Spiritual Direction
TUCSON, AZ---In keeping with its motto “God is still speaking,” First Congregational United Church of Christ of Tucson (UCC) is now offering the Ministry of Spiritual Direction to individuals or groups on its grounds Monday through Friday. The church has set aside a meditation room and has connected with two spiritual directors who will work out of the Central Tucson location.
An ancient Christian contemplative practice, spiritual direction is the art of becoming more aware of God’s presence in one’s life and throughout the world. “If God is still speaking, then spiritual direction is one way we listen for and follow God’s voice,” says Rev. Briget Nicholson, pastor of First Congregational UCC. Two trained and experienced spiritual directors—Teresa Blythe, the director of the Hesychia School of Spiritual Direction at the Redemptorist Renewal Center at Picture Rocks.
“Spiritual directors are like tour guides along the spiritual journey,” says Blythe. “We direct people’s attention to the Divine by asking important questions that help the person become deeply attuned to the Creator.” People come to spiritual direction for many reasons—some are at a crossroads in life and need to make a big decision; others long to become closer to God; and many want to explore the larger questions of meaning and value in life with a person who is dedicated to a spiritual path.
The fee-based service ranges from $30 to $40 dollars for a one-hour session. Typically people meet with spiritual directors once a month. For more information about spiritual direction at First Congregational UCC, call Teresa Blythe at 290-6734 or e-mail her at tblythe@jps.net. For people living outside the Tucson area, Teresa also offers spiritual direction by telephone. Call for details.