Geneva woman offers spiritual workshop

Deborah Willhite of Geneva has an unusual business card. She offers not just one or two services, but three: life coaching, personal training and spiritual companioning.

It is her work in spiritual direction that is most important to her now.

Willhite has created a spiritual workshop series for women called "Extreme Makeover."

The Women's Ministry Team of Rejoice Lutheran Church is presenting "The Mind," the second part of the series, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. April 27 at the church on North Mill Creek Drive in Geneva. (The third part of the workshop, which is on the spirit, will be held Sept. 14, and the fourth part, celebration and integration into wholeness, will be presented Dec. 7, both at Rejoice.)

On April 27, Willhite will lead participants in learning "how to get out of the mind and into the heart."

"We must be in our hearts and not our minds in order to experience the present moment," Willhite said.

According to Willhite, the workshop is designed to support women in bringing balance, peace and fulfillment into their lives.

She is a member of Rejoice and she developed the workshop in response to a request of the women's ministry. Creating the workshop is part of her work in spiritual companioning, which she summarizes as assisting others in deepening their connection to God.

Willhite recently completed a two-year course offered by the Institute of Spiritual Companioning after "stumbling upon it on the Internet."

"I knew I was called, there was no question," she said. "God has put me here to assist others in integrating their mind, body and spirit."

It is a calling that has roots in her childhood. Willhite walked over a mile to church at age 7 when her parents didn't attend.

"I've always had a deep connection with God," she said.

The calling also seemed like a natural progression after she went through a divorce in 1994.

"I needed to support myself and I became a personal trainer, helping people get fit," she said. "From there I went into life coaching, helping people make positive changes in their lives. Then I became certified as a spiritual director.

"My goal is to help people become whole," she said. "I believe that trauma can become stored and manifest itself in pain and disease. Releasing this can't happen without God or a higher power."

A $10 donation is requested for the April 27 workshop. Women are advised to dress casually.

To register, contact Willhite at Deborah.willhite@sbcglobal.net, or (630) 845-2439. Or contact Elizabeth McCarthy at ebmcc0509@aol.com or (630) 845 9901.

Taize at St. Patrick

A Taize prayer service will be held from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. April 15 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 408 Cedar St. in St. Charles.

Taize began in France in the 1940s. Taize meditation uses Scripture set to music as a mantra to bring people to silence. There is no charge but donations will be accepted.

For information, call Sister Laura Filipas at (630) 513-3314.