A Celtic Weekend: Community in Nature

The Roots of Celtic Christian Spirituality

Roots that run deep. Branches that reach wide. The Tree of Life speaks to the heart of Celtic Spirituality and Peace Tree Spirituality Center alike – a symbol for a God that cannot be contained within the walls of a building or a day of the week!

We are thrilled to host our first Celtic Christian program with Celtic Way Creative Director, Scott Jenkins. This day-long retreat illuminating the roots of Celtic Christian Spirituality. We will dig into these interrelated themes, learning and growing together:

God’s Presence within All Things

Where is God? How does God commuincate with/through creation? This path will touch topics such as revelation, contemplative walks in nature, the twin voices of scripture and creation, and ecology.

• The Divine Within All Things

• Two “Books” of Revelation: Nature and Scripture

• Respect and Awareness

• Interconnectedness – Synchronicity

Scott Jenkins, Creative Director of Celtic Way in Denver, CO

One would think that after four years as a Biblical Literature student in college, four years of graduate school and over twenty five years of pastoral ministry that my episodes of theological upheaval would be in the rear-view mirror. Thank God that was not the case for me!

On a cold, snowy night at the tail end of a long day, my wife, Kris and I attended a presentation by a Celtic scholar by the name of John Philip Newell.

I was tired and a little resistant about attending but Kris insisted since we had been given the tickets. When we arrived, the room was full and we ended up sitting close to the front. When John Phillip began speaking I was energized and completely focused on his every word. I couldn’t believe my ears! Here was an ancient yet fresh presentation of the Christian faith that just so gripped me that I felt overjoyed, disoriented, and enlivened all at the same time. I could not write fast enough to keep up with the presentation or all the questions that were arising almost instantly.

What to do? My comfy belief system was turned upside down. At the time I was in my mid-fifties and privately laughed that this was happening to me now! The internal struggle which ensued was intense for a little over a year.

I read as many books pertaining to Celtic Christianity as I could afford to buy.

What I discovered was an ancient form the Christian faith that embraced the goodness of humanity, a revelatory place for nature within Christian thought and prayer, a healthy way to relate to other spiritual traditions, and the gift of all of life being inter-related in God.

Today, I am staring my 64th birthday in the face. Joyfully, I might add. I am excited and energized to engage in this Celtic Way with you through acts of charity, prayer, and presentation.

Celtic Way’s Mission

We are a collaboration of people moved to bring a fresh vision to the spiritual life by nurturing a vibrant, evolving and sustainable life in God with nature.

Make your retreat an Overnight

If you would like to extend make this retreat an overnight to enjoy the quiet of Peace Tree’s Center and Grounds, contact us at director@peacetreecenter.org. Stay for a special Celtic worship service Sunday morning.

Scholarships avaialbe. Inquire at director@peacetreecenter.org.

A Celtic Service of Breaking Bread

Gather together in a circle of community. Sense the mystery of life reflected in nature and preserved in the Celtic Christian tradition. Scott Jenkins, Creative Director of Celtic Way in Denver, CO, and Jessica Gazzola, Co-Director of Peace Tree Spirituality Center, offer an informal worship service and Communion weaving the two sources of revelation in Celtic Christianity: nature and scripture. Through sharing bread a wine we celebrate our unity in the web of life.

All are welcome to participate! Children are welcome!

We will gather outdoors on Peace Tree’s labyrinth, weather permitting. In case of rain, we will move indoors to Zion United Church of Christ.