How we came to be
Around 2009, co-founders Brooke Wang and Rev. Portia Mather-Hempler were captured by a frequent phrase Rev. Erik Swanson would use. It was about his desire for Westhope Presbyterian Church to be "a contemplative center for Silicon Valley." Deeply curious about what he meant by this, the three began praying together to listen to what the Holy Spirit was stirring in the midst of Westhope Presbyterian Church. Soon, they expanded the praying circle to others also intrigued by this call. Out of this listening came a vision of a center that would offer spiritual direction and retreats to those who longed for spiritual depth in Silicon Valley. After about a year of praying together and with the blessing of Westhope, the Center was officially birthed. This praying group became the Discernment Board. Over the years the Center has continued to grow and establish itself not only for retreats and spiritual direction, but also as a community for spiritual directors to connect and deepen their practice. We remain deeply grateful to Westhope Presbyterian Church whose contemplative life naturally supports and celebrates this ministry.
