Spiritual Life Center
SPIRITUALITY
Helping People Grow
Silver Bay’s Spiritual Life Program is committed to helping people grow spiritually and to encourage people to develop a deeper relationship with God. The YMCA Triangle of Spirit, Mind, and Body captures the essence of the whole person who is living an integrated life. The Spiritual Life Program represents the Spirit part of this great symbol. Rooted in the Christian tradition, the Spiritual Life Program at Silver Bay is open to people of all faiths. All of our events are ecumenical in nature and all are encouraged to attend. Over the years tens of thousands of people have found Silver Bay to be a comfortable place to grow spiritually on a path that is appropriate for them.
Spiritual Life Center
You are invited and most welcome to speak with one of our Chaplains or Spiritual Life staff members. Please feel free to stop by the Spiritual Life Center in Trinity House or call 518.543.8833 ext. 293 for an appointment.
About Spiritual Life Center Direction
What is Spiritual Direction?
Spiritual Direction is a conversation with a person who is spiritually experienced and trained to provide the opportunity for one to move into a closer relationship with God. Spiritual Direction helps one to understand ways in which God may be touching a person’s life either directly or indirectly. Through work with a Spiritual Director, a sacred space is created where one can experience healing, forgiveness, acceptance, and grace. What emerges though the process of Spiritual Direction is discernment, meaning, purpose, and hope. The results of this intentional work can be a greater sense of peace, wholeness, contentment, and joy.
There are many reasons why someone might like to engage in Spiritual Direction. One might be at a crossroads in his or her work life; relationship issues; to deepen their relationship with God; to grow in their prayer life; or to deepen their spiritual path.
Why Spiritual Direction at Silver Bay?
Silver Bay is dedicated to helping people deepen in their relationship with God. When one is at Silver Bay they come in contact with the beauty of God’s creation.
This retreat setting offers a unique opportunity to feel the presence of God with us and around us. Spiritual Direction offers the opportunity for one to talk about the presence of the holy in one’s life.
Past experience with spiritual direction is not needed for one to seek spiritual direction. As we often say at Silver Bay, who ever you are and wherever you are on life’s journey you are welcome here. Each year members of the Spiritual Life staff meet with hundreds of individuals who are seeking support for their life journey.
Who Can I Meet With?
There are several members of the Silver Bay Spiritual Life staff who are trained Spiritual Directors who would be glad to meet with you:
Sister Connie Messitt
Rev. Bruce Tamlyn
Three Ways To Make An Appointment
- Stop by the Spiritual Life Center located on the first floor of the Trinity House building. One of the Spiritual Directors would be glad to meet with you if they are free, or you may choose to schedule an appointment.
- Call the Spiritual Life Center at 518.543.8833 extension 293 or 261 and speak with one of the staff members to schedule an appointment.
- Or email btamyln@silverbay.org and he will assist you in scheduling an appointment.
The Spiritual Life Center offers:
| • Pastoral Counseling • Spiritual Direction • Couple’s Support • Grief Work • 12-Step Support • Worship services • Contemporary Christian Worship Service |
• Worship child care / Sunday school • Choir • Evening vespers • Hymn sing • Labyrinth & meditation • Teen Bible Study • Men’s Prayer Breakfast • Women’s Prayer Breakfast |
Worship Services
Whoever you are and where ever you are on life’s journey you are welcome here. We also offer contemporary worship during our summer season. Please see the Breeze, Silver Bay’s Program Guide for more information. Times and locations may be subject to change. All are welcome!
Reading Group
The Spiritual Life reading group meets every other Friday morning (some exceptions – see Activity Calendar) from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. from early September to early June. The group meets in the Trinity House lounge. The purpose of the group is to deepen our relationship with God. We attempt to accomplish this by collectively reading a book by a current theologian and discussing the key points made by the author. Copies of the current book are available at the Spiritual Life Center and at the Gift Shop in the William Boyd Center.
Spiritual Life Tent
All Spiritual Life seminars are held along the lakeshore just beyond the Nature Center, behind the Children’s Pavilion. A tent has been set up in this peaceful and tranquil setting. Seminars begin at 9:00 a.m. and finish at 10:15 a.m. We invite you to come to this beautiful setting and take the opportunity to deepen in your life journey. All are welcome. Please note that all of the books used in the seminars are available to purchase at the Silver Bay Gift Shop and at the seminar.
Pastoral Respite Ministry
This ministry provides rest and renewal for those who minister to others. Pastors and their immediate families, as well as other people who are involved in ministry, are invited to stay in Brookside Community House or Trinity House, two facilities that are dedicated to the spiritual growth of all who come to stay and also serves those in need of short-term emergency housing.
Many clergy make use of the beautiful surroundings and amenities as a time for prayer, sabbaticals, relfection and centering. Silver Bay has two ordained ministers on staff who are both available to provide care and support to respite participants during their stay. They also offer spiritual direction or pastoral support for those who want it.
If you are interested in learning more, please contact Rev. Dr. Garth J. Allen, Spiritual Life Director, at gallen@silverbay.org or 518.543.8570.