Sophia Circles
A Contemplative Community Welcoming Sacred Wisdom and Inspired Action
Seekers Practicing Presence
Sophia Circles meet regularly for Centering Prayer and other spiritual endeavors. We enjoy the delicious thought that the Divine Energy which flung stars into space also resides deep within each of us.
Sophia Circle participants see life as a sacred spiritual journey because we are not just flesh and blood – we are also Spirit Beings. This spiritual journey engages one’s authentic self with the practice of prayer and the study of diverse wisdom teachings, toward transforming one’s life and attitudes. Religious people call this “finding their soul.”
We attempt to live with less reliance on certainties and expectations, which get in the way of conscious self-awareness. We try to sensitize our responsiveness to the emerging creativity within and around us.
We explore paradox and mystery through community dialogue and reflection. We invite the presence and action of the Divine Indwelling through the practice of Centering Prayer. We seek to allow this invisible Presence to guide and inform our daily lives.
Featured Events
“World Day of Centering Prayer," Grand Junction, Friday, March 14th, 10:00 am to noon at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 3888 27-½ Road, Grand Junction.
Know Your End of Life Options - Ellen Friedman, Presenter. Saturday April 12, 10 am to noon at Sophia Circles.
Sophia Circles - 1st Anniversary BBQ and Potluck, Saturday, May 31, 4:30 pm at Sophia Circles.
Unfinished: A Spirituality of Change - Rick Klein, Presenter, Contemplative Outreach, Denver. Saturday July 12, 10:00 am to 2:30 pm, at First Congregational UCC Church, 1425 North 5th Street, Grand Junction.
Your Evolutionary Journey - Dulce Bell-Bulley, Montrose, MA, CHT, Presenter. Saturday August 2, 10:00 am to noon at Sophia Circles.
Detailed descriptions of Featured Events and a calendar of all upcoming gatherings are located further down this page.
Mission
The Mission of Sophia Circles is to invite the Holy Spirit to help us grow as engaged contemplatives and contemplative activists, primarily through regular Centering Prayer.
GOALS
* Promote Contemplative Outreach of the Western Slope (COWS)
* Create a supportive atmosphere for spiritual growth
* Build an inclusive, diverse, and egalitarian community
* Explore the meaning and purpose of grace-awakening
* Offer in-person networking opportunities
* Contribute to the Western Slope's life-enhancing resources
Sophia Circles Activities
Contemplative Outreach of the Western Slope (COWS)
COWS sponsors Day Retreats and Guest Speakers on Contemplative Prayer at Sophia's several times a year. The World Day of Centering Prayer annually in March offers the opportunity for all the Grand Junction Centering groups to meet together for short prayer and social hour. Speakers on other topics of interest to Sophia Circles are also offered occasionally.
Contacts:
Richard Morgan 970-250-7920
Joyce Peugh 970-712-6866
Caring Circle
On every first Tuesday of the month from 1:00 to 3:00 pm women gather in the Caring Circle for a short meditation, compassionate listening, mutual support and encouragement, and checking in on life events. Companionship and snacks round out the time.
Movies That Move You
On the second Tuesday monthly from 1:00 to 4:00 pm everyone is invited for popcorn. Movie selections are suggested by the group.
Bad Girls Book Club
On every third Tuesday of the month from 1:00 to 3:00 pm The Bad Girls Book Club meets to discuss a book chosen by the members on topics of interest to women. This Book Club is about sisterhood and bringing your spiritual practice into active daily life and how the book contributes to your thoughts and actions. It's called The Bad Girls Book Club because half the members might not have read the book, and the other half might not even show up. In a relaxed atmosphere, those who have read the book might summarize or bring up points for discussion, especially since some members can't read much due to physical challenges.
Sophia Circles volunteers left to right front row: Richard, Pat, Dee, and Vicky.
Back row: Kevin and Diana
Centering Prayer
Centering Prayer at Sophia's meets every Friday from 1:00 to 3:00 pm for two twenty-minute sits of Centering, a reading, and group reflection. Other groups meet in Grand Junction weekly or biweekly led by Joyce Peugh at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and by Richard Morgan at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church.
