Live with love, joy and presence

Holy Wisdom MonasteryCCR, Center for Clergy Renewal (CCR), Pastors' Stories, Uncategorized Leave a Comment

Submitted by Kathleen Owens (she/her), Manager of Clergy Programming and Communications for the Center for Clergy Renewal at Holy Wisdom Monastery. James Rissler tried to prepare for his first Contemplative Renewal Immersion, and first visit to Holy Wisdom Monastery, by reading the Rule of Benedict. As a Mennonite Pastor from Georgia, he was not quite sure what to expect. He had some uncertainty about where he was heading in his vocation and a desire to explore more contemplative practices. He was concerned that St. Benedict seems to discourage humor and laughter. He wondered, “What kind of place will this be?” …

Summer plentitude

Summer Plentitude: A Seasonal Retreat

Quinn Lynch Leave a Comment

A riot of color on the prairie welcomes you to seek and celebrate your own abundance. This summer retreat invites you sit with the lush growth of the season – on the prairie and in your own life and heart. It will hold space for attention to both. Conversations about the season, walks on the prairie, naps, art, movement, journaling, great meals and welcoming accommodations will all be a part of what you can expect when you arrive. A renewed connection to nature and to yourself, along with joy in the plentitude and abundance of the season are what you …

Walking contemplative

Holy Wisdom MonasteryCCR, Center for Clergy Renewal (CCR), Pastors' Stories, Uncategorized 3 Comments

Submitted by Kathleen Owens (she/her), Manager of Clergy Programming and Communications for the Center for Clergy Renewal at Holy Wisdom Monastery. Julane Nease told this story to Kathleen after a personal retreat at the end of her recent Sabbatical in August 2025. This is a lightly edited version of the transcript from a Teams meeting on Sept. 25th. Do you have time for me to tell you my story about when I was there? This doesn’t have to be part of our interview, but I had this really profound thing happen. So, I’ve been reading this book on sabbatical called …

Nancy Enderle’s Homily from March 15, 2026

Nancy EnderleHomilies, Sunday Assembly Leave a Comment

It isn’t always the case that the scripture passages for a particular Sunday intersect in such interesting ways – but such is the case for this, the 4th Sunday in Lent. The readings in 1 Samuel, Ephesians, and the Gospel of John all seem to point in the direction of deepening our understanding and recognition of how God works in the world and in our hearts, and how we might respond as followers of this gracious, challenging, engaging God. In 1 Samuel, we learn that even Yahweh’s chosen spokesperson, the prophet Samuel, fails to understand what God is up to …

Taizé Prayer for Pentecost

Quinn Lynch Leave a Comment

Prayer in the spirit of the Taizé community is a meditative form of common prayer. Gathered in the presence of Christ, we sing uncomplicated, repetitive songs, allowing the mystery of God to become tangible through the beauty of simplicity and invoking the Holy Spirit to enter our prayer. Schedule 6:00 pm – Taizé will begin Cost and Registration There is no cost to attend the Taizé prayer, but please register below by May 21st so we may plan accordingly.

Ink and insight

Ink & Insight Mindful Writing Circle

Quinn Lynch

Join us for a quarterly gathering that blends creative writing and mindfulness in a supportive, inclusive space. Whether you identify as a writer or simply enjoy exploring your inner voice, this group offers you a gentle rhythm of reflective writing (with optional prompts), sharing in community, and contemplative practices like guided meditation and mindful walking outdoors, weather permitting. Come as you are. No experience needed — just a willingness to pause, listen, and write. You’ll leave with new words, insights, and connections. Dates/Times – Sundays from 10:15 am-12:15 pm Jan. 25 Mar. 1 Jun. 7 Nov. 1 Schedule 10:15 am …

Nature Photography for Kids

Nature Photography for Kids

Quinn Lynch Leave a Comment

Nature Photography For Kids Ages 6-12 Children ages 6-12 and their adults are invited to join Sandy Weber, professional photographer, to use photography to discover the beauty of nature and surprising interactions all around us. Participants will learn beginner photography skills such as framing, light and shadow with a digital camera. Each child will print one of their photos. The program runs from 10:30 am-12:00 pm. We will start indoors with a short introduction, then go outdoors to explore the land through the camera lens. Schedule 10:30 am – Gather in the Boardroom for orientation to nature photography 10:45 am …

Spring Solar Tilt

Quinn Lynch Leave a Comment

Join us on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 | 5:00-8:00 pm You and your family are invited to participate in the 3rd Annual Spring Solar Tilt, a hands-on community event where we gather together to celebrate green energy, honor the changing seasons and pray for the earth. Capacity is limited, so register if you are coming! Holy Wisdom Monastery is proudly a net-zero facility, having implemented solar energy and geothermal heating and cooling in 2024 in our Retreat & Guest House. The monastery’s 30-panel solar array can be tilted vertically or horizontally, depending on the season. The panels are currently in their more …

Wonder & Hope: A Courage & Renewal® Experience

Quinn Lynch

Are you seeking ways to focus on positivity “these days”? Register and join us for a spacious weekend at Holy Wisdom Monastery for Wonder & Hope: A Courage & Renewal® Experience, May 29-31, 2026. Within the abundance of Holy Wisdom, our retreat sessions will focus on grounding ourselves within touchstones of presence, welcome, listening to our inner teacher, turning to the wonder of how grace moves in our lives, and carrying hope forward. Participants comment that “the welcoming spirit, the quiet, the art and poetry, the kindness and the experience of community” support their participation in a variety of experience during …

Renewing rhythms

Renewing rhythms

Holy Wisdom MonasteryCCR, Center for Clergy Renewal (CCR), Pastors' Stories, Uncategorized Leave a Comment

Submitted by Kathleen Owens (she/her), Manager of Clergy Programming and Communications for the Center for Clergy Renewal at Holy Wisdom Monastery Christy Suffecool was one of the first pastors to come for a Deep Breath retreat when the ministry began in the fall of 2023. Her first Deep Breath retreat in November 2023, led to another in November 2024, and another in November 2025. Thinking back to when she heard about the Center for Clergy Renewal at Holy Wisdom Monastery in 2023, Christy remembers, “… I was fried. I did what I thought was self-care, but it really wasn’t taking …