Christian Mysticism

**GO TO EVENTBRITE FOR LINK TO MEETING:** https://www.eventbrite.com/e/recovering-from-religion-rfr-disabled-persons-virtual-support-group-tickets-922417735277?aff=oddtdtcreator \*\*NOTE: This meeting is for people who have or identify as having a physical or mental disability. If you consider yourself a person with a disability (such as living with a condition or disability that was the result of an injury, illness, birth, physical or mental health condition, genetics, etc.) this meeting is for you. Please do not join if this does not describe you. The Recovering from Religion (RfR) DISABLED PERSONS VIRTUAL support group will meet the third Saturday of each month from 4PM-6PM Central Time (USA). The support group leaders for this meeting meet the above criteria to allow for safe and empathetic peer support during the meeting. This meeting will be held virtually via Zoom and you can find the link on Eventbrite. It is our goal to provide a safe, respectful, and confidential space for folks struggling with issues related to religious harm, doubt, or non-belief. Attendees are welcome to share, and may also decide to remain anonymous if they so choose. These are free, small group style meetings. No professional therapist is present, group leaders are volunteers trained in peer support. No disrespect will be tolerated. Be aware that trolls sometimes appear. Your group leader(s) will make every effort to eject trolls and other disruptions immediately. Extra Support: RfR has an immense database of well-curated digital resources collected on all topics related to doubt, non-belief, and transition out of religion. www.recoveringfromreligion.org/resources If you find you need to talk with someone before the meeting date, RfR has a Helpline with phone and online chat for that express purpose. [www.Recoveringfromreligion.org](http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/) If you’re seeking professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at www.seculartherapy.org

Emotional Honesty & Real Optimism This session explores the limits of constant positivity and offers an alternative: emotional honesty paired with real optimism. Inspired by Barbara Ehrenreich’s Bright-sided and an NPR Life Kit conversation on “real optimism,” we’ll examine how our culture often encourages us to look on the bright side too quickly—and what we might lose when we do. While positivity can be helpful, it can also unintentionally minimize real experiences or shut down deeper understanding. Together, we’ll explore the difference between forced positivity and a more grounded form of optimism—one rooted in resilience, curiosity, and a clear-eyed view of reality. The NPR discussion highlights that real optimism is not about ignoring hardship, but about recognizing it fully and still believing in our ability to move forward. This session creates space to reflect on our own emotional patterns and how we respond to difficulty. Through individual reflection, partner discussion, and group dialogue, participants will practice naming emotions, understanding their origins, and considering what it means to respond thoughtfully rather than reactively. The goal is not to reject positivity, but to use it more intentionally—after we’ve acknowledged what’s real. As always, come as you are. Bring your curiosity. Leave with insight, connection, and steadiness.

**Sahaja Yoga teaches a unique method of meditation, rooted in ancient spiritual knowledge.** We follow a format of continuous integration of topics in our classes so that no two classes are same and so we are able to accommodate new meditators along with experienced ones. **Through Sahaja Yoga, you can achieve a state of meditation known as thoughtless awareness. In this state, you experience and enjoy the present moment without any distractions from the past or future. Your consciousness works in flow with your inner energy ([Kundalini](https://us.sahajayoga.org/the-kundalini/)).** Some of the things we go over with in our programs are how to awaken your dormant Mother energy called Kundalini. Meditation with Mantras using power of very basic mantra to bring peace within! Meditation with music, what are Chakras, how to take affirmations, what is Thoughtless Awareness and how to find the state of your Chakras. *Meditation sessions led by an experienced fellow meditator.* **Please join us to awaken the dormant energy within you and re-balance your emotional, physical and mental state of being!** **Sahaja Yoga was founded in 1970 by Shri Mataji**. She envisioned a world where people would be transformed, and lead more balanced lives. She has worked tirelessly to help people meditate and achieve greater spiritual heights through this meditation. **Cost**: Free **Parking**: Paid parking in garages and on street. Garage-40 Cordell-St.Elmo Garage, Saint Elmo Avenue, Bethesda, MD is 2 mins walking distance from meditation center. **How to reach us?** We are at **Sahaja Yoga Meditation Center** on **4901 Saint Elmo Avenue** **Bethesda, MD 20814**, *walking distance from Bethesda Metro Center* **You can learn more about this meditation** from [us.sahajayoga.org](https://us.sahajayoga.org)

Hello Everybody! Join us this Saturday at 11 AM at the Fairfax Wegmans as we continue our Bible study and discussions. Recently, we've been studying the "types" (patterns or pictures) of Jesus in the Old Testament in chronological order starting with creation. We will go all the way to David as a type of Jesus the King. As anyone who's attended before knows, we have open discussions. Our goal is always to grow in our love, knowledge, and relationship with Jesus and to have fellowship. We invite the presence of the Holy Spirit as we meet together and we've had some great conversations and revelations. Please join us as we continue our Bible study and prayers. God bless you all, Mihail

