Queering Contemplation ONLINE Book Study

Program Details

What would it mean to queer contemplation? To disentangle contemplative spirituality from heteronormativity, patriarchy, and Eurocentricity, and instead engage with openness, curiosity, and a little weirdness? These are some of the issues that Cassidy Hall addresses in her 2024 book, Queering Contemplation: Finding Queerness in the Roots and Future of Contemplative Spirituality.

Whether you identify as "queer" or not, we invite you to join us at Rolling Ridge for an ONLINE book study as we deep dive into Hall's book. Our Queering Contemplation book study will take place on the first and third Wednesdays via zoom from 4:00-5:30 pm eastern. We will cover a chapter a month from September to June, allowing two weeks to unpack the many hidden gems presented and to consider how they speak to our own contemplative experiences. Everyone is invited to join our online conversation, facilitated by Bernie Cook. Attendance at every session is not required but you are encouraged to read along even if you can join the discussions.

Although there is no charge for our book study, your generous donation allows the Ridge to continue offering spiritually inspiring events to connect all people, God, and creation as we create safe and sacred space for deep listening and spiritual companionship. At Rolling Ridge, all are welcome. Thanks for your support!

You can purchase a copy of Cassidy Hall's Queering Contemplation on many online book platforms.

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OUR SCHEDULE for Wednesday evenings (4:00-5:30 pm eastern)

* September 3 and 17 = Chapter 1 - Letting God of the Status Quo: Queering Contemplation

* October 1 and 15 = Chapter 2 - Limitless Expanse: Queering the Monastery

* November 5 and 19 = Chapter 3 - Infinite Possibility: Queering Silence

* December 3 and 17 = Chapter 4 - Continual Transcendence: Queering Mysticism

* January 7 and 21 = Chapter 5 - Boundless Limits: Queering Ritual

* February 4 and 18 = Chapter 6 - Bottomless Creativity: Queering Boredom

* March 4 and 18 = Chapter 7 - Unlimited Becoming: Queering the True Self

* April 1 and 15 = Chapter 8 - Dynamic Encounter: Queering the Liminal

* May 6 and 20 = Chapter 9 - Uncompomisable Presence: Queering Attention

* June 3 and 17 = Chapter 10 - Everlasting Depths: Queering the Desert

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About the Leaders

Bernie Cook

Rev. Bernie Cook is an ordained interfaith minister. He served in church settings, taught spiritual concepts, facilitated groups, spoke at conferences, and journeyed with fellow spiritual travelers. He enjoyed supporting people in discovering their authentic selves.

Bernie has been with his husband for thirty-nine years. Twelve of which have been recognized as legally married. Both have been on a spiritual journey, separately and together. They have learnt and grown from each other’s experiences of that journey which continues to this day.

He also had a forty-two-year career in information technology, with his final positions including systems engineering, consulting for HR, executive and IT security personnel, technical trainer and reviewer of technical material for the company training center, lastly but not least, a team leader. He was selected to be a liaison between the information technology department and the chief information officer. He participated in the company LGBTQ+ employee group and company sponsored public service programs.

He is honored and grateful to be involved in the work of Rolling Ridge’s mission.