Spirituality Center at St. Mark's

The Spirituality Center is located in Room 05 in the south education wing lower level, with direct access from the alley entrance.

Two spiritual directors meet with a variety of directees by appointment. Rev. Brian Hastings (773-549-3832 x 4) sees people on Tuesdays and Fridays. Rev. Liz Stout (847-869-6179) sees people on other days or evenings of the week.

Anyone drawn to pay attention to, honor, and develop the spiritual dimension of his or her life can come for direction. Spiritual guidance is not just for "worthy" church leaders, seminarians, clergy, or clergy spouses, although these individuals are always welcome. The one-to-one approach offers an opportunity to explore your soul's journey with a skilled listener. Visits can be short-term or long-term. Fees apply, but are flexible.

Both directors are Christian-based but work with persons of other faith paths, seekers and questioners, those injured or alienated by organized religion, and those for whom sexual orientation is factor in spiritual growth; both also lead workshops and start small groups on aspects of spirituality, spiritual practices, and interfaith concerns.

Rev. Brian Hastings is an Episcopal priest serving part-time at Church of Our Saviour parish on Fullerton Avenue in Chicago. He was born and raised in Canada, and spent 5 years as a monk at St. Gregory's Abbey in Three Rivers, Michigan.

Rev. Liz Stout is an Interfaith Minister with background in Presbyterian, Mennonite, and Catholic traditions. Her ministries includes pastoral care, creating ritual, and writing. She relates to American Sufi and Buddhist teachers, and is a Reiki practitioner.

Both Brian and Liz have extensive contacts in the spiritual direction community and can make referrals all over Metro Chicago. A collection of free material about retreat and conference sites in Illinois and neighboring states is also maintained in the office.

Spiritual Directors International, of which both Brian and Liz are members, has the following mission statement: "Throughout human history, individuals have been called to accompany others seeking the Mystery we name God. In this time, Spiritual Directors International responds to this call by tending the holy around the world and across traditions."

Interfaith Ministries

St. Mark's has had a hand in interfaith work for many years. Its clergy participate in the Evanston Interfaith Clergy Association. The church facility has housed groups coming from various Christian denominations as well as other faith traditions.

Each year on the Wednesday night prior to Thanksgiving, the Interfaith Clergy Association sponsors a community service open to all faiths. In 2005, this service will be hosted at Second Baptist Church, Rev. Mark Dennis, Pastor.

Our church monthly newsletter, The Lion, carries a column entitled "Interfaith Observations," by Rev. Liz Stout. The column focuses on interfaith involvement of St. Mark's members and in the community at large.

In 2003 and 2004, a New Year's Eve Open Meditation Night has been held at St. Mark's. This programming will be continued in 2005. It is an contemplative alternative (or drop-in) opportunity alongside First Night Evanston.