Loading...A chapter of Contemplative Outreach for East Tennessee was established Saturday, March 12 during a meeting at Church of the Ascension in Knoxville.
Similar organizations are operating in Middle and West Tennessee. The chapter will coordinate and support almost 14 Centering Prayer groups from Johnson City to Chattanooga. Included in planned programs are days of prayer and silence as well as opportunities to learn about the practice from trainers.
Attending the event Saturday were over 30 practitioners of Centering Prayer from various faith communities in East Tennessee. Serving as coordinator of the new chapter will be Nancy Cain of Louisville, Tennessee.
Aiding participants in establishing the chapter was Susan B. Komis, chapter service director of the international Contemplative Outreach organization and a resident of St. Louis, Missouri. One of the best known practitioners of Contemplative Outreach is Father Thomas Keating, a Cistercian monk who has established a major meditation center in Snowmass, Colorado. St. Mary’s Conference and Retreat Center in Sewanee also holds Centering Prayer retreats. Director of St. Mary’s, the Rev. John Runkle, attending the visioning program Saturday.
Members of the Middle Tennessee chapter provided guidance during Saturday’s meeting.
Centering Prayer traces its roots to early Christianity when individuals retreated to isolated areas for prayer and contemplation. Practitioners today are called to spend 20 minutes twice a day in contemplation.
Those wishing more information may contact Ms. Cain at nbradcain@gmail.com or 865-216-1900.
