ICS: Courses and Retreats
Discover Thomas Merton: A Four-Week Online Introduction
Led by Lance Bolay
Thursdays, October 9–30, 2025 • 6:30–7:30 p.m. (CT) • via Zoom
About the Course
This October, join Lance Bolay with the Institute for Christian Spirituality and step into the contemplative world of Thomas Merton. Over four Thursday evenings, we'll journey through his life, reflect on his teachings on prayer, explore the inner work of identity and freedom, and discover how inner transformation fuels engagement with justice and compassion.
Session Themes:
- Oct 9: Merton’s Life—Monk, Writer, Global Voice
- Oct 16: Contemplation & Prayer—Silence, Solitude, and Awareness
- Oct 23: True Self & False Self—Identity and Spiritual Freedom
- Oct 30: Contemplation in Action—Merton on Peace, Justice, and Compassion
Event Details
Price
$100 for four sessions.
Faculty/Staff Discount
Lipscomb faculty and staff: email ics [at] lipscomb.edu (ics[at]lipscomb[dot]edu) for a $40 discount code.
Location
Online via Zoom
About Lance Bolay
Lance Bolay, D.Min., Director of Mission Impact at Mosaic Counseling Centers of East Texas, is a trained spiritual director (ICS & Shalem Institute), guiding others in contemplative formation since 2010 and an ICS instructor since 2015.
ICS Book Club: Sacrament of the Present Moment
Tuesday, November 4, 2025 • 6:30 to 8 p.m. (CT) • via Zoom
About the Course
Are you desiring to experience more of God in the ordinary moments of your life? Join the Institute for Christian Spirituality for its Cultivate Online Book Club on Nov. 4 to discuss the book “The Sacrament of the Present Moment” by Jean-Pierre de Caussade, a timeless spiritual classic that invites us to encounter God in the ordinary and embrace His will moment by moment. Together, we’ll discuss, reflect and share about the art of living with peace, trust, and attentiveness to the holy right in front of us. Jodi Thomas, spiritual director and ICS staff member, will lead the book club.
The online meeting occur 6:30 to 8 p.m. CT via Zoom. The Zoom link will be sent in the registration confirmation email.
Event Details
Price
$25 per person. Registration required by Nov. 3.
Faculty/Staff Discount
Lipscomb faculty and staff: email ics [at] lipscomb.edu (ics[at]lipscomb[dot]edu) for a $10 discount code.
Location
Online via Zoom
Capacity
This event is limited to 25 participants.