Sacred Action: Serving the World from the Soul

Sacred Action: Serving the World from the Soul invites you into a transformative journey that bridges inner spiritual depth with meaningful, real-world engagement. In this eight-session experience, you will explore how diverse spiritual traditions—from contemplative to justice-oriented—have sought to heal and serve the world, while honestly examining both their strengths and their pitfalls.

Together, we will uncover a “third way” of engagement: one that transcends partisan divides, remains rooted in compassion and wisdom, and leads to authentic, sustainable impact. Through guided reflection, rich discussion, and practical tools for discernment, you will clarify your own calling, identify forms of service that align with your gifts, and develop a personal rhythm of sacred action that is both grounded and life-giving. This is not about choosing sides—it is about becoming a steady, courageous presence for healing in a complex world.

Class Schedule

April 22 – The Call to Sacred Action – Why do we engage in sacred action?

April 29 - How Spiritual Traditions Engage the World – Wide angle view of spirituality in action

May 6 - When Good Intentions Go Wrong – Pitfalls of spiritually motivated action

May 13 - The Third Way: Sacred Action Beyond Partisanship – A new model for engagement

May 20 – Compassion, Courage and Boundaries – Qualities that sustain sacred action

May 27 – Discernment: Where is Mine to Serve? – Finding your authentic lane

June 3 – Forms of Sacred Action – Exploring the many ways to serve

June 10 – Integration – Forming a way of life to support sacred action

About the Facilitator

Rev. Dr. Don Chatfield is Lead Pastor at All Souls Interfaith Gathering in Shelburne, Vermont. He has been an ordained minister since 1977 and an ordained interfaith minister since 2008. After serving as minister in six Protestant churches, Don yearned to expand his ministry to include all faiths. This led to further study for his interfaith minister credential.Rev. Don, along with his wife Karen, has founded two interfaith Schools of Spiritual Direction. He loves to work with students who are training to become effective spiritual companions. Don serves as the Board Chair of the Spiritual Paths Foundation and is on the board of directors of the Affiliated New Thought Network.Don and Karen enjoy life nestled between the shore of Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains, where they frequently hike, bicycle, ski, and snowshoe, accompanied by their Bichon Frise, Lily.