Spiritual Formation

​In spiritual formation we are on a pilgrimage rather than a journey guided by spiritual practices/disciplines that aid in formation. We lean into less is more and work toward surrendering our agenda and ego in an attempt to deepen our relationship with God, self, and others. A few of these “soul tending” practices are silence, solitude, Lectio Divina (sacred reading), prayer, contemplation, and meditation.
"Though we may not think alike, can we not love alike."

- John Wesley

  • Sunday Morning Worship Prayer
    Sundays during the 8:20, 9:30 and 11 a.m. services
    The Worship Prayer Team is comprised of individuals who commit to pray during one of the Sanctuary worship services. The team is made up of men and women of all walks of life who are willing to share one hour on Sunday morning to pray for the ministries that take place on the WC Campus. There is a room on the second floor of the Sanctuary on the south end that is dedicated for the purpose of worship prayer and provides a quiet setting and instructions to guide the participant in their time of prayer. John McKellar and Todd Renner, our Co-Pastors, stress the importance of this opportunity to be a church of prayer so we might “see revival and new life spring forth” throughout all areas of ministry here at WC. Please contact Dianne Will at 817-481-4147 to schedule your time of prayer.
    Spiritual Direction
    By Appointment
    The goal in Spiritual Direction is to increase your awareness of God’s presence in your life through a monthly, one-hour conversation with a trained Spiritual Director. Do you wish to hold yourself accountable to regular spiritual practices or wish to learn new prayer practices? Do you desire to love God more dearly, see God more clearly, follow God more nearly? White’s Chapel has several Spiritual Directors ready to join you on your journey. For more information, contact Rev. Betsy Godbold at 817-481-4147.
  • The goal of the SPELL Symposium is to establish a foundation that will support an on-going tradition of inviting teachers to Whites Chapel United Methodist Church, who are grounded in the Christian tradition that teaches the importance of spiritual practices and contemplative prayer as the foundation for experiencing the Love of God.

    Belief statement: When we are centered internally by engaging in spiritual practices and contemplative prayer, our outer actions demonstrate and bear witness to this Love.

    The objective of the SPELL Symposium is to develop and implement a multi-year program of speakers for the benefit of our church and community. These events will be coupled with events/activities that precede the speaking engagement as well as follow-up activities/events. SPELL seeks to gain not just knowledge through these events, but heart-felt ‘knowing’.

    Outcomes:
    SPELL hopes to grow a community that:
    • seeks not just knowledge, but heart-felt ‘knowing’
    • is grounded in spiritual practices and contemplative prayer.
    • speaks to the chaotic and divisive world
    • broadens the base of who we are in Christ
    • believes in and expresses an inclusive message
    ​SPELL Symposium
    Spiritual Practices: Embracing Light and Love
    Diana Butler Bass presents
    “Freeing Jesus: Rediscovering Jesus as Friend,
    Teacher, Savior, Lord, Way, and Presence”
    Saturday, April 30| 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Evans Hall
    Cost $40, Students $10
    Diana Butler Bass, author of “Freeing Jesus,” will be the guest teacher at the SPELL Symposium event on Saturday, April 30. Attendees will gain insight into Jesus as friend, teacher, savior, Lord, way, and presence. Butler Bass begins by asking, “Who is Jesus really?” From this foundational question, her book explores the full nature of Jesus from a historical and theological perspective, freeing us to move beyond trying to fit Jesus into a one-size-fits all box.

    Butler Bass is an award-winning author who holds a doctorate in religious studies from Duke University and author of 11 books.

    Amy-Jill Levine gives the following review of “Freeing Jesus”: “Combining childhood memories and mature theological musings, personal story and Christian history, Gospel texts and present-day contexts, Bass invites all feeling caged by doctrine, silenced by tradition, or afraid of doubt to find not just freedom, voice, and the glory of mystery, but also to find Jesus on their own terms and in their own lives.”

    A box lunch and snacks will be provided at this event. “Freeing Jesus” is available for purchase at the Circuit Writer’s Books and Such bookstore.
  • ​Freeing Jesus: Rediscovering Jesus as Friend, Teacher, Savior, Lord, Way, and Presence 
    Beginning Tuesday, Jan. 11 | 1:30 - 3 p.m. 
    Center for Spiritual Care 
    This class will study the book “Freeing Jesus,” by Diana Butler Bass. In this spiritual formation class, participants will gain insight into Jesus as friend, teacher, savior, Lord, way, and presence. Butler Bass begins by asking, “Who is Jesus really?” From this foundational question, the book explores the full nature of Jesus from a historical and theological perspective, freeing us to move beyond trying to fit Jesus into a one-size-fits-all box. 

