Previous Events

Gift yourself
with the simplicity, the grace, the spiritual growth
of Advent

Contemplative Outreach of Puget Sound North is pleased to offer our 11th Advent Retreat on Saturday, December 9th. This day of spiritual rest, growth and community will again be held at the beautiful Peace and Spirituality Center at Saint Mary on the Lake in Bellevue.
The retreat will blend periods of Centering Prayer, Lectio Divina, Musica Divina and Visio Divina-a restorative blend of silence, prayer, reflection, art and music. You'll have opportunities to connect with other contemplatives and to deepen your personal practice.
Date/Time: Saturday, December 9th, from 10 am to 3 pm (arrival at 9:30 is recommended)
Location: The Peace and Spirituality Center, St. Mary on the Lake, Bellevue.
Retreat Registration:$30 per person; including handouts, beverages and pre-retreat snacks. You will be able to pre-order a boxed lunch, or bring your own food for lunch. There will be storage space in the Center's refrigerator. Full details on lunch options and cost will be sent upon receipt of your registration.

Resources and References from the Advent Retreat

United in Spirit Retreat

March 11th, 10 am to 3:30 pm
The Peace and Spirituality Center on Lake Washington, Bellevue WA

An enriching day was spent participating in the United in Spirit in-person retreat March 11th. We were joined with our brothers and sisters in faith from the other Abrahamic traditions of Judaism and Islam in a day of spiritual fellowship.

We were blessed with the presence of Rabbi Olivier BenHaim of Seattle, together with Imam Jamal Rahman and Pastor Dave Brown of the Northwest Interfaith Amigos, together with Sister Kathleen Pruitt, CSJP/Zen Master in a program facilitated by Jeff Renner of Contemplative Outreach of Puget Sound North.

Contemplative Outreach of Puget Sound North was able to offer the 10th Advent Retreat-in person! It was Saturday, December 10th. The retreat was once again held at the beautiful Peace and Spirituality Center at Saint Mary on the Lake in Bellevue.
The day blended periods of Centering Prayer, Lectio Divina, Musica Divina and Visio Divina-a restorative blend of silence, prayer, reflection, art and music. It was an opportunity to connect with other contemplatives and to deepen your personal practice.

United in Spirit
March 26th, 10 am to 3 pm
The Peace and Spirituality Center
Bellevue

Spend an enriching day participating in the United in Spirit in-person retreat March 26th. This year, we will continue to offer opportunities for the practice of Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina and we will also join with our brothers and sisters in faith from the other Abrahamic traditions of Judaism and Islam-to learn more of their spiritual practices and join in a day of spiritual fellowship.

We will be blessed with the presence of Rabbi Olivier BenHaim of Seattle, together with Imam Jamal Rahman and Pastor Dave Brown of the Northwest Interfaith Amigos in a program facilitated by Jeff Renner of Contemplative Outreach of Puget Sound North. Registration is $30 to permit us to show our appreciation to Rabbi Ben Haim, Imam Jamal Rahman and Pastor Dave Brown for their time and wisdom and to cover the cost of using the beautiful Peace and Spirituality Center operated by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace on the Lake Washington shoreline in Bellevue. Scholarships will be available.

For more information and to register.

Reclaim the Peace and Presence
of the Christmas Season...
Register now for our 9th Advent Retreat!
Saturday, December 11th, 2021

Contemplative Outreach of Puget Sound North is pleased to be able to offer our 9th Advent Retreat-and it will be in person! The retreat will once again be held at the beautiful Peace and Spirituality Center at Saint Mary on the Lake in Bellevue Saturday, December 11th.

The day will blend periods of Centering Prayer, Lectio Divina, Musica Divina and Visio Divina-a restorative blend of silence, prayer, reflection, art and music. You'll have opportunities to connect with other contemplatives and to deepen your personal practice.