Hanneke, Jeanette, and Kathryn are shown meditating during the Friday Centering Prayer at Sophia’s.
Comparative Scripture Reading
On the fourth Tuesday monthly from 1:00 to 3:00 pm, women and men gather to read and explore one parable from different Christian New Testament translations, made by a variety of cultures, to compare and discuss. No preparation or materials needed, just attend for some friendly discussion about how the different interpretations might impact our own thinking.
Artflow Circle
Creative outlets for personal expression can vary from person to person, and can include a variety of media for one person. One Saturday monthly from 10 am until mid-afternoon, Artflow Circle offers the opportunity for relaxed and fun non-verbal creativity at Sophia’s.
Initially offering three sessions on Collage Creation, the group continues to invite your creative juices to flourish, regardless of artistic talent! Each month, clay, paint, chalk, collage, and whatever you can bring to teach the group are welcome. Facilitator Melode Mariner can send you the schedule and/or add you to the calendar as a presenter. Melode also coordinates your required RSVP in order to prepare enough materials, which are provided. A love donation of $10 is suggested, but no participation fee is required, and children over age six are welcome. Send your ideas, suggestions, comments and RSVPs to melode51@yahoo.com.
Diana (left) and Melode, Facilitator, display the collages they created in Artflow Circle in January 2025.
Events Calendar
Recurring events at a glance:
Every month from 1-3 pm:
First Tuesday Caring Circle
Second Tuesday Movies That Move You (note it's 1-4 pm)
Third Tuesday Bad Girls Book Club
Fourth Tuesday Comparative Scripture Circle
Artflow Circle: One Saturday per month
Detailed Calendar:
MARCH
Tuesday March 11, 1 pm - Movies That Move You - “Powers of the Universe, Program 1: Centration”
Friday March 14, 10 am to noon - WORLD DAY OF CENTERING PRAYER - All Grand Junction COWS Chapters at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 3888 27-½ Road, Grand Junction.
The 33rd Annual World Day of Centering Prayer sponsored by Contemplative Outreach International will be celebrated in Grand Junction, Colorado on Friday, March 14th from 10 a.m. to noon at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 3888 27-½ Road. It is a morning of friendship and shared enthusiasm for the transformative practice of Centering Prayer.
Held on the weekend closest to Fr. Thomas Keating’s birthday, local Centering Prayer groups choose a time to meet for prayer sometime during the two days of united Centering Prayer, thus keeping the prayer going somewhere around the globe for 48 hours. For the last five years, Grand Junction chapters have participated, meeting at a series of Grand Junction churches, and sponsored by Contemplative Outreach of the Western Slope (COWS). No speeches or presentations, just prayerful celebration.
All persons and groups practicing Centering Prayer on the Western Slope are invited to gather for 20 minutes of Centering Prayer, followed by a get-acquainted social hour. Please bring sweet or savory snack to share. Coffee and tea are provided. Suggested optional donation is $5.00.
COWS is planning events and presentations of interest throughout this year. If you wish to help plan for a day retreat featuring a speaker from the Front Range, a Welcoming Prayer Workshop, or other topics, contact COWS at this website where you can sign up to receive a bimonthly calendar of local events, or offer to join the ad-hoc planning group.
Friday March 14, 1 pm - Centering Prayer
Sunday March 16, 10 am - Clinical Pastoral Education
Tuesday March 18, 1 pm - Bad Girls Book Club - First Ladies
Friday March 21 , 1 pm - Centering Prayer
Tuesday March 25 , 1 pm - Comparative Scriptures
Friday March 28 , 1 pm - Centering Prayer
APRIL
Tuesday April 1, 1 pm - Caring Circle
Friday April 4, 1 pm - Centering Prayer
Saturday April 5, 10 AM - Artflow Circle
Tuesday April 8, 1 pm - Movies That Move You - “Powers of the Universe, Program 2: Allurement”
Friday April 11 , 1 pm - Centering Prayer
Saturday April 12, 10am to Noon - Know Your End of Life Options - Advanced Care Planning and Medical Assistance In Dying - Ellen Friedman, Presenter.
