Discover the Sacred Art of Contemplative Writing
An Invitation to an Advent Retreat
Step into the ancient practice that has guided saints for centuries — a gentle pathway to stillness where wisdom emerges and finds expression through the simple act of listening, trusting, and writing with sacred intention.
Opening Workshop: Sunday, 30th November • 1PM to 3PM
Closing Gathering: Sunday, 21st December • 1PM to 3PM
In our guided time together, you’ll learn to quiet your mind, trust what emerges, and give voice to the wisdom within.
Whether you’ve never put pen to paper or you’re seeking to deepen an existing writing practice, this accessible workshop invites you to
Discover how contemplation naturally flows into action
Workshop Facilitator
Jenna Baer is a writer, storyteller, and spiritual ragamuffin who loves facilitating conversations about ideas bigger than all of us, alchemizing the impossible into practical possibilities. With a professional background in organisational development, creative consulting, and wellbeing practices, she recently completed a mid-career MSc in Narrative Futures from the Edinburgh Futures Institute at the University of Edinburgh. She's a devoted fan of long walks without destinations, perpetually cold mugs of herbal tea (because she gets distracted and forgets them while they’re warm), and dancing in the kitchen while cooking.
You can find more of her creative work at JennaBaer.com and on instagram @baertracksjenna
What You’ll Experience
A gentle introduction to contemplative writing practices rooted in sacred tradition
Guided exercises in stillness and deep listening
A step-by-step creation of your own poem in a supportive, private setting
Optional sharing and meaningful connection with fellow participants
Practical tools to continue your own writing journey
your journey continues
Opening Workshop: Sunday, 30 November
Closing Gathering: Sunday, 21 December
Weekly Support: Thoughtful email prompts and exploration ideas to support your Advent journey
Personal Practice: Take home everything you need to cultivate your own rhythm of contemplation and writing
FAQs
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This is not a specifically religious workshop, though I draw upon the Advent season and its themes of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love as a framework for our contemplative writing practice. I understand sacred practices as those that connect us to Something Greater — something set apart from or larger than the human experience — and these practices are open to everyone willing to explore and deepen their ability to listen to the quiet spaces within.
Contemplative writing can serve many purposes: personal growth, healing, creative expression, or — for those who choose — connection to and communication with God in a more religious context. I honour the ancient wisdom of this practice while welcoming participants across the spectrum of spiritual experience to discover what wants to emerge when we still ourselves and trust the wisdom that comes.
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The closing gathering transforms a single workshop into a sustained spiritual journey with community support.
Reflection and Integration - The 3 weeks between gatherings provide time for participants to practice using the weekly email prompts. The closing gathering allows people to reflect on their journey, share insights from their home practice, and integrate what they’ve learned more deeply.
Community Building - Contemplative practices often flourish in community. The closing gathering strengthens bonds formed during the workshop and creates ongoing connection among participants who share this spiritual writing practice.
Celebrate Growth - Participants can share pieces they’ve written during their home practice, celebrating how their practice has developed. This optional sharing honours both the individual growth and the collective experience.
Deepening the Contemplative Experience and Sustaining Practice - Home practice allows participants to move beyond the initial learning phase into a more established rhythm of contemplation and writing, making the closing gathering a time to explore more advanced aspects of the practice or address questions that arose through the experience.
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You are encouraged to attend one or both gatherings, but everyone is welcome to participate in the retreat however it best fits into your Advent season. The opening workshop is Sunday, the 30th of November at 1 PM, and the closing gathering on Sunday, 21st of December. Weekly emails will provide you with inspiration to keep you refreshed throughout the month.
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The Advent retreat workshop is a free gift to everyone interested in attending. There is no fee to participate, though it is a ticked event. Reserve your seat here.
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Save your seat in the workshop by registering through the Eventbrite link here: https://smasadventretreat2025.eventbrite.co.uk
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Participants will want to bring
Something to write on (a journal or notebook)
Something to write with (pens or pencils)
An openness to exploring how to quiet your mind, trust what emerges, and give voice to the wisdom within
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28 Brougham Street, EH3 9JH
Saint Michael and All Saints is part of the Scottish Episcopal Church and the worldwide Anglican Communion. The church’s theology draws on a heritage shaped by centuries of religious thought and practice. Its doctrine, woven into its liturgy, is rooted in Scripture and the Catholic teachings of the Church through the ages. From the pulpit and in its social teachings, church leaders address current issues in direct and meaningful ways. Rooted in tradition yet attuned to the present, St Michael and All Saints embodies a faith that is ever ancient and ever new. To find out more about St Michael and All Saints, please visit www.smas.church.
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If you have additional questions about this workshop, please send a message to hello@jennabaer.com
Register
This is a free but ticketed event.
St Michael and All Saints Church, Tollcross
28 Brougham Street, EH3 9JH
Location:
St Michael and All Saints is an accessible facility, with no stairs to navigate at the entrance, into the workshop space, or toilets.