Spiritual Development

The Mystic and Contemplative Circles and Services is a program designed to create opportunities to explore pathways for opening to Spirit and sharing in sacred circles. These gatherings are intended to be opportunities to share with others open to exploring Mystical experiences and cultivating Mystical hearts. We will explore different forms of contemplation, meditation as ways of accessing our own deepest selves, connecting with others, and inviting Spirit. This series will be facilitated by Rev. Jane Tuohy and different sessions will be led by people who participated last church year in the Interfaith Exploration of Mysticism program, and by guests. No previous experience is required. A willingness to be open to mystery, to be in the unknown, and to invite experiences and perspectives of other participants is required. All sessions will be held on Tuesday evenings from 6:30-8pm in the Lower Meetinghouse, First Religious Society Unitarian Universalist of Newburyport. Registration is required. Please submit name, contact information to Rev. Jane Tuohy at jane.tuohy@frsuu.org. Dates: Session One Sept. 22.  Mystical Hope                         Rev. Jane Tuohy “ Mystical hope would simply be what happens when we touch this innermost ground and it floods forth into our being as strength and joy.  Hope would be the Mercy -the divine love itself coursing through our being like lightning finding a clear path to the ground”.  Cynthia Bourgeault Session two Oct. 8                                                     Johnathon Pape The Spiritualist Movement began in the U.S. in the 1840s, but spread widely, particularly in English-speaking countries.  Spiritualism holds a firm conviction in the existence of spirits “from the other side” who maintain ongoing communication with the living world.  Spiritualist Churches usually offer a fairly traditional Christian service, but in addition to standard elements of worship, spirit messages are delivered to those in attendance.  This often comes from church leaders who are mediums and