LOVE FROM THE CENTER OF WHO YOU ARE! -- Romans 12:9a (The Message)

CHART YOUR COMING OUT COURSE
live into loving expression of your values as you share your life

FORM NEW FAITH
embrace what gives life... set aside what holds you back

FORGIVE FOR LIFE
accept the truth with growing compassion and freedom

LEAD WITH LOVE
nurture energy for creative and committed leadership

BALANCE TRUE COMMITMENTS
make space to sustain your giving with authentic generosity

TRAVEL TOGETHER WITH NEW ENERGY
recover the joy and hope rooted in your organization's mission

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ABUNDANT SUPPORT AS YOU LIVE WELL!

All programs are designed to honor and affirm people of all

sexual orientations, gender identities and faith backgrounds.

SPIRITUAL LIFE COACHING

for individuals, non-profits and committees
(appointments in-person or by phone)

LOCAL AND TELECLASS EVENTS:

TUESDAYS: Teleclasses and Local Living Well Spirituality Group

THURSDAYS: Luncheons and Teleclasses

FRIDAYS: Seniors' Bible Study (Closed group, meets in Uptown)

SATURDAYS: Monthly Workshops and Retreats

SUNDAYS: No regular programs. Email Sabbath.


RETREAT, EDUCATION & PULPIT SUPPLY

CEREMONIES

BLOG "COLLAGES FROM THE CENTER"


Contact Rev. Jacki Belile at jacki@livingwellministries.net or 773.655.4357 for more information. Scroll further for detailed program descriptions and more information about Living Well Ministries and Rev. Belile.

UPCOMING EVENTS -- Scroll Further for More Details

WEEKLY PROGRAMS ARE ON BREAK FOR SUMMER. Check back here soon for Fall 2011 schedule of teleclasses and events in Chicago.

ON THE ROAD

Partnerships for Emergency Preparedness: Building Faith Communities' Capacity to Partner with Public Health Leaders in suburban Cook County. Project Consultant. May-July 2011.

Prayerful Living: Ministers Practicing the Serenity Prayer Together (Closed Group).

Blessings Beyond the Pulpit: Covenant Group for those in Specialized Ministries (Closed Group)

A Living Sacrifice: Biblical Principles for "Self" Care. Community Church of Barrington, September 2011. (Closed Group)

A Living Sacrifice: Eating with SOUL. FEASTIVAL event sponsored by The Center for Faith and Community Health Transformation. October 10. Visit www.chicagofaithandhealth.org for more information.

Pulpit Supply: St. James Presbyterian Church and Community Church of Wilmette. Summer/Fall.

<>Unless otherwise noted, all events are at St. James Presbyterian Church, 6554 N. Rockwell Street, Chicago. Programs are the sole responsibility of Living Well Ministries.

Event Registration Instructions

To register for any local event publicized here, contact jacki@livingwellministries.net for a Paypal invoice or send the following information and a check payable to:

Living Well Ministries
6554 N. Rockwell Street
Chicago, IL 60645

Include a print-out of this brief registration form:
_______________________________________________
Name:

Street Address:

City/State/Zip:

Phone/Email:

Religious Background/Community (if applicable):

Name of Event:

Where Did You Hear About This Event?

________________________________________________

Jacki's Bio

Rev. Jacki Belile, CEC, ELI-MP

Rev. Jacki Belile, the founder of Living Well Ministries (LWM), is an ordained American Baptist minister and certified empowerment coach. Jacki is committed to serving individuals and groups who seek to live in greater spiritual, physical and/or organizational vitality. She grew up in a fundamentalist church in North Dakota, attended evangelical Taylor University in Indiana, and moved to Chicago with her life partner in 1990. Jacki holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work (from Taylor) and a Master of Divinity degree from Chicago Theological Seminary. She received certification as a life coach from the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching and is a member of the International Coach Federation.

Jacki has previously worked in the fields of health ministry and interfaith dialogue. Since 2000, she has led retreats and seminars on topics including befriending the Bible, forgiveness, balanced living, stress management and spiritual disciplines.

The first "out" member of the LGBT communities approved for ordination in the American Baptist Churches-USA, Jacki has previously served as pastor of two welcoming and affirming congregations: Phoenix Community Church (Kalamazoo, MI) and Grace Baptist Church (Chicago). Through the ministry of LWM, she enjoys serving as guest preacher, retreat leader and teacher in a wide variety of ecumenical settings.

