One of the joys about writing an online column about Chicago Practical
Spirituality is the opportunity to reach out into the community and discover the wonderful locations, services and people that are right in our own backyard.
Today, I’d like to introduce you to Rev. Margo Ruark, Co-Director of The Peace Center, which recently opened its doors in Berwyn, IL this past summer.
Rev. Margo is an ordained Religious Science minister and degreed Dance Instructor who has been developing her ministry through a number of eclectic experiences over the past several years. What I have found delightful in knowing Rev. Margo is her engaging willingness to be open to the possibilities of how Spirit will deliver her vision of healing, peace and growth in the Chicagoland area.
I invite you to enjoy my recent interview with her…
Rev. Margo, what inspired you to open The Peace Center? The Peace Center is an evolution of an idea that started many years ago. In 2002, I started as a staff minister at an area Religious Science Church. In 2004, I started two other churches – one on the south side of Chicago, which is still going strong. Then, in 2006, I teamed up with Rev Mike Gerdes to start the Center for the New Humanity in Burr Ridge. On paper and based on demographics, it looked like the perfect location and we found a new hotel that was very inviting. About 6 months into it, though, we discovered that people were not ”finding the place” so we decided to stop operations in the hotel or lose our shirts in the process.
We reopened in Brookfield, in a well known space in the area, reformatted the presentation, people still weren't “finding us”. We decided to try harder, had church in our home, rented space in DesPlaines, had church in a church… but it just wasn’t working as we had expected.
I started thinking, “What am I doing? I’m in ministry and I’m not getting it off the ground the way it is supposed to be, the way they taught us in ministerial school.”
I decided to do some personal development work at the Kripalu Center for Yoga in Massachusetts and it dawned on me what that teacher was doing – she kept saying she was ‘holding the space’. She said, “I’m not pouring more information into peoples’ heads. I’m here to love you and the love alone will teach you.”
When I heard that, it released me from having to do the weekly ‘show’ of church. It allowed me to see how unfair I had been making it for myself. I discovered how liberating it is to “hold the space” for others to learn, grow and develop. And, then I asked myself, “What do I really need to feel?”
And, I realized that I wanted to “hold the space” for peacemaking.
Do you still work with Religious Science/Science of Mind? Absolutely. I still teach Science of Mind during the week and host metaphysical dialogues on Sundays. In dialogue, I give a lead idea on a topic that is personal to me and then the dialogue develops. People talk, they become engaged. I have discovered that people feel loved when they feel heard. Part of our dialogue practice is sacred listening.
So, that has become my purpose and my practice - Holding the space and sacred listening. The spiritual transformation of others lives is not Margo’s job. I kept putting myself on the line because people weren’t changing – because *I* was not doing something ‘right’.
So, is it fair to say that you felt responsibility for people not changing? Do you think this responsibility is felt only by ministers? I think it is any spiritual teachers’ issue when they have folks around them that are struggling or in a difficult place. Today, I put all my trust and faith in God. I discovered that Margo’s job is just to hold the space and to love… love will teach them. Infinite love can then come in and teach them.
What a beautiful concept… And, how has this experience in opening the Peace Center transformed you? My idea of spirituality has been cracked wide open. I was put to the acid test. Do I really think there are many paths to peace, to Spirit, or is it only Science of Mind? Now, if someone needs a space to have Reiki, to have a Native American Blessing or other kind of peace experience, The Peace Center is here. Peace will show up in many ways and many paths. I know that as a Science of Mind teacher, I will teach Science of Mind, but I will hold the space to love and add to that.
I have been embraced by a brand new community of healers and teachers. All because I am holding the space, they come to me for guidance, direction, assistance – so if I can help someone be a better peacemaker, just like you, Cherise, that also strengthens my reason for being here.
You use the term ‘peacemaker’ – what exactly IS a peacemaker? Maybe that is a misnomer. It is just a word that Jesus said “blessed are the peacemakers”. Peace builders, peace keepers… peacemaker because I offer skills and tools to help people live more peaceful lives. I don’t have to make peace happen –I just need to be it and live it.
When I think of peacemaker, I usually think it is between two people or organizations which is external. What are the internal qualities of a peacemaker? It is a commitment. A commitment, that no matter what I am doing, I am choosing peace. That is my vow. No matter what, I am choosing peace.
Once you decided that peacemaking was your ministry, what has been your greatest obstacle in holding the space? It is an evolutionary process. Nothing seemed to be taking off. I mean in a sustainable way with a group of folks who would follow and pay for the operations of the center. While I knew this would ebb and flow - I was underwriting it. When I no longer could do that, I thought it was over. You need the margin to have the mission. The financial challenges have been there and they have also passed. Again, I see peace everywhere. I have a great faith that my calling is funded. I don’t know how. I’m underwritten by the Universe and that is all I need to know.
Wow! I love that: “I am Underwritten by the Universe.” That puts a whole different light on being ‘insured’. What has been the most rewarding thing that has happened so far? Meeting with people in Berwyn, those who have had a long relationship with Berwyn and the community leaders. The alderman walked in ‘out of the blue’ one night and wound up giving the blessing at our Grand Opening. It was an amazing Divine Appointment. She had a town hall meeting recently. I went just to listen, to discover how we could help. And, then she stopped the meeting to mention that I was the only business leader there and wanted to publicly welcome and acknowledge me. And I thought “oh my, God…” It was wonderful to be there. So, we want to be that loving presence in this neighborhood. I am seeing the rewards of that.
Thank you, Rev. Margo, for your time. Is there anything else you’d like to share with my readers? The Peace Center is a welcoming place and very busy. We have attracted a lot of creative people. One of our healers, Joe Wolfe and A Course in Miracles teacher Gary Renard just granted us the rights to publish a new introductory book to The Course, The End of Reincarnation with The Five Signs, which positively aligns with our peacemaker goals.
We also have the Pace People Dance Company which is to serve the community by bringing the message of peace to those who ‘don’t have control of the remote’ – veterans homes, senior citizens, nursing homes. That is also a priority at The Peace Center..
We welcome everyone to enjoy the peacefulness of our Center. Come by and I'll give you a paint brush! :)
The Peace Center is located at 6833 Stanley Ave, Berwyn IL.
Phone: 708-749-8888
Email: peacemaker@thepeacecenter.info
For more information on The Peace Center and Rev. Margo's ministry, visit the website at: http://www.thepeacecenter.info
Follow her on Twitter @thepeacecenter
Find Margo Ruark on Facebook and LinkedIn. Read more on Margo’s blog at:
http://peacemakersspeak.blogspot.com/
Comments