Spiritual Growth 

QUIET DAYS
Twice a Year
A Saturday is usually set aside in Advent and Lent for quiet contemplation under the guidance of a noted teacher or retreat leader.  Guest speakers have included The Rev. Dr. Jonathan Linman ("Contemplative Eucharist"), The Rev. David Bryan Hoopes, OHC ("The Cross at the Crossroads of Our Lives"), The Rev. Margaret Guenther ("Living Prayerfully"), and The Rev. Dr. Jane Tomaine ("Benedictine Tools for Living: Connecting with Others").

RETREATS
Annual
In response to Christ’s call that we take time to focus on our relationship with God and to rest with Him, St. James’ offers the opportunity of a retreat, usually at a convent or monastery within driving distance from Upper Montclair.

• For Women     “Finding Grace Right Where You Are” was the topic of our women’s overnight retreat on March 5-6, 2010, at the Convent of St. John the Baptist in Mendham, NJ.  The Friday evening session was led by The Rev. Dr. Jane Tomaine, Episcopal priest and author of St. Benedict’s Tool Box: The Nuts & Bolts of Everyday Benedictine Living (Morehouse, 2005).   Saturday sessions by Revs. Pam Bakal and Audrey Hasselbrook offered reflection and exercises to cultivate living in the present moment.   
  
• For Men     The 2009 men’s retreat was held March 24-26, Tuesday evening through Thursday noon, at Holy Cross Monastery, West Park, NY. Sponsored by the Roosters of St. James’, the retreat was led by Fr. Walter on Richard Foster’s book, Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth. Those who attended say: The study book is outstanding . . . The silence was refreshing, no radio, no loud talking . . . At night you could see stars you’d never seen before . . . a little taste of monastic life . . . comfortable beds and good food by a chef from the Culinary Institute.  The date for the 2010 retreat has not yet been announced.
   

Visit www.csjb.org and www.holycrossmonastery.com to learn about private and group retreats offered by the convent and monastery, respectively.

ROOSTERS
Weekly
This men’s group meets at the church for study, sharing and prayer every Tuesday morning at half past six, and finishes by 7:30 a.m.  Newcomers are welcome, and do not have to be members of St. James’ to participate.  Inquiries to The Rev. Dr. Walter Lewis at the church.

WOMEN’S SPIRITUALITY GROUP
Monthly
A spirit-lifter for all women in our congregation, led by our Assistant, The Rev. Audrey Hasselbrook, with a different topic each time. Fourth Tuesday of the month, 7:30–8:30 p.m. in the Library.

Inquiries to the church, (973) 744-0270.