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March 2025
Contemplate Lincoln
Newsletter
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Hi Friends,
Welcome to maybe our biggest newsletter to date. Lots of good stuff going on in our community in the next few months so be sure to check them all out.
I want to highlight our upcoming in-person retreat at The Benedictine Center in Schuyler, NE! As a community primarily housed online, this is an excellent opportunity to gather and practice together in person. This has been a long time coming and I am very much looking forward to it. Many thanks to board member Steve Blum for taking the initiative to put this together.
In other exciting news, our Contemplative Conversation Circles will read Richard Rohr’s new book in April. Be sure to sign up and join a group. In March, we will be starting up a contemplative 12-step group—a group for anyone wanting to explore the 12 steps as a spiritual practice. In more immediate news, our spirituality and ecology group begins a new book today, and Prairie Church is this weekend. Lots and lots of good stuff!
Quick Notes
Our newest Ecology and Spirituality Book: Rooted Life, begins today! Learn More Below.
Prairie Church: Saturday, March 8th at 10:00am at Pioneers Park. Details Below.
Our registration for our study on Richard Rohr's new book The Tears of Things is open! Register Below.
Be"ing Together: Contemplation and Community, A Retreat by Contemplate Lincoln is coming up this May! Register Below.
Our Contemplative 12-Step Group—a group for anyone wanting to explore the 12 steps as a spiritual practice begins this month. Information Below.
98% of our budget comes from your generous donations and support. Consider donating or setting up a recurring donation to support our ongoing activities.
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“Be”ing Together: Contemplation and Community
A Retreat by Contemplate Lincoln
When: May 9th at 7:30pm until May 10th at 5:30pm
Where: St. Benedict Center - 1123 Road I, Schuyler, NE 68661
Overnight: $175 - Includes Breakfast & Lunch on the 10th
Commuter: $130 - Includes Breakfast & Lunch on the 10th
A day-and-a-half retreat to deepen practice while immersed in community. We will also learn about “be”ing together through the relationship of contemplation and community. During our time we will immerse ourselves in contemplative practices such as Centering Prayer, Lectio Divina, and Mindfulness Walks while hearing from speakers from Contemplate Lincoln on contemplation and community
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Richard Rohr’s new book "The Tears of Things" will be released this Tuesday, March 4, 2025. In his first major work since The Universal Christ, Richard Rohr offers a wholehearted and hope-filled model for the world today, grounded in the timeless wisdom of the Hebrew prophets.
We are forming groups now! Sign up for a group time here:
About the Book:
In his first major work since The Universal Christ, one of our most prominent spiritual voices offers a wholehearted and hope-filled model for the world today, grounded in the timeless wisdom of the Hebrew prophets.
“Richard Rohr is one of the great Christian spiritual masters of our time. Of any time.”—James Martin, SJ, author of Come Forth
How do we live compassionately in a time of violence and despair? What can we do with our private disappointments and the anger we feel in such an unjust world? In his most personal book yet, Richard Rohr turns to the writings of the Jewish prophets, revealing how some of the lesser-read books of the Bible offer us a crucial path forward today.
The prophets’ writings reflect the full spectrum of human maturity. In almost every case, their initial rage and their accusatory words evolve into a profound pathos and lamentation about our shared human condition and the world’s suffering. Through astute critiques of culture and institutions, and their journey from anger to sadness, and ultimately compassion, the prophets exemplify what Rohr calls “sacred criticism”—a distinct approach to confronting evil and injustice that acknowledges the wholeness of history, the interconnectedness of every living being, and the reality of a divine and universal love. In this, they set the stage for Jesus, who follows this identical pattern.
Drawing on a century of biblical scholarship and written in the warm, pastoral voice that has endeared Rohr to millions, The Tears of Things breathes new life into ancient wisdom. It paves a path of enlightenment for anyone seeking a compassionate way of living in a hurting world.
If you wish to purchase the book and support Contemplative Lincoln, you can do so here:
What Happens Next
All groups are hosted on The Contemplative Cathedral, an online platform that allows for sharing, discussion, access to Zoom links, and multi-model learning and engagement. You will receive an invitation to join the group in The Cathedral at least a week before we begin.
