August 2016 _______________________________

Contemplative Outreach (SA) is affiliated to Contemplative Outreach (USA) and teaches

Centering Prayer, a prayer which involves silently resting and waiting upon God in the stillness of our being.

The Contemplative JourneyThe Contemplative JourneyThe Contemplative JourneyThe Contemplative Journey

Contemplative Outreach Western Cape

Quarterly Newsletter

SILENCE SOLITUDE SOLIDARITY SERVICE

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Dear Fellow Traveller on the Contemplative Journey,

HHHH ere we are already leaning into early spring as I write this - on a

beautiful clear Cape winter’s morning -the poplar tree in my front

garden pushing out buds into a bright blue sky holding the promise

and potential of spring and then summer - waiting to burst forth in green

leaves.

This made me think of our human potential and the promise it holds for a

brighter future that we so sorely need in South Africa. I am grateful that

hundreds and thousands of South Africans made their views clear peacefully

through the ballot box rather than by violence - of which we have had enough

in this country. I sincerely hope that this is the beginning of something much

bigger, that we are moving into a new phase of political maturity.

Our spiritual journey is one that leads us to a ‘mature’ relationship with God –

without trying to define what that ‘maturity’ means. I dare to say that we

have been given the “instruments” to help us along on that journey – Centering

Prayer leading to Contemplative Prayer and lectio divina. It is as if I had

rediscovered the power of lectio divina over the past few weeks. It is such a

wonderful experience to be able to read a Bible verse, be led by the Spirit into

a new understanding, be uplifted and “pray the Scriptures.”

I am busy reading The Big Book of Christian Mysticism by Carl McColman.

He writes with clarity and insight about lectio divina as the ‘New Way of

Reading.’

“The actual process of lectio divina is deceptively simple – so simple in fact,

the medieval contemplative who wrote the classic instruction for it, Guigo II,

did so in a text that is barely twenty pages long. The key to lectio is not just in

learning a four-step process, but also in rethinking your entire approach to the

meaning and purpose of written words and how we use them. Lectio does not

change the Bible, but it does change how we approach it. Therein lies the

secret of its power.”

He continues: “We read to attain something we might not otherwise have –

more knowledge, more pleasure, more mastery, more data, more fun, more

love and social contact. All of this is good; clearly the ability to read is a true

blessing. However, everything that reveals God also conceals him. Thus, one

of the challenges we face when we read a sacred or saintly text is the very

hiddenness of God (Isaiah 45:15) Reading a spiritual text in the ‘normal’ way

of reading for personal mastery or control can sometimes have the

consequence of pushing God farther into hiding. Hence the need for lectio

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divina. Lectio turns the normal goal of reading on its head. When you practice

lectio you do not seek to control, but rather to yield. You do not seek to

master, but rather to serve. Whereas you usually read with the subconscious

intention of helping yourself, lectio leads you to ask the question: ‘How can I

be of service to God?’”

And now to our front page depiction - a Coptic icon of the transfiguration on

the Mount describes an event and spiritual experience that was profound and

enlightening for the apostles who accompanied Jesus to the mountain. A closer

look at the figure of Christ in the centre shows his hands in an open gesture –

welcoming you and I to a closer relationship; Elijah on the left, hand lifted

towards Jesus as in a blessing and Moses on the right holding the Scriptures.

Notice the bright circle of light – the halo - that binds all three figures.

Also notice the three Apostles - all three kneeling but in different bodily

positions – the apostle on the left overwhelmed by the dazzling white light

covering his eyes; the apostles in the centre and on the right in gestures of awe,

adoration and being receptive.

May we all be receptive of the Spirit of God as we continue our journey.

Johan du Toit

Editor

“Let all my world be silent in your presence, Lord, so

that I may hear what the Lord God may say in my

heart. Your words are so softly spoken that no one can

hear them except in deep silence. But to hear them

lifts him who sits alone and in silence completely

above his natural powers, because he who humbles

himself will be lifted up. He who sits alone and listens,

will be raised above himself.”

- Guido II

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You and me, me and you

suffering from the same condition:

the human condition.

