer practice began just over five years ago. He is still practicing. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA little history on the formation of the Soul Trekkers\n\n\n\n\n\nIn 2022 following a 7 day silent retreat in Snowmass\, CO at St. Benedict’s Monastery\, Jennifer Beeman\, Heather Fricke and Susie Brent gathered with Jenny Adamson and Pat Johnson to discuss potential avenues for sharing the methods of centering prayer with the next generation. It was suggested to combine centering prayer with an activity such as yoga or art.  It was agreed upon that contemplative prayer may enhance and be enhanced by any activity that lends itself to a stillness in mind and heart\, a joy within\, and being truly present in each moment. The divine dwelling within can be communed with while hiking beneath the trees\, free flowing with a favorite melody\, exploring and creating in a favorite artistic medium\, within the deep breath taken while settling into a yoga pose\, energy breath work\, or while listening to the draw of classical piano music. These are just some avenues to become more comfortable with simply being.It is the Soul Trekkers intent to investigate the many branches of the Tree of Contemplative Practices combined with guided Centering Prayer meditation sessions to inspire exploration\, joy\, and connection in a fellowship of contemplative travelers.  While centering prayer guidelines will be offered\, any and all meditation disciplines are welcome. The goal is to embrace stillness and foster a relationship with the God within each of us and our true authentic selves. Come share in the beautiful intimacy that stillness in community has to offer.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor more information: Dwight Bitikofer – 314-229-9537 or cpsoultrekkers@gmail.com \n\n\n\n For any questions please email: susiebrentcostl@gmail.com \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegistration:\n\n\n\n \n\n X/TwitterThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.Name(Required)\n \n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n Email(Required)\n \n Phone(Required)Address(Required) \n \n \n \n Street Address\n \n \n City\n \n \n State / Province / Region\n \n \n ZIP / Postal Code\n \n \n Background(Required)Please briefly share your contemplative prayer backgroundIf you are bringing guests\, please list their names below. Thank youHow did you hear about this event?(Required)Do you want to be added to our mailing list?(Required)\n \n \n Yes\n \n \n \n No\n \n \n \n I already receive your informative posts.\n If you wish\, please support us \nThis event is free. However If you wish\, please support us with a donation of your choice\, which helps cover our rent\, website maintenance\, scholarship fund and other expenses. This is purely a suggestion and not meant to be a barrier to attendance. All are welcome. \nDonations to Contemplative Outreach St. Louis are not tax-deductible.\nTo make a tax deductible donation\, go to the International Contemplative Outreach Organization website at ContemplativeOutreach.org Donation(Required)Would you like to add a donation to your attendance?\n \n \n No donation at this time.\n \n \n \n Yes\, I would like to add a donation via credit card.\n \n \n \n Yes\, I would like to donate via mailed check.\n \n \n \n I will donate at the event.\n Donation Amount(Required)\n \n Total Donation to COSTL\n \n Credit Card(Required)Card Details\n \n Cardholder Name\n \n Make it payable to COSTL and mail it to: COSTL c/o Susie Brent \n489 Staines Court \nSt. Louis\, MO 63141IMPORTANT:  All information provided with your gift is strictly confidential and will never be exchanged with another organization or sold to anyone for other use. You may rest assured that we value your support and would not put you or your identity in jeopardy.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Δ \n \n\n\n\n\nHaving trouble registering or did not receive a confirmation email? Reach out to susiebrentcostl@gmail.com. URL:https://centeringprayerstl.org/event/poetry-centering-prayer-and-journaling-2027/ CATEGORIES:Soul Trekkers ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://centeringprayerstl.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1zo0qlfge0g.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR