“The desert is the theater of the human struggle of searching for God.” ~ Jan Majernik
The spiritual life at varying times beckons us to the desert. To the place where all that originally held esteem or took credit is stripped away and laid bare. To the sanctuary within that demands simplicity, solitude and surrender.
Join us for an extended weekend in which we will explore the rich concepts of desert spirituality and its impactful message for us today as modern sojourners searching for God in all things.
Throughout the weekend, participants will be engaged in prayer, meditation and other creative opportunities to explore desert-related themes and practices. Sacred Scripture, alongside the writings of the Desert Mothers & Fathers, Henri Nouwen and Thomas Merton, will be integrated for consideration and application. In addition, the perspective of other faith traditions and spiritualities will be included to deepen understanding of the countless graces that are contained in the deserts of our lives.
A journal and comfortable walking shoes will be great companions to bring along. Desert survival kits will be provided upon arrival.
This is a commuter option and does not include lodging. Lunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday are included.
Gordon Creamer earned his MA in Spiritual & Pastoral Care from Loyola University. He has been involved in programming and operations in healthcare since 2001 at various Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing and Hospice communities. Gordon has facilitated numerous retreats and workshops that focus on creating opportunities for participants to explore and enhance their spirituality and well-being through various media. Enhancing the journey of adults, individuals with memory impairment and members of the LGBTQ community is a passion for him. In the last several years, he has fostered support groups and programs for caregivers and those who are grieving losses. Gordon is also a certified spiritual director, who welcomes all in discovering the spiritual life as a means of healing, growing and thriving.