You and me, me and you

subject to our culture

its precepts and restrictions.

You and me, me and you

suffering because we’re human,

subject to our fears, compensations,

our defences and addictions.

You and me, me and you

no different from each other

subject to the histories of our broken lives,

trying to survive in imperfect to-days and to-morrows.

You and me, me and you

wound up in the intricacies of the 'oughteries',

fabricated by our fragmented understanding.

You and me, me and you

destined to be gods,

but struggling in the chains of the human condition

Lord, have mercy.

Save us from ourselves.

Carin Marais

The Human Condition

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RETREAT INVITATION

Christian Brothers Retreat Centre

1 Paradyskloof Road, Stellenbosch

1 to 7 October 2016

Intensive/Post Intensive Retreat

Observing grand silence is the most important aspect of the post intensive retreat; in this setting, it includes no eye contact. The purpose is to create a space for conversation with God.

On an intensive retreat the retreatant will receive in-put while observing grand silence. You are welcome to register for either retreat.

There will be 4 – 6 hours of centering prayer daily, lec-tio divina and Mass. Conceptual material input, free time and other spiritual enrichment opportunities. Registration will be from 14:00 with supper at 18:00 on 1st and the retreat will end after lunch on 7th. Single room with private bathroom………R 2000

(All rooms have a kitchenette)

Meal options:

Three meals R187 per day

Breakfast R 53 per meal

Lunch R 83 per meal

Supper R 72 per meal

For registration forms, please email Janie@telkomsa.net or

phone on 021 851 4375

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This translation of the Bible has been a 20 year project of the Quixote

Center (Priests for equality - i.e. Roman Catholic priests). In 1975 the

"Charter for Equality was publicly released. The church leadership

tried to repress the movement by silencing Bill Callahan. He left for a

while but was soon back at the Quixote Center.

They started the translation with the liturgy, then the New Testament

followed by The Inclusive Psalms. The word "transformational" is the

one word that describes the process of developing inclusive language

readings. The translators wanted to challenge traditional ways of

speaking about God. When they addressed sexism they wanted to

avoid destroying the text. Both spouses are named when talking about

lineage, so Sarah and Abraham, not just Abraham, are

mentioned. The word "kingdom" where this refers to government is

translated as 'government' but where the word refers to the kingdom of

God as in Matthew's gospel, 'reign' is used. However, where the state

of relationship is intended, a new word KINDOM is used.

The preface quotes from "A Liturgy for All People" (1975) in its

justification for the need for this translation. There it reminds us that

BOOK REVIEW

THE INCLUSIVE BIBLE.

The first egalitarian Bible.

Published by Rowan and Littlefield

2007

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words can wound, alienate and degrade people, but they can also affirm

and express love. The Second Vatican Council acknowledges this when it

decreed that liturgy be celebrated in the vernacular. In the USA during the

1950's an 1960's, racial struggles brought a new appreciation of the role of

language. The rising consciousness of women and men confronted us all to

be sensitive to language. For too long, masculine terms, images and

stereotypes have dominated church expression.

Below is one of our foundational verses from The Inclusive Bible.

But when you pray, go to your (inner) room, shut the door, and pray to

God who in that secret place and your Abba God - who sees all that is done

in secret - will reward you. - Matthew 6:6.

Christine Terry

The Lord appears to Elijah

“The Lord said, ‘Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of sheer silence.” I Kings 19: 11– 13

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From the book table

A few suggestions for those starting out on the contemplative journey:

Intimacy with God – an introduction to Centering Prayer

“For all those aspiring to a genuine spiritual life, Father Keating has charted a course that will take us progressively closer to our divine goal as we learn to touch God, first with the words of our lips, then with reflections of the mind and with feelings of the heart”

Living Prayer

“This is perhaps Keating’s most readable and enlightening work. Filled with insight and practical advice, it offers sound wisdom on the way that Centering Prayer can deepen our intimacy with God.”

