Inner awareness of the Spirit informs outward concerns, including traditional Quaker witness and actions for peace, justice, equality, care of creation and more. Personal spirituality is complemented by communal experiences of worship, mutual care, and group discernment.

If you’re curious, watch the 20 minute QuakerSpeak video, “What Do Quakers Believe?”

Christine Hall, the founder-director of Way of the Spirit, is a Quaker and an active member of Whidbey Island Friends Meeting (WA), part of North Pacific Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends. She modeled Way of the Spirit on the respected East Coast program, School of the Spirit, with their blessing. An “anchor committee” under the care of Whidbey Island Friends Meeting accompanies Chris with prayer and encouragement. Members include people from varied Quaker meetings and churches.

The specifics of your life, character, skills, giftedness, and inner sensibilities matter in the life of faith. Way of the Spirit seeks to integrate the whole of our experiences in the Holy. The ordinary, or practical, and the “spiritual” weave one Reality.

We learn by trying things ourselves and reflecting on what happens in us. Sessions invite participants into “spiritual experiments,” and like most experiments, results vary widely. The emphasis is less on what you believe or think about God; we seek to explore the how’s, when’s, and where’s of your faithfulness. We aim for body, mind, and emotions all leaning into “Yes” to Holy Guidance.

The community that’s developed around Way of the Spirit has been really, really good for me, even though we come from very different places. The people are so amazing—amazingly open, amazingly thoughtful. All of us are in it because we want to grow and deepen. —Norma, participant

Participants and staff are warm, open-hearted, authentic, vulnerable, thoughtful, seeking… Our group intentions foster a sacred hospitality for each one’s unique soul work. The foundation for our welcoming community includes the discipline of no fixing, no advising, and no correcting each other (from Parker Palmer’s Center for Courage and Renewal). We share our stories and struggles honestly, then listen and respond to each other in Life-affirming ways.

• Total commitment per mini-course is at least 20 hours.
• Saturday sessions, 15 hours (including lunch breaks) over 4-5 weeks: To participate fully in a Way of the Spirit mini-course, plan to attend all three Saturday sessions. Small group work depends on mutual commitment to being present.
• Preparatory reading, 3-5 hours: For each mini-course, expect preparatory readings between 70-90 pages. Most readings are brief articles or pamphlets, usually available electronically. Reading beforehand allows participants to gather with a foundation of shared vocabulary, and the beginnings of stirrings on the mini-course theme.
• Written reflections, 2-4 hours: One written reflection is assigned for each mini-course. Participants post on a web page that’s private to the group. We encourage additional written reflections—personal check ins, musings on session topics, requests for prayer—to help nurture the collaborative learning community.
• Optional individual spiritual accompaniment, 1 hour: Program staff welcome one-on-one conversation with participants after Saturday sessions. When the topic raises questions or someone feels stuck, it can really help!

• A computer or tablet that can connect to Zoom video conferencing.
• The bigger the screen, the better you’ll be able to see and engage with others in the group of 10-16 people. A laptop is much better than a tablet. Phones are rarely satisfying.
• Update your Zoom app to the latest version for best connection https://zoom.us/download
• The widest bandwidth setting possible for your location: (5G over 2.5G). One participant was kicked out of a meeting three times till she figured this out.
  Space with private video and audio.
• Check your lighting so we can see your smile.
• Headphones can help focus attention and presence with each other.
• The screen and audio need to be visible and audible to you alone. We help each other guard the container of our attention and private sharing. Best is a separate room, where no one will interrupt you or walk through the camera view.

Way of the Spirit, a program of GOOD NEWS Associates, is supported through participant fees. GNA is committed to making the program financially accessible to participants, as well as honestly self-supporting. Program fees allow for a modest wage for the full time director, plus stipends to guest speakers and spiritual accompaniment. Residential retreat fees include substantial costs of food and lodging. Additional generous donations help make up the gaps.

• Some participants have received funding support from their faith communities. Please ask.
• Or explore outside grants, including the Quaker-based Lyman Fund. Contact Tracy Booth: tdbooth@earthlink.net. They offered $3,000-5,000 to Way of the Spirit participants in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, and 2020. A comprehensive application is due to the Lyman Fund September 15th or March 15th
• Inquire about limited Way of the Spirit scholarship funds by emailing christine@goodnewsassociates.org.