Being New Spirituality Center
About the Center
We believe that contemplative insight and practice are key to the transformation of our spirits, touching that deep place of heart and of being that lives in each of us. We are a resource for Central Iowa, creating events to which all are welcome, as well as opening space for offerings that others bring.
We are located in the lower level of Grace Lutheran Church, 5201 Urbandale Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50310. Use the north door off the parking lot marked ‘Grace Hall’ and follow the signs.
There is no fee for the offerings that come from the center. Donations to cover our expenses are thus received with special gratitude! There is a basket in the center. Checks may be made out to Grace Lutheran Church with Being New in the memo line. You may also donate online through the church’s website. Follow this link and choose Being New from the drop-down menu: https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/2854737
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email [email protected]
Current Offerings
Centering Prayer & Silent Meditation for Peace (Hybrid)
Monday, January 19 | 10:00 a.m. | Being New Center
Following our January sit, we will turn for inspiration to the work of Cameron Trimble. She is known for her work at the intersection of innovation, leadership, and social transformation, with a career that bridges both faith-based and secular settings. Her work is rooted in a deep commitment to people, planet, and peace—the “triple bottom line” that shapes every endeavor she leads. An ordained pastor in the United Church of Christ, Cameron is also a commercial pilot and the author of an (almost) daily reflection that invites courageous, grounded engagement with the world as it is.
We will view a short documentary from the G20 Interfaith Forum which spotlights faith-based insights to moral questions about the dignity of humanity that are at the heart of all faith traditions, encouraging us to remind governments why populations are vulnerable.
This is a collaborative event of COCI and the Being New Center.All are welcome. Bring your prayers, your grief, your hope—spoken or unspoken. No words required. This is a hybrid event, with Zoom available: Zoom link
New!
NEW Conversations on Contemplation, Contemplative Practice and Contemplative Living
First Friday of every month from 9:00- 11:00 a.m. at Being New, in Grace Hall
We will meet for Centering Prayer and conversation on themes related to contemplative living. Kathy Reardon and other members of the COCI leadership service team will guide conversations to deepen our spiritual awareness and relationship with self, others, the Holy and the sacred lives we’ve been given to live. Offered by COCI and BNSC. Open to all seekers
The first 3 months of 2026 will focus on the relationship between contemplation and the first 3 of AA’s 12 Steps as a way to create a holding space in the midst of the seeming powerlessness and unmanageablility of living in these temptestuous, divisive times.
No registration required, just a spirit of curiosity, an open heart, and a desire for authentic connection. We begin promptly at 9 AM, concluding by 11. Coffee provided. Questions? Contact Kathy Reardon 515-776-0439 or [email protected]. In case of inclement weather Kathy will send an email to those on her list.
SoulCollage®
SoulCollage® is offered on the first and third Mondays each month at 6:30 p.m. The fee is $15.00 to cover supplies and materials. Cindy Schloss-Calhoun is our new SoulCollage Facilitator at the Center. For more than 35 years, Cindy has worked as a therapist with children, families, and adults. Her gentle, welcoming presence is a beautiful addition to SoulCollage! Please contact Cindy Schloss-Calhoun for more information.
Recovery Cafe
Recovery Cafe: Fridays at noon at Being New. Recovery Circle is for anyone navigating challenges like addiction, depressions, life transitions — or simply seeking a healthier lifestyle or deeper sense of purpose. The circle offers a safe space to share without judgment, set goals, celebrate steps of progress, and move forward. Questions? For more information, contact [email protected], 515-608-0913.
Spiritual Direction
Spiritual Direction is available through Deb Richards. You can reach her at [email protected].
Energy and Sound Healing Monthly Gatherings
Come bask in a loving space through crystal tuning bowls and Reiki healing energy, 6:30pm the second Monday of each month. Contact Julie Good at [email protected] or 515-306-4864 so she can plan for your presence. Instead of a fee, participants are invited to make a donation to Being New Center.
The Way of the Rose
Wednesdays 6:30 p.m. Upper Room
The Way of the Rose is an open-hearted, inclusive community dedicated to the forgotten Earth wisdom of the rosary. We are not affiliated with any religious institution. We reflect on and pray 5 mysteries of the rosary. Traditional and non-traditional prayer forms welcome and no prior knowledge of the rosary is needed. Each meeting is a stand-alone circle that makes space for prayer, reflection and connection. Join us in the calming support available to all in the garden of prayer.
Contact: Hannah Whetston for more information
Wisdom Practice Series
Wisdom Circles began early this year. These are in-depth groups for study, practice and sharing based on the streams of wisdom that have come to us through the ages, and especially as articulated in our own time by Episcopal priest and mystic, Cynthia Bourgeault. Contact Julie Honsey ([email protected]) or Joan Fumetti ([email protected]) if you are interested in learning more. The book circle and the Wisdom Practice Series offer excellent foundation for this work.