Socrates Cafés are gatherings around the world where people from different backgrounds get together and exchange thoughtful ideas and experiences while embracing the Socratic Method; the idea that we learn more when we question, and question with others. Although this may be considered a "philosophical" group, there are no rules as to what is discussed. Those attending decide upon the questions of the night. Usually, the topics revolve around social concerns, moral issues, and the first principles of things. Prior to each meeting we vote online for the questions we will discuss. That way, we will have enough time to ruminate on them and have more in-depth conversations. If you RSVP to a meeting, you may post your question in the event comments section below. I'll send out a survey for voting a few days prior to the meetup. We discuss two questions each night. So you will get to cast two votes in the survey. When we meet, we break into smaller groups of five to seven to discuss the top two vote-getters. Each group discusses one question for around 45-50 minutes, and we then take a short break. After reconvening, each group moves on to its second question. Hope to see you there! -Brian

Join us for a fun afternoon of pickleball and Rita's Ice Cream! 🍧 We’ll play friendly pickleball games—perfect for all skill levels—then head to Rita’s Ice to cool off and hang out. 📅 April 18 📍 College Park, MD 8000 Rhode Island Ave, College Park, MD 20740 ⏰ 2pm Bring a paddle (if you have one), water, and good vibes! Please park at the Lakeland Community Center and walk over to the pickleball courts (pass the soccer field and next to the playground).

### Hopeful Cafe Conversations @Panera Kentlands ou are cordially invited to join in the conversation... a cup of coffee, and to catch the positive vibe. At NEW HOPE CAFE CONVERSATIONS Address: Panera, 285 Kentlands Blvd., Gaithersburg, MD 20878 Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83326239362 ===== New Hope Workshop: What is Negativity Bias? How do we get ahead of it to reach more positive outcomes in work, life, and relationships? Discover the difference between goals and outcomes. 1\. How do we reaffirm ones role\, despite negativity bias from others? 2\. The New Hope Community Affirmative Statements of Foundational Principles 3\. Your Perspectives in Conversation Join us in-person tomorrow morning at Panera Kentlands: 8:30am-9:30am, or on Zoom (see link below). "Star Points Meal Deal" If you have New Hope "Star Points 💫" you can get a discount on a meal. Also you can earn Star Points, if this is your first time attending Cafe Conversations, in-person. Ask Gene, newhope321community@yahoo.com, 240-848-0808.

**🌈SAFE ENVIRONMENT🌈** **Matthew 22:39 ❤️** “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Do you identify as **LGBTQIA+** and find yourself carrying doubt, shame, or hurt because of religion? Are you curious about reconnecting with your faith—or exploring it in a new way? If so, you’re invited to join a queer Bible study centered on **rediscovering God’s word through* love***. **This space is rooted in the belief that Christ’s love is for everyone.** Despite what many have been taught or made to feel, your identity does not disqualify you from faith—it is part of your story, and you are worthy of love, belonging, and grace. For a long time, I struggled with confusion, frustration, and even resentment toward religion. I asked God why I was made the way I am, wondering if that meant I was somehow wrong. Over time, I came to realize that the hurt I carried didn’t come from God—it came from human misunderstanding, systemic bias, and teachings that strayed from love. Through reflection and growth, my faith has become something different: something rooted in compassion, inclusion, and love for all people—myself included. **Logistics:** • 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month\* • Location: Library or apartment\*\* • 60–90 minutes of reading and discussion\*\*\* \* Frequency can increase if a consistent group forms \*\* In-person gatherings at my apartment's lounge if the group is comfortable \*\*\* Agenda shared in advance **If this resonates with you, you are welcome here. ❤️🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️**

**Real connection with fellow Catholics who are eager to grow in Faith and friendship!** This 3 year--- 45min deep dive into the Catholic faith is a great way to spend your Sunday rest day. When you are ready to dig deeper and live the faith more fully this is an optimal opportunity. Talk yourself into this! You may start whenever and can come as often or as little as you desire. Coffee is served w/ small donation. It is taught by the priest and/or OCIA director at St Louis Parish who are ALL fabulous- faithful educators filled with theologically inspired knowledge. You can ask questions at the end, which I love. It is just a wonderful experience to grow. Afterwards if you wish, you can also find your way over to the Little Way Cafe Coffee shop across the parking lot to stay for more community time or read some of the excellent books that line the shelves throughout. If you are new to the community of Alexandria and want to meet like minded folks or a veteran of it, this is a special and unique opportunity and did I mention it is free? :) Hard to believe! Please join me every Sunday at 945 am.

