Glimpses of Hope: A Weekend of Prayer, Reflection, and Community

On a rainy Sunday in February, thirty-four members and friends of Westminster traveled to St. Francis Springs Prayer Center for a 24-hour retreat titled Glimpses of Hope, offered by Westminster’s Ministry of Spiritual Practice. What they found there was more than a change of scenery. They found space—space to breathe, to reflect, to pray, and to rediscover hope together.

Amy Gilliland appreciated “the balance between group activities and individual free time.” She reflected on small group conversations, shared meals, and time around the fireplace, where longtime friends and new companions spoke honestly about where they were experiencing hope. She also treasured wandering the wooded trails alone. “I felt hope and peace as I spent the morning in the woods,” she shared.

For Hugh Black, the theme of hope met the moment. “The theme of Hope was especially relevant to our turbulent times. This retreat was exactly what I needed.” Though brief, he said the time felt expansive and meaningful. Praying for one another as members of the body of Christ was “humbling and healing.” The peaceful setting—complete with labyrinth and Stations of the Cross—felt “worlds away,” even though it was less than an hour from home. Participants left refreshed and re-inspired to be Christ’s hands and feet in the world.

Adrienne Gramberg described the retreat as arriving “at just the right time.” As the mother of teenage boys, she welcomed the pause from daily stress. Meditative chants, shared lament and hope, and quiet moments by the fireplace gave her “a true gift”—space to simply be.

For Joan Machanic, this was her first retreat experience. She participated in a singing circle, meditation introduction, crafts, a labyrinth walk, and a session with a spiritual director. “I left with a renewed sense of hope and a deeper feeling of community,” she reflected.

Continuing the Journey

Westminster’s Ministry of Spiritual Practice offers ongoing ways to nurture your faith:

Lectio Divina meets every Monday at noon in the chapel for 45 minutes. This small-group practice invites reflection on scripture and is open to all.

Sacred Circles gather monthly for group spiritual direction. In groups of four, participants share how the Holy Spirit is at work in their daily lives.

For more information, contact Jim Donnelly (ajdon7@aol.com)  or Scott Young (jsyoung3@uncg.edu).