Our Events & Gatherings


 

A list of our upcoming events and ongoing gatherings

 
 

Upcoming Events

  • With sudden acceleration we find ourselves in a world fraught with

    danger. We are being challenged by overwhelming outer social and

    political forces. If we are to protect the heart and soul of the covenant

    between heaven and earth; if we are to protect the heart and soul of

    this country; if we are to protect our precious receptivity to spirit; if we

    are to practice resurrection, then we must cultivate soul muscles

    within that will allow us to be bearers of light in this time of

    darkness.

    In this first of three sessions we will explore fierce contemplative practices as it concerns realism and responsibility.

    Can we bear the onslaught of news, the emerging shake of the geo-

    political order; the collapse of civil liberties here at home; the threats

    to our economic security? If we hide away our contemplative practice

    will become ungrounded and confused. This requires the spiritual

    capacity of clear seeing. And without clarity we loose our way.

    We are contemplatives and we are also world citizens. How does this

    shape our responsibility both to spirit and to the world around us,

    especially a world that is threatening so many around us? Does the sense

    of responsibility become crushing; does it pull us into avoidance of

    what is ours is to do? Or are we open to the quiet whispers of guidance

    that allow us to navigate this world with a sense of grace and joy?

    We will come together to explore these questions. We will also come

    together as a community that needs each other to restore us in the

    blessing of being alive in such remarkable times.

    Logistics:

    March 7-8

    Friday 6-8 pm CT —  Saturday 8 am-4 pm CT

    On Zoom

    Suggested fee $50

    Registration: To register please contact Sally Roberts at orientalorthodoxorder@gmail.com

    Zelle goes to Sally at 972-342-4617

    Paypal goes to Sally at orderpraxis@gmail.com

    Credit Card payments go thru Shelby Giving:

    https://www.shelbygiving.com/App/Form/3a7bef49-fba0-4bf7-abd2-aad7d4f1631d

    Checks are made out to Contemplative Wisdom and mailed to:

    Sally Roberts

    406 Private Road 249

    Telephone, TX. 75488

    Zoom Link and Preparatory Work to be provided before the Session.

    Lynn Bauman and Alison Hine hosting

    Future Dates

    Session 2: Resilience and Resistance—April 4-5

    Session 3: Restoration and Remembrance—May 2-3

  • I am pleased to announce a zoom course this fall on the Gospel of Mary Magdalene. The course will draw on the ancient text itself, my reflections in the recently published “A journey of Inquiry Through the Gospel of Mary Magdalene” and on your own explorations during the course. I am pleased to announce a zoom course this fall on the Gospel of Mary Magdalene. The course will draw on the ancient text itself, my reflections in the recently published “A journey of Inquiry Through the Gospel of Mary Magdalene” and on your own explorations during the course. 

    We will settle into the practice of embodied presence, journaling, group sharing and collective inquiries. No previous experience is needed. You will need a copy of “A Journey of Inquiry Through the Gospel of Mary Magdalene”. If you don’t have a copy you can purchase it from: https://www.contemplativewisdom.net/store/p/journeying-through-the-gospel-of-mary-magdalene    and from Amazon.

    We will meet on zoom every other Monday from 7-9pm ET, 6-8pm CT starting on Monday October 21st. 

     To register for this course please join The Sanctuary https://the-ooow-sanctuary.mn.co/share/dDd0BMTGyfsVJ1Uk?utm_source=manual and register thru the flyer on the event page.

  • IThe Oriental Orthodox Order in the West is offering a new opportunity for training in the use of the Sapiential Tarot. This sacred practice and use of these cards to seek spiritual understanding and direction has grown over the past number of years. 

    This is a two weekend  session of training and if you choose to take this opportunity be sure to make room for two, two day weekend sessions (Friday evening and all day Saturday - see dates below). This will introduce a basic understanding of the deck and give you a foundation for further work and continued practice in their private and public use.  

    The training will include:

    • Learning the meaning of each card in sets. 

    • Understanding the practice of divination as synchronicity and interpretive listening.

    • Becoming familiar with the protocols of using the Celtic Cross Spread. 

    • Witnessing and practicing several forms of reading using the deck and the spread. 

    • Working in groups to learn methods of interpretation. 

    • Creating ritual space. 

    • Continuing to practice the methodology between sessions.

    You will need to have the deck, manual, and Celtic cross spread which you can purchase during registration.  A tote bag is also useful and can be purchased during registration as well.  The materials list can be viewed on the attachment below - all prices include shipping.  Sally will contact you to discuss color options after purchase.  It is also recommended that you have a prayer shawl, candle and smudge stick available during training.

