“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together… but encouraging one another” – Hebrews 10:24-25
Online Groups
Light For The Darkness Fellowship (2020-)
Mondays, 7PM Central via Zoom.
Welcome to the shining light in the midst of darkness, where we come as we are in search of God, God’s presence and peace. Here we try to offer a safe place to explore where God may be, (or perhaps doesn’t seem to be), in the midst of our own struggle and inside this current chaos. Here is what you can expect:
- We are a spiritual group for people with mental health variances—a place to be heard and to connect with others who understand. We believe we need each other and we need to remind each other that the Light of Christ does shine even if it is sometimes very dim.
- We are a friendly, open and honest group. But we all come with our own needs, desiring a place to meet safely, be accepted and supported as-is. We are dedicated to creating safe and friendly relationships; we are not a romantic or dating group. We are free to share or not; to be visible or not. We are invited to be as we are or as we need to be.
- The format is a mix of liturgy, connecting and being heard, and exploring the wisdom that the Word has for our situation. We share authentically about the glimpses of God we see and the struggles we have despite our faith. We always begin and end with a Word from each person; this Word is a window into one’s current mind or emotional state.
- We use an ecumenical and inclusive liturgy that includes prayer, song, imagery, and space for silent reflection.
- Each week features a different scripture selection that we explore together, reflecting on its meaning and application for our lives. We utilize breakout rooms for more personal sharing and connecting.
Our Selah (our sister ministry):
A worshipful support group for clergy (2022-)
Every other Tuesday @ Noon Central via Zoom.
Connect with Our Selah Here
In-Person GROUPS
Grounded Gardening, monthly in St. Louis, MO (2022-)
Every other Sunday, 3:30pm-4:45pm
Join us amidst God’s creation in our beautiful garden space for a calming and uplifting evening of mediation, gardening, and community.
- We begin with a guided meditation, centering and prayerful, including mindfulness and breath work.
- We offer sustainable, all-natural gardening tips and tricks to help you grow your own sacred spaces.
- We plant, harvest, and transplant in conversation pairs, so that while we are getting our hands in the soil, we are connecting thoughtfully with each other about the desired growth areas in our lives. Research shows contact with soil increases “happy chemicals” in the brain, as well as social connection.
- We conclude with the option of creating two bouquets: one for ourselves (because we are beloved children of God deserving of good things), and one to give away because giving without expectations increases mood.
Fireside Spirituality Chat, monthly in St. Louis, MO (2020-)
This casual backyard gathering is open, embracing, curious, and deep. It is an opportunity to share and grow in a place of spiritual fellowship, no matter your background or tradition. Join us and you will see.
Past GROUPS
Cooking Courageously, monthly Hybrid event (2022)
This event offered people with mental health variances a space to learn how to cook quick, easy, healthy meals on Sundays that would last through the week with variations, for all levels of cooking experience.
- We sent the ingredient list ahead of time, so the at-home virtual learners could cook alongside our chef.
- We offered vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options for each meal.
- This was another piece of the total wellness plan to uplift the spirit and care for the body.
IC Spirituality, weekly @ The Independence Center, St. Louis, MO, (2017-2022)
The group’s self-written preamble:
We believe that spirituality is an integral part of wellness. Our purpose is to foster connection and spiritual growth. We provide a healing space in this confidential group to explore your relationship with the divine, grow closer to the Spirit, and form connections with us while doing so.
- We respect all personal stories and beliefs. We practice complete listening, which allows the speaker space to finish their thoughts without jumping in.
- We value fellowship, mutual respect, wisdom, love, learning about living, caring and supporting each other. John 1:5 says, ‘the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.’ We are the light, courageously shining for the wellbeing of all.
Call to Worship @ St. Louis Psychiatric Rehabilitation Center, St. Louis, MO, (2018-2020)