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 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
  • Oasis
    A quiet space that invites reflection and prayer.
    Oasis – Summer Session: A quiet space that invites reflection and prayer. You are invited to come and experience a time of respite with an embody prayer experience or a brief discussion reflecting on God’s Presence in our daily lives in the midst of busyness. The purpose of this space is to lean into a time of solitude, soul tending, or recharge.

    Facilitators: Rev. Lori Silvestri & Rev. Victor M. Resendiz
    “The Path Between Us: An Enneagram Journey to Healthy Relationships”
    by Suzanne Stabile
    Most of us have no idea how others see or process their experiences. And that can make relationships hard, whether with intimate partners, with friends, or in our professional lives. Understanding the motivations and dynamics of these different personality types can be the key that unlocks sometimes mystifying behavior in others ? and in ourselves.

    This book from Suzanne Stabile on the nine Enneagram types and how they behave will guide readers into deeper insights about themselves, their types, and others' personalities so that they can have healthier, more life-giving relationships.

    This five-week study is offered at three different times and is open to all.  The book is available for purchase in the WC Circuit Writer’s Books & Such bookstore. Participants can register on the church website for one of the following sessions:

    Mondays, Feb. 6, 1:30-3 p.m., Adult Ed. Room 3103​
    Mondays, Feb. 6, 5:30-7 p.m., Adult Ed. Room 3103
    Thursdays, Feb. 9, 10-11:30 a.m., Adult Ed. Room 3203
    Contemplative Discussion on Films
    Tuesdays, Beginning March 7 | 10:45 - Noon | Center for Spiritual Care
    Can we see God’s presence in the movies that we watch? Leader Rev. Victor Resendiz believes we can. He has selected three films that essentially 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, we all begin to see how evident God’s presence is in these selected titles.
    This three-week study is open to all (March 7, 21, 28). Each week, a movie will be assigned for you to watch at home and then the group will discuss the film the following week.
    “From Wild Man to Wise Man: Reflections of Male Spirituality” by Richard Rohr
    Tuesdays, March 7-April 18 | 5:30 to 7 p.m. |Center for Spiritual Care
    "From Wild Man to Wise Man: Reflections on Male Spirituality" is a revised and updated edition of Richard Rohr's earlier best seller. For this new work, Rohr added three chapters that discuss John the Baptist, Saint Paul and grief. Rohr writes about male spirituality.This book dives deep into the heart of man and how God loves us and wants to be the father that some of us men have never had.

    All men are welcome. Join us for this five-week study on Tuesdays, March 7-April 18, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Center for Spiritual Care. The book is available for purchase in the WC Circuit Writer’s Books & Such bookstore.
    A Spiritual Formation Book Discussion Group
    Wednesday, Jan. 25 | Noon to 3 p.m.
    Center for Spiritual Care Living Room
    Reading is one of the ways we develop a spiritual practice of sitting openly with the text, allowing it to speak into our lives. The most familiar type of sacred reading is done with scripture (Lectio Divina), but any reading can become sacred when we read through a lens of kenosis (a self-emptying of one’s own will).

    Mark your calendar now to join the group on Wednesday, Jan.25. They will begin their time at noon with a potluck lunch and then move into a time of Centering Prayer and book reflections. If you’re unavailable for lunch, please join in at 1 p.m. for a time of sharing. The book is available for purchase in WC’s Circuit Writer’s Books & Such bookstore. All are welcome; registration on the WC website is limited to 14 participants.

    https://rachelheldevans.com/inspired​
    “The Ridiculous Journey: Following a Nobody from Nowhere” from The Work of the People.
    Tuesdays, Beginning Feb. 7 | 10:45 a.m.
    The Work of the People is a spiritual visual library and virtual sanctuary for a growing community of people from all walks of life. This group will study the film series “The Ridiculous Journey” over four weeks. The study will focus on “a Middle Eastern homeless man from twenty centuries ago and why he still stirs the souls and imagination of so many.” Join us for this four-week study on Tuesday mornings, Feb. 7-28 from 10:45 a.m. to noon, in the Center of Spiritual Care living room. Each week, a movie will be assigned for participants to watch at home and then the group will discuss the film the following week. All are welcome.
    Labyrinth Walk
    Wednesdays | Feb. 1, March 1, April 5, May 3 | 9 a.m. | WC Labyrinth
    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. They are also 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 the first Wednesday of each month 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.​
    Spiritual Awakenings Roundtable
    ​Sundays, 6 - 7:30 p.m. | Via Zoom Begins Sept. 18​
    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.

    Contact Ann Davis for more information.
Meet the Director
Rev. Victor Resendiz
Pastor for Spiritual Formation