People signing up to join this site get access to discussion groups and ways to message each other, as a way of connecting people in the URC with interests in spirituality and spiritual direction. The “Find a spiritual director or supervisor” section lists spiritual directors, spiritual direction supervisors, pastoral supervisors, leaders of quiet days and retreats.

Those who give spiritual direction, lead retreats or quiet days, and who offer supervision can list themselves in the “Find a spiritual director or supervisor” section.

What’s in a name?

URC spirituality continues the work of the United Reformed Church Retreat Group, which was known as the URC Silence and Retreats Network up to 2007.

The changes of name reflect a changing of emphasis.

Having the word “silence” in the title made sense, because silence forms part of many contemplative approaches, but many people struggle with silent prayer when they first encounter it, and it seemed wise to recognise that silence is a way to a deeper spirituality, not an end in itself, and a key part of a deepening spirituality is a willingness to explore.

Emphasising the word “Retreats” also made sense because of the value of retreats and quiet days. But they too are a means to an end, rather than an end in itself. Many people have rich spiritual experiences on retreat — but many people have profound spiritualities without ever going on retreat.

Re-focussing as URC spirituality gives a way to recognise the desire to help deepen prayer and spirituality within the United Reformed Church, and among people with connections to the URC. In addition to retreats and quiet days, and to silence, we’re seeking to encourage online activities, spiritual direction and spiritual exploration. In a Reformed context, the Bible has a key place in this, as a place of encounter with God, and with people in many different times and traditions who’ve been nourished by the same scripture.