Each Advent season we are invited to wait, watch, and wonder at the coming of Christ into our lives. In this retreat, we will take time to prepare our hearts to receive Jesus. There will be time for stillness; for listening to God’s call to us. Through meditation, prayer, and conversation we will seek nourishment, and exercise hope. The morning will conclude in the Chapel of St. Anne’s with a Contemplative Eucharist, gathering our hopes, dreams, and blessings of the day. Led by Bethany Colleagues: Bernardine Ileto Chan, Susan Richmond, Kimberly Green and Cathy Okuhysen. Suggested donation: $20-$40 sliding scale. Registration is required at bethanyretreats@verizon.net or by calling the Bethany office (781) 648-2433.

Bishop Alan Gates will preside at a celebratory Eucharist in the Chapel in observance of the Patronal Feast Day of the Sisters of St. Anne-Bethany. The 4 pm Eucharist will be followed by supper on the lawn. All are welcome; RSVPs to chapelofstanne@gmail.com are requested.

Join us for a summer evening celebration of poet Steve Garnaas-Holmes' new book, Unfolding Light

5:30-6:30 pm: Chapel, grounds, & labyrinth open for prayer/meditation

6:30-7:15 pm:  Steve's reading in the Chapel

7:15-8:00 pm:   Open House at St. Gabriel's House with refreshments and book-signing

Steve Garnaas-Holmes is a writer, composer, retired United Methodist minister, and walker-in-the-woods. He writes a daily reflection Unfolding Light. For 37 years he wrote and performed music and comedy in the Montana Logging and Ballet Co. He lives in Wells, Maine with his wife Beth. They have three grown sons.

He says: "Unfolding Light is a collection of 184 poems gathered from 45 years of writing. They are part of my practice of wonder. They include reflections on daily life, scripture passages, walking in the woods, contemplative prayer, the natural world, dogs, bees, and driving across Montana with a peach. They’re rooted in my observation that the world is a thin place, filled with mystery, the divine presence, tears of every kind, and abundant blessing."

Steve Garnaas-Holmes' presence and poetry have long blessed us at Bethany House of Prayer. Come enjoy his rich perspectives on faith, life and spirit.

The Archbishop of the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem, Hosam Nouem, has invited those who would like to do so to join him and his Diocese (which covers five countries) in a day of fasting and prayer on October 17th.  

Join us as we pray for the Peace of the Holy Land. The chapel will be open from 8 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. You can offer prayers by lighting a candle, folding a paper crane, reading a book, or sitting in the quiet beautiful space with others who are offering their prayers.

Please join us for a post-pandemic celebration of Bethany House of Prayer poets!       

Two groups of poets and writers have continued to work together since the start of the pandemic, meeting online and in person to read one another’s works, and support one another in their craft. This will be an opportunity for them to share their work and we are excited to have you celebrate with us. In addition, we will invite you to consider participating in a “plein air” poetry-making exercise, following our formal reading. 

Refreshments, and books by Bethany authors, new and old, will be available for sale at Saint Gabriel’s House following the reading.

Gather in the quiet beauty of the candle-lit Chapel to share readings, chant and communion; to honor silence for prayer and meditation with one another; and to seek God’s presence in this holy season.

Join Bethany Poet Kimberly Green for an afternoon of writing exploring the use of repetition to uncover unexpected insight and beauty. All are welcome, whether you consider yourself a writer or simply curious. Full details are here. Cost is $50. Registration is limited and closes February 10.

Gather in the quiet beauty of the candle-lit Chapel to share readings, chant and communion; to honor silence for prayer and meditation with one another; and to seek God’s presence in this holy season. RSVPs appreciated but not required.

Contemplate the mystery of incarnation as we consider how we pray our way into and through the season in embodied ways. The vibrant artwork of James He Qi will anchor our exploration of the mysteries and invite us to consider them anew.

The Mysteries of Joy is one of many ways to pray the rosary, a prayer practice that is seeing a new following, as a tactile way to engage and quieten the body, mind and spirit. The Mysteries of Joy include the Annunciation, the Visitation, The Nativity, the Dedication of Jesus in the Temple and the Finding of Jesus Teaching in the Temple. Join us as we gather to hear and respond to God’s call to us in this Advent season. Image: Visitation by James He Qi. Used with permission: heqiart.com.

$50 per person. Registration closes November 30. Contact us for scholarship requests.

Share a quiet morning of reflection as we remember the cloud of witnesses whose love compasses us about, and explore the dimensions of joy and sorrow. There will be space for a variety of creative activities and engagement with the theme. Registration is limited, $25 per per person. Registration closes October 31.

Join Sr. Ana Clara and The Rt. Rev. Alan Gates, Bishop of the Diocese of Massachusetts, as they dedicate and give thanks for this newly created garden space. RSVPs appreciated by September 28.

Full details are here: Poetry Workshop Registration is limited, $50 per person. Note there will be two offerings of this workshop on October 1 and October 16; please register for only one. Registration closes Sep 26.

Move in word and body through lament for the brokenness of creation to affirming our continued place in creation and its healing. Expect scripture, prayers, silence, movement, laughter, and connection. Lise is an Episcopal priest, mother and grandmother, Arlington resident, and longtime creation care advocate. Freewill offering, RSVPs appreciated by September 7.

Spend time at Bethany House and in the gardens as we explore the spirituality of trees in sacred texts and in our own stories. There will be time for reflection, meditation, and creative expression. Bring your journal, sketch book, needlework or walking shoes. Registration is limited, $25 per person. Registration closes September 7.