The Looking Within Center


The Looking Within Center (LWC) is both a place and a way of seeing one’s spiritual journey in new and different ways. There are experiences, insights, guidance, and belonging in the LWC for those seeking a deeper understanding of their inner selves, and a closer friendship with Christ and others on the journey.

Our mission and vision have become clearer to us this year:

Mission: To provide a lens to see the Divine in all things and all people.

Vision: A world transformed from the inside out.

We live out our mission and vision alongside these values:

  • Experiences: We value experiences of our lives as places where we meet God.

  • Relationship: We value a relationship with Christ more than merely information

  • about Christ.

  • Transformation: We value a process of transformation where we become like Christ.

  • Impact: We value impact as conduits of Christ’s loving presence for a hurting world.

With the help of our team of leaders and guides, the LWC can provide a variety of opportunities to stretch and grow your heart, mind, and spirit as you develop your inner life like you would a physical muscle. Inner transformation is possible as you more regularly see Christ’s presence in your life, and then – little by little – the world around you will be transformed as well.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Arrow over for more!
Mindfulness Meditation Course
May 1
Mindfulness Meditation Course

Events, Sessions, Support Groups, and morE

  • A monthly Saturday morning mini-retreat with topics and insights that provide a transformative lens to see the Divine in all things and all people. “Reset” your journey as you grow closer to God, others, and yourself.

    NEW THIS YEAR! Design a Reset that best fits your needs! Register below for one, two, or all three parts of the morning:

    Reset-Quiet: 8:15-9am in the Fireside Room

    (Guided by Cheri Dirksmeyer, this quieter time provides alone and small group time for remembering and reconnecting with the Divine Light and Love that we hold within ourselves.)

    Reset-Breakfast: 9:00-9:30am in the Looking Within Center

    (Enjoy a delicious continental breakfast and community time)

    Reset-Exploration: 9:30-11:00am in the Looking Within Center

    (Explore a topic to help you on your spiritual journey)

    Oct. 14 – “Mandalas for Mindful Meditation” (Lavonne Lovstad)

    Nov. 11 – “LIving in Light – Pathway to Joy” (Cheri Dirksmeyer)

    January 20 - Rhythms of Prayer with Pastor Hayden

    February 10

    March 9

    April 13

  • Support groups that include a “looking within,” spiritual journey component. Designed to help individuals work toward personal goals for living one’s best life. These ongoing, weekly groups facilitated by Chantel Remick (trained group facilitator) help in connecting with others who share a similar lived experience and are in a non-crisis situation. Come to every meeting, or just one. (Not intended to be in place of professional therapy, but in addition to.)

    Sign up for our peer led groups here.

    For those with Anxiety/Depression:

    Tuesday, 6:00-7:15pm

    Wednesdays, 1:00-2:15pm

  • A form of mindfulness meditation composed of 19 easy, slow moving movements taught by accredited T’ai Chi Chih instructor, Judy Trousdell.

    Winter classes: Jan. 18-Mar. 7

    Continuing Class (3-4pm): $25

  • Consider joining Julie Stevens and Charles Ortloff during the 40 days of Lent as they walk with us (in 40 emailed audio recordings) through the practices of Charles’ book, “A Soft Landing after a Bumpy Ride.”

    Register here!

    • Books available for order on Amazon or from Julie Stevens ($16.99)

  • A form of Christian contemplative prayer to center awareness on the presence of God.

    Meets weekly in Room 10 on Thursdays at 5:30pm. Guided by Dr. Dawn Jacobson

  • Based on the preaching text and emphasis of the day, a brief thought with a contemplative slant shared by Julie Stevens

  • Weekly Thursday morning posts offering contemplative insights, practices, and music

    (facebook.com/lookingwithincenter)

OUR TEAM

  • Julie Stevens – Founder and Director

  • Cheri Dirksmeyer – Reset presenter, Reset-Quiet guide

  • Dr. Dawn Jacobson – musician, Centering Prayer leader, yoga instructor

  • Lavonne Lovstad – Reset presenter, artist/art therapist

  • Charles Ortloff – Reset presenter, author and book study leader, Facebook contributor

  • Chantel Remick – facilitator of Peer Led Support Groups

  • Melissa Schultz – Reset presenter

  • Randy Stuhldreher – Facebook contributor

  • Angel Wanak – Facebook contributor and Reset presenter