Eastertide is a 50-day period beginning on Easter Sunday and ending on Pentecost Sunday. This year, we invite you “practice resurrection” during the Easter season through spiritual formation, by which we open ourselves to the shaping work of the Holy Spirit. We are offering three Spiritual Formation classes throughout Eastertide and we invite you find a place to be transformed.
Books: Due to cost and availability, books for the below classes will be need to be purchased by the registrant. We encourage to buy used when possible.
This Class has been canceled due to an unforeseen conflict with the teacher, but will be offered at a later date.Sacred Rhythms: Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual TransformationLed by Donell Seager, Spiritual DirectorWednesdays, April 12 – May 17 | 6:00 – 7:00pm | The Wright Place, 2nd Floor, Room 203
Companions of Christ: Ignatian Spirituality for Everyday Living
Led by Rev. Cheryl Sirotta, MS, LPC-S, LMHC, BCC
Sundays, April 16 – May 21 | 9:45am – 10:45am | Wesley Abbey, 2nd Floor, Room 209
Registration Required | Childcare Available
Margaret Silf unearths the gold mine of spiritual wisdom to be found in the legacy of Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits. Ignatian spirituality sets out an engagingly down-to-earth vision of connecting with God in everyday life. It latches onto God’s presence in stories, in other people, in the created universe, and even in God’s apparent absence. This study will be great for those whose faith in God would benefit from a more personal and practical teaching on themes such as: spiritual discernment, prayer and scriptural meditation. Participants can expect discussion and spiritual exercises and is intended for the seasoned believer as well as the tentative pilgrim.
ABOUT THE TEACHER: Rev. Cheryl Sirotta is a Permanent Deacon in our Conference. She moved to Pensacola from Daphne, AL 3 years ago following her marriage to Andy Sirotta. She has lived out her Call as a Deacon as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Alabama and Florida for over 20 years. In addition, she is a Supervisor for Counselors in Training in AL. Cheryl completed training to become a Spiritual Director at Spring Hill College in 2017. This training included specialized work in Ignatian Spirituality, the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises and conducting an Ignatian Retreat.
Soul Feast: An Invitation to the Christian Spiritual Life
Led by Jessica Qualls, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, RYT
Mondays, April 17 – May 29 |11:00am – 12:00pm | The Wright Place, 2nd Floor, Room 206
Registration Required | Childcare NOT Available
Let’s join together to discuss and explore contemplative practice as a way to grow in our awareness of God’s presence in each moment. We will read, discuss, and apply Marjorie J. Thompson’s spiritual classic, Soul Feast: An Invitation to the Christian Spiritual Life. As a group, we will create a safe space, inviting vulnerability as we grow in our understanding of what it means to grow closer to God through contemplative practices such as prayer, meditation, deep listening, and Lectio Divine (Divine Reading).
ABOUT THE TEACHER: Jessica works as a mental health counselor in Pensacola. She is a licensed clinical social worker specializing in the treatment of trauma, substance use, and anxiety disorders. As a part of Jessica’s therapy practice, she teaches yoga and meditation for the relief of stress and anxiety. Jessica is in the process of completing spiritual direction training with the Center for Sacred Space. Jessica has three children, Tayler, Bryton and Gracie. Jessica is engaged to marry Jason Lasure in August 2023 – they will blend their families, becoming a family of ten! Jessica loves to read, knit, practice yoga, and spend her free time at home in the quiet.