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Hearts on Fire

Fellowship of United Methodist Spiritual Directors & Retreat Leaders

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Public Directory

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 125

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Marla Albert

Roles:
  • Lay
UMC Conference:

Texas

Frisco

,

TX

Info:

A contemplative by nature, I seek stillness with God above all. A native of Montana, I was baptized and raised in the Methodist tradition. From my earliest childhood, I have yearned for a life of solitude and prayer. Seeking God's face is an adventure and along the way, I learned much from early Christian prayer practices, the Desert Fathers, St Benedict, the Carmelites, Ignatius, and many other heroes of the faith.
I founded and facilitated corporate support groups for anyone touched by cancer based on the Circles of Trust methodology by Parker Palmer. A year later I was asked to begin another group for caregivers of dementia patients.

Small group or one-on-one spiritual direction and silent retreats are my choices.

I hold a BA in Humanities and have certificates in the Art of Leadership in Ministry, the Art of Spiritual Direction, and as a Grief Support Companion and Facilitator. I have also completed Circles of Trust Facilitator Training through The Center for Renewal..

Marla Albert

Roles:
  • Lay
UMC Conference:

Texas

Frisco

,

TX

Info:

A contemplative by nature, I seek stillness with God above all. A native of Montana, I was baptized and raised in the Methodist tradition. From my earliest childhood, I have yearned for a life of solitude and prayer. Seeking God's face is an adventure and along the way, I learned much from early Christian prayer practices, the Desert Fathers, St Benedict, the Carmelites, Ignatius, and many other heroes of the faith.
I founded and facilitated corporate support groups for anyone touched by cancer based on the Circles of Trust methodology by Parker Palmer. A year later I was asked to begin another group for caregivers of dementia patients.

Small group or one-on-one spiritual direction and silent retreats are my choices.

I hold a BA in Humanities and have certificates in the Art of Leadership in Ministry, the Art of Spiritual Direction, and as a Grief Support Companion and Facilitator. I have also completed Circles of Trust Facilitator Training through The Center for Renewal..

Susan Amick

Roles:
  • Clergy
UMC Conference:

Michigan AC

Decatur

,

GA

Info:

Susan Amick, UMC Deacon and Chaplain at Wesley Woods Senior Living, Atlanta, GA.
[email protected]
I joyfully assist adults in late-age making life transitions; witnessing journeys of faith and sharing in both grief and growth that occurs as individuals seek to age with grace. I use music, movement, prayer, laughter, and patient listening to lead programs and retreats on prayer practices, spirituality and aging, and self-care (especially for caregivers). I am passionate about ministries of wellness, wholeness, and transformation across the entire life-span. I am called to live and nurture others in practicing an aware and alive Christian faith that guides life-long learning.
I have led retreats and facilitated spiritual practices in local churches, and at regional and national events. While not currently providing spiritual direction, I am open to doing so in the future. I specialize in Sole Work/Soul Work, combining deep listening and foot reflexology.

Susan Amick

Roles:
  • Clergy
UMC Conference:

Michigan AC

Decatur

,

GA

Info:

Susan Amick, UMC Deacon and Chaplain at Wesley Woods Senior Living, Atlanta, GA.
[email protected]
I joyfully assist adults in late-age making life transitions; witnessing journeys of faith and sharing in both grief and growth that occurs as individuals seek to age with grace. I use music, movement, prayer, laughter, and patient listening to lead programs and retreats on prayer practices, spirituality and aging, and self-care (especially for caregivers). I am passionate about ministries of wellness, wholeness, and transformation across the entire life-span. I am called to live and nurture others in practicing an aware and alive Christian faith that guides life-long learning.
I have led retreats and facilitated spiritual practices in local churches, and at regional and national events. While not currently providing spiritual direction, I am open to doing so in the future. I specialize in Sole Work/Soul Work, combining deep listening and foot reflexology.

Susan Amick

Roles:
  • Clergy
UMC Conference:

Michigan AC

Decatur

,

GA

Info:

Susan Amick, UMC Deacon and Chaplain at Wesley Woods Senior Living, Atlanta, GA.
[email protected]
I joyfully assist adults in late-age making life transitions; witnessing journeys of faith and sharing in both grief and growth that occurs as individuals seek to age with grace. I use music, movement, prayer, laughter, and patient listening to lead programs and retreats on prayer practices, spirituality and aging, and self-care (especially for caregivers). I am passionate about ministries of wellness, wholeness, and transformation across the entire life-span. I am called to live and nurture others in practicing an aware and alive Christian faith that guides life-long learning.
I have led retreats and facilitated spiritual practices in local churches, and at regional and national events. While not currently providing spiritual direction, I am open to doing so in the future. I specialize in Sole Work/Soul Work, combining deep listening and foot reflexology.