    Butler Bass is an award-winning author who holds a doctorate in religious studies from Duke University. Ann Lamott gives the following review of the book: “Diana Butler Bass is one of only a few modern Christian writers who can absolutely blow me away with both spiritual insight and beautiful writing. She is a brilliant scholar and a wonderful storyteller, charming and devout, erudite, and deeply human.” 

    This study is a wonderful opportunity to dive deeply into the book before April 30, when Butler Bass will be at White’s Chapel as a teacher for the SPELL Symposium. 

    This book may be purchased at the Circuit Writer’s Books and Such bookstore. Please register online for this 17-week class, space is limited.
    The Four-Gospel Journey
    Wednesdays | Jan. 12 – Feb. 16 | 10 a.m.
    How do we face change? How do we move through suffering? How do we receive joy? How do we mature in service? Spend some time with Alexander J. Shaia as he uses the great map of the four Gospels to guide participants on the Christ journey - one of love, growth and transformation. The series includes six conversation films.

    This six-week series, facilitated by Rev. Victor Resendiz, is offered on Wednesdays, beginning January 12. The class will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the Center for Spiritual Care. There is no cost and no book is required. All are welcome, and registration is available online.
    ​Mindful Silence: The Heart of Christian Contemplation
    Thursday, 10-11a.m., January 13 – March 10
    Online/Zoom
    “Mindful Silence: The Heart of Christian Contemplation” by Phileena Heuertz will be an online spiritual formation study beginning Thursday, Jan.13. This beautiful book offers participants foundational soul-tending practices of solitude, silence, and stillness so needed in our world of noise and busyness. Heuertz’s study of contemplative prayer invites participants to discern the voice of God, uncover their true self, and live a life of meaning and purpose.

    Join facilitator Elizabeth Rowland for this online, nine-week class. Registration is available on the church website. The book may be purchased at the Circuit Writer’s Books and Such bookstore. Heuertz will be at White’s Chapel on Jan. 29, 2022, as a SPELL Symposium teacher to bring further insight into contemplative prayer. 
    Contemplative Discussion on Films
    Mondays | Jan. 24 – Feb. 14 | 5:30 p.m.
    Can we see God’s presence in the movies that we watch? Rev. Victor Resendiz believes we can. He has selected films that tell stories that consist of grace, redemption, kinship, inner healing, and other elements that everyone can relate to. The group discussion in this class is open, insightful, and reflective. Together, participants will begin to see how evident God’s presence is in these selected films. Each week, a movie will be assigned and the group will share their reflections the following week.

    Join Rev. Victor Resendiz for this four-part class on Mondays, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Center for Spiritual Care. All are welcome, and registration is available online.
    ​Prayer in the Night: For Those Who Work or Watch or Weep
    by Tish Harrison Warren
    Mondays (Jan. 24 - Feb. 28) | 1:30 – 3 p.m.
    Center for Spiritual Care
    As we look forward to a new year and reflect on the old, we recognize the changes and hardships in our world. In our deepest moments of anxiety and darkness, we enter into prayer as a way of speaking hope, peace and love into our individual and communal lives. Prayer shapes us, it reminds us who we belong to and what we believe, and it helps us recall our shared Christian story. Prayer is a light in the darkness and reminds us of the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Warren brings to life what it means to be a beloved child of a relational God, who wants nothing more than to be in conversation with us through prayer.

    The group study of “Prayer in the Night” is facilitated by Rev. Lori Silvestri. The book is available at the Circuit Writer’s Books and Such bookstore.
    “Breathing Under Water: A Spiritual Study of the Twelve Steps” by Richard Rohr
    Tuesdays | Feb. 1 - Mar. 8 | 5:30 to 7 p.m.
    We are all addicted in some way. When we learn to identify our addiction, embrace our brokenness, and surrender to God, we begin to bring healing to ourselves and our world. In “Breathing Under Water,” Richard Rohr shows how the gospel principles in the Twelve Steps can free anyone from any addiction—from an obvious dependence on alcohol or drugs to the more common but less visible addiction that we all have to sin.

    Together, with Chandler’s Hope Ministry, we will embark on a learning/discussion using Rohr’s book and lectures.

