Saint James Episcopal Church, in Lancaster, will host Contemplative Revolution: An Advent Weekend of Silence and Simplicity with Fr. Laurence Freeman, OSB, from 6 to 9 p.m., December 1, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., December 2. During the retreat, participants will learn and engage more with both silence and simplicity through meditation, a series of sessions led by Freeman, a sung compline service by candlelight and a final question and answer session—culminating in a contemplative mass infused with silence, stillness and simplicity.

Freeman, Director of the World Community for Christian Meditation, leads this extraordinary weekend encounter focusing on the elements of contemplation––silence and simplicity––and how they help deepen the experience and understanding of Advent, the season of expectancy and waiting that precedes Christmas.

“Freeman is not often in the U.S. and rarely for an event as small and intimate as this one,” explains Associate for Contemplative Prayer and Practices Kimberlee Peifer. “Attendance is capped at 250, making this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet and learn from a real luminary of the meditation world right here in south central PA.”

Freeman has conducted dialogues and global peace initiatives, such as the historic Way of Peace with the Dalai Lama. Based in the UK, he is active in global interfaith dialogue. He also teaches meditation to children.

Cost: $85/Friday and Saturday; $40/student discount with ID; $25/Friday only; $75/Saturday only. Location: 119 N. Duke St., Lancaster. For more information, call 717-397-4858 x114, email [email protected] or visit SaintJamesLancaster.org/contemplative-weekend.