You're invited to an Evening of Prayer & Gratitude with the Women of McKendree United Methodist Church. 

Are you in a season of overwhelm? Long to carve out some time for prayer and thanksgiving this season? Join the women of McKendree for a half hour practice of the Prayer of Examen on Monday, November 23rd at 7:00 PM Central.

This ancient prayer practice will invite you to pause and discover gratitude while giving thanks to God for the ups and the downs of your daily life. Find a quiet space to tuck away then allow yourself a half hour of refreshment and the chance to be guided in prayer with other women on the journey with God.

No matter your stage of life, all women are welcome for this time of prayer and gratitude in community. 

Monday, November 23rd - 7:00 PM Central - Online via Zoom

​RSVP below to receive the Zoom link (you'll receive an email with the link, from our facilitator, one week prior to the event).

​Curious to experience this prayer on your own? You can listen to the guided meditation below and practice any time you long to foster a bit more gratitude.

Event Hosted by McKendree United Methodist Church
Facilitated by Whitney R. Simpson 

“Every person needs to take one day away. A day in which one consciously separates the past from the future. Jobs, family, employers, and friends can exist one day without any one of us, and if our egos permit us to confess, they could exist eternally in our absence. Each person deserves a day away in which no problems are confronted, no solutions searched for. Each of us needs to withdraw from the cares which will not withdraw from us.” ― Maya Angelou, Wouldn't Take Nothing for My Journey Now


We are well into our new normal of a pandemic lifestyle. Maybe your running around has been replaced with logging on these days - to meetings, to social media, or to check the news. No matter what you're filling your time with, I'm hearing from you that it is hard to give your body and soul a rest in this season. And, oh that forever running mind! Will it ever slow down again? 

These words from Maya Angelou really humble me. Who am I to think that the world won't turn if I don't take a break? My meditation practice is the daily time I can pause those problems. And, scheduling purposeful time apart with God is vital for my own soul. But it's hard, isn't it? Why is it so hard to take time away from the news, the pandemic, the worries, the politics? What holds you back from taking time apart? Daily for a few minutes or weekly for longer periods of time? Do you prioritize a daily practice or weekly Sabbath? What does that look like for you? 

If not, what gets in the way of prioritizing your own slowing down? What holds you back? 

Whether or not today is a day you can "consciously separate" from your problems, I hope you'll pause and give yourself a few minutes to explore peace for your spirit.

You're not alone. Need some companionship? Listen to the most recent podcast meditation below.

All Saints Sunday, November 1, 2020 from 12:30 - 4:30 PM at Lebanon First UMC in Lebanon, Tennessee.

You're invited to join us for a reflective day apart offering space for God's wisdom through presence, intentional silence, and words from the Saints before us.

Space is limited to 20 participants, please RSVP to save your spot. Your registration and $15 check must be received by 10/23/20 (or until the retreat is full). Our day retreat will be socially distanced with plenty of room outdoors (bring a lawn chair, a blanket, pillow, or anything that makes you comfortable settling in for reflection). You'll receive a journal, guided prayer prompts, access to a hot beverage station and a warm fire. In case of inclement weather, please bring a mask for safety of all participants so that we may enjoy reflection time in the sanctuary and chapel.

This event is open to the entire community and is hosted by Lebanon First UMC. Our time in reflection will be facilitated by Whitney R. Simpson of Exploring Peace Ministries.

To Register:

• Contact Rebecca Dixon at 615-444-3315 or children@lebanonfumc.com
• Send your $15 check to: Lebanon First UMC, 415 West Main Street Lebanon, TN 37087