Macon Armistead

Roles:
  • Spiritual Director
  • Retreat Leader
  • Clergy
UMC Conference:

Florida

New Smyrna Beach

,

FL

Info:

As a spiritual director, I offer sacred space for holy listening where both you and I listen to God together. If you are in a season of spiritual questions, discerning God's direction for your life, needing spiritual healing and care, or desiring a deeper connection to the Spirit, I would love to talk with you about scheduling a holy listening session.

Needing someone to listen? I’ll hold sacred space for you to ask those big God questions, share what’s going on with you spiritually, or explore where you are being led.

Needing direction for more than just you? I’ll walk alongside your ministry, team, organization, or congregation and help you discover your shared identity, gifts, and calling.

Needing to get away and connect with God? I’ll facilitate a spiritual retreat at your church, campground, or even online to help you or your group find rest in solitude and prayer.

Peace and grace on your journey, friends. We are in this together.

Lewis Arnold

Roles:
  • Spiritual Director
  • Retreat Leader
  • Clergy
UMC Conference:

Florida

Tarpon Springs

,

FL

Info:

Spiritual Director focused on short term relationships occasioned by challenges of context and calling. Skilled in group spiritual direction and challenges facing staff or leadership groups facing cultural change. Background includes, local church pastor, crisis chaplaincy, spiritual formation leadership, retreat leadership and one on one spiritual companionship.

Lewis Arnold

Roles:
  • Spiritual Director
  • Retreat Leader
  • Clergy
UMC Conference:

Florida

Tarpon Springs

,

FL

Info:

Spiritual Director focused on short term relationships occasioned by challenges of context and calling. Skilled in group spiritual direction and challenges facing staff or leadership groups facing cultural change. Background includes, local church pastor, crisis chaplaincy, spiritual formation leadership, retreat leadership and one on one spiritual companionship.

Lewis Arnold

Roles:
  • Spiritual Director
  • Retreat Leader
  • Clergy
UMC Conference:

Florida

Tarpon Springs

,

FL

Info:

Spiritual Director focused on short term relationships occasioned by challenges of context and calling. Skilled in group spiritual direction and challenges facing staff or leadership groups facing cultural change. Background includes, local church pastor, crisis chaplaincy, spiritual formation leadership, retreat leadership and one on one spiritual companionship.

Lewis Arnold

Roles:
  • Spiritual Director
  • Retreat Leader
  • Clergy
UMC Conference:

Florida

Tarpon Springs

,

FL

Info:

Spiritual Director focused on short term relationships occasioned by challenges of context and calling. Skilled in group spiritual direction and challenges facing staff or leadership groups facing cultural change. Background includes, local church pastor, crisis chaplaincy, spiritual formation leadership, retreat leadership and one on one spiritual companionship.

Kristabeth Atwood

Roles:
  • Spiritual Director
UMC Conference:

Presbyterian

Burlington

,

VT

Info:

For 18 years, I served congregations as a church pastor. Today, I bring my pastor’s heart to my work as a spiritual director. I offer one-on-one spiritual direction, grief companionship, and group spiritual direction both in person and on Zoom. I believe that meeting life’s changes with truth and vulnerability helps to heal not only ourselves but the collective.

My personal journey through the joys and challenges of marriage, divorce, re-marriage, becoming a stepparent, relocation, career changes, and loss informs my practice. As a survivor of violence and PTSD, I've experienced the pain and disorientation life's changes can cause, as well as the light of healing.

I understand spiritual direction as the practice of holding space for those seeking to grow in their connection with God. In my practice, I engage deep listening to provide a nonjudgmental space to connect with the sacred wisdom within and around you. People of all gender expressions and sexual identities are welcome.

Laura Baber

Roles:
  • Spiritual Director
  • Clergy
UMC Conference:

Susquehanna and Florida

Ocala

,

FL

Info:

Laura Baber has over 20 years experience as a spiritual director and retreat leader.
She is active with the Center for Spiritual Formation (centerformation.org) where she was trained. Laura leads a variety of spiritual formation groups including: A contemplative artistic group called Create!, a spiritual formation gathering for those ministering cross culturally, and peer supervision experiences. Laura is the author of Rhythms of Restoration: Practicing Grief on the Path of Grace, Seedbed Publishing. She currently lives in Ocala, Florida.