Spiritual Book News

The Mystery of Christ

Thomas Keating provides his fast-growing readership with a remarkable reflection on the experience of Christ in the liturgy. Following upon his bestseller, Open Mind, Open Heart, which presented a profound formation in Christian prayer, this new book demonstrates the contemplative dimension of Christian worship. Here, Father Keating recovers the deeper sense of the liturgical year and shares a theological and mystical perspective on the major feasts of the annual cycle. The reader is immersed in the wonder of faith in the mystery of Christ and of the unique nature of God’s action and presence in and through the liturgy and our lives. This will surely become a good companion for anyone who wishes to experience the deeper reality of liturgical life.

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Fruits and Gifts of the Spirit

Thomas Keating has spent more than fifty years in sustained practice and devotion to the spiritual life. The results of this creative, humble activity are now summarized in this remarkable book.

As Father Keating says, the spiritual journey is a gradual process of enlarging our emotional, mental, and physical relationship with the Divine Indwelling within us; fully present and energizing every level of our being; recognizing that this energy is benign, healing, and transforming; and enjoying its gradual unfolding, step-by-step, both in prayer and in action.

The Path of Centering Prayer – Deepening your experience of God

“’In this beautiful book, David Frenette significantly expands the map of the known centering prayer universe. With the blessing of his spiritual father, Thomas Keating, David develops – and sometimes gently reshapes – fundamental building blocks of the Centering Prayer teaching. This is an important moment in Centering Prayer lineage transmission, when a faithful student emerges into mastery, and David rises to the occasion with humility, gentleness, and radiance. His work will breathe significant new life into your personal practice. I have found my own practice much illuminated by this book.”

- Cynthia Bourgeault

“This book in my view is the best, most comprehensive and most practical book on Centering Prayer.”

- Father Thomas Keating

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Diary

Centering Prayer Mornings of Enrichment Venue: St Stephen’s Anglican Church, Pinelands

• 03 September 2016 09:00 - 13:00

• 26 November 2016 09:00 - 13:00

Introductory Workshop to Centering Prayer Venue: St Michaels and All Angels Anglican Church, Edgemead

• 27 August 2016 10:00 -13:00

Lectio Divina Workshop Venue: Oudsthoorn Presbyterian Church

• 14 August 2016 17:30-20:00

Centering Prayer Small Group Facilitators Meeting Venue: St Michael’s Catholic Church, Rondebosch

Date to be advised

Retreats Venue: CBC Stellenbosch (see page 5 for details) A call to a time of grace and

peace…

• 1 - 7 Oct CP & LD Immersion Retreat (Intensive/Post Intensive)

Dr. Mary Ryan, priest, writer and editor

will be the guest speaker at our next

Morning of Enrichment. (see opposite)

Dr. Ryan is the spiritual coordinator at

St. Luke’s Hospice.

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Contemplative Outreach (SA) Western Cape

Invites you to a

Morning of Enrichment Being united in prayer and united in silence.

Saturday 03 September 2016

9:00 - 13:00

(Registration and book sales from 8:30)

St Stephen’s Anglican Church, Pinelands

Guest Speaker

Dr Mary RyanDr Mary RyanDr Mary RyanDr Mary Ryan

Circling in and Circling out

Newcomers to Centering Prayer are welcome

Tea and Coffee will be provided

Charge R50.00 or a donation

For more information please contact Janie Potgieter

tel 021 851 4375 or Janie@telkomsa.net

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EVENTS

Ocean View Centering Prayer Introduction

We responded to a request from the Ocean View Centering Prayer group to have an informal, abbreviated introduction to Centering Prayer. This group is close to my heart as Urs and I facilitated it for many years while we lived in Kommetjie. A big thank you to Lionel Levendal who has faithfully continued to lead the group. The teaching was warmly received and we trust for an increase in numbers to the existing group as Mary-Ann, Oliver and Barbara move on to a different phase of their lives. It is a privilege and joy to pass on the practice of resting in God.

