At Common Thread, we talk about working the circle—a way of naming the core spiritual practices that shape our life together. But this isn’t a program.

Contemplative, Communal, Learning, and Serving aren’t separate compartments. It does us little good to just to “work” these practices individually. The deeper invitation is to let them become part of a rhythm—a way of walking the path of transformation.

To walk the path is to let these practices move from things we do to ways we are—not all at once, not perfectly, but steadily. Each step is an invitation. Each return is a deepening. We’re leaning into that truth more fully all the time, as we walk the path together.

The Practices That Shape Us.

The rhythm of transformation isn’t linear, or stuck in a circle—it’s lived. The four core practices below are not steps to complete, but invitations to return to again and again as we walk the path. They are loosely categorized here to help you find your way, but together, they form the shape of our spiritual life.

Held Together: Practices That Draw From the Whole Circle.

These are the spaces that especially touch every part of the circle—contemplative, communal, learning, and serving. Truth is, none of what we offer fits neatly into any one category, it’s all integrated. But these offerings especially defy categorization as we walk the path together.

Self-Awareness Practice
A process of gentle noticing, inner healing, and courageous truth-telling—shared with trained listeners in sacred, supportive space.

Conflict Transformation
Rooted in presence and accountability, our approach to conflict invites honesty, self-inquiry, and the possibility of healing when the time is right.

Grief & Trauma Support Groups
Safe, tender spaces for holding what’s heavy, sharing what’s real, and letting transformation emerge from our pain.

Wisdom Practices
Showing up, digging deep, and living from the center.

Children’s Formation
More than just “Sunday school,” our kids’ program invites the youngest among us into the same rhythm of Contemplative, Communal, Learning, and Serving—through wonder, play, and love.

Spiritual Practice Retreats
Immersive experiences of reflection, deep presence, and community support, both on campus and at weekend retreat centers – where transformation often takes root.

Working the Circle, Walking the Path (the whole rhythm itself)
Not a program, but a way of being—a spacious rhythm we return to, again and again.

Maps Are Helpful on the Path

Sometimes on the journey, it helps to have a map. Not because it explains everything—but because it helps us name where we are, or remember that we’re not the first to walk this way. There are all kinds of maps out there—some name stages of faith, others describe patterns of transformation or different ways we grow.

For instance, you might hear us mention things like James Fowler’s stages of spiritual development, Cynthia Bourgeault’s wisdom way of knowing, or Richard Rohr’s concept of “order-disorder-reorder.”

We find them helpful. Reassuring, even.

But here’s the thing: the map is not the terrain.

That’s where many of us have gotten stuck before – thinking if we just knew the framework well enough, or believed the right thing, we’d be transformed.

But the spiritual life doesn’t live on paper, or in our heads.
It lives in our bodies, our stories, our questions, our presence.
It lives in the terrain.

And the terrain must be walked.

Curious Where the Path Might Lead?

Here are a few places we often find ourselves on the journey—distinct, yet deeply connected. Each one is a way of walking:

Deconstruction
For those letting go of rigid beliefs and learning to trust the questions.
A place of loss, liberation, and sometimes holy disorientation.

Self-Awareness Practice
For those ready to look within, tell the truth, and walk the path of healing in sacred community.

Wisdom Work
For those seeking depth and rootedness through spiritual practice.
A space for showing up, digging deep, and letting ancient wisdom shape everyday life.