Reading the Mystics

Come reflect on the work of Christian Mystics in our worship space. On September 15th we will be reading Etty Hillesum. Bring your copy of An Interrupted Life!

“The mystic is not somebody who says, ‘Look what I’ve experienced. Look what I’ve achieved.’ The mystic is the one who says, ‘Look what love has done to me.’” -James Finley

Quick Guide

    • We are currently doing The Best of the Female Mystics Series!

    • This Monday, September 15, we will be reading Etty Hillesum. Bring your copy of An Interrupted Life!

    • The current series will be available via ZOOM

    • Our next mystic will be the Anonymous author of ‘The Cloud of Unknowing.’ CLICK HERE to learn more.

  • Beginning on Monday, August 25th we will spend several weeks reviewing the primary teachings of three of our favorite mystics in a Best of the Mystics series: the Wisdom of Three Women. This is a great time to join our group if you’re feeling curious about the mystics but are not sure where to start. Fr. Hendree will offer a brief introduction to Julian of Norwich, Teresa of Avila, and Etty Hillesum (see schedule below). This series will lead us to our Silent Retreat on Saturday, September 20th. The teachings at the retreat will be based on the contemplative works of Julian, Teresa, and Etty. Come join us! All are welcome!


    Monday, August 25th - Teresa of Avila: The Interior Castle

    Monday, September 1st - We will NOT meet

    Monday, September 8th - Julian of Norwich: the Showings

    Monday, September 15th - Etty Hillesum: An Interrupted Life

    Saturday, September 20th - Silent Retreat

    Monday, September 22nd - New Mystic!

    CLICK HERE for more information.

  • Our next mystic will be the Anonymous author of The Cloud of Unknowing. 

    The Cloud of Unknowing is a 14th century English mystical text that serves as the source of the Centering Prayer Method of Christian mediation.

    We will use Carmen Acevedo Butcher’s translation published by Shambhala Publications in 2009.

    We will begin The Cloud on Monday, September 22nd.

    LEARN MORE

    All are welcome!

studying christian mystics

Current Study

Best of the Female Mystics

stain glass windows

Weekly Schedule

studying the christian mystics

Reading Schedule

what is a mystic

What is a Mystic?

Meet our Mystics

Mystics Outtakes

What is a Mystic?

This is the way Frederick Buechner describes the mystics, “There must be a God because every age and culture has produced mystics  who have experienced a Reality beyond reality and have  come back using different words and images but obviously  and without collusion describing with awed adoration the  same Indescribability.” 

James Finley writes, “The mystic is not somebody who says, “Look what I’ve experienced. Look what I’ve achieved.” The mystic is the one who says, “Look what love has done to me.” . . .  There’s nothing left, but the being of love itself giving itself away as . . . the concreteness of who you simply are.”

Weekly Schedule

Notes:

  • If you would like to just come for Centering Prayer or just come for the Mystics, you are more than welcome to come and go as you please.

  • Whether its your first time or fifty-first, All are Welcome!

  • You do not need to have read up to a certain point in the book… you can just jump on in!

5:00pm

Gather for brief Centering Prayer Instruction

5:10pm

Centering Prayer Sit

5:30pm

Introduction, Reading, and Discussion

7:00pm

Conclude