A child of the Welcoming Churches Movement, Jacki has volunteered in numerous ecumenical efforts toward a more inclusive church for LGBT people and their allies. She was the national committee chair of the first ecumenical gathering of welcoming churches, WOW 2000, in DeKalb, Illinois in 2000. Jacki has served as the Communications Chair of the Holy Relationships National Steering Committee; as a member of the national training team of the Institute for Welcoming Resources; and as a member of the Out in Scripture editorial advisory board, an on-line lectionary-based resource for clergy and laity created by the Human Rights Campaign Religion and Faith Program.

Jacki's hobbies include reading, cooking and improving her music and art literacy. She’s been a yoga student for nine years.

Befriending the Bible Retreat Curriculum - Publication Pending

Rev. Belile has developed a unique approach to reading the Scripture with CARE. Since 2001, she has led workshops and retreats on this material, which will be edited for publication in 2010. Watch for details here. For more information, contact Jacki at 773.655.4357 or jacki@livingwellministries.net.

The Heart of the Matter: A Workshop for Families and Friends of LGBT People

Watch for more information about this workshop available September 2011.

Ceremonies for LIVING WELL

VISION

Living Well Ministries (LWM) supports people who wish to name with intention a threshold, transition or commitment with a public ritual. Some examples of ceremonies include:

Weddings/Holy Unions
Funerals/Memorial Services
House Blessings
Relationship Transitions

With respect and appreciation, I serve people of all gender identities, sexual orientations and family styles in making such public commitments. Together, we will craft a ceremony of intention unique to your situation and expressed values. “Public” means a gathering of your loved ones, however large or small.

My faith convictions and ordination vows combine in a radically inclusive commitment to support lives of faith, intention and service. In creating a ceremony with you, I represent the One who has called us all into abundant life, the fruits of the Spirit, and life-giving community. If you seek a minister who will support you in expressing not only your love, but your reliance on community and your desire to bless this world through your shared lives, then we may be a good match. And about your spirituality… as a Baptist minister committed to interreligious respect, I find much joy in the creative partnership that emerges when diversity calls!

RATES *

Weddings/Holy Unions: $700.00
Funerals/Memorial Services: $400.00
House Blessings: $250.00
Relationship Transitions: $700.00

POLICIES

Weddings/Holy Unions:

Preparation: Five 60-minute planning sessions, spanning a minimum of two months before your ceremony, are required. We will use this time to explore the unique joys, lessons and challenges of your relationship and to plan the ceremony. These sessions will include a combination of 1-1 sessions, relationship sessions, and homework for your private reflection and conversation.

Honorarium: Rate includes planning sessions, liturgy planning, and attendance of rehearsal and ceremony. My services do not include building or musician arrangements or preparation of written programs. (Referrals for musicians and ceremony sites are available.) Payment installments at each session are preferred. Final payment is due one week prior to the ceremony. *

Funerals/Memorial Services: See upcoming post.
House Blessings: See upcoming post.
Relationship Transitions: See upcoming post.

*Additional fees may be negotiated if the scope of my services exceeds customary time allotted.

Financial Wellness: Tips for Abundance Actions

WATCH FOR DETAILS ON REPEAT OFFERS OF THIS UNIQUE PROGRAM. 6554 N. Rockwell Street, Chicago. Cost: $40 (includes light lunch).

Do you want to move from worry to wellness in your financial life? Are you tired of extreme messages that overwhelm you with unachievable burdens or glib advice? Give yourself the gift of this unique day, a gathering to:

NAME INFLUENCES ON OUR GOALS AND BELIEFS ABOUT MONEY
EXPLORE CURRENT BELIEFS THAT LIMIT CREATIVITY AND SABOTAGE DISCIPLINE
BRAINSTORM PRACTICAL, ACHIEVABLE ACTIONS THAT WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE
RECEIVE SUPPORT FOR YOUR UNIQUE NEXT STEPS

Attendees will gain resources for the heart, mind and pocketbook through this unique combination of presentation, discussion, and meditation and follow-up recommendations.

Co-sponsored by Living Well Ministries and the Law Office of Kelli Dudley

PRESENTERS

Kelli Dudley is a lawyer who assists people to change their minds about debt. She defends people who are pursued by creditors, mortgage companies, and landlords. She helps them to negotiate when they truly owe money, and assists them to defend themselves when they are unjustly harassed. Kelli teaches Housing Law at the DePaul University College of Law and teaches in several paralegal and college programs. Her passion is helping people understand money and material resources as tools that can help them attain their true purpose. Founder of Living Well Ministries, Jacki Belile is an ordained American Baptist minister and spiritual life coach. She has previously served as pastor of two congregations and worked in the fields of health ministry and interfaith dialogue. Since 2000, she has led retreats and seminars on topics including stress management, spirituality of stewardship, befriending the Bible, and forgiveness. In addition to her local and long-distant individual coaching practice, she is available for “committee coaching” for churches and non-profits.

