The COCI service team is requesting that event attendees please refrain from wearing perfume, aftershave, or bringing scented candles to our programs as we have some folks who are allergic and cannot enjoy the event.  Thank you so much for your cooperation.

Twenty Years of Consent

Celebrating Contemplative Outreach of Central Iowa

Saturday, March 22, 2025
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Grace Lutheran Church, 5201 Urbandale Ave, DSM

Come spend the day relishing the gifts of our contemplative community gathering with those who have lead us over the years, and envisioning a future animated by a shared love of Centering Prayer featuring a panel discussion with all the Coordinators of COCI, and time of visioning with Stephanie Haskins. 

We will sit in centering prayer and walk gently in contemplation.
Free-Will offering of loving support

Download flyer for schedule.  Register Here

Seven Contemplative Taizè Pauses

Celebrating 20 Years of Contemplative Outreach in Central Iowa.

In Taizè worship we will explore some of the Spiritual Classics that have played a significant role in the life of our prayer groups. It's a movable feast of music, worship, prayer, silence and reflections from the spiritual masters who have formed us in prayer: Thomas Keating, Teresa of Avilla, John of the Cross, Thomas Merton, the Cloud of Unknowing and the Practice of the Presence of God. Many of these were studied through our Spiritual Journey Series over the years. Join us at these locations that have played a significant role in the growth of our contemplative community: 

• March 22, Grace Lutheran Church, 5201 Urbandale Ave, Des Moines, Iowa 6:30 p.m. 
• April 9, Des Moines Intentional Eucharistic Community, 3306 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 6:30 p.m 
• May 12, St. John’s Episcopal Church, 2338 Lincoln Way, Ames, Iowa 6:30 p.m. 

Save the Date – More Information Coming Soon

• April 18, Good Friday Seven Sacred Pauses, Des Moines, Iowa

Going Inward: Autumn Rest and Renewal

This Intensive/Post-Intensive Retreat will consist of continuous periods of Centering Prayer from before sunrise until the dinner hour, with breaks for meals. Attendees may participate in as much prayer as they are called to. Short pauses for entering and leaving the silence will be offered every 30 minutes. This Grand Silence will be bracketed with teaching videos featuring Thomas Keating’s Spiritual Journey Series.

Veteran retreat leaders Chris Frantsvog and Paul Witmer look forward to hosting you for this journey into deep silence.

Please visit with Chris Frantsvog about prices, scholarships or restrictions you have:
(515) 306-1221 or email him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Subscribe to receive updates and notifications of events for the Central Iowa chapter.