Ellen Friedman, MA, will present and answer questions about all end of life options for Coloradoans including Medical Aid In Dying (MAID). Topics will include advanced care planning in Colorado, including living wills, medical power of attorney, advance directives for dementia, ethical wills, and green burial
Ellen is on the Board of for https://endoflifeoptionscolorado.org/ and is a trained professional Spiritual Companion. There is no registration fee, but donations to “End of Life Options Colorado” will be accepted. RSVP to sophiacirclesgj@gmail.com
Tuesday April 15, 1 pm - Bad Girls Book Club - Heartfelt: The Journey Series, Vol. 1, by Dulce Bell-Bulley
Friday April 18 (Good Friday), 1 pm - Centering Prayer
Saturday April 19, 10 am - Clinical Pastoral Education
Tuesday April 22, 1 pm - Comparative Scriptures
Tuesday April 29 - Movies That Move You , 1 pm - “Powers of the Universe, Program 3: Emergence”
MAY
Tuesday May 13, 1 pm - “Powers of the Universe, Program 4: Homeostasis”
Saturday May 24, 10 AM - Artflow Circle
Saturday May 31, 4:30 PM - Sophia Circles 1st Anniversary BBQ and Potluck
The greater Grand Valley area Sophia Circles and Centering Prayer communities and friends are invited to an outdoor BBQ and potluck social.
The gathering is to celebrate the one year anniversary of the opening of Sophia Circles. It provides a venue for events sponsored by Contemplative Outreach of the Western Slope (COWS) and/or Sophia Circles.
Barbecue, utensils, tea and soft drinks will be provided. Please bring a potluck main dish, side dish, or dessert to share, and your own beer/wine. An RSVP about what you’re bringing would be helpful. Dress for the outdoors and wear sensible shoes if you want to stroll in the vineyard. We will have a fire in the firepit around sunset for roasting marshmallows. To RSVP, send an email to Dee Jaquet at sophiacirclesgj@gmail.com. Thank you for supporting Sophia Circles: Come and celebrate with us!
JUNE
Tuesday June 10, 1 pm - “Powers of the Universe, Program 5: Cataclysm”
Saturday June 14, 10 AM - Artflow Circle
JULY
Saturday July 12, 10:00 am to 2:30 pm (arrive at 9:30) - Unfinished: A Spirituality of Change - Rick Klein, Presenter. At First Congregational UCC Church, 1425 North 5th Street, Grand Junction.
Are there changes in the world or in your life that you find troubling? Why do we embrace some changes and dread many others? Our lives are stories - stories of change. Some changes are exposed, others hidden. Some changes happen slowly over a lifetime, others occur rapidly in an eye's blink. In just a few decades, we have witnessed the re-discovery of ancient spiritual teachings alongside the meteoric rise of the sciences. Can the two threads of science and spirituality offer practical insights into our complicated relationship with change?
Our presenter Rick Klein has offered presentations for Contemplative Outreach communities in Denver, Pueblo, Grand Junction, and at the Whitewater Benedictine Sisters’ retreats. In 2023 he spoke on Quantum Theory and Spirituality here in Grand Junction. He is back by popular request.
In this talk, Rick will combine valuable information from evolution and chaos theories with teachings from Thomas Keating, Richard Rohr, and Ken Wilber about the process of spiritual growth. Together we'll share the stories of inspirational people from the past who offer compelling examples of the transformative power of change.
Sponsored by SOPHIA CIRCLES and CONTEMPLATIVE OUTREACH OF THE WESTERN SLOPE (COWS). PLEASE RSVP to sophiacirclesgj@gmail.com before July 7th.
Bring your sack lunch - tea and coffee provided. Suggested Donation $20
AUGUST
Saturday August 2, 10:00 am to noon (arrive 9:45) - Your Evolutionary Journey - A Workshop with Astrologer Dulce Bell-Bulley, MA, CHT.