**Welcome to our church in Greenbelt, MD** where we believe that everyone is made in God’s image, and that no one should be ignored or marginalized. We are a safe space for everyone who is looking for unconditional love and acceptance in Jesus Christ our Lord. We invite you to join us for our next service on **Sunday**, at 10:40 AM. We hope to see you there! 🙏🌟

**Hi Amazing Singles,** Have you been looking for a precious community? People who pursue God seriously :) People who love hard and laugh equally :) People who pray in abundance but also eat with rigor ;) LOL Then you've come to the right place! The Spring/Winter is upon us where I and Chaplain Ted will work to love and lead us all to get additional fuel for our Christian adventure as we study and emulate the early exciting Christian church! If your new we would love for you to give us a try! If you've been around it's time to return. An Amazon link to the 2 needed books are provided below: Ted and I are excited to walk with you and dive into this rich book together, part 2 Our actual Study, Acts 13-28 Acts for You ***There is no more thrilling part of the Bible than the book of Acts, and no better guide to it than Albert Mohler. If you have any questions let Ted or I know. Lots of love, Ted - 443-905-2585 Andy - 804-986-3164 The below is not a hyperlink, but you can cut and paste and put it in your browser. https://a.co/d/cH5QHzi https://a.co/d/b7MUOhq

Every Sunday afternoon before church, one of the Covenant Life Church prophetess' hosts a prophetic training class that activates participants in the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. During this class, participants will be provided opportunity to be taught how to use the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and will have opportunity to ask questions and talk with someone who has been used in the Gifts during ministry. Teaching is provided on the gifts with emphasis on the Gift of the Prophecy. A combination of lecture and experiential learning is employed to teach, guide and instruct the participants. Everyone is welcome, all classes are free. Childcare is not provided.

PLEASE CHECK THE ONLINE MEDITATION CALENDAR FOR DETAILS OF THESE MORE THAN 50 SERVICES A WEEK- https://onlinemeditation.yogananda.org/calendar/

Christians in Tech is a community at the intersection of faith and technology. Our meetups are designed to spark meaningful conversations, promote knowledge sharing, and encourage growth—both in your career and your spiritual walk with God. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your tech journey, CIT welcomes you. Our Website [https://linktr.ee/citcbus](https://linktr.ee/citcbus) Sponsors and Partners * Improving (Venue Sponsor) * Bethel World Prayer Center (Fiscal Sponsor) * Fruits & Roots (Coffee Partner)

Christians in Tech is a community at the intersection of faith and technology. Our meetups are designed to spark meaningful conversations, promote knowledge sharing, and encourage growth—both in your career and your spiritual walk with God. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your tech journey, CIT welcomes you. Our Website [https://linktr.ee/citcbus](https://linktr.ee/citcbus) Sponsors and Partners * Improving (Venue Sponsor) * Bethel World Prayer Center (Fiscal Sponsor) * Fruits & Roots (Coffee Partner)

Rev. Steven Clevenger is an ordained spiritualist minister with over 40 years experience as a Spiritual Healer, Clairvoyant and Spiritual Teacher, educated and trained at the White Lily Chapel. Rev. Siobhan Wolf Shaffer is an ordained spiritualist minister and certified medium and healer with over 20 years experience. She began her development in 1988 in Pennsylvania and continued when she moved to Ohio in 1998 where she studied at Rays of Lights Church with Rev. Steven Clevenger. Our full worship services consist of an inspirational lecture, healing meditation, and messages from the spirit world that serve to demonstrate evidence of eternal life. Please visit our Official Church Website (http://raysoflightchurch.com) for more information.

Main Library, Meeting Room 2B Join us for a welcoming evening of reflection, gentle music, and meaningful conversation. We’ll begin with a short grounding moment, followed by a brief reading from spiritual or philosophical traditions, and an open reflection circle where participants can share (or simply listen). Libera Animae is an interfaith community focused on inner growth, creativity, and authentic connection. All backgrounds are welcome.

We are excited to host Guided Meditations on Sundays at 6 pm in our Ashram/Gallery/Home! !! !! Everyone wants to know what kind of God we worship and what kind of meditation we do. We worship the GOD that LOVES US! We understand that god is an energy and it lives in us as us. Our meditations guide others to actually experience that energy! xoxo We don't just talk about peace, love and affection, we experience it :) Also we are a home not a business, so we enjoy building community one friend at a time. We always build in time for people to mingle & develop friendships! xoxo Much Love, Frank Tennyson Namaste, Frank Tennyson http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/f/9/9/600_447824953.jpeg