Contemplative Outreach of Central Iowa
Come join us!
Contemplative Outreach of Central Iowa, a chapter of Contemplative Outreach, LTD, serves as a gathering place for people committed to the practice of Centering Prayer, a profound form of silent prayer, and other contemplative practices. We come from a variety of religious and spiritual backgrounds, including no religious or spiritual background. We seek to nurture practitioners of Centering Prayer, foster the process of spiritual transformation, and cultivate an inclusive community by offering introductory classes, retreats, and other enrichment opportunities throughout the year. We also lend support to local Centering Prayer groups.
You’re invited to spend time with our website, which provides information about and links to additional Centering Prayer resources as well as other ways to live more contemplatively.
Better yet, come join us at our special and ongoing events or join one of our Centering Prayer groups.
Contemplative Outreach of Central Iowa Co-Coordinators:
Julie Honsey & Cheri Grauer
Monthly Gatherings
First Fridays-9-11 am at Grace Lutheran Church, 5201 Urbandale Ave., Des Moines
On the first Fridays of the month, join us for conversation on contemplation, contemplative practices and contemplative living. Time will also be given to the core practice of Centering Prayer. For more information contact Kathy Reardon at kathyreardon@q.com
Third Mondays, Silent Prayer for Peace-10 am in-person at the Being New Spirituality Center, Grace Lutheran Church, 5201 Urbandale Ave., Des Moines and on Zoom
On the third Mondays of the month, join us in silent prayer for our communities and world. Contact Julie Honsey for Zoom link, honsey.julie@gmail.com
Spiritual Journey Video Series with Fr. Thomas Keating, second and fourth Mondays at Emmaus House, 3315 70th St., Urbandale
Join us on the second and fourth Mondays of the month for Centering Prayer at 5:30 followed by the Spiritual Journey video series and conversation at 6p.m. For information contact Jim Egger at james.egger@gmail.com
Upcoming Events
Dec 06, 2025, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM CSTGrace Lutheran Church, 5201 Urbandale Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310, USAThis Advent, we’re asking a courageous question: What do you fear? In a world still echoing the chaos of Herod’s time—marked by oppression, uncertainty, and unrest—we’re invited to transform fear into hopeful action.
Dec 06, 2025, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM CSTFirst Christian Church, 611 Clark Ave, Ames, IA 50010, USAContemplative Outreach of Central Iowa invites you to set aside 3 hours on this first Saturday of Advent to enjoy quiet reflection and Centering Prayer with others.
A deep bow of gratitude to Paul Witmer for gracing this website with mandalas -- symbols of wholeness and the Sacred -- that he created in silence, solitude and service.