Where are you now on your life’s journey, as an Earthling, under the light of the sun? Your life’s path does make sense and is guided and charted in more ways than one. Come and discover the essential meaning of where you are in the overall cosmic journey of your life in this two-hour class.
Class limit is 20 people, and registration is $45 per person. Registration closes July 31st. Payment is due upon registration.
Register at osaandastro@gmail.com with your birthdate. NOTE: You will receive the placement of your natal Sun and your progressed Sun. You will not receive a chart.
Mail your check to Osa Counseling 611 S. Hillcrest Ave. Montrose CO 81401. Payment is possible with a credit card for a $5 fee. Contact Dulce for a link. Apple Pay is accepted.
Any questions contact Dulce directly at her gmail address above.
Here’s looking forward to discovering your unique celestial path!
Dulce Bell-Bulley MA CHT
Osa Transpersonal Counseling, Hypnotherapy and Astrology LLCMontrose, Colorado. 970-464-1312
Sophia Circles - Themes
Conscious Self-Awareness, Compassionate Presence in Community, Personal Growth and Transformation, and Resting in God are areas most frequently addressed in Sophia Circles.
The following themes emerge regularly:
What belief do I have about myself that my Higher Power refuses to have for me?
What does my Higher Power actually believe about me?
What does my chosen current community contribute to the dynamic interplay of Free Will, Divine Will, and the unfolding of Authentic Selfhood?
Where do I find wisdom that most resonates with my unique self?
What awarenesses and actions could I pursue in order to live less polemically and more constructively?
What constructive insights might I draw from contemporary developments and wisdom?
What distinctive insights can I contribute to the healing of today’s needs? How might I act on them?
Where do I find compassionate support and encouragement for my personal life journey?
When I review my current relationships and actions, do I challenge myself with this clarifying question: “How’s that working for you?”
Where have I seen evidence of evolution, creative emergence, and transformation in my life in the past?
What is my growing edge with regard to conscious self-awareness? compassionate behavior? peaceful attitude?
What is my growing edge with regard to my commitment to rest in God?
How and when does my free will harmonize with God’s will? When are they most in conflict?
What do I know about my Authentic Self?
What is my best practice for developing Presence?
What is my best practice for resting in God?
How am I sharing loving kindness and compassion?
Philosophy
Free Will, Divine Will, and Authentic Self
At Sophia’s, use of the term Free Will generally refers to the ability of human beings to make choices without being forced by external factors. Free will is seen as a fundamental aspect of human nature which enables individuals to meet challenges and make choices yielding the most good and the least evil. Its hallmark is a spiritual lens which accepts life’s paradoxes and mysteries with “letting go” as the natural response.
Divine Will, on the other hand, is seen as the plan and purpose for individual humans, humanity, and the cosmos, which is the ultimate expression of love and goodness. It is that perennial energy which is beyond mental comprehension; Divine Will, Higher Power, The Sacred, The Universe, Dark Matter, The Tao, God, YHWH, Great Spirit are some of the names it is known by. It is believed that Divine Will is always aimed at the flourishing and fulfillment of humans’ authentic selves in their search for meaning and their cosmic purpose.
The idea of Authentic Self is linked to the process by which human beings become (re)united with and participate in co-creating the sacred unfolding of the cosmos. In this sense, the Authentic Self is the true, unique, and fullest Expression of the human person, which is realized more and more through a process of compassionate service to others, spiritual growth, and inner transformation.
The relationship between Free Will, Divine Will, and the Authentic Self is a dynamic interplay. While human beings have the ability to make choices, these choices are also shaped and guided by Divine Will, which seeks to lead them toward their Authentic Selves and ultimate (re)union with the Divine throughout the cosmos. In this sense, Free Will is not seen as a contradiction to Divine Will, but rather as one means through which human beings can participate in Divine Will in the process of further actualizing their Authentic Selves. By inviting and internalizing wisdom from the higher (deeper) states of consciousness, we develop what full human personhood really means: the capacity to relate to reality more and more honestly and fully with compassion and love. We seek to magnify the invisible universal reality of unconditional love.
