When Father David Peck, of Saint James Episcopal Church, experienced daily yoga, meditation, contemplation and nature during a spiritual retreat, he pondered ways that he could bring those elements to the urban setting of Saint James to serve more people of different faiths and backgrounds. His quest resulted in The Urban Well, a collaborative platform that is ecumenical and interfaith.

Located on Saint James’ historic 300-year-old campus, The Urban Well focuses on prayer, spirituality and social justice. The program’s platform attracts people of faith that are intrigued and curious about other religions and faith communities.

Creating a downtown urban center for contemplative spirituality combines the peaceful ambiance of a retreat with the best of city life and its resources. “The Urban Well is not a denomination or a church brand; it’s about wisdom and experience,” emphasizes Peck.

The Urban Well offers in-person and virtual meditation each Tuesday and Thursday at 8 a.m. and Friday at 6:45 a.m. The Mercy Seminar series is an academic deep-dive into traditional text led by Peck and Randall Zachman, professor emeritus of reformation studies at the University of Notre Dame.

“We study the sacred texts of different traditions and learn from them through embodied prayer practices. We study how to experience the riches of different faith traditions on their terms,” Peck explains. “It brings people together that are attracted to elements of other faiths, while staying engaged with their own.”

Past Mercy Seminars have covered Judaism and Hinduism. In 2024, the Mercy Sessions will explore Asian traditions and Buddhism practiced in China and Japan. Participants will make Taoism, Zen Buddhism, Christian and Buddhism comparisons.

Kate Brossman is the executive director of The Urban Well and a longtime parishioner of Saint James Episcopal Church. She notes that a large number of Mercy Seminar participants are Saint James parishioners, but they have attracted people from different geographical and religious demographics. “This past year, we looked at Hindi spiritual traditions. We had members of Hindu tradition who were curious about their own faith, as well as Christian perspectives. I see this as a great vehicle to bring people together.”

The Urban Well’s offerings incorporate spiritual journeys into everyday life journeys, explains Peck. Participants can engage in contemplative practice and experience music and dance. Some programs include Middle Eastern string instruments such as the oud and the sitar while attendees pray and meditate.

The Urban Well also offers yoga classes in the styles of gentle and restorative yoga. “All of our classes bring in elements of mindfulness, meditation awareness and grounding,” says Brossman. “The idea is to be more present in our lives and our bodies while we’re out in the world.”

Brossman adds that many conversations in our daily lives can draw us into being reactive. Contemplative practice can teach calm and encourage people to hit the pause button, which can reduce anxiety and help one better connect with the self. “This can open the door to better understanding others,” she observes.

Brossman and Peck look forward to expanding programming at The Urban Well. Today’s virtual options allow them to reach a broader audience. Peck says, “This encapsulation is a place of deep hospitality for profound wisdom for people to enrich their lives.”

On February 10, The Urban Well will welcome back author and spiritual educator Erin Jean Warde, who will share tools to instill calmness to help navigate broader societal issues that create anxiety, social barriers and sometimes lead to addictions.