An Invitation
Bread of Life Community of Practice 2024
Applications for 2024 open November 15-December 15, 2023
The desperate need today is not for a greater number of intelligent people,
or gifted people, but for deep people. -- Richard Foster
With foundation-shaking events a staple of life in our time, the “desperate need for deep people” is more vital today than when Foster penned his prophetic statement almost 50 years ago. It is this deep need of our time that led to the formation of the Bread of Life Community of Practice in 2022 with people from diverse faith streams and backgrounds. We share a common longing for deepening relationship with the Holy that connects the inner life to the ways we participate in the world. As a contemplative community of practice, we share a common attitude and purpose: to attend to the depth human journey in ourselves and others with compassion and truth.
“I have the opportunity to share in and witness other people’s experience of faith in an environment of openness without agenda. It’s refreshing to be in community where no one is being convinced or persuaded to do anything other than grow deeper in their own spiritual experience. ”
We are “the course.” The individuals who make this year-to-year commitment live in the knowledge that none of us is finished. We are responding to a deep and personal call to be part of a community which recognizes that the interior work that flows into the world and back -- continually remaking us -- is the essential work. It’s a work we cannot do alone.
We open to new applications once a year, typically in December.
Dates for the Community 2024
The monthly rhythm of meeting seeks to build a sense of community that supports both the deepening journey of members and fresh expressions of their service in the world. Committed presence is essential! Please click here for other commitments.
All-Group Gatherings occur quarterly and are generally 4-6 hours long with the exception of the opening full weekend retreat held in January . Given the wide geography of interest, we work in a hybrid format combining in person and Zoom options. All retreats can be attended in person or by Zoom.
Opening full weekend retreat: January 19 at 4:00 pm to January 21 at noon at Mercy Center Auburn
Second afternoon retreat: Sunday, April 21, 12-5 at Bread of Life, optional supper after
Third afternoon retreat Sunday, July 21 ,12 to 5 Bread of Life, optional supper after
Fourth afternoon retreat: Sunday October 20, 12-5, at Bread of Life, optional supper after
Small Groups
Each group selects their regular monthly meeting time of 2 hours in months between retreat days: February, March, May, June, August, September, November, & December. Where possible we will designate groups in a near geography, so that in-person meeting is an option.
Applications for 2024 are now closed
“The most surprising aspect for me in being part of this community is how much I have been enriched by sharing deeply with people so different from me.”