Sophia’s Facilitator
Dr. Demetra (Dee) Jaquet, MDiv, DMin, has over 30 years’ experience as a Spiritual Director, Pastoral Psychotherapist, Hospice/Hospital Chaplain, and Supervisor of Spiritual Directors and of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE). She taught Religious Studies at Regis University, Denver and Spiritual Formation for the Benet Hill Benedictine Spiritual Formation Program in Whitewater and Colorado Springs, Colorado. She is retired as Clinical Director at Rocky Mountain Center for Spiritual Caregivers, Grand Junction, Colorado.
Her limited private practice focuses on Spiritual Direction for pastors, lay leaders, and spiritual care providers, using Centering Prayer, Internal Family Systems, and Jungian theory. She mentors people from all backgrounds who are exploring personal growth and community harmony. Her main message is “Just Say Yes! Be open to collaboration and creativity,” and her personal motto is “Trust Your Source, Trust Your Decisions.”
“To be present means to be the lucid arena within which everything arises.” James Lowe
“God’s will for us is to manifest God’s goodness and infinite tenderness in our lives right now…if we are open and available to this presence, our lives will be transformed.” Fr. Thomas Keating
“Once you have the inner way, the outer way will follow.” Lao Tzu
"I believe the purpose of each of us is to fully explore all aspects of our being - to color all the way to the edges of ourselves...And as we become who we are, we send out vibrations into the world that influence others to do the same." Lisa Petty
Who is Sophia?
In the tapestry of ancient Hebrew wisdom literature there exists a subtle, yet profound thread woven around the figure of Sophia and her three daughters: Faith, Hope, and Love. These allegorical personifications appear as embodiments of the virtues and wisdom revered by generations.
Across cultures and spiritual traditions, Sophia and her daughters invite us to embody the awareness of these virtues in our daily lives to uplift our spirits, strengthen our relationships, and deepen the trust in our Higher Power.
Wisdom guides us to trust in the divine inspiration that arises from Faith, the resilience and compassion that arises from Hope, and the enduring nature and power of selfless Love.
Sophia: The Personification of Wisdom
The term “Sophia” originates from Greek, meaning Wisdom. In the Hebrew Scriptures, the book of Proverbs (8:22-31) poetically portrays Sophia’s role in creation, where She speaks of being with God from the beginning, witnessing and participating in the formation of the world.
She is depicted as a guide, offering understanding and insight to those who seek her.
Proverbs 8:22-31
“The Lord created me at the beginning of His way, as the first of His works of old. I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, before ever the earth was.
When there were no depths, I was brought forth, when there were no fountains abounding with water, before the mountains were settled, before the hills were brought forth; While as yet He had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the beginning of the dust of the world.
When He established the heavens, I was there: When He set a circle upon the face of the deep; When He made firm the skies above; When the fountains of the deep became strong; When He gave to the sea His decree, that the waters should not transgress His commandment; When He appointed the foundations of the earth; Then I was by Him, as a nursling;
And I was daily all delight, playing always before Him: Playing in His habitable earth, and my delights were the sons of men.”
FAITH
The Daughter of Sophia
One of Sophia’s prominent daughters named Faith symbolizes steadfast trust and belief in God’s promises. In Proverbs 3:5-6, we are encouraged to trust in the Lord with all our hearts, which is the essence of Faith. This virtue anchors individuals in times of uncertainty and strengthens their connection to the Divine.
Faith promises that acknowledging your Higher Power in all aspects of life will lead to guidance and direction.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
HOPE
The Daughter of Sophia
Hope shines brightly as another daughter of Sophia. In Hebrew Scriptures Psalm 42:5, Hope is depicted as an anchor for the soul and a source of strength amidst trials. The Psalmist’s inner dialogue in this passage reveals self-encouragement to trust in God despite feelings of despair, knowing that ultimately one will praise God for salvation and deliverance. Sophia’s teachings in Proverbs 23:18 emphasize the rewards of hope.