About Contemplative Conversation Circles
In our groups, we create a safe sacred container for conversation and practice as we journey together through books on contemplation, Christianity, and spiritual growth. Through a set of shared ground rules and curiosity, we learn from each other, ourselves, and the text. Many participants stick with their groups for future studies and become ongoing groups.
Learn more about us on our website: www.contemplatelincoln.org
Check out The Cathedral: community.contemplatelincoln.org
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“Most of us assume addiction only affects others—those struggling with substances, gambling, or other self-destructive behaviors. Yet, addiction, at its core, is simply a pattern of unconscious habits. It emerges when we live on autopilot, reacting rather than choosing, grasping rather than allowing. We all have habitual ways of thinking, feeling, and acting that can limit our freedom and keep us from fully engaging with life. Healing isn’t reserved for crises; it’s available to anyone who wishes to live more skillfully, with greater awareness and intention. In essence, we are all in some form of recovery—from our conditioning, fears, and blind spots—as we continually navigate the tension between our illusions of control and life’s unfolding reality.”
— Patrick Dahlen
Join Our New Online Contemplative 12-Step Group
We invite you to embark on a transformative journey with our contemplative 12-Step group. Whether you’re a contemplative at heart, seeking deeper surrender to your Higher Power and Divine Source, examining unskillful life patterns, or simply looking for a non-dogmatic, transformational experience, this group is for you.
Group Details:
Formal Start: We begin with Step 1 on Thursday, March 27th at 7 pm CST.
Meeting Format: In a safe and supportive environment, our gatherings include meditation, shared wisdom readings, and engaging discussions around the 12 Steps. We also incorporate three dedicated praxis weeks to work through Steps 4, 5, and 8.
Introductory Meeting
When: Thursday, March 20th at 7 pm via Zoom
Purpose: We’ll review the meeting format, outline the steps, and answer any questions you might have. This session is entirely optional and will be recorded for future viewing in The Cathedral.
We look forward to welcoming you on this path toward greater awareness, intentional living, and holistic healing.
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We meet today, March 3rd for our newest Ecology and Spirituality Book: Rooted Life at the Crossroads of Science, Nature, and Spirit by Lyanda Lynn Haupt
When: We meet each month on the 1st and 3rd Monday at 1:00PM
Where: 1893 Coffee & Cream at 6345 Havelock Ave Lincoln, NE 68507
This is an informal group where you are welcome to come when you can and jump back in after an absence.
During our time, we will talk about the book and life, enjoy our favorite treats, and practice. If you are interested in exploring the intersection of spirituality and ecology join us as we contemplatively work through the text.
RSVP to join The Cathedral Space for updates and reading selections:
Order Book Here:
Rooted: Life at the Crossroads In Rooted, cutting-edge science supports a truth that poets, artists, mystics, and earth-based cultures across the world have proclaimed over millennia: life on this planet is radically interconnected. Our bodies, thoughts, minds, and spirits are affected by the whole of nature, and they affect this whole in return. In this time of crisis, how can we best live upon our imperiled, beloved earth?
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Next Meeting: March 8th at 10:00am
Join us for our monthly celebration on the prairie with drumming, short reading reflections, meditation, and a mindfulness walk through the majestic trails of Pioneers Park. Those who don’t wish to walk may sit on the Nature Center deck that faces a beautiful prairie and buffalo. We often close with a drumming circle (no experience required).
We will gather for about 30 minutes for reflections, drumming, and meditation before walking trails and regathering for a brief time of sharing.
We will meet inside the auditorium at the Nature Center. During colder months, we will meet for one hour and have a shorter walking time. In the warmer months, we will meet for 75 minutes and often meet on the back deck, weather permitting.
Bring a chair, a water bottle, and a drum. Some drums will be provided.
Nature Center and Deck are wheelchair accessible.
