Spaces For Encounter
A SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA FRANCISCAN SOLIDARITY TABLE
GATHERINGS
Every 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month at 9:30 am, FST companions gather for communal contemplation and rotating study, simple living projects and community action..
SPACES FOR ENCOUNTER
BI-MONTHLY GATHERINGS​
BECOME A PART OF OUR TABLE COMMUNITY
Growth Resources
Caring Companions
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SPIRITUAL PRACTICES
Study
Simple Living
Contemplation
Community Action
Restorative Space/Silent Retreat
Annual Pilgrimage
HOURS
PRACTICE SERVICES
Everyday 24/7
STUDY
Study involves the use of available growth resources from local Franciscan speakers, Franciscan Action Networks's on-line Canticle Campus, Franciscan Media, Franciscan Intellectual Tradition, Center For Action & Contemplation and Illuman who offer courses, books, writings and films for expanded knowledge and insight around the eight Franciscan values of:
Care for Creation
Dignity of the Human Person
Consistent Ethic of Life
Respect for the Poor and Vulnerable
Peace and Reconciliation
Justice in Relationships
Ongoing Conversion
Agents of Change.
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SIMPLE LIVING PROJECTS
Simple Living Projects involves active engagement in practical projects with caring companions that support a simple lifestyle to limit the impact of our consumer culture. Practices may involve growing and preparing our own food, creating practical items with waste products, and sharing methods to support our daily commitment to live a humble life without excess.
contemplative practices
Contemplation practices are centrally built around the community contemplative practice of the circle table and Centering Prayer. Contemplative practices also include nature contemplation, meditation and body prayer (chi kung & tai chi).
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Nature contemplation centers on themes of
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Noticing,
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Appreciation,
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Wonder,
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Thanksgiving,
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Mortality,
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Reverence,
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Hospitality
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Humility
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Silence
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Love
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Beauty
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Pain
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Revelation
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Hope and more.
Chi flows are created around Franciscan themes including the Canticle of the Creatures and the Beatitudes.
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Community action
Community Action at Spaces For Encounters focuses on providing healthy and safe food and shelter for all created beings. This community action is supported through advocacy work to prevent, resist and transform systems and approaches that harm our interconnected community.
Restorative Space/Silent Retreats
Honoring the Franciscan tradition of contemplation, FST companions may participate in seasonal silent weekend retreats following St. Francis' Rule for Hermitages at friends of SOE.
Annual Pilgrimage
An annual renewal and reconciliation pilgrimage is held the first week of October with FST companions. Pilgrimages vary in days and location each year. .