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Living with the Mystics
An Advent Journey into the Heart of God
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Christianity is in a time of major transition brought about by changes in culture, technology, politics, and pandemic. At times, it can feel like there are very few resources to help guide spiritual leaders through these moments. Thankfully, we have the mystical tradition to help us find a way to God and evolve in our faith. This class will reach back to some of the most important figures of the mystic tradition from both Christianity and other traditions. Their wisdom will help us look forward to the future. Advent is a perfect time to engage in these wisdom teachers of the past as we wait for the fulfillment of all creation!
This class is open to all and will be especially useful for those who serve as spiritual leaders in their communities. Thanks to the partnership with the Serviam Institute and The Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania, clergy who take this course will receive 4 hours of Continuing Education Units CEU.
Each class will be held LIVE on Zoom on Mondays 10:00AM - 11:30AM
November 27th, 2023
December 4th, 2023
December 11th, 2023
December 18th, 2023
Recordings of each session will be available here on The Hive and on The Serviam Institute.
Every class will include seminary-level instruction from The Rev. Dr. Hillary Raining, Episcopal priest, recent Affiliated Professor of Ascetic & Liturgical Theology at The General Theological Seminary, and founder of The Hive online spirituality and wellness community. In addition, participants will gain insight and wisdom from historic and modern mystics as well as spiritual practices to use in their own ministerial settings. Space for prayer and holy conversation with spiritual companions will be a hallmark of our time together.
Topics We'll Cover:
- Mapping the Mystic Path- Awakening an Evolving Faith
- Indigenous Wisdom & Vision Quests
- Divine Mothers & Cosmic Brides- Wisdom from the Women Doctors of the Faith
- Greening Our Faith- Living for Seven Generations z
- Dark Nights of the Soul
- Learning to pray with the mystics
Free to all, thanks to the generosity of The Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania.
Praise for Living with the Mystics:
This is a fabulous overview of mystical life and practice. Take time with it and enjoy the ride! - Steve Lindsay
The course on the mystics was an enlightening journey, engaging my mind and spirit in a profound exploration of spiritual depths and wisdom. -Mary McCullough
I absolutely hated the "pray for an hour each day" assignment and it was one of the most profound spiritual experiences in my memory. - P. Case
The name of the course, “Living With the Mystics” was attractive to me. It drew me in. I was looking for something that would help me keep Advent given that we had a massive number of activities in the parish pulling our focus away from Advent. I knew I needed something but I didn’t realize how dry and barren my spiritual life was becoming. I needed to enter the sacred place of these beautiful four weeks so that my “rough places” could be made smooth and the desert and dry lands of my heart and spirit could bloom with abundant flowers, Christ the Rose. - Rev. Dr. Mary Ann Mertz
Starts Monday, November 27th, 2023
FREE
COURSE INSTRUCTOR
The Rev. Dr. Hillary Raining
Hillary currently serves as the Rector of St. Columba's Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C. She’s an accomplished scholar and teacher, and is passionate about helping people deepen their connection to God through traditional and innovative means. She is the founder of The Hive, an online community focused on spirituality and wellness and holds a Master of Divinity from Yale University and the Yale Institute of Sacred Music, and a Doctor of Ministry from Drew University. Her academic work explores topics including leadership, reconciliation, preaching, trauma, and Indigenous theology—including meaningful research with her own tribe, the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Native Americans, on ritual and intersectionality. As a pastor, Hillary is known for her warmth, deep listening, and creative spirit. She is also a spiritual director, yoga and meditation instructor, forest therapist, and beekeeper, and brings a holistic approach to ministry grounded in love, joy, and justice.
To learn more about Hillary, visit her personal website here.
