Other Contemplative Teachers and Resources
Venerable Christopher Page
The Venerable Christopher Page is rector of St. Philips Anglican Church in Victoria, a respected writer, speaker, and retreat leader with The Contemplative Society. He was ordained in Toronto in 1980 after receiving his MDiv degree. A graduate at the Spring 2001 Convocation of the Vancouver School of Theology, Christopher completed his second Masters Degree (ThM) in 2004. His thesis was on nature mysticism in the work of Thomas Merton. These studies have in turn, led to a deep interest in the contemplative tradition and in the lives of the Desert Fathers.
Christopher and his wife Heather reside in Victoria. They have both been trained as Centering Prayer facilitators by Contemplative Outreach and are available to lead “Introduction to Centering Prayer” workshops, contemplative practice workshops, and teaching or silent retreats for interested groups. Please contact The Contemplative Society for more information or to request a workshop.
Cynthia Bourgeault has this to say in endorsement of Christopher:
"Christopher Page - author, columnist, outdoorsman, and parish priest-is one of the finest teachers of the Christian contemplative path I have ever met. He has been an influential presence in the contemplative renewal of the Anglican Church in Canada, introducing thousands to contemplative practice through both his books and his workshops and retreats. He has also been the linchpin of the Victoria-based Contemplative Society, a group he helped to found and has faithfully nurtured for more than a decade. He combines deep mystical insight with practical grounding and a pastor's listening ear, and his knowledge of the Christian contemplative tradition is unparalleled. I experience him him as bridge between the best of Christian tradition and the new directions and needs opening up in today's culture. It is an honour to introduce him to you."
The following is some of Christopher Page's written and spoken works:
Christopher's blog
A selection of Christopher's sermons from St. Philip's
Listen to Christopher Page speaking at a 2010 Lenten Forum on the impact of meditation and silence in his personal spiritual journey.
Read Heather and Christopher Page's notes from Cynthia's teaching retreat on Christophany at Olympic Park, Washington, a five-day teaching retreat on Christophany with Cynthia Bourgeault.
Books by Christopher Page:
Shadow Dancing: Living with the Dark Side
The Temptations of Christ in the Gospel of Matthew
How can Jesus’ struggles show us what it means to be truly human?
The gospel accounts of Jesus’ temptations in the wilderness, especially as described by Matthew, offer profound insights into the human condition and deep spiritual principles for Christian life today. Everything with which we struggle is included in these temptations. They stand as a clear mirror, challenging us to search our hearts and discover the illusions and deceptions with which we are often tempted to live.
This book explores Jesus’ journey as he confronted his temptations and emerged whole and undefeated. We are guided by this example to live into a healthier human fullness, aware of the shadow side of our nature but not overcome by it. By undertaking this inner journey, we are, with God’s grace, enabled to fulfill our destiny as God’s creatures.
Suggestions for personal reflection, journalling, or group discussion are included.
Click HERE to order this book by Christopher Page.
Spirit Life: Living the Fruit of God's Spirit
In the famous biblical passage known as "The Fruit of the Spirit," St. Paul describes distinctive qualities that characterize the lives of those who walk in the Spirit of Christ.
In these intimately spiritual and eminently practical reflections, Christopher Page helps us to discover and express the Fruit of the Spirit in our everyday encounters.
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and inner strength – to the degree that we give God's Spirit free reign in our souls, we will find these qualities manifesting in our lives.
Click HERE to order this book by Christopher Page.
The Way of Courage, Being God's People in a Broken World
"Christopher Page offers wise reflections that come from a deep inner life of prayerfulness. Each article has forced me to pause and then to listen. May it be so for all who read this book" - Bishop Barry Jenks, retired Bishop of British Columbia (Vancouver Island, Gulf Islands)
Click HERE to order this book by Christopher Page.
Christ Wisdom: Spiritual Practice in the Beatitudes and the Lord's Prayer
At the heart of the Beatitudes and the Lord's Prayer lies a profound challenge to live in intimate communion with God. Reflecting on these central teachings of Jesus, we are compelled to look beyond the surface, and to embrace the deeper realities of life in the Spirit. Bringing a fresh perspective to these foundational Christian scriptures, Christopher Page uncovers deep inner wisdom for our living. He invites us into a journey with Jesus that can potentially open us to wellsprings of meaning and life.
Click HERE to order this book by Christopher Page.
