The way of the pilgrim begins with what we leave behind--not so much a journey to a holy place, but a holy practice of leaving the comforts of the familiar for a radical vulnerability, letting the very breath of God direct us on the unknown, stripped-down path of trust. ~WGB
SWC Book Discussion
On Zoom: Saturdays, Aug 20, Sept. 3 & 17, 9-10 am AZ / 10- 11 am NM-EP
Rev. Victoria Ubben
Rev. Victoria Ubben, retired clergy from the United Church of Santa Fe, will facilitate a book discussion in three, hour-long sessions on Wes Granberg-Michaelson’s book. Join our growing community of sacred journeyers as we discuss the book and also listen to the Spirit that is calling us in new ways as people of faith individually, in our faith communities and as citizens of faith in our nation and world.
Cost: free.
BOTH THE WORKSHOP ON JULY 9 and BOOK DISCUSSION in AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER can be counted as Continuing Education for active clergy.
Rev. Wes Granberg-Michaelson is global ecumenical leader, having served the World Council of Churches as director of Church and Society, general secretary of the Reformed Church in America, legislative assistant to Senator Mark O. Hatfield, and whose work has highlighted the intersection of faith with public life. This book and others are available through his website: https://www.wesgm.com/home
MORE Conversation About a Life of Pilgrimage
with Rev. Wesley Granberg-Michaelson
Saturday, July 9, 2022, 8-10 am AZ / 9-11 am NM-EP
Cost for registration: $10
Rev. Wesley Granberg-Michaelson joined us as a workshop leader during our Southwest Conference virtual annual meeting last April, and we were invited to read his book Without Oars: Casting Off into a Life of Pilgrimage. We have engaged him for a continuing conversation with us about ways to create a life shaped and grounded by the different dynamics of pilgrimage as a spiritual practice.
With our own communities, institutions, nation and world undergoing massive transitions – many of which seem threatening and deconstructing so much of life as we’ve known it, the deep wisdom practices and dynamics associated with pilgrimage are growing increasingly relevant. There are many ways we can be on a “pilgrimage.” You don’t have to be in top shape and able to walk long distances. Pilgrimage can describe any journey or process when we seek intentionally to experience and be transformed by the Holy while undertaking or living through experiences that can feel far from Holy! They are experiences that take us out of our comfort zones, knock us off balance, require us to sacrifice or endure great losses, make hard choices, function while out of control and vulnerable, invite us to entrust our wellbeing to strangers or even to God who feels absent.
You are invited to join Southwest Conference community of sacred journeyers. This workshop will kick off a regular gathering on Zoom of those interested in exploring this spiritual practice in their lives and churches.