Sanctuary Book Club- February 2025

We’re excited to announce our second round of the Sanctuary Book Club- reading the book Faith After Doubt by Brian McLaren.

How Does This Work? Folks who want to participate in the book club will register below. The reading will kick off the week of February 2nd. You will receive a weekly email every Sunday or Monday with the suggested reading for the week, a few summary thoughts, some questions to consider, and more. Then, on Saturday, March 8th those who can and want to will gather from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the Sanctuary office for coffee, juice, and some breakfast food and discuss the book together. You’re still welcome to sign up and participate even if you can’t make the March 8th gathering.

What’s This Book About? The subtitle of the book is “Why Your Beliefs Stopped Working and What To Do About It.” In our (Jared & Sarah’s) own spiritual journeys, we have seen “doubt” play an essential role, but also to be very disorienting and difficult. We didn’t really know what to do when some of our long-held beliefs began to not feel so sure (or even right) anymore. From being told things like “just doubt your doubts and trust your faith”, or being made to feel like doubt is the enemy of faith and must be avoided at all costs, we found ourselves struggling greatly and not really knowing where to turn. But this book helped me (Jared) to see doubt in a new light, not as the enemy of faith, but as a necessary companion of true, authentic, and mature faith. This book is one of the things that actually helped save my “faith” in a season of deep questioning- even if many of my core beliefs ended up being necessarily reshaped along the way. That journey continues- as well as the reshaping- but I’m grateful for the impact of this book in my life!

Here’s a further description from the publisher’s website:

Using his own story and the stories of a diverse group of struggling believers, Brian D. McLaren, a former pastor and now an author, speaker, and activist shows how old assumptions are being challenged in nearly every area of human life, not just theology and spirituality. He proposes a four-stage model of faith development in which questions and doubt are not the enemy of faith, but rather a portal to a more mature and fruitful kind of faith. The four stages—Simplicity, Complexity, Perplexity, and Harmony—offer a path forward that can help sincere and thoughtful people leave behind unnecessary baggage and intensify their commitment to what matters most.

Is This Book For Me? I would say if you’ve encountered sincere doubts and questions in your spiritual/life journey and haven’t known what to do with them or if they are even okay, and especially if you’ve been afraid to process those and not known who you can safely talk to, this book could be for you. You may find this book really helpful in guiding you to reflect on where you are in your faith journey, how you got there, and where you might be headed (or- WANT to be headed). That may mean staying right where you are and gaining further confidence in where you currently stand and your current beliefs and assumptions, or it could help you see the need to let go of some things and be more open to new ideas and approaches- maybe even things you’ve sensed and thought for a long time but haven’t felt the freedom to explore further. The author does NOT tell you what to think and believe, but rather helps you thoughtfully and honestly examine your own spiritual journey and how you feel led to move forward in that.

Where Can I Buy The Book? Here’s a link to the publisher’s website with various links- basically anywhere you normally get books, either in hard copy or electronic: Faith After Doubt

What Is The Cost? The cost to participate is $25. This does NOT include the book. (Note: If you’d like to participate but the $25 is too much for you, we have a “pay what you can” option.)

Please sign up now if you’re interested, and we’ll send you a welcome email and more info before we begin our reading on February 2nd.

REGISTER HERE TO JOIN US!

January 2025 Soul Care Saturday

Join us for our January Soul Care Saturday at Sanctuary Counseling! Our theme is “Looking Back & Looking Ahead,” and our deep hope is that this will be a meaningful time of refreshing, connection, and nurturing as you step into the new year.    

We’ll gather on Saturday, January 11th at the Sanctuary Office (493 Whitetail Trail, Hope Hull, AL 36043). The cost for the event, which includes your lunch, is $40/person.  (Note:  If you would like to participate but the $40 is prohibitive for you, please email jared@sanctuarycw.com and we can work that out). 

Our time together will include:

• A welcome and opening word of blessing & encouragement

• A group “Lectio Divina” (a guided reading and reflection time) where we slowly read and reflect individually and as a group on a particular passage of Scripture from the Christian Bible to hear how God is speaking to our souls

• Introduction and discussion of “The Great Annual Examen”- an exercise to help you look back over the past year of your life, look within to see how God has moved and is stirring in your heart, and to look ahead to the coming months

• Extended time for you to enjoy silence, prayer, and reflection on your own in or around our office and to complete “The Great Annual Examen” exercise

• Enjoying lunch together

• A final group debrief, wrap up, and closing blessing

Dress is comfy clothes/casual. Nobody will be required to speak or share publicly with the group- that will totally be up to you!  Also- though our group reflection will be on a Christian Scripture passage, those from all (or no particular) faiths are welcome to attend and participate. 