Retreat "Packages" Available for Your Group

EXAMPLES OF RETREATS & SEMINARS
--available for your organization--

Prayerful Living (Practicing the Serenity Prayer)
Reimagining Forgiveness
A Spirituality of Self-Care
Church Growth: Vitality, Visibility, Vision
Faith vs. Dogma
Befriending the Bible
Coming Out with Integrity & Creativity
Developing Spiritual Practices
Bible Study Immersion Days
Discerning Gifts & Choices
Excellence vs. Perfection
Interfaith Literacy and Dialogue
Journeys of Justice (Heart-Centered Activism)
The Spiritual Power of Simplicity
Wellsprings of Wisdom (seniors’ programming)

BROWSE FURTHER FOR JACKI'S BIO, PAST PROGRAMS ETC.

Browse the next pages "older posts" for previous LWM programs, as well as my bio and previous communities served.

Retreat Leadership - My Past Experience

I'm Shaped by 20 Years of Retreat Habits
Rev. Jacki Belile
www.livingwellministries.net

I hope this will give you a sense of the ways spiritual retreats have shaped me over the last twenty years.

TOPICAL RETREATS (2000-present)
Gatherings as individuals -- either unaffiliated or from one or more church -- to explore a common theme

A Few Examples of Topics I’ve Led (vs. attended) for eleven faith communities since 2000:

A Flourishing Life: Living the Serenity Prayer
Finding Our Wisdom: A Retreat for Older Adults
Savoring Spring: A Church Visioning Retreat
Befriending the Bible: A Retreat for LGBT Christians Seeking Peace w/ God
Forgiveness: Freedom for a Flourishing Life
Prayerful Living: Beyond Stress Management
The Spiritual Power of Simplicity
Prayerful Living: The Freedom in Spiritual Disciplines
God’s Dream: Cultivating Christian Community
A New Way for a New Day: Excellence vs. Perfectionism
Our Story Too: LGBT Christians Reclaim the Bible
The Gift of YOU: A New Approach to Spiritual Gifts
Faith Beyond Resentment (worship leadership @ retreat based on this book)

PERSONAL RENEWAL RETREATS (2000-present)
Regular unstructured, individual retreat time (beginning in my first pastorate, where I retreated 3-4 times/year for approximately a week)

LOCAL CHURCH RETREATS (1990-2006)
A tradition of annual Grace Baptist Church retreats, attended as an active lay member and then pastor

RETREATS WITH COLLEAGUES (1990 – present)
Sacred time set aside to rest, play and study with fellow seminarians, fellow ministers, parish nurse colleagues, and interfaith dialogue advocates

ORIENTATION RETREATS (1986, 1996)
Sacred time set aside to get students off to an intentional and well-supported start to their new lives

DISCIPLESHIP COORDINATORS' RETREATS (1988-9)
Refreshing time away from college classes for intense Bible study and training as a Discipleship Coordinators (a network of small groups for prayer, fellowship and Bible study at Taylor University)


The habit of retreat-taking is central to my Christian life. They renew, restore and reorient me for the sake of Gospel (repentance for the sake of abundant life).

I’d be honored to serve you on your own journey of Living Well in an upcoming retreat experience, whether it is inspired by the above topics or something else you imagine. Contact me at 773.655.4357 or jacki@livingwellministries.net for more info on my previous experience. Watch for more information about LWM’s upcoming retreat schedule, including one-day Bible Study retreats.

Retreat Leadership - Jacki's Style/Passions

PASSIONS?

Yes, passions!

I’m a frequent attendee and leader of retreats, from three-hour “minis” to week-long immersions.

For twenty years I have experienced a deepening appreciation, personal use and increased leadership of retreats for people of faith. “Passion” describes my strong, heart-felt conviction that we all need some version of a regular retreat. Perhaps it’s always been that way. Perhaps retreats are the remedy for a particularly imbalanced society and church. Perhaps (probably!) our biblical heritage of Sabbath-keeping is one way to understand the gift of retreat.

Beyond the literal ancient observance of Sabbath lie many other biblical principles that convict me of our common need. The psalmist hears God invite us to “Be still, and know that I am God.” Following Christ’s resurrection, the disciples uprooted by grief and disorienting joy abide together in Jerusalem, awaiting together the plans and power of God. The epistle writers urge in many varying ways that we not forsake “assembling together.” Time and time again, I’ve seen renewal happen in the special retreat time, a renewal that sadly doesn’t always occur in the day-to-day “operations” of being disciples, of being church.

