“I cannot transform myself, or anyone else for that matter. What I can do is create the conditions in which spiritual transformation can take place, by developing and maintaining a rhythm of spiritual practices that keep me open and available to God.”

Ruth Haley Barton, Sacred Rhythms

Creating space in our lives for God

Perhaps you’re thinking, “How could I possibly add one more thing to my life this fall? My life is already over-stuffed with too much to do and too little time or space to do it!” We hear you. We feel the same! That’s why we are offering these Rhythms of Renewal - spiritual practices that will create more space in your life than they take up. 

Life in fall 2020 can be overwhelming as we feel pulled in many directions while also being pushed into smaller spaces with fewer supports than we typically have. The upheaval we are experiencing internally (in our hearts, minds, and souls) and externally (in our social and political environment) is a kind of “wilderness” disorientation that is both painful and yet full of possibility for the surprising activity of God in our lives. What would it look like to embrace and engage this season of wilderness, and our God who meets us in it, rather than simply trying to ride out 2020 in survival mode? 

One important note as we go: We do not engage these practices because we ought to, but because we get to. We are free in Jesus to rest and play in the love of God that we receive fully and freely as a gift of God’s grace. The goal of engaging these practices is not to earn or achieve anything, but simply to experience more of God and to become the kind of people God has created and is calling us to become - people like Jesus, who live deeply in the love of God and share that love meaningfully with others. 

WEEKLY THEMES

Week 1 | Cultivating the virtue of faith through the practice of prayer | September 20-26

Week 2 | Cultivating the virtue of hope through the practice of lament | September 27-October 3

Week 3 | Cultivating the virtue of love through the practice of hospitality | October 4-10

Week 4 | Cultivating the virtue of contentment through the practice of Sabbath | October 11-17

Week 5 | Cultivating the virtue of compassion through the practice of curiosity | October 18-24

Week 6 | Cultivating the virtue of wisdom through the practice of discernment | October 25-31

Week 7 | Cultivating the virtue of peace through the practice of forgiveness | November 1-7

Week 8 | Cultivating the virtue of courage through the practice of advocacy | November 8-14

Week 9 | Cultivating the virtue of honesty through the practice of confession | November 15-21

Week 10 | Thanksgiving Break

Week 11 | Cultivating the virtue of patience through the practice of waiting | November 29-December 5

Week 12 | Cultivating the virtue of humility through the practice of listening | December 6-12

Week 13 | Cultivating the virtue of joy through the practice of gratitude | December 13-20

Week 14 | Cultivating the virtue of generosity through the practice of alms-giving | December 21-27