Preparing Your Heart for Christmas with a Celtic Spirit (In-Person Day Retreat)

As you set your intentions this Advent to honor the Mystery of Christmas and celebrate the holiday season, what would it be like to do so with a Celtic spirit? What graces and gifts could be waiting for you by incorporating some of the rituals, music, and perspectives of such an ancient way into your annual traditions?

Join the Well’s Program Director, Gordon Creamer, for a day-long retreat that invites you to explore Celtic spirituality with its intimate connection to the heartbeat of God and Mother Earth and its reverencing of the returning light at the Winter Solstice.

Together, we will enter into cherished Celtic legends surrounding the birth of Christ and explore their connections with Christian saints such as Brigid of Kildare. Additionally, time will be spent participating in various practices from the Celtic tradition that touch both the senses and the spirit and offer personal moments for creating meaning. During each of these activities and practices, participants will have opportunities for contemplation and prayer, group dialogue, and mirthful expression related to all that is explored personally and within sacred community.

A simple lunch of soup and bread will be served. Come and experience the wisdom, beauty, and wonder of the Celtic spirit as we make ready to welcome the light of Christmas.

DATE: Saturday, December 5, 2026

TIME: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM

COST: In our ongoing effort to provide meaningful programming for all, we are pleased to offer three cost options for this retreat – $65, $75, $85. Please choose the option that works best for you.

LOCATION: Well for the Journey – 120 W. Seminary Ave, Lutherville-Timonium, MD 21093

REGISTRATION is required; please register here.

IMPORTANT: You will receive an email from programming@wellforthejourney.org at least 24 hours in advance of the start of your program. If you are unable to find the email, please check your SPAM or JUNK email folders. This email will include details to help you prepare for your program including any pertinent handouts, location information, and the ZOOM link for online programs. Please be sure you have received and read this email a minimum of 24 hours in advance of the start of the program. Thank you!

FACILITATOR: Gordon Creamer

FACILITATOR BIO: 
Gordon Creamer, creator of the Mission Bridge, currently serves as Program Director at Well for the Journey, a spiritual wellness center in Lutherville, Maryland. As a contemplative and creative builder, he has held leadership roles in healthcare programming and operations since 2001 at various assisted living, skilled nursing, and hospice communities. He earned a Master of Arts in Spiritual & Pastoral Care from Loyola University and a Master of Arts in Theology from the Ecumenical Institute of St. Mary’s Seminary & University. Currently, he is a candidate for the Doctor of Ministry Program at the Ecumenical Institute.

Gordon has facilitated a diversity of retreats and workshops that focus on creating opportunities for participants to explore and enhance their spirituality and well-being through various media and formats. He also participates as a peer group leader in the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation’s Transforming Community Program. His passions include uplifting the journey of adults, individuals with memory impairment, and members of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as fostering support groups and programs for caregivers and those who are grieving losses. Trained as a spiritual director/companion, end-of-life doula, and Reiki practitioner, Gordon welcomes all in discovering the spiritual life as a means of healing, expanding, and flourishing.