Why I Attend the Society Gathering
To feel the Spirit moving, to enter sacred space with companions who listen for that movement, who long to feel that Presence and who delight in the stillness. Being in the Society means that I know a group of people who are standing with me as we try to be faithful to all we are called to be, as we try to move with the grace and compassion the Spirit can generate. I expect to be renewed, surprised and inspired, and my expectations have never been disappointed. Thank you, Shalem, for helping me dip into that deep well the Source of Life keeps bubbling for all of us.
Karen Day (Shalem Clergy Spiritual Life and Leadership: Going Deeper Program); Director of Plenty!-neighbors growing and sharing food
I do so in order to refocus my life on being aware of God's constant presence. In a world where there are so many distractions, I find it helpful to be in a holy community in a sacred place. The gatherings are always held at retreat houses that are infused with the communion of the saints. I do not know how this works, but I do know that it happens. I enjoy being part of a holy not perfect community. As far as I can tell, everyone checks their ego at the door. We are there to gently support one another in our pilgrimage. This time also keeps me in touch with what is going on at Shalem as well as checking in with people I have seen before. I also find the most interesting things: a Celebrating Diversity Multifaith Calendar as well as the outstanding Cheap Therapy Cards. All in all, it is a time that reminds me of what is important in life.
Rusty Butler (Shalem Spiritual Guidance Program: Nurturing the Call); Presbyterian clergy.
During these past five years, I missed two Society gatherings in a row, due to vocational responsibilities. These were two long years, during which I realized that the Society gathering is where I come to refresh and renew my spirit, in worship, fellowship and occasions of blessed silence. As part of my spiritual practice, I sometimes journey to a monastery for spiritual retreat and renewal. I like to think of our annual Society gathering as being like an intentional monastic community for our time together, celebrating and sharing the contemplative grounding that is our spiritual home, and deepening our understanding of what it means to live contemplatively in the world. I look forward, each year, to my Shalem Society “pilgrimage,” where I reconnect with friends I have met at other gatherings and make new friends who are attending their first. My heart eagerly waits to return to that gathering, where I will re-member my commitment to my spiritual journey in the midst of a loving and supportive spiritual community.
Al Keeney (Spiritual Guidance Program S99; Clergy Spiritual Life & Leadership 04); Episcopal priest