Upcoming Study. Groups Forming Now Joy Unspeakable: Contemplative Practices of the Black Church 9-week Study. Groups beginning February 14th on Zoom. In our groups we create a safe sacred container for conversation and practice as we journey together through books on contemplation, Christianity, and spiritual growth. Through a set of shared ground rules and curiosity we learn from each other, ourselves, and the text. We often include art, videos, silence, and contemplative practices in our meetings. About the Book: Joy Unspeakable focuses on the aspects of the Black church that point beyond particular congregational gatherings toward a mystical and communal spirituality not within the exclusive domain of any denomination. This mystical aspect of the Black church is deeply implicated in the well-being of African American people but is not the focus of intentional reflection. Moreover, its traditions are deeply ensconced within the historical memory of the wider society and can be found in Coltrane’s riffs, Malcolm’s exhortations, the social activism of the Black Lives Matter Movement and the presidency of Barack Obama. The research in this book-through oral histories, church records, and written accounts–details not only ways in which contemplative experience is built into African American collective worship but also the legacy of African monasticism, a history of spiritual exemplars, and unique meditative worship practices. A groundbreaking work in its original edition, Joy Unspeakable now appears in a new, revised edition to address the effects of this contemplative tradition on activism and politics and to speak to a new generation of readers and scholars. At times, contemplation isn’t silent or solitary. Barbara Holmes celebrates long-shared joy unspeakable “that dares us to play and pray” together with “faces aglow and hearts on fire.” Richard Rohr About Contemplate Lincoln: We are a hub for contemplative prayer, practice, and living. Our mission is to provide a sacred and safe space to foster spiritual growth and journey together. In communion with others at Contemplate Lincoln we participate in the Christ mystery through contemplative practices and community. Through the Christian contemplative tradition, service, and community we seek to transform ourselves and our world. Group Leaders: Adam Luedtke, Pastor, Founder, and Director of Contemplate Lincoln: Adam founded Contemplate Lincoln in 2018. Adam has a PhD in Psychology and a Masters of Arts in Transpersonal Studies. Adam completed his PhD by researching the spiritual development of contemporary Christian mystics. Adam also has a Bachelors degree in Religious Studies and is a certified transformational coach. Adam has practiced contemplative prayer for over 10 years, led retreats/workshops, and taught christian contemplation and mysticism as an adjunct professor. Adam is a proponent of personal cultivation, meditation, spiritual practices, Christian mysticism, Christian contemplation, and social transformation. Joselyn Luedtke, Board Chair of Contemplate Lincoln and Group Leader: Joselyn is an attorney and government relations expert in Lincoln, NE. She has studied law, environmental law, and natural resources. She is passionate about nature, policy, and family. Joselyn has led contemplative conversation groups and contemplative movement at Contemplate Lincoln since 2018. Rev. Zac Wolfe, Pastor and Director of Social Transformation. Zac is an ordained pastor in the Presbyterian Church (USA) tradition since 2012 and has worked with contemporary faith communities and traditional churches.  Prior to his ordination, Zac earned his BA from Doane University with dual majors Religious Studies and Philosophy, and a Psychology minor.; earned his MDiv from Columbia Theological Seminary (Atlanta, GA), and completed a year of hospital chaplain residency.  Zac is also a certified Coach, Trainer and Speaker, and has earned DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) certificates from Cornell University and the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay.  Zac is passionate about social justice and transformational engagement, particularly through the spiritual lens.  He consults with faith communities and businesses, and leads trainings and workshops on the creation of inclusive and just cultures within an organization and in the greater community.  He also coaches individuals leading this work or engaging this work in their personal lives.

This study excites me because Joy Unspeakable was one of the books that had a big impact on me last year. I found it insightful, challenging, and transformative. I hope you do as well. In addition to the study we will be adding writers to our newsletters and hope to have an optional gathering of all our groups on a Saturday towards the end of the study. 

I hope to see you on zoom as we embark on a road of Contemplation, Community, and Social Transformation,

Adam Luedtke Director of Contemplate Lincoln.