United in Spirit Retreat 2021
A Virtual Retreat
Saturday, March 20th 10:30am to 2:30pm

Spend an enriching four hours participating in the United in Spirit virtual gathering March 20th. This year, we will continue to offer opportunities for the practice of Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina and we will also join with our brothers and sisters in faith from the other Abrahamic traditions of Judaism and Islam-to learn more of their spiritual practices and join in a day of spiritual fellowship

We will be blessed with the presence of Rabbi Zari Weiss of Seattle, together with Imam Jamal Rahman and Pastor Dave Brown of the Northwest Interfaith Amigos in a program facilitated by Jeff Renner of Contemplative Outreach of Puget Sound North. We will focus on the deep spark of divine connection, how it bridges alienation with healing and peace, and helps us develop a united vision for tomorrow. Registration is $10 to permit us to show our appreciation to Rabbi Weiss, Imam Jamal Rahman and Pastor Dave Brown for their time and wisdom.

Please feel free to send this invitation to friends you believe would be enriched by participating in this event!

Connect with Contemplative Outreach to honor Father Thomas Keating March 6th, 2021

In the global unity of silence as God’s first language, we honor Fr. Thomas Keating’s birthday (March 7) and the growing presence of Christ among us.
Join in silence and community at any time, as many times as you are able. Our chapter with join will our friends from Contemplative Outreach Northwest (CONW) in sponsoring and leading the hour from 2pm to 3pm Pacific Standard Time on March 6th. The hour will include Centering Prayer, Poetry and the practice of Visio Divina.

Visio Divina Handout

Contemplative Outreach of Puget Sound North is delighted to offer our 8th annual one-day virtual Advent retreat. It will offer you the opportunity to bring closure, healing and meaning to the challenges of this past year and help you access the promise and joy of the Christmas Holy Season and the New Year.

In our virtual retreat Saturday, December 12th, 2020 you'll be able to participate in a blend of Centering Prayer and the ancient practice of Lectio Divina, with the opportunity to share perspectives with other retreat participants through breakout rooms. Each has also set aside time for deepening the experience and practice of our faith. Ultimately, that's a gift not only for ourselves but for those we encounter-even with social distancing! We'll enrich our day with the practices of Visio and Musica Divina. Those will be practices you'll be able to continue well after the retreat.

The retreat will begin at 10 am and conclude at 2 pm. Registration is $10 (scholarships are available by request), payable by check to COPSN at the address on the registration form below, or by a transfer via the Zelle service. If you wish to pay by such a transfer, simply email Jeff for details at the email below. And of course there will be a 'break time' for for lunch. The 'link' for the virtual retreat will be forwarded December 11th (the day before the retreat) to all registered participants.

Centering in a Time of (Seeming) Chaos

Contemplative Outreach of Puget Sound North is delighted to offer a one-day virtual retreat with Bonnie Shimizu. Bonnie is a vibrant and insightful retreat leader,
drawing on 26 years' experience assisting Father Thomas Keating, editing his many books and articles. 20 of those years were spent living near St. Benedict’s Monastery in
Snowmass, Colorado. She now gives presentations on various aspects of the spiritual journey with Centering Prayer, including a contemporary look at the journey into the
"Heart of the World" for ordinary contemplatives.

In our virtual retreat Saturday, November 7th, Bonnie will offer insights intocreatively and compassionately blending Centering Prayer and the gift of Contemplation to
clear the chaotic waters that have been 2020, and reveal the perspectives and possibilities that exist for each of us.

The retreat will begin at 10 am and conclude at 3 pm. In addition to Bonnie's insights, there will be times for group Centering Prayer and small group
discussions. Registration is $15 (scholarships are available), payable by check to COPSN at the address on the registration form below. And of course there will be 'break
times' including an opportunity for lunch. The 'link' for the virtual retreat will be forwarded November 6th (the day before the retreat) to all registered
participants. If you'd like to register for the chapter's annual Advent Retreat (also virtual), you can also do so on the form.

We look forward to sharing the day and Bonnie's insights with you!