Space is limited, so register today to reserve your spot. We will email an invoice for the $40 fee following your registration. We hope you’ll plan to join us!

Please contact us if you have any questions or would like any additional information that’s not provided here.

November 2024 Soul Care Saturday

One of our core values at Sanctuary is caring for the souls of ourselves, our clients, and the community.  It’s why we offer regular “Soul Care Saturdays” and encourage everyone to slow down and breathe.  We’re especially excited about our November Soul Care Saturday- as the leaves have begun to change and the weather is finally cooling off. It should be a beautiful time of year to gather together for a day like this.

We’re love for you to join us on Saturday, November 16th from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. for a time of Soul Care. The cost is only $25/person. Our office is located at 493 Whitetail Trail, Hope Hull, AL 36043.

During our time together, we will:

• feed our spirits with a group Lectio Divina (a guided reading and reflection time where we slowly read and reflect on a particular passage of Scripture from the Christian Bible to hear how God is speaking to our souls)

• feed our minds with a short reflection and lesson by our counselor Christy Holding on gratitude

• feed our hearts with about 2 hours to spend on our beautiful property where you can enjoy nature, silence and relaxation

• feed our physical bodies with a soup and sandwich meal

Dress is comfy clothes/casual. Nobody will be required to speak or share publicly with the group- that will totally be up to you!  Also- though our group reflection will be on a Christian Scripture passage, those from all (or no particular) faiths are welcome to attend and participate. 

Space is limited, so register today to reserve your spot. We will email an invoice for the $25 fee following your registration. We hope you’ll plan to join us!

Please contact us if you have any questions or would like any additional information that’s not provided here.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE OCTOBER 19TH SOUL CARE SATURDAY HAS BEEN CANCELLED. OUR NEXT SOUL CARE SATURDAY IS SCHEDULED FOR NOVEMBER 16TH AND WILL BE OPEN TO ALL. REGISTRATION FOR THAT EVENT IS OPENING SOON. THANKS!

October Soul Care Saturday (for Mental Health Clinicians)

When we started Sanctuary, one of our core values is caring for the souls of ourselves, our clients, and the community.  It’s why we offer regular “Soul Care Saturdays” and encourage everyone to slow down and breathe.  To celebrate one year of Sanctuary Counseling and Wellness, we wanted to offer a day specifically for clinicians in our area, because so often those of us who care for others don’t take the time to care for ourselves. 

On Saturday October 19th from 10-2, we are inviting mental health clinicians from our area to the Sanctuary office for a time of Soul Care. The cost is $25/person. Our office is located at 493 Whitetail Trail, Hope Hull, AL 36043.

During our time together, we will:

• feed our spirits with a group Lectio Divina (a guided reading and reflection time where we slowly read and reflect on a particular passage of Scripture from the Christian Bible to hear how God is speaking to our souls)

• feed our minds with a short 30-minute learning session on Soul Care

• feed our hearts with about 2 hours to spend on our beautiful property where you can enjoy nature, silence and relaxation

• feed our physical bodies with a soup and sandwich meal

During the 2-hour “personal/quiet time”, Lisa Stevens, a popular yoga teacher in Montgomery, will be leading 30-minute relaxing yoga session outside for those that want to participate (bring a mat or blanket). 

Dress is gym clothes/casual. Nobody will be required to speak or share publicly with the group- that will totally be up to you!  Also- though our group reflection will be on a Christian Scripture passage, those from all (or no particular) faiths are welcome to attend and participate. 

Space is limited, so register today to reserve your spot. We will email an invoice for the $25 fee following your registration. We hope you’ll plan to join us!

Please contact us if you have any questions or would like any additional information that’s not provided here.

Sanctuary Book Club- August 2024

Reading Try Softer by Aundi Kolber

We’re excited to announce our first round of the Sanctuary Book Club. This is a trial to gauge interest and participation, and we will start out with the book Try Softer by Aundi Kolber (you can learn more about the book here). We will read the book over the month of August, with a recommended reading pace to be provided, and we’ll email out weekly prompts to be thinking about throughout the month.

Then on Saturday, Saturday, September 7th from 10 a.m. to noon, we will gather at the Sanctuary Counsing office with some breakfast food and coffee and have a book discussion.

If there is a good response, we have a ton of books to choose from for future selections! The cost to participate will be $25 (this does not include the book).

Please sign up now if you’re interested, and we’ll send you more info by email before we start in August.

REGISTER HERE TO JOIN US!