-Dawn Geiges-

Introductory Workshop Constantia

The initiative taken by Paul Palmer of the Constantia group was sincerely appreciated. He arranged an introductory workshop to Centering Prayer at Christ Church, Constantia, to revive his dwindling group. The result was that he doubled his group membership! There is the possibility of forming a second group at a different time. Thank you, Paul! (Picture on page 13)

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A Day of Resting in God is a time set apart for full immersion into Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina. The theme on this day was ‘The Tenderness of God.’ When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, “Don’t cry.” Luke 7:13

DAY OF RESTING IN GOD

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Facilitating is a ministry that empowers people and enables group process. Good facilitating enables the growth of a Centering Prayer support group, empowering the group to feel capable and strengthened for the spiritual journey. A commitment to Centering Prayer and deep sharing, at all levels, usually begins. The facilitators meeting in August was very well attended with Dr Tembeka M. Ntusi and Khegan Delport welcomed as new facilitators.

Facilitators’ Meeting

Oudtshoorn Introduction

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OUDTSHOORN INTRODUCTORY WORKSHOP

The 95-year old Presbyterian Church, standing quietly, yet

firmly, in the centre of Oudsthoorn, hosted the first ever

Centering Prayer workshop in the Little Karoo on Saturday 21

May 2016. Rev. Hennie Kruger welcomed 27 enthusiastic

people to the workshop. About half of the attendees were

members of his Presbyterian congregation while the other half

came from the wider community. Janie Potgieter and Christine

Terry presented an interesting yet challenging programme.

During tea-time in the church hall, many attendees visited the

book table – it the selection of books and CD’s on display were

of great interest.

Janie also conducted a presenters and facilitators workshop on

the Friday afternoon to those interested.

Fourteen people committed to attend the six weekly follow-up

sessions on Sunday evenings in the church hall and will

continue to meet monthly at the same venue.

Warm and grateful thanks to Contemplative Outreach for

visiting a ‘rural area’ and giving people the opportunity to be

introduced to Centering Prayer.

-Marianne Spies, Oudtshoorn

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AREA FACILITATOR PHONE MEETING

Bellville Fred Hendricks 021 951-4600 2nd Weds 7pm

Bishopscourt Margie Weir 021 797-4876 3rd Sat 11am

Constantia Paul Palmer 021 713-1471 Mondays 10am

Durbanville Cherry Wolf 021 976-0111 Last Sat 10am

Durbanville Cherry Wolf 021 976-0111 2nd Monday 7:30pm

Durbanville Diana Ledgerwood 021 976-4006 Alternate Fri 10am

Durbanville John Philogene 021 976 8701 1st Monday 7:45pm

Fish Hoek Lindsay Wakeford 021 782-3305 3rd Mon 3:30 pm

Glencairn Mark Collier 021 786-1660 Friday 5:30 pm

Harfield

Village

Christine Terry 021 671 8913 Last Tues 5.30 pm

Hermanus

Eastcliff

Pam Delport 028 312-2793 Monday 9am

Hermanus

Kid Brooke

Jasmin Binorchis 082 870 8759 Monday 5pm

Kenilworth Jenny Davies 021 799-8923 2nd & 4th Mon 12

noon

Milnerton Tembeka Ntusi 021 551 1717 to be advised

Mouille Point Megan Brennan 021 461 4252 2nd & 4th Mon 8pm

Ocean View Mary-Anne Potts 021 783 0616 last Monday 7pm

Lionel Levendal 082 741-0344

Pinelands Jeanie Hareb 021 531-5912 Fri 10.30 am

CENTERING PRAYER SMALL GROUPS

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AREA FACILITATOR PHONE MEETING

Silvermine Pam Grassow 021 789-1557 2nd & 4th Mon 11am

Somerset West Janie Potgieter 021 851-4375 1st Fri 9:30am

Somerset West Dawn Geiges 021 855 5740 2nd Thurs 3pm

Steenberg Mary Jeftha 021 396-4378 3rd Wed 11am

Table View Brian Podesta 021 557-5185 Monday 7:45pm

Vredehoek Megan Brennan 021 461 4252 2nd & 4th Wed 5pm

Stellenbosch Carin Marais 021 887 0443 3rd Tuesday 5.45 pm

Somerset West Janie Potgieter 021 851-4375 3rd Wed 7:30pm

Rondebosch Khegan Delport 076 277 9073 1st & 3rd Mon 5.30

Rondebosch Winnie Thomson 021 448-4057 2nd Saturday 10am

Pinelands Jeanie Hareb 021 531-5912 Mondays 7:30pm

Parow Debbie Cole 021 592 2220 3rd Thursday 7pm

Would you like to show your support and appreciation? Please subscribe or make a donation to: Contemplative Outreach, Nedbank Pinelands Code: 1047 0900 Account: 1025 894 308 Received with gratitude

