Apr 25-27: The Blessing Way of the Aramaic Jesus (Dubuque, IA)

The Blessing Way of the Aramaic Jesus

A Residential Retreat with Neil Douglas-Klotz

When:  

Friday-Sunday, April 25-27, 2025

Where:  

Shalom Spirituality Center in Dubuque, Iowa

An introduction to the spiritual practice and contemplative prayer of Jesus viewed through the lens of his native Aramaic language. Including meditation, chanting, body prayer, walking meditation, contemplative prayer, and Dances of Universal Peace.

To learn more about the retreat, where it will be located, what's included, and to register, click here. Below are alternate lodgings and useful travel logistics. 

Oct 8: Registration opens for The Blessing Way Aramaic retreat (Apr 25-27, 2025)

 

Click here for more details on this retreat and to register.

Aug 18: Abwoon Session at the Parliament of World Religions

What: Abwoon:  Singing & Embodying the Prayer of Jesus in Aramaic at the Parliament of World Religions

When:  Friday, August 18, 2023, 1-2:30 p.m. 

Where:  McCormick Place, Chicago

Description:  

This religious observance offers an experience of chanting, moving, and meditating with the Aramaic Prayer of Jesus (the “Lord’s Prayer”). Using Aramaic (either aloud or silent) offers a direct connection through vibration, sound, and breath to the spirituality of the person who used the words, as well as to the indigenous Christianity of the Middle East. All are welcome to join in the singing and the movement prayers. Facilitators welcome further questions and comments after the observance is complete. 

Partners:  Bro. Joe Kilikevice, Steve Miller

For more information on the ...

• Parliament of World Religions, visit https://parliamentofreligions.org/2023-program/
• Neil Douglas Klotz' songs and dances for the Aramaic Jesus, visit https://abwoon.org/
• Brother Joe Kilikevice's Shem Center for Interfaith Spirituality, visit https://shemcenter.org/

Aramaic Retreat in DSM: CANCELLED :(

We are so very sorry to inform you that The Breathing Life of All retreat with Neil Douglas-Klotz April 14 – 17 in Des Moines, IA has been cancelled. We deeply apologize for any inconvenience this has caused you. Eventbrite will provide full refunds for those registered. Please let us know if there is any problem with that process.

Neil has experienced unanticipated complications

Registration is Open for "The Breathing Life of All" Aramaic Jesus Retreat

2/21/23 Update:  We are so very sorry to inform you that The Breathing Life of All retreat with Neil Douglas-Klotz April 14 – 17 in Des Moines, IA has been cancelled. We deeply apologize for any inconvenience this has caused you. Eventbrite will provide full refunds for those registered. Please let us know if there is any problem with that process. Read more details here.  

2023 DSM Dances Retreat Lodging & Meal Notes

2/21/2023 Update:  We are so very sorry to inform you that The Breathing Life of All retreat with Neil Douglas-Klotz April 14 – 17 in Des Moines, IA has been cancelled. We deeply apologize for any inconvenience this has caused you. Eventbrite will provide full refunds for those registered. Please let us know if there is any problem with that process. Read more details here.

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This retreat will offer an experience of chanting, moving and meditating with the Aramaic Prayer of Jesus (the "Lord's Prayer").

Information about the retreat is here. Registration will be on eventbrite.  Please note the staggered registration schedule.  

This page has lodging information and more details about meals provided.  Please use the contact us form is you have questions!  

Lodging

A block of rooms is reserved at the Courtyard Des Moines West/Clive (By Marriott): 

1520 NW 114th St

Clive, IA 50325 

Event Summary: Neil Douglas Klotz Room Block 

99 USD - 109 USD per night

• Start Date: Thursday, April 13, 2023
• End Date: Monday, April 17, 2023

 Last Day to Book: Thursday, March 23, 2023

Here is a direct link to book a room in the block.  

These accommodations are either close to the hotel with the block or closer to the retreat location:

1. Days Inn, 1600 NW 114th St, Clive, IA 50325 - close to the Courtyard above
2. Sleep Inn and Suites, 885 South 51st St, West Des Moines, IA 50265
3. Drury Inn and Suites, 5505 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines, IA 50266

If you would like to be matched for a homestay, please contact the coordinator at guildtammy@gmail.com.

Meals

For the main retreat, two lunches (Saturday & Sunday) and one dinner (Saturday) is provided in registration. 

On Monday, lunch will also be provided.

Your information about dietary restrictions, i.e., vegetarian/vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, etc., will be collected during registration. We will accommodate your needs as best we can.

COVID Protocols

For the health and well-being of everyone coming to sing, dance, and pray together, we ask each of us to participate in these group agreements:

• Practice limited large group experiences the week before the retreat
• Take a home test before leaving for the retreat and each day of the retreat, attending only when you have a negative result.
• Don't come if you are not feeling well.
• We hope most are vaccinated and boosted and request unvaccinated folks to mask. You are encouraged to tend to your personal risk tolerance and sense of safety to the level of your comfort.
• The retreat space will have windows that can be opened and HVAC filters are changed regularly.
• Refunds (minus the Eventbrite fees) are available on request.