Take some time to celebrate the diverse heritage of the Mystics in our daily lives! Join us for a delicious lunch and dialogue as we consider their personal biographies and the incredible contributions they have made to contemporary spirituality, especially around encountering the Divine in everyday life. In this gathering, we will specifically explore their spiritual legacy on living with gratitude and how being grateful can serve as an entry point into mysticism and its transformative, empowering grace. While engaging with a broad range of mystics, saints, and sages across the arc of Christianity, a significant portion of the program will unfold around the wisdom of St. Ignatius of Loyola, Julian of Norwich, and Br. David Steindl-Rast.
Grounding our encounter with these mystics and their teachings within our personal experiences, we will participate in creative exercises and writing prompts to access our unique voice and deepen our respective journeys. Additional time for reflection through prayer, meditation and group dialogue will also be integrated. Prior familiarity with mystics or mysticism is not mandatory, but welcomed. Please bring along an open heart & mind and a journal for use throughout the program.
The retreat will begin with lunch. Guided by Gordon Creamer.
Gordon Creamer, creator of the Mission Bridge, currently serves as Program Director at Well For The Journey, a spiritual wellness center in Lutherville, MD. He has also been involved in healthcare programming and operations since 2001 at various Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing, and Hospice communities. He earned an MA in Spiritual & Pastoral Care from Loyola University and an MA in Theology from the Ecumenical Institute of St. Mary’s Seminary & University. He is currently a candidate for the Doctor of Ministry Program at the Ecumenical Institute.
Gordon has facilitated numerous retreats and workshops that focus on creating opportunities for participants to explore and enhance their spirituality and well-being through various media. Uplifting the journey of adults, individuals with memory impairment and members of the LGBTQ+ community is a passion for him, and in the last several years, he has fostered support groups and programs for caregivers and those who are grieving losses. Trained as an end-of-life doula, certified spiritual director, and reiki practitioner, Gordon welcomes all in discovering the spiritual life as a means of healing, growing and thriving. www.themissionbridge.com