So, I’m passionate about the spiritual discipline of retreats. They have an ability to restore and reorient us to God’s work -- work that may be in, through or despite us. What that time away looks like will surely vary from person to person, organization to organization, and season to season. The point is an intentional rhythm of consecration, an intentional habit of setting time aside to be uniquely receptive to God and one another.

These are the gifts I appreciate so much about retreats; consider them a glimpse into my leadership style and priorities. These will be present in some measure, tailored in unique combinations, in any vibrant retreat.

Slowing Down – The Gift to sleep a little later, move a little slower, and stop ‘working’ long before bedtime…

Stillness -- The Gift to ponder without producing, whether in nature’s beauty, around the fireplace or in prayer/meditation…

Play – The Gift to enjoy recreation (re-creation!) and leisure, whether alone or with those sacred souls with whom we’re so often working hard…

Creativity – The Gift to access our intuitive, opening side, whether in arts, music, cooking, movement (or even brainstorming!)…

Fellowship – The Gift to deepen intimacy in a setting that is sensitive to varying needs and styles of relationship-building…

Discernment – The Gift to listen alone or together, to name patterns and accept truths, to identify landmarks and Spirit’s call…

Commitments – The Gift to name response to emerging Truth, to set forth in language of heart and mind the fruits of retreat’s reflection…

Worship – The Gift to proclaim God’s empowering faithfulness amid the valleys and heights of our journey, and the Gift of attending to one another as the Body of Christ…


I believe the Christian gospel to be invitation to the abundant life of Jesus Christ. For this, I believe the Biblical patterns of journey, sabbath, discernment, surrender, solitude and community to be timeless. A “Living Well,” you might say.

Wherever you are on your personal journey of spiritual growth, I pray this stirs your own reflection on current habits and/or needs for retreat! Perhaps we’ll meet at a LWM-sponsored retreat, or at a retreat for your church or organization. Perhaps in our coaching session, I’ll support your exploration of a renewing retreat experience.

Wherever it is, here’s to the abundant life Jesus promised, here’s to “Living Well,” together.

Past Pulpit, Retreat, Education Supply or Consulting

A hearty thanks to each of these communities for my opportunity to serve in some way -- "big" or "small" -- since 1995. Each of these encounters have shaped me and the trajectory of this current ministry.

Phoenix Community Church (Kalamazoo, MI)
Grace Baptist Church (Chicago)
Community Church of Wilmette (IL)
Chicago Theological Seminary
Community Church of Barrington (IL)
Companis (Seattle, WA)
Ebenezer Lutheran Church (Chicago)
Epiphany United Church of Christ (Chicago)
The Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists
Irving Park Baptist Church (Chicago)
Concordia Lutheran Church (Chicago)
Lake Street Church (Evanston, IL)
St. Benedict Catholic Church (Chicago)
Lakeview Presbyterian Church (Chicago)
Immanuel Lutheran Church (Chicago)
Elmhurst College (Elmhurst, IL)
North Park Theological Seminary (Chicago)
Light of Christ Lutheran Church (Chicago)
Uptown Ministries (Chicago)
The Leaven Center (Lyons, MI)
The South Church (Mt. Prospect, IL)
Community Baptist Church (Warrenville, IL)
St. James Presbyterian Church (Chicago)
Ravenswood United Church of Christ (Chicago)
Parish Nurses Program, Advocate Health Care (IL)
Morgan Park Baptist Church (Chicago)
Church of Jesus Christ, Reconciler (Chicago

Living Well Ministries' Affiliations

Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists

Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America

Chicago Faith and Health Forum

Chicago Coalition of Welcoming Churches

Center for Progressive Christianity

Network of Spiritual Progressives


PENDING ASSOCIATIONS

Health Ministries Association


OTHER RELATIONSHIPS *

American Baptist Churches of Metro Chicago

American Baptist Churches - USA

Ministers Council, ABC-USA

Lake Street Church of Evanston

St. James Presbyterian Church

Edgewater Community Religious Association (no website)

* These represent significant personal and/or professional relationships; programs of LWM are not affiliated with these organizations. Through my membership in the regional and national Ministers Council of the American Baptist Churches -USA, I remain actively connected and committed to the collective mission of my denominational family. I am a member of Lake Street Church in Evanston, an American Baptist congregation which is a "progressive community in the Protestant tradition." I have great respect for my neighborhood ministerial assocation (ECRA) and appreciate the fellowship and shared mission of this vibrant interreligious community of colleagues. I am especially appreciative of St. James Presbyterian Church in West Rogers Park, the home of LWM in this inaugural year of programming.

