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
December 6, 2025
Des Moines: Advent Day of Silence
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Grace Lutheran Church
5201 Urbandale Ave, Des Moines, 50310
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​This Advent, we’re asking a courageous question: What do you fear? In a world still echoing the chaos of Herod’s time—marked by oppression, uncertainty, and unrest—we’re invited to transform fear into hopeful action.
December 6, 2025
Ames Silent Saturday Advent Retreat,
Emmanuel: The Miracle
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
First Christian Church
611 Clark Ave, Ames, IA 50010
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​Contemplative Outreach of Central Iowa invites you to set aside 3 hours on this first Saturday of Advent to enjoy quiet reflection and Centering Prayer with others.
January 10, 2026
New Year's Centering Prayer Retreat
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Grace Lutheran Church
5201 Urbandale Ave, Des Moines, 50310
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​Join us in welcoming the New Year by setting aside time to reflect on the year past and imagine the year to come. Bring magazines to share for a “vision board,” if you like. Time will also be devoted to contemplative practices including Centering Prayer.
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.