Melissa Bailey-Kirk

Roles:
  • Spiritual Director
  • Retreat Leader
  • Clergy
UMC Conference:

Missouri

Pensacola

,

FL

Info:

I believe that grace is for all people, and that Spirit's desire is to breathe healing and transformative grace throughout the universe. In my practice as a spiritual director and retreat leader, I am honored to hold sacred space so that others may experience Spirit and tap into the wisdom that waits to be discovered. I am especially drawn to spiritual formation practices (lectio divina, contemplative prayer, etc.)

I have advanced training and practice in The Circle Way, Non-Violent Communication, Open Space Technology, Bridge Builders, and World Cafe. I received my Spiritual Direction Certification from Benet Hill's Benedictine Spiritual Direction Program.

I pray that you, even now, experience the deep love that God has for you. Take a moment to breathe slowly and deeply...receive grace.

Kimberly Barker-Brugman

Roles:
  • Spiritual Director
  • Retreat Leader
  • Clergy
UMC Conference:

Virginia

Virginia Beach

,

VA

Info:

Ordained Elder in the UMC, Virginia Conference
Spiritual director and supervisor
Labyrinth Facilitator
wife, mother, sister, daughter,
deep concern for those who have experienced trauma and hurt with church/religion
hiker, cyclist, reader, knitter, scrapbooker
Christian clown, drama, retreat leader, labyrinth facilitator

Lisa Beckman

Roles:
  • Spiritual Director
  • Lay
UMC Conference:

Holston

Chattanooga

,

TN

Info:

Meeting virtually and in person | [email protected] | bestself3n1.com

In the second half of life, many women ask deeper questions—especially after loss, divorce, or transition. You may sense the Holy Spirit inviting you into a slower, more intentional rhythm that honors your story and soul. As a sacred listener and companion, I offer a calm, grounded space to reflect, rest, and reconnect with what matters most.

Together, we explore the sacredness in your everyday life. We listen for how God speaks through your body, breath, longings, and questions. Through gentle conversation and simple practices, we nurture peace, clarity, and compassion for the journey ahead, making space for grace, healing, and renewal of spirit and purpose, one step at a time.

With decades in health, wellness, and spiritual formation, I hold space with care and reverence. There is no expectation—only an open invitation to be met by God in the present moment and live rooted in that sacred place.

Nancy Bellamy

Roles:
  • Spiritual Director
  • Retreat Leader
UMC Conference:

yadkin valley district

Clemmons

,

NC

Info:

As a spiritual director, I work with those who long for a deeper relationship with God or who are seeking purpose in life. As a group spiritual director, I offer guidance for groups of 6 or less who desire a place to share and be held in a confidential environment, recognizing the presence and guidance of God.
My specific areas of focus for retreat leadership are a variety of spiritual disciplines including Lectio Divina & spiritual discernment.

Nancy Bellamy

Roles:
  • Spiritual Director
  • Retreat Leader
UMC Conference:

yadkin valley district

Clemmons

,

NC

Info:

As a spiritual director, I work with those who long for a deeper relationship with God or who are seeking purpose in life. As a group spiritual director, I offer guidance for groups of 6 or less who desire a place to share and be held in a confidential environment, recognizing the presence and guidance of God.
My specific areas of focus for retreat leadership are a variety of spiritual disciplines including Lectio Divina & spiritual discernment.

Lisa Jo Bezner

Roles:
  • Spiritual Director
  • Retreat Leader
  • Clergy
UMC Conference:

New Mexico AC/Mountain Sky AC

Raton

,

NM

Info:

I blend classical models and creative approaches including lectio divina, visio divina, mindful photography, fiber arts, Ignatian methods and journaling among other approaches.
I have worked with group spiritual direction, situations of conflict, trauma, and natural disasters.
I am available for women-centered retreats such as Women and Prayer, Marys in the New Testament, Women Mystics and Nature.

