Are you feeling exhausted or overwhelmed? Do you feel the need for spiritual renewal?
CCDA invites you to practice presence.
In a chaotic and turbulent time, Sabbath is more important than ever. Join Dr. Courtnye Lloyd for Practicing Presence and learn the meaning and significance of Sabbath.

Explore with Dr. Courtnye Lloyd how Sabbath is relevant to our lives and diverse community experiences. Craft Sabbath practices to benefit your life and relationship with God, work, family, congregation, and community.
Join us on April 2, 9, & 16 from 1-2:30 pm EST for Practicing Presence. You will walk away from this three-part interactive series with new holistic perspectives and practices for cultivating Sabbath.
Caring for ourselves in this new era is essential for loving and caring for others. Register for Practicing Presence and create space to care for yourself.
Here’s what you can look forward to:

Part 1: Theological Foundations of Sabbath
We will first explore the theology of Sabbath and define what it means for Christians. We will also look at social science related to Sabbath practices. Finally, we will answer the question: Why do Sabbath practices matter for our relationship with God, our formation, wellness, and our lives?
Together, we will reflect on our current life rhythms of work and Sabbath.

Part 2: Justice and Sabbath
We will examine the relationship between Sabbath practices and justice. We will also discuss how it went to try to engage in Sabbath practice homework and discuss establishing and practicing a holistic approach to Sabbath rhythm that considers mind, body, spirit, emotions, relationships, and more. Finally, we will practice Sabbath moments in class through a contemplative active exercise on the rhythms in our lives.

Part 3: Making Sabbath Practical
Understanding and planning Sabbath rhythms are essential to creating a rule of life. We will implement what we have learned thus far together by structuring a plan or outlining priorities of what individuals and/or communities need in order to have a fulfilling Sabbath rhythm in our lives.
Dr. Courtnye Lloyd, Speaker
Dr. Courtnye Lloyd is a pastor, preacher, teacher and community-builder. She is the founder of The Gathering, a ministry building healing community spaces in which people can experience communion with God and one another. This includes retreats, workshops, community meals, and cohorts to support people in their healing, formation and discernment.
She has served as consultant for the Lily Endowment Clergy Renewal program out of Christian Theological Seminary and has held formation and healing workshops with CCDA and the Wabash Pastoral Leadership Development program. Courtnye also taught courses at Brandeis University and Boston College. Previously she worked in workforce development and education across government, higher education, and non-profit organizations.
She holds a Ph.D. in Applied Developmental and Educational Psychology from Boston College, a M.Ed. in Education Policy and Management from Harvard University and is currently enrolled in a M.A. of Divinity at Shaw University.

FAQs
When is Practicing Presence?
April 2, 9, 16, 2025 from 1-2:30 pm EST
Can I register for one class?
No, registration is for the series. There are no individual classes.
Will this series be recorded?
No, this series will not be recorded.
What is the cost for this series?
$25 for CCDA members; $50 for non-members