August Soul Care Saturday- “Practicing the Presence of God”

Join us for our August Soul Care Saturday at Sanctuary Counseling- August 24th, 2024 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m- facilitated by Sarah and Jared McCrory.  Our theme will be “Practicing the Presence of God” and our deep hope is that this will be a meaningful time of refreshing, connection, and nurturing as you consider the care of your soul.    

The cost for the event, which includes your lunch, is $55/person.  (Note:  If you would like to participate but the $55 is prohibitive for you, please email jared@sanctuarycw.com. We don’t want the cost to prevent you from joining us, and you can pay what you can.) 

Our plans for the time include:

• A welcome and opening word of blessing & encouragement

• A group “Lectio Divina” (a guided reading and reflection time) where we slowly read and reflect individually and as a group on a particular passage of Scripture from the Christian Bible to hear how God is speaking to our souls

• Discussion about what it means to be “Practicing the Presence of God”, based on consideration of the classic Christian text The Practice of the Presence of God by 17th century monk Brother Lawrence

• Extended time for you to enjoy silence, prayer, and reflection on your own in or around our office

• Enjoying a homemade lunch together

• A final group debrief, wrap up, and closing blessing

Even (or maybe- ESPECIALLY) if this kind of event will be new to you, don’t be intimidated by it. It will be very laid back. Nobody will be required to speak or share publicly with the group- that will totally be up to you.  Also- though our group reflection will be on a Christian Scripture passage, those from all (or no particular) faiths are welcome to attend and participate. 

Space is limited, so register today to reserve your spot.  We hope you’ll plan to join us!

REGISTER HERE TO JOIN US!

June Soul Care Saturday- “Silence and Solitude”

Join us for our June Soul Care Saturday at Sanctuary Counseling- June 22nd, 2024 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m- facilitated by Sarah and Jared McCrory.  Our theme will be “Silence and Solitude,” and our deep hope is that this will be a meaningful time of refreshing, connection, and nurturing as you consider the care of your soul.    

The cost for the event, which includes your lunch, is $55/person.  (Note:  If you would like to participate but the $55 is prohibitive for you, please email jared@sanctuarycw.com. We don’t want the cost to prevent you from joining us, and you can pay what you can.) 

Our plans for the time include:

• A welcome and opening word of blessing & encouragement

• A group “Lectio Divina” (a guided reading and reflection time) where we slowly read and reflect individually and as a group on a particular passage of Scripture from the Christian Bible to hear how God is speaking to our souls

• Introduction and discussion of incorporating regular silence and solitude in your life for the sake of your soul- sharing some practical ideas on how to do so, and introducing the practice of “Centering Prayer” as a contemplative prayer practice

• Extended time for you to enjoy silence, prayer, and reflection on your own in or around our office

• Enjoying lunch together

• A final group debrief, wrap up, and closing blessing

Even (or maybe- ESPECIALLY) if this kind of event will be new to you, don’t be intimidated by it. It will be very laid back. Nobody will be required to speak or share publicly with the group- that will totally be up to you.  Also- though our group reflection will be on a Christian Scripture passage, those from all (or no particular) faiths are welcome to attend and participate. 

Space is limited, so register today to reserve your spot.  We hope you’ll plan to join us!

REGISTER HERE TO JOIN US!

April Soul Care Saturday- “The Rhythm of the Soul”

Join us for our April Soul Care Saturday at Sanctuary Counseling- April 6th, 2024 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m- facilitated by Sarah and Jared McCrory.  Our theme will be “The Rhythm of the Soul,” and our deep hope is that this will be a meaningful time of refreshing, connection, and nurturing as you consider the care of your soul.    

The cost for the event, which includes your lunch, is $40/person.  (Note:  If you would like to participate but the $40 is prohibitive for you, please email jared@sanctuarycw.com and we can work that out). 

Our plans for the time include:

• A welcome and opening word of blessing & encouragement

• A group “Lectio Divina” (a guided reading and reflection time) where we slowly read and reflect individually and as a group on a particular passage of Scripture from the Christian Bible to hear how God is speaking to our souls

• Introduction and discussion of living with a healthy and sustainable rhythm for the sake of your soul- looking at the life of Jesus as a model for daily and weekly rhythm, discussing the importance of true Sabbath rest, and sharing some ideas and practices for living in a healthy and sustainable rhythm

• Extended time for you to enjoy silence, prayer, and reflection on your own in or around our office and to complete “My Soul Care Plan” exercise

• Enjoying lunch together

• A final group debrief, wrap up, and closing blessing

Even (or maybe- ESPECIALLY) if this kind of event will be new to you, don’t be intimidated by it. It will be very laid back. Nobody will be required to speak or share publicly with the group- that will totally be up to you.  Also- though our group reflection will be on a Christian Scripture passage, those from all (or no particular) faiths are welcome to attend and participate. 