Review of his book: “Christ Wisdom: Spiritual Practice in the Beatitudes and the Lord’s Prayer” … ”This small gem of a book marks a strong debut for an authentic new voice in the ongoing lineage of Christian Wisdom teachers. Christopher Page effectively draws on his thorough knowledge of Scripture, his seasoned experience as a priest and pastor, and the deep well of his own inner life to bring strong new insight – and challenging practical applications – to Jesus’ core teachings on spiritual transformation.”
Cynthia Bourgeault, author of The Wisdom Way of Knowing and Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening.
Mark’s Gospel, Awakening the Voice Within
The words of Mark's gospel turn a searching light into the souls of its readers, enabling us to examine our hearts, question our assumptions, and seek God's truth in our lives. Taking these words seriously, Page proposes, will change our lives in deep ways. Includes questions for journalling or discussion. Click book for details.
Click HERE to order this book by Christopher Page.
Review of his book “Mark’s Gospel: Awakening the Voice Within” “Because the book is so rich in its focus on spiritual practices as embedded in the teachings of Jesus, and because the reflection questions are so challenging, I would see this book used most helpfully with a prayer group or other small group.”
Constance Joanna Gefvert, SSJD
“This book is a marvelous example of prayerful reflection upon a sacred text. It is filled with new insights, spiritual connections and practical advice.”
Richard Rohr, OFM author of Everything Belongs
Christopher Page is a natural storyteller. He shows how deep faith can translate the human condition. His writing will move you and stay with you long after you’ve put the book down.
Kim Kierans, Director and associate professor, School of Journalism, University of King ’s College, Halifax .
Harry Eerkes
 Harry Eerkes has an eclectic background which includes having worked as a geologist’s helper prospecting for gold in the Canadian north, a school teacher, a clinical psychologist, and for 10 years a university lecturer in psychology. In 1995 he was ordained a priest in the Anglican Church. Harry is an Advisor to the Board of Directors of The Contemplative Society.
Harry has volunteered in the slums of Nairobi with Maji Mazuri, a Nairobi based NGO. He has made several pilgrimages to Celtic sites in Northern England and Iona, Scotland, where on three occasions he has been involved in leading weeklong workshops. Harry has also been to Taizé, France, and for many years he has been involved in leading “Prayer in the Style of Taizé” services, lately at St. Philip’s Anglican Church and at the University of Victoria. He has facilitated numerous study groups, workshops and retreats locally, nationally, and internationally. Harry is mindful of the common strands within the Contemplative Path, the ancient Christian Celtic Church, and the ‘emerging’ Christian thinking of today.
Harry is the proud father of Mary, Deb, and Michael, grandfather of Miranda, Felicia, and the twins Fin and Ainsley (Opa to them), and great-grandfather (GG) to Oliver. Good friends, photography, singing, walks, family, worship, sharing good food, the forest, the sea, the mountains, and all sorts of music, help keep his soul alive.
Book by Harry Eerkes:
Conversations on a Journey: Encounters for Lent and Holy Week
In this book, the Rev’d Harry Eerkes has recorded some of his reflections on a selection of Lent and Holy Week lectionary readings in an easily accessible “poetic-prose” style.
In reading Part I of this creative work, you will meet some of the people who met and knew Jesus, see him through their eyes, and hear him through their ears.
Part II of the book provides questions for sharing and reflection and “Continuing the Conversations” personally or in a group setting.
Click HERE for more information, book reviews, and ordering details.
Incarnation Trilogy
The following trilogy of poems, written by Harry Eerkes, was the basis of the 2007 Contemplative Society Advent Retreat which was led by Harry. The Contemplative Society would like to share them with you.
Incarnation Trilogy - Harry Eerkes © 2007
Selinde Krayenhoff
Selinde Krayenhoff is a writer, community worker, teacher/facilitator/keynote speaker, and past member of The Contemplative Society Board. Selinde is founding publisher of Island Parent Magazine and currently offers workshops and talks on
Nonviolent Communication, Parenting, and Midlife Transitions.
Centering Prayer Articles by Selinde:
Read Selinde Krayenhoff's thought-provoking article on Centering Prayer
Read Selinde Krayenhoff's article "Letting Go, Letting God"
Gospel of Thomas Rosary - by Deborah Foster
Deborah Foster, the creator of the Gospel of Thomas Rosary, has made available to those who may be interested, the instructions for creating your own rosary. Deborah has requested to please consider a small donation to The Contemplative Society in exchange for these instructions.
Click HERE for instructions for creating a Gospel of Thomas rosary.
|