Introductory Centering Prayer Workshop
Saturday, March 28th, 10am to 2pm
Mary Queen of Peace Parish
1121 228th Ave SE
Sammamish, WA

Presenter: Jeff Renner, Commissioned Centering Prayer Presenter
Free Will Offering.
Bring a sack lunch and beverage

In this Centering Prayer Introductory Workshop, you’ll learn the methods and principles of this prayer practice, and have the opportunity to gain both experience and comfort with this ancient method in a quiet, supportive and reflective atmosphere. The workshop covers the history, psychology and theology of Centering Prayer, and includes prayer sessions along with ample opportunity for questions and answers.

Reclaiming the Peace and Promise of Christmas-
A Contemplative Advent Retreat Saturday, December 14th, 10 am to 3 pm
The Peace and Spirituality Center, St. Mary on the Lake, Bellevue

Our seventh annual Advent retreat...
...will blend periods of Centering Prayer, Lectio Divina, Musica Divina and Visio Divina. It's a restorative blend of silence, prayer, reflection, art and music-and it will once again be held at the beautiful Peace and Spirituality Center at St. Mary on the Lake in Bellevue. We limit registrations to create a restful environment to access the riches of the Advent season. Prompt registration is recommended!

Father Carl Arico's Saturday Full-Day Retreat
July 20th, 2019
St.-Mary-on-the Lake Peace and Spirituality Center in Bellevue.

The gentle charismatic wisdom and humor of Father Carl Arico have endeared him to all who have encountered this founding member of Contemplative Outreach-whether personally or via the many video presentations he has given. He also is currently serving on the Gift Committee, which is dedicated to ensuring the legacy of his friend, the late Father Thomas Keating. If you've seen a DVD series with the late Father Thomas Keating, you've undoubtedly seen Father Carl Arico interviewing him.

Father Carl has traveled extensively in the United States and internationally to present workshops and direct retreats for both priests and laypeople.

Father Carl Arico's Friday Evening Presentation
July 19th, 2019
Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in West Seattle.

This will be a wonderful conversation with Father Carl, co-sponsored by Contemplative Outreach of Puget Sound North and our friends at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in West Seattle. No advance registration is required; a free will donation of $15 is requested to help defray the travel and associated expenses of Father Carl's visit. That can be made the evening of the presentation. Father Carl will speak in the Walmsley Center.

United in Spirit Retreat 2019
Saturday, April 13th, 10 am to 3 pm

A day spent United in Spirit on the beautiful wooded grounds of St. Mary on the Lake in Bellevue. This year, we continued to offer opportunities for the practice of Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina, together with a video message from our late Spiritual leader, Father Thomas Keating. We were joined with our brothers and sisters in faith from the other Abrahamic traditions of Judaism and Islam-to learn more of their spiritual practices and join in a day of spiritual fellowship.

We were blessed with the presence of Rabbi Olivier Benhaim of Bet Alef Meditative Synagogue in Seattle, who previously joined us in 2017; Imam Adam Jamal of the Muslim Association of Puget Sound Mosque in Redmond as well as Contemplative Outreach facilitators and teachers for a day of meditation, contemplation, connection and reflection. We focused on the deep spark of divine connection, how it bridges alienation with healing and peace, and helps us develop a united vision for tomorrow.

United in Prayer/United in Spirit Retreat
Dedicated to Healing Violence
St. Mary on the Lake Peach and Spirituality Center in Bellevue
Saturday, March 17th, 2018 10 am to 2 pm

A day spent in prayer, contemplation, community and reflection. The day included a video reflection from Father Thomas Keating and an audio interview with Margaret Mary Funk on the topic of her new book The Practice of Renouncing Violence. The interview is available on the website of Contemplative Outreach, Ltd. Click here to listen.

A Day of Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina
A Contemplatives's Advent Retreat
Saturday, December 16th, 2017 10 am to 2 pm
St. Mary’s on the Lake, Bellevue

We gifted ourselves with a retreat from the busyness of the Christmas season, and entered into the restful silence of Centering Prayer in community with others at the beautiful St. Mary’s on the Lake retreat center in Bellevue. We allowed ourselves to enter more deeply into the gifts offered by Advent, and set the foundation for a rich appreciation of the coming Holy Day of Christmas. This retreat included periods of Centering Prayer, Meditative Walks, and the practice of Lectio Divina.

