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Join us in November to learn what it means to experience
“Heaven on Earth”. We’ll present practical teaching on how to live life more
skillfully based on the wisdom of the perennial tradition. We are initially taught
to survive; the spiritual tradition invites us to thrive.
| Time | Item | Presenter |
|---|---|---|
| 8:30 am – 9:00 am | Registration / Introduction | |
9:00 am – 9:30am | Meditation and Breath | Paul Witmer |
9:30 am - 9:45 am | Break | |
9:45 am - 11:00 am | The little "g" god (Addiction & Recovery) | Patrick Dahlen |
11:00 am – 11:15 am | Break | |
11:15 – Noon | Mindfulness and Money | Matt Meline |
Noon – 1:00 pm | Lunch (included in registration) | |
1:00 pm - 1:15 pm | Activity | |
1:15 pm – 2:00 pm | Christian Wisdom Tradition | Adele Ver Steeg |
2:00 pm – 2:15 pm | Break | |
2:15 pm – 3:00 pm | Welcoming Prayer | Paul Witmer |
3:00 pm | Closing |
Paul Witmer | Ordained in the United Church of Christ, Paul Witmer has served as a pastor for more than 30 years, including a new church start in the 90s. He has extensive experience teaching contemplative practices, leading retreats, and working with folks in twelve-step recovery. A trained Spiritual Director, Paul also works with many to develop deep listening skills and grow on the spiritual journey, which has included many years of teaching and leading with the Prairiefire program. Paul currently serves as Lead Pastor with Women at the Well, a prison congregation of the United Methodist Church at the Iowa women’s prison in Mitchellville, Iowa | |
Matt Meline | Matt is the Founder and CEO of PrairieFire Wealth Planning in WDM. He has spent the last 30 years in financial services. Following his participation in the PrairieFire program at DMPCC, Matt decided to implement his Rule for Life and start his own company. He left a large bank and started PFW in August of 2019. He hopes to bring the fusion of money and meaning to his clients on a daily basis. | |
Adele Ver Steeg | Adele Ver Steeg is a student of Christian wisdom teaching, which she encountered in her study of the Enneagram and in the writing of contemporary Christian mystic Cynthia Bourgeault. Described as “esoteric Christianity”, it is a practical, lived path dedicated to the transformation of human consciousness. This presentation will include exercises and will draw from The Wisdom Way of Knowing: Reclaiming an Ancient Tradition to Awaken the Heart by Cynthia Bourgeault. | |
Patrick Dahlen | Patrick is a Certified Health Coach and spiritual teacher. He has studied with Buddhist & Vedanta teachers for decades and finished coursework with the Bnei Baruch Kabbalah Education Center. He has spent the last five years participating in Christian spiritual formation programs—PrairieFire in Des Moines and then the Living School in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Patrick is the founder of the Vaken Group. A non-profit focused on helping families affected by addiction. |