Anchored in The Center

Celebrating 25 Years of Contemplative Worship

January 9-11, 2026

Centering Prayer Group

Join us as we celebrate 25 years of Contemplative Worship at Chapelwood United Methodist Church. The first Contemplative Worship service was offered on January 6, 2001, by Rev. Dr. Jerry Webber. On this anniversary weekend 25 years later, we welcome Jerry back for a meaningful virtual conversation. 

Anchoring our being in the Holy One

The theme of the whole weekend is Anchored in The Center. Ultimately, this means that we are called to “drop anchor” into the center of our own being – our soul, our heart – where we can know our connection with God, the One Who is the Divine Center of All.

For so many of us throughout these 25 years, the Contemplative Worship service at Chapelwood has helped us practice this, to anchor our being in the Holy One.

This theme also alludes to two ministries that grew out of the Contemplative Worship service – The Center for Christian Spirituality as well as our retreat house for prayer and learning – The Anchor House

Anchored in The Center

Join us for one, two, or all three events the weekend of January 9-11, 2026

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Conversation and Q&A

with Jerry Webber (via Zoom) & Michael Sciretti, Jr.

Friday, January 9

6:30 – 8:00 pm

The Anchor House

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Come hear Jerry Webber and Michael Sciretti, Jr. discuss the weekend theme of “Anchored in The Center.”

We will also hear more about the genesis of the Contemplative Worship service 25 years ago. There will be time for questions and answers as well.

Please RSVP by emailing Haley Brown.

Guided Silent Retreat

Contemplative Anchoring: In God, to Church, for the World

Facilitated by Rev. Dr. Michael Sciretti, Jr.

Saturday, January 10

9:00 am – 2:00 pm

The Anchor House

$35

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In this guided silent retreat to begin the new year, Michael will offer a simple model for developing a “Rule” or “Way” of Life.

Using scriptures, questions, songs, and readings, you will have the opportunity to reflect on how you want to anchor yourself more deeply in God in 2026, how you could more intentionally be anchored to the Wisdom of the Communion of Saints, and how you might practically be an anchored presence in your world. This model is inspired by the monastic tradition of the “anchorite” – someone who withdrew from distractions to deepen their relationship with God, others, and the created world. To aid them, they committed themselves to certain practices that helped them to more consciously be anchored: in God, to Church, and for the World.

In this guided silent retreat, Michael will help you determine what are your obstacles and facilitating conditions for anchoring in God, anchoring to Community, and being an anchoring presence in your World.

Contemplative Worship & Worship Response

celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Contemplative Service at Chapelwood UMC

Sunday January 11

Worship at 8:45 am in The Chapel

Worship Response at 10:00 am in The Anchor House

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Join us in Contemplative Worship as we mark the 25th anniversary of the Contemplative service at Chapelwood UMC. 

After worship we will meet in The Anchor House to share what themes in the service connected with us.

Please RSVP by emailing Haley Brown.

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