Location:
The Nature Center at Pioneers Park
3201 S. Coddington Ave
South Coddington- Lincoln, NE 68522
10:00AM – Every 2nd Saturday of Each Month
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Saturday, March 8 at 10:00 AM CST
Prairie Church
Join us for our monthly celebration on the prairie with drumming, short reading reflections, meditation, and a mindfulness walk through the majestic trails of Pioneers Park. Those who don’t wish to walk may sit on the Nature Center deck that faces a beautiful prairie and buffalo. We often close with a drumming circle (no experience required). We...
RSVP
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On The Cathedral
RSVP on The Contemplative Cathedral to receive links, reminders, and updates. The Contemplative Cathedral also connects you to the larger community and ongoing conversation.
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Monday, March 3 at 9:15 AM CST
Lectio Divina
Join us as Pastor John Duling leads us in Lectio Divina often referred to as praying the scriptures. We read a small scripture several times with brief periods of silent reflection closing with a time of sharing.
RSVP
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Monday, March 3 at 1:00 PM CST
The Serviceberry Discussion Group
This group meets bi-weekly on Mondays at 1:00PM (Central Time). This is an informal group where you are welcome to come when you can and jump back in after an absence. During our time, we will talk about the book and life, enjoy our favorite treats, and practice. If you are interested in exploring the intersection of spirituality and ecology jo...
RSVP
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Monday, March 3 at 6:30 AM CST
Monday's Contemplative Prayer Sit: A Space to Practice
Join us in community for a 20-minute contemplative prayer sit. You are welcome to use whatever your silent prayer or meditation practice may be (centering prayer, Jesus prayer, etc.). Instructions for Centering Prayer will be provided. We often begin with community time which includes a short poem or other invitation into conversation followed...
RSVP
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Friday, March 7 at 4:30 PM CST
Contemplative Movement
Contemplative Movement engages our physical selves in spiritual practice to promote wholeness, balancing activity with stillness. The practice is accessible by all body types and experience levels. Chairs, mats, cushions, straps, blocks, eye and bolster pillows may be used. Each practice may contain elements of body awareness, dance, yoga, praye...
RSVP
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Sunday, March 2 at 11:00 AM CST
Sunday Gathering
Gathering to Grow: A Contemplative Sunday Gathering Simple-Contemplative-Communal Join us online for our Sunday Gathering where we practice, worship, process, and close with Communion. We meet for an hour to 75 minutes via Zoom.
RSVP
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Sunday, March 2 at 2:00 PM CST
Contemplative Conversations: Films, Videos, and Presentations
Join us for a time of contemplation and conversation centered around videos with insights from some of today's most influential theologians and spiritual teachers. Videos from The Work of the People and other sources include Richard Rohr, Nadia Bolz-Weber, Walter Brueggemann, Brene Brown, Barbara Brown Taylor, Barbara Holmes, Ilia Delio, and man...
RSVP
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Tell Your Story & Support
Contemplate Lincoln & The Contemplative Cathedral
Help us tell the story of our community by sharing your experience. We know one of the best ways to invite others into our community is through the stories of those who have benefited from Contemplate Lincoln and The Contemplative Cathedral.
Excerpts from your gifts of sharing will be used in social media posts and newsletters. If you have benefited from our contemplative community consider adding your story through the link below.
Many Thanks,
Adam
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The Contemplative Cathedral
A Space to Deepen Your Spiritual Life
Join us online for contemplation and community. So many of us on the contemplative path eventually get to the point where we can go no further alone. The Contemplative Cathedral is a response to the inner yearning of many contemplatives for community. It looks a little like other social media platforms, but it is so much more. It's a space to conspire, connect, and contemplate, and our online home for all of our event info (both online & in-person), links, and groups. It also serves as a way to stay connected in between events.
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Meeting Links
Below are the Zoom links to events (Central Time Zone)
Sign up on The Contemplative Cathedral to receive alerts, and reminders, and be part of the ongoing conversation.
Lectio Divina - Mondays at 9:15AM: Link
Contemplative Prayer Lab - Mondays at 6:30AM, & Saturdays at 8:30AM: Link
Contemplative Movement - Fridays at 4:30PM: Link
Sunday Gatherings - Sunday’s at 11:00AM: Link
Contemplative Conversations - Sundays at 2:00PM: Link
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PO BOX 29341, Lincoln, NE 68529
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