Prayer Workshops

Scheduling a Centering Prayer or Welcoming Prayer Workshop

An ongoing program of introductory workshops and retreats is offered by the Contemplative Outreach of Kansas City to teach the contemplative method and support people in their practice. Centering Prayer and Welcoming Prayer workshops are available in varying time lengths based on your needs and group scheduling. A presentation can be made in 60- or 90-minutes, but our presenters, Rob Carr and Dennie Oades, are also happy to bring a 3-5 hour introductory workshop to your church, group or parish.  The workshop can be presented in a one-day or two-day format on a weekend or weekdays/evenings. Cost of the workshop is generally $15 per person with a possible additional cost for a meal if necessary. The format includes presentations, discussion and opportunities to practice Centering and Welcoming Prayer.

Centering Prayer as an 11th-Step Practice

This 3-4 hour workshop teaches the method of Centering Prayer as a help to those searching for emotional and spiritual sobriety through engagement in a 12-Step program. It is a method for doing the 11th Step to improve our conscious contact with our Higher Power. “Sought through prayer and meditation” deals with our own personal effort to communicate with a Higher Power.

Contemplative Outreach of Kansas City offers introductory workshops in Centering Prayer as an 11th -Step Practice. Other workshops are offered throughout the states. Visit the 12-Step Outreach Centering Prayer website at  www.cp12stepoutreach.org for information and the schedule of additional workshops and retreats.

To find out what programs are currently scheduled, see the upcoming events schedule >

Facilitators

Reverend Rob Carr

Rob is a native Kansan and has been the Pastor of North Oak Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Kansas City, Missouri since 1999. He received his Master of Divinity at the Saint Paul School of Theology in 1984. His Centering Prayer practice began in 1995 and led him to attend the 10-Day Intensive Centering Prayer retreat in 1999 and the 8-Day Training and Formation Program at Saint Benedict’s Monastery in Snowmass, Colorado in 2001. He’s been teaching workshops ever since.  In addition, Rob has a Certificate in Spiritual Guidance from the Souljourners program in Atchison, KS.

Rob and his wife live in Lenexa and have a family of four children, a son- and daughter-in-law, two bouncing baby grandsons and a happy golden retriever. Feel free to be in touch. Email Rob at [email protected]  or call (913) 706-9469.

Reverend Dennie Oades

Dr. Denise “Dennie” Oades is Director of Congregational Care, Prayer, and Silver and Gold Ministry at St. John’s United Methodist Church in Kansas City, Missouri. She is a retired United Methodist pastor. She received her degree in clinical psychology from the University of Texas at Austin. As a psychologist she worked in schools, hospitals, and nursing homes, in addition to maintaining a private practice. Her background includes work in social service, education and spiritual formation. She received certification for completion of the Souljourners Program in Spiritual Direction from the Sophia Center, Atchison, Kansas. She has a daughter and a son and lots of grandchildren. Her passion is to work in the areas of spiritual formation and to facilitate opportunities for growth in relationship with God. Dennie serves Contemplative Outreach of Kansas City as a trained and commissioned presenter of workshops on Centering Prayer, Welcoming Prayer, and Centering Prayer as an 11th Step Practice.

What people say about the Centering Prayer Workshops