“Experiencing God’s presence, together.”
What is New Breath Spirituality Center?
A new ministry has started in the Albany Presbytery called New Breath Spirituality Center, and its goal is to connect people with God and with one another through spiritual practices and education about prayer and spirituality.
New Breath Spirituality Center is a progressive, ecumenical ministry that is open and affirming; anyone is welcome who would like to deepen their prayer life and meet others who want to also grow spiritually!
The name “New Breath” comes from John 20:22, when the resurrected Jesus breathes on the disciples and invites them to receive the Holy Spirit. New Breath offers programs and events that aim to help breathe new breath into people’s spiritual lives.
New Breath operates in partnership with the Albany Presbytery and its launch congregation, First Presbyterian Church of Albany. New Breath recently received a Mission Grant from the Presbytery, which will be used to help support its ministry in its first year of operation.
Why Does New Breath Spirituality Center Exist?
We all long for a connection and relationship with God—and New Breath offers opportunities to help us do that. Spirituality can feely deeply personal, so exploring our connection and relationship with God can feel less scary in a supportive community setting.
There is also a need for less “traditional” spaces for people to explore their spirituality and faith. Not everyone will resonate with a typical church setting, for many reasons.
New Breath Spirituality Center appeals to a wide range of people, including:
- Folks who have been hurt or not welcomed by some expressions of the Church
- People who wouldn’t normally step foot into a church building, but are spiritually seeking
- People who attend worship at a church and want to experience God in another type of setting as well
New Breath’s Mission Statement is “Experiencing God’s presence, together.” New Breath is an informal place for anyone who wants to come into God’s presence with a diverse and supportive community.
What Happens at New Breath?
Guest speakers, retreats, spiritual practice groups, book groups, and spiritual direction are just some of the ways New Breath hopes to bring people closer to God and build community. New Breath has an intentional focus on prayer and spiritual practices from the Christian tradition, with practices from other faith traditions and spiritualities also discussed and explored.
New Breath holds programs and events both in-person and online, so that a wide range of people can have access to New Breath’s offerings. This means that people outside of the Presbytery territory can also become involved with New Breath through online programs.
All programs (except for retreats and other off-site events that incur room and/or board fees) currently run on a donation-based model. Each event has a suggested donation amount; everyone is welcome to attend for free or any amount they are able to donate towards New Breath’s operating funds.
How Can I Find Out More About New Breath?
- Website (with information on upcoming events): www.newbreath.org. You can also sign up for New Breath’s email list on the website!
- Instagram: @newbreathsc
- Facebook: New Breath Spirituality Center
