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.
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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
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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 Monday of the month, join us in 20 minutes of silent prayer for our communities and world. Following the prayer period, we will briefly highlight current issues related to peace and justice. Contact Julie Honsey for Zoom link and additional information, honsey.julie@gmail.com.
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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
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Second Saturdays, 9-11 am, in person at Full Circle Recovery Community Center, 4725 Merle Hay Rd., Ste. 107, Des Moines.
Join us on the second Saturday of the month for a morning of meditation followed by time for sharing. For more information contact Paul Witmer, paulwitmer@msn.com, 515-240-1653.
Upcoming Events
February 21, 2026
Ames Lenten Retreat
9:00 am to Noon
Northminster Presbyterian Church
1416 20th St, Ames, IA
Fireside Room
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​Contemplative Outreach of Central Iowa invites you to set aside 3 hours on this first Saturday of Lent to enjoy quiet reflection and Centering Prayer with others. The focus will be on the themes of Grounding Ourselves in the Good News of Lent.
March 6-7, 2026
34th Annual United Prayer Day
via Zoom
​A free, globally-hosted 18-hour prayer vigil for suffering humanity and all creation. Join in silence and community at any time, as many times as you desire. Each hour will include at least 20 minutes of Centering Prayer and an offering from the hosting group. No registration necessary. The event begins on Friday, March 6 at 9 pm Eastern Time.
THE SCHEDULE AND ZOOM LINK WILL BE POSTED A FEW DAYS BEFORE THE VIGIL.
SAVE THE DATE:
April 18, 2026
Ordinary People as Servant Leaders for a World in Hurt
9:00 am to 11:30 am
Immanuel Methodist Church
Des Moines
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​Paul Witmer, Tim Goldman, and Kathy Reardon invite you to join them for Ordinary People as Servant Leaders for a World in Hurt. Details to follow.
SAVE THE DATE:
April 24, 2026
Spring Weekend Silent Retreat
9:00 am to 11:30 am
Rock River Retreat Center near Webster City
Details to Follow​
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.