Midwest Regional Updates

Iowa

Contemplative Outreach of Central Iowa (COCI) -
Susan Komis met with a group of 20 individuals in April of 2005 to help us develop a vision for Centering Prayer growth and possible chapter formation. In 2006, nine of us traveled to St. Louis to attend the Enrichment Day with Fr. Keating and Abbot Boyle that was part of the annual conference. That year Jane and Sid Tyler also attended the Servant Leadership Formation program so that they might offer guidance for those leading our prayer gatherings. In March of 2007, Susan returned to offer a Welcoming Prayer enrichment day, which was enthusiastically attended by 45 people. Four commissioned presenters serve our chapter: Kathy Reardon and Rev Paul Witmer, co-coordinators of COCI, as well as Fr. Dan Krettek and Connie Lee Whalen. There are nine weekly Centering Prayer groups in the Ames/Des Moines area. Through the work of a committed and active Steering Committee, the Spiritual Journey Video Series is being shown monthly. Regular enrichment opportunities including silent Saturdays, Centering Prayer renewal mornings, Facilitators’ Training, and Taize/Centering Prayer and United in Prayer offerings are on the calendar for the upcoming year. We are blessed by the activity of the Holy Spirit Who is growing, nurturing, guiding and vitalizing our budding contemplative community. Kathy Reardon, Co-Coordinator @ 515 280-3861, .

Michigan

CO of West Michigan - The West Michigan Chapter continues to enjoy meetings in which a local prayer group invites people from other groups to join them at one of their regular prayer times. This helps develop a network of people of various groups around the area. In the Fall of 2007, we held a Welcoming Prayer retreat led by Molly Keating. We also held introductory retreats acquainting people with the practice of Centering Prayer. We plan to have a series of Days of Prayer in 2008. J. David Muyskens, Coordinator @616 452-2234, .

Missouri

CO of St. Louis, MO -
True to our desire to introduce Centering Prayer to interested individuals and support our Prayer Groups, our year has been devoted to presenting Introductory Workshops and visiting groups all around the area We participated in United in Prayer Day, offer bi-monthly Silent Saturdays, a Spring and Fall weekend retreat, a summer 8 Day Intensive/Post Intensive Retreat and an annual 12-Step Retreat in November. On September 8, over three dozen Group Facilitators and Activity Team Leaders participated in a “Gathering for Growth” to share experiences and learn more about the way groups can become more connected small faith communities. The Midwest Regional Rep, Kay Powers, is visiting St. Louis and working with our members to create a vision for the future that will continue to keep the chapter thriving as we prepare to celebrate our 20th anniversary in 2009. Many, many thanks to all the volunteers who make it possible to bring the gift of Centering Prayer to others! In the union of prayer, Co-Coordinators, Marsha Hatfield-Baker @ 314 918-8288, Jim McElroy @314 918-8288, .