Trinity Presbyterian Church, Harrisonburg, VA

Cultivating Contemplation, Action, Renewal, and Expression at the Centering Space

“Storms still roll over the waters of our lives from time to time. Chaos still frays at our edges. In such times it can be helpful to seek a safe harbor for a time. Centering Space offers several spaces and places to gently retreat into our souls and into the love of God.”

– The Centering Space

Centering Space logo: https://www.centering-space.org/contemplation

Guided by an ecclesial “theological DNA” of hospitality and discipleship nurtured by inward contemplation and outward action, Myrtle 1.o congregation Trinity Presbyterian Church in Harrisonburg, VA focused their initiative on building up the physical and digital offerings of the Centering Space.  The Centering Space is a space for centered CARE: Contemplation, Action, Renewal and Expression. The Centering Space meets a critical need in this contemporary world. “Storms still roll over the waters of our lives from time to time. Chaos still frays at our edges. In such times it can be helpful to seek a safe harbor for a time. Centering Space offers several spaces and places to gently retreat into our souls and into the love of God.”

Rev. Ashely Isernhagen (second from left in a white jacket) guides a workshop participant at the prayerful art retreat.

The physical rooms of the Centering Space nurture opportunities for quiet reflection and rest as well as for rejuvenation and shared communal learning. The aptly named Harbor Room is a place of hospitality and refuge that provides a quiet space for individual and small group retreats. Other rooms in the Centering Space afford opportunities for conversation and reflection in community. Past and ongoing offerings include in-person yoga classes, hybrid contemplative book studies, a Lenten meditation walk through the labyrinth, Lectio Divina, a presentation and discussion of the War in Ukraine, an enneagram workshop, and a prayer art retreat. This April, Project Director House visited the Centering Space and attended the prayerful art retreat utilizing weaving as one of the oldest techniques in textiles and incorporating story, scripture, and meditation on connecting with God. 

Dinner with Trinity Presbyterian Church members

Over dinner, folks who have been involved in Centering Space leadership and programming shared about the impact of Centering Space offerings. They named the significance of being able to pray and learn together online through hybrid book studies, workshops, and lectio divina prayer times during COVID, and the gift of now being able to gather together in person as well. Members also shared ways that the Harbor Room has already become a place of sanctuary for neighbors in crisis in Harrisonburg. Dr. House also brought words of welcome at the Sunday morning worship service.