September 2024

This is the third month I’ve sat down to write this Ponderings reflection piece and, again, I’m writing about change…something new at Pathways. This month the new something is what we’re calling the Pathways Transformational Network (PTN).
 
Its official description: Pathways Transformational Network (PTN) is a community of people who practice various transformational modalities aligned with Pathway Retreat’s Mission, Vision, and Values and rooted in contemplative spiritual practices from the Christian tradition.
 
This genesis of this network was a series of conversations in which spiritual directors and colleagues trained in other healing arts expressed desire for support in a variety of forms. These forms primarily included technological, administrative, and collegial support. Through these conversations, I became aware that I have this support at Pathways and, internally, I wondered if that could be extended to others. That started the ball rolling.
 
It picked up speed when Pathways Board of Directors created a Financial Sustainability Task Force to address the anticipated financial gap between income and expenses in the 2024-25 budget. As Evan Miller and I worked together, in consultation with others, a plan was created that included this new Network. 
 
Through the Network, Pathways extends its resources of a website, administration, facilities, and colleagues to members. In return, Pathways receives a new and necessary stream of income. Beyond all these nitty-gritty details, Pathways Retreat’s mission, vision, and values are extended. That’s the truly exciting part.
 
As this Network ball is pitched, will it be a home-run or a strike? A fly ball or grounder? I don’t know. What I know is that, as we listened deeply, it emerged as a next step - or the next pitch. As we’ve done since the beginning of Pathways, we release the ball, trusting this is God’s thing.
 
Please go to the PTN page and learn about its new members. People are in the process of joining, so continue coming back.