Education

Adult

Introducing Shalem’s Personal Spiritual Deepening Program

What? For over thirty years, The Shalem Institute, founded by Episcopal priest, Tilden Edwards, has provided numerous programs and resources for individuals who want to be more aware of , and responsive to God’s Presence in their daily lives. One of Shalem’s most popular programs is its Personal Spiritual Deepening Program (PSDP). PSDP assists participants in exploring their personal spiritual life in order to open themselves to Christ in a deeper way. PSDP is comprised of assigned readings and didactic sessions followed by theological reflection, experiential learning, and at home spiritual practices all offered within the context of a supportive spiritual community. Topics for study and personal integration include: Spiritual Transformation, Contemplative Prayer and Meditation, The Importance of the Body of Christ, Discerning the Presence in Daily Life, Christ in Creation, and Living out One’s Gifts and Ministry in the World.

Who? This program is for adults of all ages who are seeking to nurture their vital relationship with Christ through an intentional life of prayer. The tuition fee for the program is $150 per person, which helps to cover the cost of program materials and the training of the program’s mentors. PSDP will be facilitated by two Shalem graduates, Dr. Bob Donnell and Fr. Marshall Craver, who will be attending a PSDP mentor’s training session at Shalem, September 1-4. Scholarships are available.
When? PSDP will be offered at St. Paul’s on Tuesday nights, beginning October 4, 2010, and ending March 29, 2011. Each class will begin at 7 p.m. and end no later than 8:30! A month long break in the program will occur from mid-December through mid-January.

How? You will be reading and hearing much more about PSDP in the weeks to come, but for now, please note on your calendar that two informational nights have been planned to which all adult members of St. Paul’s are invited to come and learn more about PSDP! If interested in learning more about PSDP, then please call the church office, 342-8521, and sign on for one of the following orientation sessions.

Informational Night #1: Tuesday, September 14, 6:30-7:30 in the parlor!
Informational Night #2: Sunday, September 19, 6:30-7:30 in the parlor!

If interested in PSDP but unable to attend either informational night, please contact Fr. Marshall Craver, 342-8521 or Dr. Bob Donnell, 300-4431.

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“Experiencing Christ in Creation:  An Outdoor Prayer Group for Men”

This men’s contemplative prayer group will begin in the fall and will meet one Saturday morning each month from October through April. The intent is to connect with God in nature, to experience Christ in and through creation. The group will meet on Saturday mornings at different outdoor locations in the Mobile/Baldwin County area. The agenda will include time for silent exploration of the natural setting, reflection on the experience with the group and prayer. We will use “The Green Bible Trail Guide” and The Green Bible Devotional as sources for scripture reading and reflection, with a focus on seeing creation as a reflection of God and how God calls us to care for creation. Bob Donnell, a graduate of the Shalem Institute Leading Prayer Groups and Retreats program, will lead the group. There will be two informational meeting with a short presentation and time for questions in the Parlor at St. Paul’s Church at 4:00 p.m. Sunday afternoon, September 19th and September 26th. If you are interested please contact Bob by email (kenamara@comcast.net) or phone (251 343-7571). We hope you will consider joining us on this spiritual journey.