Groundings is a monthly lecture series offered September through May by Sacred Ground in collaboration with Loyola Spirituality Center and the Ignatian Spirituality Center at Saint Thomas More. Groundings is open to anyone interested in deepening their spirituality, their capacity for deep listening, and their contemplative engagement in our world.
Listening deeper than our differences requires having a learner’s stance. In this Groundings session we will explore: what this means; what can get in the way of our being open and curious; and some practices that can help us go beyond perceived differences. Through a blend of personal story and table discussions, we will delve into some possible growing edges that may emerge.
Rev. Dr. Janet Johnson Janet is a Retired Ordained Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. She serves as part of the ministry team at Wayman AME Church in north Minneapolis. Christian education is Janet’s passion where she has continually broadened and deepened her connection to the Divine as well as assisted other on their journey. She has served as the Christian Education Director at several levels of her domination. Through her ministry, Connected To The Vine, Janet preaches, teaches, leads retreats, offers spiritual direction, journeys with individuals through the Extended Ignatius Exercises, is a contemplative practice (soul care) leader as well as serving on the board of several nonprofit organizations. Janet is a part of the teaching staff at Sacred Ground Center for Spirituality Spiritual Direction Formation Program. Summer Semester of 2025, Janet is started as an adjunct professor at United Theological Seminary in their Spiritual Formation Program.
Janet retired twice: from corporate life at General Mills in 2005 and retired from working in the K-12 public charter school system in 2014. Janet and her husband, Richard, have been married 42 years. They are empty nesters “lovin life!”
Rev. Douglas Federhart Certified as a spiritual director by Sacred Ground in 2005, Doug companions individuals as they explore their spiritual journeys and questions, and feels a special affinity for people who deal with issues around addiction; sexual or gender identity; and for ministry professionals. While he has recently retired from teaching in Sacred Ground’s Spiritual Director Formation Program, he looks forward with excitement about his own lifelong learning.
Registration is requested for planning purposes. A $20 suggested donation to help cover costs may be paid at the door or online.
We are happy to be able to offer a live Zoom link to those who are unable to attend this event in person. Please request the zoom link when you register.