    The workshop cost is $150 per weekend.  Zoom only

    Dates:     March 28, 2025

    Second date to be determined

    To register for the training and purchase materials please use the following link:  


    https://www.shelbygiving.com/App/Form/aa6552f9-3f75-4a67-a05e-2ef3394f7b2d

    If you have any difficulties or questions please contact Sally Roberts at orientalorthodoxorder@gmail.comtem description

Ongoing Gatherings

  • Join us via Zoom daily for prayer. All are welcome. Hosted by the Ann Arbor MI Priory.

    MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY and SATURDAY, 7.30 to 8.00 AM EDT. Morning Prayers are led by Alison Hine. On Wednesdays, you are welcome to stay afterwards for conversation from 8 to 8:30 AM EDT. For further information and to join please contact Nancy Ogilvie at nancylogilvie@gmail.com

    TUESDAY & THURSDAY, 7:30 to 8 AM EDT. Join us for Morning Prayer w/Rosary led by Susan King and Sharon Kardia. For more information on how to join via Zoom, contact Susan at sbking@umich.edu

    SUNDAY Evening, 8 to 8:30 PM EDT. Join us for Evening Prayer/chapel, led by Nancy Ogilvie. Our worship time includes readings, music, and silence. For more information on how to join via Zoom, contact Nancy Ogilvie at nancylogilvie@gmail.com

  • Newcomers are welcome to join an ongoing deep exploration of the The Gospel of Philip. The Gospel of Philip is a treasure trove of mystical wisdom. Dr Lynn Bauman (Abbot) has written a commentary for the Gospel of Philip. Our time together is an opportunity to explore this dense and mysterious text with further explication by Lynn Bauman, small group discussion and Midrash with images created by him. Sessions are held on the first and third Thursday evenings of the month from 6-8pm CST. For more information or to register, contact Alison Hine at alihine@gmail.com

  • This study group meets on the last Tuesday of every month from 6 to 8 PM CDT via Zoom. The free study is led by Dr Lynn C Bauman (Abbot) and Sally Roberts (Priest). For more information on our current topic of focus as well as details on how to join us, please contact Sally at orientalorthodoxorder@gmail.com

  • Abbot Blake Burleson and Monk Jim Kennedy offer Lectio Divina each Sunday from 9:45 to 10:45 AM CDT. The gathering meets at The Seventh and James Baptist Church, 602 James Ave, in Waco Texas. For more information, please contact Blake at Blake_Burleson@baylor.edu

  • Monks and friends gather each month to share contemplative prayer, Eucharist and conversation. These gatherings are held via Zoom on the 3rd Sunday of each month from 1100 to 1400 CDT. If you would like to join us and become further acquainted with the OOOW community, email David at praxiscentex@gmail.com so we can send you information on how to join us via Zoom.

  • In addition to monthly priory meetings in North Texas, South Central Texas and Michigan, a regularly scheduled priory meeting gathers now in Waco, Texas. Abbot Blake Burleson, and Monks Julianne Christian and Jim Kennedy host a contemplative experience and potluck dinner on the second Sunday of each month from 5:30-7:00PM CDT. For details, contact Abbot Blake at Blake_Burleson@baylor.edu

  • A twice-a-month study of The Gospel of Thomas held from 9 to 11 AM EDT on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month. The study group is mentored by Priest Alice Despard. Each meeting consists of an opening meditation followed by an in-depth discussion of the logia selected for that week. This is a free offering. Contact Alice at alicedespard@gmail.com for more details.

  • A twice-a-month Wednesday (2nd and 4th) study of the Gospel of Thomas held from 7:15 to 8:45 PM EDT facilitated by Monk Ed Clifford. Each gathering consists of an opening meditation and an in-depth discussion of the logia selected for that week. Participants may use any translation of the Gospel of Thomas. Core commentary is provided from Bishop Lewis Keizer's book, The Kabbalistic Words of Jesus in the Gospel of Thomas. This is a free offering and meets via Zoom. For more information on how to join us, contact Ed at edclifford1@gmail.com

  • Join us for a study of the Gospel of Thomas utilizing the imagery and reflections from Diane Walker's book, "Illuminating the Mystery: Photographic Reflections on the Gospel of Thomas". The study convenes on Tuesday evenings from 5:30 til 6:00 PM EDT, led by Susan King. If you would like more information or wish to join the study, contact Susan at sbking@umich.edu. On the 4th Tuesday, a brief contemplative communion is shared at 6pm. Even if you are not participating in the study, you are welcomed to the 6pm communion.

  • This new offering began mid-March and will meet the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays from 9:00-10:30 am EDT. The group will discuss "The Kybalion: Hermetic Philosophy by Three Initiates". This is a free offering. Video of prior study sessions are available, please contact Alice at alicedespard@gmail.com for more details.

  • The North Texas Priory meets the second Sunday of each month at 1pm for group meditation/Eucharist and discussion. For more information contact Sally at ssroberts1@verizon.net