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Margie and Ian Weir-Cairns on their wedding day. Departure on a local horse cart (hired from folk who collect scrap metal in their street in Plumstead). It was such a happy day! Congratulations from all of us at Contemplative Outreach!

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Dear Friends, What distinguishes Centering Prayer from Eastern methods? Eastern methods are primarily concerned with awareness and Centering Prayer is concerned with Divine Love.

When we begin to practice Centering Prayer every day, all our other devotional practices will be enhanced. All of the things we do will become better. Our daily prayer will be more conversational, our reflections will have the unction of the Holy Spirit and our preaching will touch other people’s hearts much more than before. It is LOVE we are talking about.

It involves a surrender of one’s whole self, great commitment, and deep faith that God will bring us where we hope to go. Amidst great obstacles we cling to the theological virtue of hope and surrender to our transformation.

The Contemplative Outreach Vision is, “To foster the process of transformation in Christ in one another through the practice of Centering Prayer.”

Fr. Thomas Keating said that Contemplative

Outreach as a network is a process. Let us show

compassion – to ourselves and others – on this

pilgrimage into the unknown.

Janie.

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The Contemplative JourneyThe Contemplative JourneyThe Contemplative JourneyThe Contemplative Journey

is generously sponsored and printed by

Konica Minolta South Africa - Cape Town 4 Mike Pienaar Boulevard, Oosterzee St, Bellville

Tel: 021 941 4500

COSA Western Cape STEERING COMMITTEE

Chapter

Coordinator : Janie Potgieter 021 851 4375

Media : Johan du Toit 082 378 7791

Literature : Elizabeth Nel 021 701 9937

Secretarial : Francois de Jager 021 559 0406

Treasurer : Tony Butcher 082 864 1570

Centering Prayer: Christine Terry 021 671 8913

Lectio Divina: Brian Podesta 021 557-5185

HONORARY : Dick van Wijk, Don Collier, Dawn and Urs Geiges

National Co-ordinator: Elizabeth Norton-Amor

SA website: www.centering.co.za

International website: www.contemplativeoutreach.org

Garden Route Branch:

Branch Co-ordinator : Leela Verity 044 533 0453

Sedgefield contact: Bernie Wigmore 044 343 3242

Knysna contact: Ann Stambolie 044 343 2730

Oudsthoorn contact: Marianne Spies 084 479 2166

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Chapter Co-Ordinator’s Report July 2015 – June 2016

We pick up this report from the Morning of Enrichment in June 2015. It was a wonderful morning with our AGM, silence and Dr Breda Ludik, speaking on contemplation in action. There were 60 very enthusiastic people in attendance.

July 2015 saw a first for COSA (WC) in A Day of Resting in God. It was an immersive experience in CP and LD with the theme ‘Dialogue of Love with God’. Twenty people filled the chapel at Christ Church in Constantia and the feedback was very positive. A request to have more such days was put forward. Since then two more events were held – 30th January 2016 during which we had the welcome presence of Elizabeth Norton-Amor, COSA’s National Co-Ordinator, and the second one on 16th April 2016.

August was a busy month with an Intro workshop at St Margaret’s Anglican Church in Parow on 1st of the month. A group of thirty very interested people attended and a small group was established, led by Debra Cole. Rev. Chris Arends pledged his full support. During the weekend of 7th -9th the Garden Route Branch received presenter training, an Intro workshop at St Christopher’s Catholic Church in Plettenberg Bay was

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attended by 25 people; facilitators training and a quiet day attended by 19 people. Since then they presented an Intro workshop and held the Global United in Prayer day on 19th March 2016

On the 29th the quarterly Morning of Enrichment at St Stephen’s Anglican Church in Pinelands was held. Sr Marie Brady captivated 71 persons with her talk on Discernment of Spirits.