A Weekend Retreat with Susan Komis
April 21st-23rd, 2017
Camp Indianola on the shores of Puget Sound

This retreat guided participants through three elements to deepen their faith life, and their inner resources to participate in the call for both Contemplation and Action. Friday evening’s talk was on the Essence of Servant Leadership. Saturday morning the Stages of Prayer Related to Faith Development was presented. Saturday afternoon’s talk presented the Four Levels of Listening and Sunday’s talk included “Soul Friending.”

United in Spirit Retreat
Saturday, March 11, 2017, 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
St. Mary on the Lake Peace and Spirituality Center, Bellevue

A day in prayer, contemplation, community and reflection. Following a year that has focused on what divides us, United in Spirit Day invited us to examine the nature of such alienation, the bonds that connect us and how to nurture those bonds-sustained by the deeper spark of divine connection-a spark that can provide the foundation for healing, peace and developing opportunities for unity. The day of inter-religious dialogue, prayer and contemplation featured Rabbi Olivier Benhaim of Bet Alef Meditative Synagogue in Seattle, Father William Treacy of the Treacy Levine Center, Pastor Terry Kyllo of Neighbors in Faith, and of course, Contemplative Outreach facilitators.

A Day of Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina
A Contemplative's Advent Retreat
Saturday, December 16th, 2015 -10 am to 2 pm
St. Mary’s on the Lake, Bellevue

Gift yourself with a retreat from the busyness of the Christmas season, and enter into the restful silence of Centering Prayer in community with others at the beautiful St. Mary’s on the Lake retreat center in Bellevue. Allow yourself to enter more deeply into the gifts offered by Advent, and set the foundation for a rich appreciation of the coming Holy Day of Christmas. This retreat will include periods of Centering Prayer, Meditative Walks, and the practice of Lectio Divina.

A Contemplative’s Advent Retreat:
A Day of Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina
held on Saturday, December 10th, 2016 10am to 4pm
St. Mary on the Lake in Bellevue
Facilitator-Jeff Renner, Chapter Coordinator

A retreat from the busyness of the Christmas season in the restful silence of Centering Prayer in community with others at the beautiful St. Mary’s on the Lake retreat center. An opportunity to more deeply into the gifts offered by Advent, and set the foundation for a rich appreciation of the coming Holy Day of Christmas. The retreat included periods of Centering Prayer, Meditative Walks, and the practice of Lectio Divina.

EXPERIENCING THE PRESENCE OF GOD
THE PERSPECTIVES OF BONNIE SHIMIZU
held on Saturday, October 29th, 2016 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.,
St. Mary’s on the Lake, Bellevue

Our thanks to Bonnie Shimizu, Father Thomas Keatings' long time assistant, retreat director and teacher of Centering Prayer. Bonnie spent a day with us Saturday, 10/29, enriching our understanding of Centering Prayer, the Contemplative Life and deepening our practice.

Here is Bonnie’s description:
“Most people who are drawn to Centering Prayer are responding to an inner call to find God in a much more intimate and experiential way. To paraphrase St. Augustine, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in You.”

Centering Prayer has given us a way into the silence that Fr. Thomas has called, “God’s first language”, and a way into the stillness which is the essence of our being. The silence of prayer is the deepest encounter, but beyond that is the work of daily life, which is sometimes orderly and serene, but often full of surprising mishaps, missteps, and even chaos. We can learn to see that everyday life itself is not just things and events that happen to us, but that life happening for us…. It is the call of the Spirit who is not only our deepest essence but is all of life itself.”

Register Now for our United in Spirit Retreat
March 9th, 2024, 10 am to 3:30 pm
The Peace and Spirituality Center, Bellevue

Contemplative Outreach of Puget Sound North

Spend an enriching day participating in the United in Spirit in-person retreat March 9th. This year, we will continue to offer opportunities for Centering Prayer, Lectio and other spiritual practices. We will also join with our brothers and sisters in faith from other traditions in a day of spiritual fellowship.

More Information and Registration