“The Gospel is the core of Christian living. It has within it a contemplative dimension. This dimension is God’s invitation to every human being, through Jesus Christ, to share God’s very nature…This contemplative consciousness bonds each person in a union with God and with all other persons.” Fr. Thomas Keating
The goal of the meditation groups offered by Hillcrest Church is to lend support to those on a spiritual journey who are searching for their own personal consciousness of divinity or connection to God.
Meeting and meditating in small groups provides many benefits to the individual seeker:
- Encouragement from fellow seekers in a caring community
- companionship that supports the sharing of experiences, ideas, feelings, stumbling blocks
- guidance in learning new techniques
- opportunities for growth in one’s idea of or capacity to relate to the Holy.
- Nourishment attained from an ever-deepening spirituality
Our gatherings may include silence, music, chanting, Qigong, breathing exercises, Scripture readings, and walking meditations.
We have explored, for example, Centering Prayer (silent, contemplative prayer that helps one to enter into a deeper relationship with God), Lectio divina (praying the Scriptures), intercessory prayer and distant healing, Jesus as a Wisdom teacher, writings of the mystics, labyrinth walking,
The following groups are currently available for all members and friends of Hillcrest. Other groups may be added as need or interest arises:
1st and 3rd Monday mornings
9:00 – 10:15 AM
Engelbert Home, Lafayette
Information: Martha Engelbert 935-6236
1st and 3rd Tuesday mornings
10:00 – 11:00 AM
Room 9, Hillcrest Church
Information: Marilyn Holloway call church office
1st Wednesday evening
7:00 – 8:30 PM
Engelbert Home, Lafayette
Information: Martha Engelbert 935-6236