Quiet Center Ministry Expands To a Second Location

Rev. Jo Bentley Reece is honored to announce that in September she will be offering guided personal spiritual retreats at Mercy Convent, expanding her Quiet Center Retreat Ministry to a second location in the city. Just minutes north of downtown nestled on 9 wooded acres, Mercy Convent is located at 2629 Pennington Bend Road across Briley Parkway from Opryland Hotel.

According to Sister Suzanne Stalm, RSM, Coordinator, “The Spirituality Ministry of the Sisters of Mercy at Mercy Convent offers a place for individuals and groups of all faiths to deepen their relationships with God, others and self. Whether it is a time for quiet reflection or building a sense of community, Mercy Convent offers an ideal setting, from the serene environment and day facilities, to lodging and meals.” The web site for further information is www.MercyRetreats.org

Rev. Reece looks forward to continuing to offer retreats at Glendale UMC, the first location where she opened The Quiet Center two years ago. Glendale UMC, located at 900 Glendale Lane near I-65 South and Harding Place, is a welcoming place offering the ministry of hospitality to those seeking a quiet place of healing in the city.

A Quiet Center guided personal retreat is a place for quiet time with God. There is no expectation except to come with a spiritual companion waiting to guide you. The Usui Method of Natural Healing, or Reiki, is an ancient healing art. It involves intercessory prayer while laying on hands guided by the energy/nerve centers of the body. Retreats may include: music, art, guided meditations, and hands-on prayer.

During the past two years, The Quiet Center at Glendale UMC has continued to grow offering 20 + personal retreats/month for 60-90 minutes or more. Persons that have come include: laity and clergy who need a quiet place for re-creation; persons dealing with trauma, stress, illness or pending surgery; persons who live alone seeking a companion for the journey; and persons who are grieving to name a few. Couples and friends have also come together to celebrate their anniversary, share a retreat time together, or deal with a difficult decision.

Henri Nouwen, in A Spirituality of Waiting, says that the role of the church is to “be the body of Christ in the world by using our gifts to love, serve and heal a hurting world while making space to wait together patiently in expectation.” Our world today is hungry for rediscovery of the art of resting in God’s presence and being truly present with one another in our daily lives and life journey.

You are invited to come and fill your cup with God’s love and grace! For questions or appointments: contact Rev. Jo Reece by phone -- 615-367-3586 (h) 943-9092 (c) or email -- MinisterMama@juno.com Her website is www.thequietcenter.mysite.com with further information. Individual guided retreats are available for one-hour or one-day. Donations for retreats are suggested but not required. Retreat gift certificates are also available.