Space is limited, so register today to reserve your spot.  We hope you’ll plan to join us!

REGISTER HERE TO JOIN US!

In this 6-hour seminar, Sarah McCrory will guide group participants through the core of the “Making Sense of Your Worth” training material.

From the program designers:

This program is designed for any individual desiring to obtain positive self-worth or secure attachment. Participants will go through a series of sessions in a group format designed to help them understand how the events in their lives have contributed to low self-worth. The classes focus on developing an understanding of the “lies” an individual believes about themselves, such as “I am not good enough,” or “I am not smart enough,” or “I have no patience” and how to replace these lies with truth. In addition, once a participant is released from the beliefs associated with the past, the sessions focus on rebuilding a new life based on positive self-worth as well as how to maintain these gains.

This training is typically done in multiple sessions, but Sarah has recrafted the material so that it can be introduced and worked through on a single Saturday. We’ll be meeting at the Sanctuary office on the beautiful Legacy Lakes property in Pintlala/Hope Hull. In a larger group setting and maybe some smaller group discussions, Sarah will be guiding you through recognizing and learning to meet unmet needs and replacing the lies we believe about ourselves with truth.

The cost of the seminar is $100, which includes all materials and lunch.

If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact us.

REGISTER TODAY TO JOIN US!

January Soul Care Saturday- “Looking Back & Looking Ahead”

Join us for our January Soul Care Saturday at Sanctuary Counseling- January 6th, 2024 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m- facilitated by Sarah and Jared McCrory.  Our theme will be “Looking Back & Looking Ahead,” and our deep hope is that this will be a meaningful time of refreshing, connection, and nurturing as you step into the new year.    

The cost for the event, which includes your lunch, is $40/person.  (Note:  If you would like to participate but the $40 is prohibitive for you, please email jared@sanctuarycw.com and we can work that out). 

Our plans for the time include:

• A welcome and opening word of blessing & encouragement

• A group “Lectio Divina” (a guided reading and reflection time) where we slowly read and reflect individually and as a group on a particular passage of Scripture from the Christian Bible to hear how God is speaking to our souls

• Introduction and discussion of “The Great Annual Examen”- an exercise to help you look back over the past year of your life, look within to see how God has moved and is stirring in your heart, and to look ahead to the coming months.

• Extended time for you to enjoy silence, prayer, and reflection on your own in or around our office and to complete “The Great Annual Examen” exercise

• Enjoying a hot, homemade lunch together

• A final group debrief, wrap up, and closing blessing

Even (or maybe- ESPECIALLY) if this kind of event will be new to you, don’t be intimidated by it. It will be very laid back. Nobody will be required to speak or share publicly with the group- that will totally be up to you.  Also- though our group reflection will be on a Christian Scripture passage, those from all (or no particular) faiths are welcome to attend and participate. 

Space is limited, so register today to reserve your spot.  We hope you’ll plan to join us!

REGISTER HERE TO JOIN US!

December Soul Care Saturday- “The State of Your Soul”

Join us for our first ever Soul Care Saturday at Sanctuary Counseling- December 2nd, 2023 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m- facilitated by Sarah and Jared McCrory.  Our theme will be “The State of Your Soul,” and our deep hope is that this will be a meaningful time of refreshing, connection, and nurturing for all who participate.    

The cost for the event, which includes your lunch, is $40/person.  (Note:  If you would like to participate but the $40 is prohibitive for you, please email jared@sanctuarycw.com and we can work that out). 

Our plans for the time include:

• A welcome and opening word of blessing & encouragement

• A group “Lectio Divina” (a guided reading and reflection time) where we slowly read and reflect individually and as a group on a particular passage of Scripture from the Christian Bible to hear how God is speaking to our souls

• Introduction and discussion of “The State of My Soul Wheel” exercise- an easy-to-use tool designed to help you determine the current condition of your soul, how you’re “really” doing, and how you’re being called to move forward in the coming days 

• Extended time for you to enjoy silence, prayer, and reflection on your own in or around our office and to complete “The State of My Soul” exercise

• Enjoying a hot, homemade lunch together

• A final group debrief, wrap up, and closing blessing

Even (or maybe- ESPECIALLY) if this kind of event will be new to you, don’t be intimidated by it. It will be very laid back. Nobody will be required to speak or share publicly with the group- that will totally be up to you.  Also- though our group reflection will be on a Christian Scripture passage, those from all (or no particular) faiths are welcome to attend and participate. 

Space is limited, so register today to reserve your spot.  We hope you’ll plan to join us!

REGISTER HERE TO JOIN US!