The Return of the Prodigal Son, Nouwen Book Study

Program Details

A chance encounter with a reproduction of Rembrandt's The Return of the Prodigal Son catapulted Henri Nouwen on a long spiritual adventure. Join us for a study of this classical book where Nouwen shares deeply personal and resonant mediations that led him to discover the place within where God has chosen to dwell.

This book study will meet ONLINE every other Monday evening from 7-8:30 pm beginning May 24th, and ending on July 19th. (PLEASE NOTE that these are revised dates.) We invite you for a time of contemplative sharing and discussion of Nouwen's writing, along with our own visio divina reflections on Rembrandt's painting.

If you find art as part of your spiritual practice, this book study will be an encouragement to your soul. And even if you are not an art aficionado, this deep dive will encourage your heart and invite you to return to your spiritual home.

Although there is no charge for this event, we invite you to make a freewill offering when you register to support the ongoing work of Rolling Ridge.

You will receive a link to login when you register.

REVISED SCHEDULE: Monday evenings from 7-8:30 pm

May 24 = The introductory sections (pp. 1- 23)
June 7 = Part 1: The Younger Son (pp. 25-58)
June 21 = Part 2: The Elder Son (pp. 59-88)
July 5 = Part 3: The Father (pp. 89-119)
July 19 = Conclusion (pp. 120-139)

About the Leaders

Lawrence Jay

As Executive Director, Rev. Dr. Lawrence Jay guides the vision and direction of Rolling Ridge. In addition to working with staff to ensure an outstanding guest experience, he collaborates with retreat leaders to deliver exceptional programming and is available to speak about the ongoing ministry and historic mission of Rolling Ridge as a place of rest, retreat, and transformation. A trained spiritual director and ordained American Baptist pastor, Larry (as he is known by friends) is a graduate of UCLA, Golden Gate Seminary, Franciscan School of Theology, American Baptist Seminary of the West, and the Gateways to God Missional Spiritual Direction Program. He is also Adjunct Faculty at Merrimack College in the Masters of Spirituality and Spiritual Direction programs and was interviewed about his ministry on Dan Lee's podcast. Eco-spirituality is his passion (and was his doctoral dissertation), encouraging everyone to live into the fullness of our connection with our True Self, nature, God, and all people.