International Expert on Celtic Spirituality to Preach at WCPC

International Expert on Celtic Spirituality to Lecture, Preach at The Woodlands Community Presbyterian Church on March 20-22

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- Known for his ability to uncover unique aspects of Christ and Christianity in nature and humanity’s day to day existence, the Rev. J. Philip Newell, an internationally-recognized author and poet with an expertise in Celtic spirituality, will deliver a series of sermons, lectures and meditations on March 20-22 at The Woodlands Community Presbyterian Church (WCPC).

The public is invited and there is no charge to attend any of the weekend’s activities.

A highly-sought speaker, Newell was recently named as one of “10 Spiritual Sages to Watch in 2009” by ReadtheSpirit.com, a global portal dedicated to exploring a wide variety of issues relating to religion and spirituality. Newell, a Church of Scotland minister and noted scholar with a passion for ecumenical and interfaith dialogue, has written several award-winning books, including “Listening for the Heartbeat of God” and a poetic book of prayer, “Sounds of the Eternal.”

In addition to an introductory talk on Celtic spirituality (Friday, March 20, from 7-9 p.m.), Newell will lead a meditative session entitled “The Twin Loves of Celtic Spirituality: Love of Christ, Love of Creation,” on Saturday, March 21, from 9-11 a.m. He will also deliver the sermon at both Sunday services (8:30 and 11 a.m.), and lead a 9:55 a.m. Adult Sunday School class in the WCPC Sanctuary.

Newell’s visit to the Houston area will be his first Texas appearance in 2009, and one of the first since the launch of his newest book, “Christ of the Celts: The Healing of Creation.” A book signing will be held Friday evening following the 7 p.m. lecture. Books by Newell will be available for purchase throughout the weekend.

One of the tenets of Newell’s—and Celtic spirituality’s—teachings is that we should take notice of God in all things—especially Christ’s creations in nature. Celtic spirituality values the presence of God in everyone and everything—including plants, animals, and all of nature.

“Attendees will have the opportunity to hear a great theologian speak,” said Sally Lichtenwalter, WCPC founding member and chair of the planning committee for the church’s Celtic Spirituality Weekend. “But there will also be an opportunity for dialogue and meditation in his presentations.”

“Philip’s message is life transforming,” added Lichtenwalter. “He is a home-spun, gentle, down-to-earth person who speaks from his heart. His ability to break through the clutter of our hectic, day-to-day lives is remarkable. The amazing thing is that his techniques are so simple and straightforward.”

J. Philip Newell is formerly Warden of Iona Abbey in the Western Isles of Scotland. He is currently Writer Theologian for the Scottish Cathedral of the Isles as well as Companion Theologian for the American Spirituality Centre of Casa del Sol in New Mexico. Canadian by birth, he lives in Edinburgh with his family where he undertook his doctoral research in Celtic Christianity. Since then he has played a leading role on both sides of the Atlantic in the re-birthing of a creation spirituality for today.

For more information about the J. Philip Newell and the Celtic Spirituality Weekend at WCPC, please contact Sally Lichtenwalter at (281) 292-3152 or visit the WCPC Web site at the link below.

WCPC, a member of Presbyterian Church USA, is located at 4881 W. Panther Creek Drive in The Woodlands, TX, 77381.