    This six-week series is offered on Tuesdays, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in room 3103 in the Adult Education building (Rawlins Hall). The book is available for purchase the church’s bookstore.
    God’s Presence: Spiritual Formation Practices
    Mondays | Feb. 28 – March 28 | 5 p.m.
    What is Spiritual Formation? Learn the basics in a four-week introductory study on spiritual formation practices: Christian meditation/centering prayer, Lectio Divina, journaling, and the labyrinth. The study will be lead in an interactive manner, with visual resources and activities that will help provide a better understanding on what it means to practice the Presence of God.

    This study, facilitated by Rev. Victor Resendiz, is offered on Mondays, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the Center for Spiritual Care. All are welcome, and registration is available online.
    Labyrinth Walk
    March 9, April 6, May 4 | 9 a.m.
    A labyrinth is an ancient symbol that relates to wholeness. It combines the imagery of the circle and spiral into a meandering but purposeful path. Labyrinths have long been used as meditation and prayer tools and are a part of the pilgrimage path to wholeness and holiness. At its most basic level, the labyrinth is a metaphor for the journey to the center of your deepest self and back out into the world with a broadened understanding of who you are.

    Join Rev. Victor Resendiz as he leads participants through the prayer walk. The labyrinth is located next to the Center for Spiritual Care. Whether you are familiar with this unique spiritual practice or not, you are invited to experience this sacred space. All are welcome, and registration is available online.

    ​Register for March 9:
    ​Register for April 6:
    ​Register for May 4:
    Seeking Aliveness
    Wednesdays | March 2 – 30 | 10 a.m.
    In “Seeking Aliveness,” a four-session video curriculum bundle from The Work of the People, participants will journey with renowned author and emergent Christian leader Brian McLaren to seek out a new path for our faith. Drawing from the themes in his book “We Make the Road by Walking: A Yearlong Quest for Spiritual Formation, Reorientation and Activation,” he will offer up ideas for small groups - both inside and outside the walls of the church – to encourage people to walk boldly into new forms and possibilities.

    This four-week series, facilitated by Rev. Victor Resendiz, is offered on Wednesdays, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the Center for Spiritual Care. There is no cost and no book is required. All are welcome and registration is available online.​
    Companions in Christ
    ​Beginning Thur., Sept. 16, 2021 from 10 – 11:30 a.m.
    Zoom through September - TBD later dates
    A new “Companions in Christ” class by Upper Room will begin on Thursday, September 16, 2021 from 10 - 11:30 a.m. in the Center for Spiritual Care. This spiritual formation experience unfolds over several months helping participants develop a daily rhythm of prayer, individual reading, reflection, and journaling. The class allows for a deeper exploration of your weekly experience as participants share thoughts, as they are comfortable, and reflect together on their ever-enriching spiritual journey. These unique times of sharing provide a safe sacred space to “explore your listening, your spiritual practices, and how you are attempting to put those practices into daily life.”
    ​
    The group, facilitated by Robin Cassell, is limited to 12 participants and both men and women are welcome. You may choose to participate in one or all the sessions, each ranging from six to eight weeks in length; the 28-week class ends April 28, 2022. The book available for purchase at the WC Bookstore.
    Zoom Into Spiritual Awakenings Roundtable
    Sundays from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
    The Spiritual Awakenings Roundtable challenges members to see themselves and their faith through fresh lenses. Come join us in lively explorations that include insights from Scripture, tradition, historical texts, contemporary writers, and renowned guest speakers. Our interactive discussions incorporate perspectives from a wide variety of Christian legacies and real-world experiences. Inspired by the authors who fuel our facilitated exchange, we enjoy a circle of genuine trust, empathy, and interest in the spiritual evolution to which Christ calls us.

    Roundtable discussions for Fall, 2020 will focus on Thomas Merton’s Conjectures of a Guilty Bystander, a compilation of essays taken from the famous monk’s private journals during an historic American “awakening” much like our own today. The author’s spiritual perspectives accompany the reader along new paths of inquiry across the most bedeviling of societal dilemmas. Readings are freestanding and participants can join the conversation at any time. Whether you’re 20 or 90, you can count on the Roundtable’s inquiries to expand the mind and energize the spirit with timely reflections. Registration is not required, and all are welcome.

    Contact Ann Davis for Zoom access info. 
    ​817-251-1249​
Meet the Director
Rev. Betsy Goldbold
Pastor for Spiritual Formation

Reverend Betsy Godbold received a Master of Divinity from Brite Divinity School, with a concentration in Pastoral Theology and Counseling. She has extensive training in the area of Spiritual Formation and Spiritual Direction.