September the 12th brought 16 Small Group Facilitators together and Dawn Geiges presented the ‘Welcoming Prayer’. The morning was well received with open forum and continued notes on how to lead small groups with purpose. Another meeting was held on 13th February 2016 where the ‘Prayer of Forgiveness’ was presented. Four of us from the Western Cape attended the National Intensive Retreat at Coolock House in KZN from 23rd to 27th. We all came back spiritually refreshed and enriched.

October: On the 14th we arrived at Christian Brothers Retreat Centre to find ourselves to be the first occupants of their new ‘Earthship’ accommodation. Ten of us had an enriching and spiritually uplifting ‘Gift of Life’ retreat over four days. The new meditation room is also a gift of peacefulness and tranquility.

November: My retreat at Snowmass confirmed that we in SA present retreats of the highest quality true to the teachings of contemplation. My long chat with Fr. Thomas was such a privilege. On the 28th we had our last ‘Morning of Enrichment’ and more than 70 people enjoyed the sharing of Penny Joy Day’s experience with Cynthia Bourgeault on Holy Island. The steering committee had their year-end lunch at ‘The Wild Fig’ afterwards.

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December: It was a privilege to introduce a Third Order Franciscan Group in Welgelegen to Centering Prayer. It was received with enthusiasm.

January 2016: After a refreshing holiday we had our first SCM on 16th where our new treasurer, Tony Butcher was welcomed. We thanked Dick G. Van Wijk for his many years of looking after the coffers of COSA (WC) with diligence. Dick is not ‘lost’ to us and will continue sharing his experience with us from within the Honorary Portfolio.

February: ‘Exploring Consciousness’ celebrated its twenty year Anniversary with a film festival at the Labia Theatre in Cape Town and at the Simon’s Town Museum. The film ‘Oneness, the Heart of the World’ where Fr Thomas Keating and Sufi Llewellyn Vaughn-Lee are in dialogue, was shown three times. Sufi Sören Schmidt and I were invited to introduce the film. We took the opportunity to advertise the up-coming CP Intro-workshop on 20th February. The Intro workshop held at Rondebosch United Church was attended by 22 people and a small group started. An afternoon of facilitators training on 27th saw four new facilitators trained and ready to start their small groups.

March: On Saturday 5th March we welcomed Christine Terry to the Steering Committee, holding the newly created Centering Prayer portfolio as Dawn Geiges resigned as portfolio holder of the Hospitality portfolio. Hospitality moved to the Circle of Servers and Dawn moved into the honorary portfolio. On Saturday 12th March a CP intro workshop was held at the Dutch Reformed Church, Stellenbosch West. It was extremely well-received by the 14 attendees and a lively discussion ensued. A support group was formed from the follow-on sessions.

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The United in Prayer Day on 19 March was attended by 54 people and the program was enriching and well received. We shared our appreciation with Dick and Dawn for the inspiring service they gave to CO and welcomed Christine and Tony in their respective portfolios.

April: Saturday 9 April COWC was invited again to present the morning program at the Anglican Diocesan School of Prayer. The morning was attended by more 50 than clergy and lay persons and the program was very well received. We thank the Rev. Fred Hendricks for his continued support. On 11 April I visited the contemplatives in Hermanus. The two groups are doing well and appreciated the visit. Five of COSA (WC) attended our bi-annual National Conference at Tre Fontane in KZN. The experience was inspiring and informative and it was so good share it with like-minded people.

May: On 19th May Christine and I left for Oudsthoorn where we trained a presenter and two facilitators. An Intro workshop to CP was well received with solid support from Reverend Hennie Kruger of the Presbyterian Church. Follow-on sessions started. Lastly, an Intro workshop to CP was held at the Catholic Church in Ocean view where follow-on sessions started.

We acknowledge that all the good coming from our endeavors in CO is the work of the Holy Spirit. Personally I would like to thank the steering committee and each and everyone who offer their gifts, talents and time to spread the love of Christ through saying ‘yes’ to the call of the Spirit.

Thank you, Janie.