LWM Activity Report: July 2007- December 2009

LIVING WELL MINISTRIES
ACTIVITY REPORT
DECEMBER 2009

This "at-a-glance" report shares a glimpse of the program priorities to date... including partnership and rest opportunities!

Summer 2007

Sabbatical Rest

Pulpit Supply:
Morgan Park Baptist Church
Community Baptist Church, Warrenville
St. James Presbyterian Church
Church of Jesus Christ, Reconciler

Fall 2007

Office Establishment/Administrative Development

Retreat Supply:
The Spiritual Power of Simplicity (Community Church of Wilmette)
Excellence vs. Perfection (Advocate Health Care Parish Nurses)
Finding Our Wisdom through Forgiveness

(Seniors’ Retreat, Lake View Presbyterian/Uptown Ministry)


Winter 2008

Local LWM Programs:
Forgiveness: Freedom for a Flourishing Life
Resurrection Reimagined (A Study of The Non-Violent Atonement and The Rapture Exposed)
The Power of Forgiveness Film/ Discussion

Pulpit Supply:
Church of Jesus Christ, Reconciler
Community Church of Wilmette

Collaborations/Conversations:
Toward a Welcoming and Affirming Church (Training of Institute for Welcoming Resources)


Spring 2008

Local LWM Programs:
A Faith that Frees (A Study of Faith and Surviving Bible Abuse)
Love Your Life: Gateway to Health and Peace
Forgiveness: Freedom for a Flourishing Life
In Memory: Memorial Day Ritual for Peace
The Power of Forgiveness Film Discussion

Launch of Coaching Practice

Collaborations/Conversations:
Gay Liberation Network Interview
Out in Scripture Editorial Advisory Board
Everything Must Change Emergent Churches Conference



Summer 2008

Local LWM Programs:
LGBT Coming Out Support Group
The Power of Forgiveness Film/Discussion
For the Bible Tells Me So Film/Discussion
Forgiveness Support Group

Pulpit Supply:
St. James Presbyterian Church

Consulting:
Companis (Seattle, WA)


Fall 2008

Local LWM Programs:
A Life at Work (Study of this title by Thomas Moore)
A Meal With Micah: Prayer Breakfast for Election Anxiety
Holiday Stresses Coaching Group
The Power of Forgiveness Film/Discussion

Retreat/Workshop Supply:
Finding Our Wisdom in Time Management
(Seniors’ Retreat, Lake View Presbyterian Church/Uptown Ministry)

Life After Seminary: A Spirituality of Self-Care (Chicago Theological Seminary)


Winter 2009

Local LWM Programs:
Journey Justice Film Series
Forgiveness: Freedom for a Flourishing Life

Collaborations and Conversations:
Steadfast Love: Holy Relationships and a Wilderness God
The Heart of the Matter: Energy Leadership and Living into Change (P-FLAG, Oak Park)

Itinerant Opportunities:

Together in Ministry Covenant Group, Monthly Facilitator

(American Baptist Women in Ministry, Metro Chicago)

Spring 2009

Local LWM Programs:

Journey Justice Film Series

The Power of Forgiveness Workshops

Spiritual Life Coaching

Retreat/Pulpit Supply:

Berry Memorial UMC, Chicago

Itinerant Opportunities:

Together in Ministry Covenant Group, Monthly Facilitator

(American Baptist Women in Ministry, Metro Chicago)

Summer 2009

Local LWM Programs:

LGBT Pride Film Series

Befriending the Bible Intro Workshop

Forgive for Good: The Way of Releasing Resentment

Living With Intention: Using Five Wishes to Plan Well for End of Life

Spiritual Life Coaching

August Program Break

Retreat/Pulpit Supply:

Lake View Lutheran Church

Collaborations and Conversations:

Faith and Health Consortium of Metropolitan Chicago

Chicago Coalition of Welcoming Churches --

(Co-coordinator June LGBT Pride Worship Series)

Out in Scripture Lectionary Reflection Team

Fall 2009

Local LWM Programs:

Befriending the Bible Intro Workshop

"Tuesdays Together" Spirituality Group

The Power of Forgiveness Film/Discussion

Taking Time, Transforming Time: The Spiritual Promise of Self-Care

Prepare the Way of the Lord: Advent Forgiveness Retreat

Living With Intention: Using Five Wishes to Plan Well for End-of-Life

The Gift of Forgiveness Coaching Group

Spiritual Life Coaching

Retreat/Pulpit Supply:

Prayerful Living: Finding Wisdom in the Serenity Prayer (Seniors' Retreat)

Itinerant Opportunities:

Together in Ministry Covenant Group, Monthly Facilitator

(American Baptist Women in Ministry, Metro Chicago)