Contemplative Outreach of St. Louis

Poetry, Centering Prayer, and Journaling
2026-01-03 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago)
Soul Trekkers

Poetry, Centering Prayer, and Journaling

Presented by Dwight Bitikofer

Gathering at 1:30pmSnacks, coffee and tea will be available.

Contemplative Outreach “Soul Trekkers” invite you to a time of creative expression and Centering Prayer

As 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.

Dwight will open with a few remarks about poetry and centering prayer. We will explore a couple of poems that may enhance our sit.

Then the four guidelines of Centering Prayer will be reviewed and lead into a 20 minute sit.

Following 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.

We 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.

Then there will be an opportunity for participants to share what they have created. And conclude with any questions or comments about your experience.

Please bring a pen and notebook.

Gathering 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.

Community of Christ Church

Address 830 N Kirkwood RdSt. Louis, MO 63122

About the Presenter

Dwight 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.

Dwight is a long-time member of Al-Anon. His centering prayer practice began just over five years ago. He is still practicing.

A little history on the formation of the Soul Trekkers

In 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.

For more information: Dwight Bitikofer – 314-229-9537 or cpsoultrekkers@gmail.com

For any questions please email: susiebrentcostl@gmail.com

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The Mandala Journey
2026-02-07 10:00 - 12:00 UTC
Soul Trekkers

The Mandala Journey

A Meditative Drawing Workshop

Presented by Heather Fricke

Gathering at 9:30amSnacks, coffee and tea will be available.

Contemplative Outreach “Soul Trekkers” invite you to a time of creative expression and Centering Prayer

A mandala is more than a design—it’s a spiritual map, a sacred mirror, and a pathway to the divine. Whether drawn, visualized, or meditated upon, mandalas invite us to explore the infinite within and around us.Mandalas are ancient, symbolic designs rooted in spirituality, healing, and cosmic order. From sacred diagrams in Indian and Tibetan religions to modern psychological tools, mandalas have evolved while preserving their core message: wholeness, unity, and the journey inward.Across cultures and traditions, mandalas serve as symbolic representations of the universe, the self, and the path to spiritual awakening.

“The patterns we create become mirrors for the soul. A mandala shows us the shape of our own inner wholeness.”

– Richard Rohr

Flow of Event:

20 min: Intro & brief history of mandala

45 min: Drawing

10 min: Short break

30 min: Centering Prayer

Graph paper and colored markers are provided. You are welcome to bring your own markers.

Gathering at 9:30am to 12:00pm – 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.

Community of Christ Church

Address 830 N Kirkwood RdSt. Louis, MO 63122

About the Presenter

Heather is an artist who moves through the world with curiosity and an open heart. Guided by her playful inner child, she is always exploring new ways to build, create, and express herself through art. Her current passions include painting, drawing, sculpting, and jewelry-making — each offering its own rhythm of discovery and joy. Deeply inspired by nature, the mindfulness of yoga, and her love for animals, Heather’s work reflects a connection to the simple, soulful beauty that surrounds us all.

A little history on the formation of the Soul Trekkers

In 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.

For any questions please email: cpsoultrekkers@gmail.com

Registration:

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Street Address

City

State / Province / Region

ZIP / Postal Code

Background(Required)Please briefly share your contemplative prayer backgroundGuestsIf you are bringing guests, please list their names below. Thank youNetwork(Required)How 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.

Welcoming

Set Up

Bring a Light Dish or Refreshment

Clean Up
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ST – The Mandala Journey Feb 2026 Contribution(Required)Please select a contribution amount below: $15$25$50$100Total Contribution to COSTL

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IMPORTANT: 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.

Δ

Having trouble registering or did not receive a confirmation email? Reach out to susiebrentcostl@gmail.com.

Intensive and Post Intensive Centering Prayer 8 Day Retreat
2026-07-06 00:00 - 2026-07-13 23:59 (America/Chicago)
Intensive and Post Intensive Centering Prayer 8 Day Retreat

More information on this coming October 2025!

Location: Mercy Conference and Retreat Center – 2039 North Geyer Road – St. Louis, MO 63131

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