Hope provides support and courage to face adversity with resilience and optimism.
Psalm 42:5
“Why are you cast down, my soul, why groan within me? Hope in God; I will yet praise Him for His saving Presence.”
Proverbs 23:18
“Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.”
LOVE
The Daughter of Sophia
Love completes the trio of Sophia’s daughters, embodying the highest virtue of all. The famous words from the Song of Solomon (8:6-7) beautifully illustrate the power and depth of love, reflecting Sophia’s teachings on the importance of compassion, kindness, and selflessness.
The strength and intensity of Love are enduring in nature and power.
Song of Solomon 8:6-7
“Set me a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm, for love is strong as death, [while] jealousy is fierce as Sheol. Love flashes as fire, the very flame of the Lord. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it….”
Translations from the Tanakh by Jewish Publication Society
A Prayer
By Fr. Leo Rock
I prayed, “God, tell me who You are.”
And God answered: “I’d much rather tell you who you are.”
“But,” I protested, “I know me, Lord.”
“No,” God answered. “You are a mystery unknown to yourself, beyond you.”
I protested yet. “I know my weakness, my sin. All the dark places in me.”
“But the light? Do you know the light of you? The sight of you? In my eyes?
“Let me show you your goodness, which is mine in you. Let me show you your possibility which
is my grace, the gift of my love, which is me in you.”
SophiaLinks
People who attend events, volunteer, support Sophia Circles or have registered to receive the Sophia Calendar updates, are all invited to contribute to SophiaLinks, the networking section of our website.
SophiaLinks’ purpose is to get acquainted, build friendships, and provide the opportunity to share about your personal passion or main interest. If you are willing to resource others with information about an activity you pursue outside Sophia, or something you would like to promote, please submit your information via the website messaging service at the bottom of the webpage (www.sophia-circles.org) or give a typed/handwritten version to Dee. The suggested format questions and an example are below. Your answers to these questions will be posted under the heading “SophiaLinks” on the webpage along with an (optional) photo of yourself, which you can either email or we can take a photo next time you’re at Sophia Circles.
SUGGESTED QUESTIONS
What is your first name (and last name optional), and your city?
In one or two sentences, what is something unique about yourself you can share?
What would you like to share about your family/children/grandchildren?
What events do you attend at Sophia Circles?
Do you volunteer, support, or facilitate at Sophia events and, if so, in what way?
What Networking Tip would you like to share with others? List the name and contact details, a short description, and in one or two sentences what attracts you to it.
EXAMPLE
My name is Dee and I am a farmer, living on a ten-acre vineyard. I grow five varieties of grapes which I sell to local wineries. I have two married children, a son and a daughter, both in Colorado, and five grandchildren, 2 boys and three girls. I am passionate about learning, teaching, and networking about personal and spiritual growth and women’s leadership, with special emphasis on Centering Prayer. I attend all the Sophia Circles events, and volunteer at all of them, because I am Sophia’s facilitator!
MY TIP: I love volunteering with Rocky Mountain Center for Spiritual Caregivers (RMCSC), where we train and certify professional health care and community Chaplains. We are the only Certified Training Center between Denver, Salt Lake, and Phoenix, offering both in person and on-line training. I’m attracted to this work because it is challenging, fulfilling, empowers people in pastoral care professions, and contributes to the public good. To explore professional Chaplaincy in a hospital, hospice, nursing home, social care or other community setting, go to www.rockymountainCPE.org
External Resources
Center for Contemplative Living, Denver
Contemplative Outreach, Ltd., USA and International
Richard Rohr's Daily Meditation - Center for Action and Contemplation
Rocky Mountain Center for Spiritual Caregivers (RMCSC) www.rockymountainCPE.org
The Spiritual Journey - Fr. Thomas Keating - 63 episodes (watch Episodes 58 and 59 first as Introduction)