Clare Biedenharn, DMin, BCC

Roles:
  • Spiritual Director
  • Retreat Leader
  • Clergy
UMC Conference:

Mississippi

New Albany

,

IN

Info:

Author, speaker, trainer Rev Dr Clare discovered through her study with critical care nurses that through deep, intentional listening connection and transformation often occur. Clare works with stressed healthcare professionals both personally and professionally through use of the proven and effective Quaker Listening Model. The QLM promotes better communication to self and others through an intentional, expectant listening process. Clare works with both individuals as a Listening Partner and with organizational leaders who seek to remember their call to service as they Reflect, Reconnect, and Restore.
Clare also offers a basic listening online course based on her Amazon best selling book "Heart to Heart: Spiritual Care through Deep Listening."
In addition she has authored "Reflect, Reconnect, Restore: Healing from Secondary Grief," and A Transformed Heart: Grief's Healing Journey."

Glynden Bode

Roles:
  • Spiritual Director
  • Retreat Leader
  • Clergy
UMC Conference:

Texas

NW Houston area

,

TX

Info:

none

Michelle Bodle

Roles:
  • Spiritual Director
  • Clergy
UMC Conference:

Susquehanna

Altoona

,

PA

Info:

Rev. Dr. Michelle Bodle is an ordained elder in the Susquehanna Conference of the United Methodist Church.  Pastor Michelle graduated from Drew in 2011 with a Master of Divinity Degree and received certification in Spiritual Formation from Drew and the General Board of Higher Education in Ministry in 2013. She also attended a two-year course in spiritual direction offered through the Center for Spiritual Formation. In 2022, Michelle graduated from Wesley Theological Seminary with a DMin in Church Leadership where here project paper focused on the use of group spiritual direction in the renewal of young clergy women. She is currently a student at Fordham University in the supervision of spiritual directors.

Michelle has served as a pastor since 2010 and as a spiritual director since 2013.

Find out more at www.abideinthespirit.com

Michelle Bodle

Roles:
  • Spiritual Director
  • Clergy
UMC Conference:

Susquehanna

Philipsburg

,

PA

Info:

Rev. Michelle Bodle is an ordained elder in the Susquehanna Conference of the United Methodist Church.  Pastor Michelle graduated from Drew in 2011 with a Masters of Divinity Degree and received certification in Spiritual Formation from Drew and the General Board of Higher Education in Ministry in 2013. She also attended a two-year course in spiritual direction offered through the Center for Spiritual Formation.

Michelle has served as a pastor since 2010 and as a spiritual director since 2013.

Constance Bovier

Roles:
  • Spiritual Director
  • Retreat Leader
  • Lay
UMC Conference:

Texas Annual Conference

Houston

,

TX

Info:

I offer spiritual direction in person and by phone/Skype. I have particular interest in dreamwork as a spiritual practice. I offer contemplative retreats and retreats/workshops on dreams and dreamwork.

Brenda Buckwell

Roles:
  • Spiritual Director
  • Retreat Leader
  • Clergy
UMC Conference:

West Ohio

Dublin

,

OH

Info:

Rev. Dr. Brenda Buckwell is a thoughtful innovator who deepens awareness of the Divine through spiritual direction, retreat leadership, and education. Brenda is a retired ordained United Methodist endorsed spiritual director, coach, and founder of Living Streams Flowing Water spiritual formation ministry. As co-founder of The Fellowship of United Methodist Spiritual Directors and Retreat Leaders: Hearts on Fire, she connected spiritual directors for support and resourcing their ministry.

Brenda is the author of two books, "Spiritual Direction and the Metamorphosis of Church" (2020), and her very popular book, "The Advent of God’s Word: Listening for the Power of a Divine Whisper" (2015). Additionally, Brenda is one of the featured author’s in "A Quiet Pentecost."

Caring for the needs, spirit and love of others is paramount to Brenda, as she opens space for God’s energy and creative activity in daily life. Brenda looks forward to meeting you!

Rev. Cathleen Burnett

Roles:
  • Spiritual Director
  • Clergy
UMC Conference:

Missouri Annual Conference

Kansas City

,

MO

Info:

I am a retired Ordained Deacon and serve as Associate Director of the Hermitage Spiritual Retreat Center in Pittsburg MO. It is a part time appointment. See www.hermitageretreats.org. I live in Kansas City MO when I am not at the Retreat Center, having retired from teaching criminal justice for 34 years at the University of Missouri. I primarily do individual spiritual direction although small group retreats are possible. I was trained by the Benedictine Sisters in Atchison, KS, graduating in 2014 from the 3 year Souljourners program with a certificate in Spiritual Direction.

Displaying 1 - 25 of 125

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