The First Congregational Church of Camden is pleased to offer a contemplative retreat on the topic of “Belovedness: Henri Nouwen on Heartful Living & the Soul of Community” led by Robert Jonas on Saturday, April 2, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Participation in this retreat is available in-person and virtually via Zoom.
This morning retreat takes as its inspiration the teachings of Henri Nouwen (1932 – 1996), one of the most insightful and inspiring teachers of our times. A Roman Catholic priest, counselor, and bestselling author, his writings trace the arc of Jesus’ message of “belovedness,” from the deepest wellsprings of our psyches to the dynamics of interpersonal relationships and on into the center of vibrant, healthy communities.
Drawing on his close friendship with Nouwen, Dr. Robert Jonas, founder and director of the Empty Bell, a Christian-Buddhist sanctuary, will lead us as we reflect on Nouwen’s key teachings. Our time together will include presentations and stories about Nouwen’s spiritual vision and about Dr. Jonas’s friendship with Nouwen. Along the way, we’ll share silent meditation, prayer, dialogue, and a short video of Nouwen as he preached on the topic of our essential and ultimate belovedness.
There is no charge to attend this retreat, though pre-registration is required, whether you plan to attend in-person or via Zoom. Please email Becky@camdenucc.org or call Becky in the church office at 207-236-4821.
About Robert Jonas
Robert A. Jonas, M.T.S. Ed.D. is the author of The Essential Henri Nouwen, (Shambhala Publications), as well as Henri Nouwen (Orbis) and Rebecca (Crossroad). His forthcoming book, My Dear Far-Nearness (2022), explores the teaching on the trinity as three dimensions of awareness. Dr. Jonas is a theologian and trained psychologist; he is founding director of The Empty Bell, a contemplative sanctuary in Northampton, Massachusetts, www.emptybell.org, an extraordinary space and resource for contemplative Christians and for Buddhist-Christian dialogue. Dr. Jonas is widely sought after as a retreat leader, bringing to his work his gifts as a video artist, musician and environmental steward. Jonas is a past Board member of the Henri Nouwen Society and a member of the Society for Buddhist-Christian Studies and the Eckhart Society. He works with land trusts in western Massachusetts to permanently protect wildlife habitats.