Reflective Pathway
Awakening the spirit
What is the Reflective Pathway?
For more details you can email a ministry leader by clicking on their name highlighted in blue or fill out the contact form at the bottom of the page.
Gather at the table
Where food and faith meet
Join with others who share a meal in the host's home and explore where God is present in their lives including conversation on "Mere Christianity." Books will be provided and will be read as the gatherings are held. The first series of 5 sessions just finished, and we are taking names for the next series beginning in January 11 for five Sundays at noon in the parish library including a light lunch. To be on the list for the next series, please contact Doreen.
Contact: Doreen Bolhuis
Spiritual Growth in Later Life
Where conversation and connection nurture the soul
Next gathering is January 12. A monthly gathering at 3pm at the Cove in the Estuary at Shell Point in Ft. Myers for a short reflection, conversation and fellowship using reflections from Joyce Rupp's new book, The Years of Ripening: Reflections on Aging in the Later Years. Limited number of books are available for those participating in the group but reading the book is not needed in order to be a part of the monthly conversations.
Contact: Fr. Bill Van Oss
Wisdom on the Page: Interfaith Book Study
Discovering God’s presence in story & reflection
An interfaith book study to share ideas on the intersection of religious faith and contemporary culture as set forth by Brian D. McLaren in this book, Life After Doom. McLaren defines Doom as the "unpeaceful, uneasy, unwanted feeling that we humans have made a mess of our civilization and our planet... Blending the insight of philosophers, poets, scientists and theologians, the book explores the need for hope and new ways of thinking, becoming and belonging in these turbulent times." The 4 week book study will be held on 4 Wednesdays January 21-February 11 from 10am-11:30am at St. Michael's. This will lead up to Brian speaking in person at the Shared Scholar program on February 15. Class size will be limited to enable meaningful participation and discussion and other congregations have been invited. Participants must register in advance. Books can be ordered from Macintosh Books or Amazon. RSVP to Betsy and Walter by clicking on their name below. Walter Schuman, who taught Religious Studies at Ashland University for 32 years, and his wife Betsy will facilitate the study. Together they have been a part of St. Michael's book studies for 23 years.
Contact: Betsy and Walter Schuman
Time to Reflect:
Retreats & Spiritual Direction
Opportunities for self-reflection & spiritual awakening
Retreat: An annual retreat, to be held January 22-25, 2026 provides time for self-reflection and spiritual awakening. Additional days of reflection are offered as well including a Men's Retreat February 24-25, 2026 at Dayspring in Parrish, FL and Women's Day of Reflection held March 21, 2026 at St. Michael's, all open to all in the community.
Parish Retreat Contact: Susan Gonzalez
Men's Retreat Contact: Bill Larson
Women's Retreat Contact: Barbara Manard
Spiritual Direction: An opportunity for monthly confidential conversation and prayerful encouragement with a spiritual director is also available.
Spiritual Direction Contact: John Topliff
Parish Retreat January 2026- To plan for meals please rsvp for the Friday night & Saturday sessions:
Pathways Newsletter
Stories, practices and insights for your journey
A newsletter sharing stories, spiritual insights, and practices will be available that will highlight stories and insights people have gained journeying on the pathways.
Contact: Sue Van Oss
Please note if you are already receiving the Friday brief weekly enewsletter, you will automatically receive the monthly Pathways Newsletter so you don't need to fill out this form.