BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY
Spiritual direction
Individual Adult Session
Spiritual Direction is an invitation to take one hour a month to focus on inner life and one’s relationship to the Divine. This is a time to slow down, breathe deeply and quiet the noise of the world. It is a time to connect with who you are created to be and to live more truly from that identity.
Spiritual Direction helps to
tune into the still small voice of God
identify and trust spiritual experiences
put faith and beliefs into words
discern and make decisions
express hopes, struggles, losses and joy
explore meaningful prayer practices
Sandplay: heart & soul Care
Small Group for Adults
Gatherings will use scripture and inspirational readings to focus our time.
Monthly themes will reflect the season of the Christian or calendar year or a particular season or concern of life.
The rhythm of the group will include centering time, readings, sandplay, quiet reflection and sharing.
Meetings will be held the first Tuesday of the month
1:00-2:30 and 6:00-7:30
This is an open group. Attend as you are able.
Group size is limited to eight. Registration is required.
sandplay
For Individual Adults, Youth or Children
While seemingly simple, Sandplay shares roots with Native American healing ceremonies, Tibetan mandalas and the theories of Carl Jung. It is a process of using miniature figures to create a scene in a tray of sand. Many people find that the sand ‘world’ becomes powerful sacred space. It is a way of connecting with the subconscious. It helps a person name, claim, make meaning and share the story of their life.
Sandplay
is calming and quieting
is a safe, affirming, creative method of self-expression
can stand alone or be a part of spiritual direction and holy listening
is for all ages
can be thought of as journaling in 3-D
is for individual and small groups
Come to the Well
A Small Group for Spiritual Formation
Spiritual Disciplines are practices that help us to slow down, to hear, to pay attention and then to listen for the word of God as it moves from our head into our hearts.
-Wendy Miller, author and spiritual directorSpiritual Disciplines include scripture, study, prayer, relationship, worship, nature, silence, music, service and meditation.
Each month participants are invited to slow down, quiet the outer world, listen for the whisper of God and share joys and struggles.
In 2025 we are working through the book Fully Awake and Truly Alive: Spiritual Practices to Nurture Your Soul by Rev. Jane E. Vennard.
This is an open group. Attend each month as you are able.
We will meet in person at First UMC of NLR, 6701 JFK Blvd.
A $5 love offering is suggested.
The same material is presented on two different days and times.
Attend the one that best fits your schedule.
Third Thursday of the month 9:30-11:00 OR Third Friday of the month 1:00-2:30
Holy Listening with youth and children
Holy Listening is a ministry where children and youth are heard and supported as they seek to make meaning of the experiences of their lives.
Holy Listening is
a place where young people receive attention as they express themselves about the experience of their lives
a relationship with a ‘soul friend,’ someone who helps young people recognize and respond to the presence of God in their lives
a way to put experiences into words and may refer to God as Love or Goodness
includes play with sand, toys, art materials, meditation stones, finger labyrinths and more
open to the whole person-body, mind, heart and soul
Confidential, unless mandated reporting is an issue
Safe and observes accepted practices
labyrinth
The labyrinth is an ancient spiritual tool. It is not a maze. A maze is designed to lose your way. A labyrinth is designed to find your way. It can be thought of as a three-part prayer walk of Release, Receive and Return. Walking the winding path from the edge to the center is the time to release your cares and concerns to God. Time in the center is for receiving as God meets you where you are. The walk out is a return to the world, re-energized, refreshed and renewed.
retreats
Retreats for spiritual renewal and growth are offered and can be individualized for your group. Themes include spiritual practices, prayer, sandplay, labyrinth, and writing. Half, full or multiple day retreats are offered.
Surely you desire truth in the inner parts;
you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.
-Psalm 51:6
MEET YOUR Spiritual Director
Jodie Goens, M. A.
Spiritual Director, Sandplay Practitioner, Labyrinth Facilitator
Jodie began her spiritual journey when she attended a class on prayer and the question was asked, “What is God’s will for your life?”
That prompt began a season of listening and searching. She followed the call to training in spiritual direction, sandplay and labyrinth. She is grateful for this promise in scripture, “Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
She is a companion to others desiring a more intentional spiritual journey, mindful that it is always the Holy Spirit who is the true director.