SPIRITUAL DIRECTION
"Stop the world, I want to get off!"
Have you ever longed for a time and a place to do just that?
To stop, breathe, feel, notice:
who you are, where you have been,
and where you are going,
a time and space to reflect
upon the heights and depths of your life
with someone who listens well, sees far, and cares deeply?
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.
Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.
Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4: 4-7
WHAT IS
SPIRITUAL DIRECTION?
Spiritual direction is a relationship of listening presence,
a companionship which opens just such space and time
to listen deeply for the story of your life with God,
what I call your spiritual journey.
Spiritual direction cultivates
your perspective, discernment, and equanimity,
as you learn to recognize, receive, and respond
to God's presence with and among ourselves and others.
We practice perceiving and accepting divine grace
in the extraordinary ordinary of our daily lives.
We encourage one another to choose and act on God’s invitations
with bold trust and fierce wisdom.
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Always, we listen together for the guidance of the true “director,”
the gracious Spirit who moves within each of us,
leading us into the peace which passes understanding,
joining us to the suffering love which transforms reality,
and freeing us to embrace and express
wonder, goodness, beauty, and harmony
within ourselves and with God, other people, and the whole creation.
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As your spiritual director, my job is to host a space and time of generous welcome,
in which you are safe to reflect upon the story of your journey with God.
Every aspect of your life is material from which insight and awareness of may surface.
Above all, I offer you a compassionate ear and careful questions to hear your story into speech.
Per your request, I may also offer training and accountability in spiritual practices, scriptural and theological education,
suggestions for embodied awareness, and resources in creative process and expression.
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I am a follower of Jesus Christ,
formed and ordained in a Presbyterian church tradition,
but I believe that the Triune God in whom I place my faith always transcends the human imagination.
While “Christianese” comes most easily to me, I am open to hosting your deep questions of life,
whether you are religious affiliated or independent from a tradition.
MY TRAINING, CREDENTIALS, AND EXPERIENCE
Certificate in Community Storytelling from The Hearth (2020)
Certificate Spiritual Director (2016) (directory listing here)
Member of Spiritual Directors International (explore SDI here).
Certificate in Spiritual Formation, Portland Seminary, 2015
MDiv, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, 2009
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I am an ordained teaching elder in the PC(USA) and have served as a pastor
at First Presbyterian Church of La Grande, Oregon
since 2009 (find us here).
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NORMS AND FEES FOR SPIRITUAL DIRECTION
I offer spiritual direction in person in La Grande, OR
or over distance by phone, Zoom, or FaceTime.
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We begin with a free, initial meeting in which we get to know each other
and discern whether spiritual direction with me is right for you.
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The normal pattern is a monthly, one-hour spiritual direction session, but periodically, you may want to meet more frequently.
Our conversations are in strict and sacred confidence.
I will not reveal the content of our conversations unless I am required to do so by law or court order.
On the other hand, you are free to share whatever you choose about our conversations with anyone.
I am a member of Spiritual Directors International,
and I follow their Guidelines for Ethical Conduct (link).
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After an initial meeting with no charge, my rate is $125 per 60 minute session.
My rate for clergy and students is $75 per 60 minute session.
If these rates are a challenge for any reason, please let me know.
I don’t want finances to bar you
from receiving support to flourish in your life with God.
Contact me to discuss alternate arrangements.