Contemplative Outreach of Piedmont NC is a chapter of Contemplative Outreach, Ltd. Contemplative Outreach is a spiritual network of individuals and small faith communities committed to living the contemplative dimension of the Gospel. The intent of Contemplative Outreach is to foster the process of transformation in one another through the practice of Centering Prayer. The common desire for Divine transformation, primarily expressed through a commitment to a daily Centering Prayer practice, unites our international, interdenominational community.
The Piedmont Chapter offers workshops to teach Centering Prayer. There are Weekly Groups throughout the area. The Weekly Groups meet to practice Centering Prayer and to encourage members in the practice of Centering Prayer. Click here to see a list of the Weekly Groups.
The Circle of Service
The chapter is led by the Circle of Service. The Circle’s main role is to :
- Provide support for weekly groups and facilitators
- Communicate with Centering Prayer practitioners in the Piedmont region of NC including through this website, email, and responding to inquiries from the community.
- Offer and coordinate chapter events such as Introduction to Centering Prayer programs, Intensive Centering Prayer retreats, and times of gathering for prayer and silence.
Current Circle of Service members are:
Co-Chairs of Contemplative Outreach of Piedmont North Carolina
Deborah Conner is a retired Presbyterian minister who was part of the founding group of COPNC in 2006. As a practitioner of Centering Prayer, she also serves as a Centering Prayer Presenter, Centering Prayer Intensive Retreat leader, Co-Coordinator and Treasurer of COPNC.
Richard (Dick) Little is a retired Lutheran pastor who last served for 22 years at Advent Lutheran in Charlotte, NC until he retired in 2008. Upon retirement he began practicing Centering Prayer, facilitated weekly groups, participated in a 10-day Intensive retreat in Snowmass, CO, was certified to lead CP Introductory Programs, and now serves as Co-coordinator of the Circle of Service for COPNC. Sharing the practice of Centering Prayer has become a passion for him in his retirement.
Also Serving on the Circle of Service
Judy O’Toole
Mark Baumann