The Heritage Center was aglow with emotion during a Gathering the Light event that celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Center for Spiritual Care, and paid tribute to Carol Ludwig, its co-founder and former executive director.
Supporters, artists and community members gathered to honor the history of the nonprofit, which for a quarter-century has provided a sanctuary for spiritual growth and holistic wellness, while also looking forward to its future. The torch has now been passed to Lori Ferrell, only its second-ever executive director.
Xaque Gruber, who had donned a spirited silver astronaut suit in a nod to the 25th anniversary, served as emcee. He entertained the crowd with quirky details about the Center, from its signature aqua shutters to the 1,700 books that reside in its library and queried the crowd with questions that included:
“Who knows what the two statues of famous spiritual leaders in the garden are?” (Saint Francis and Buddha.)
“What kind of tree is planted by the street? It’s a special tree that means peace.” (Olive, of which there are two.)
Reflecting on the organization, Ludwig said, “It’s not so much about the programs as the people. It’s the relationships that are formed there.”
She emphasized that while the workshops and classes are vital, the true essence of the Center is that it is a safe, calm, peaceful and interactional place where people can be their truest selves.
“There aren’t a lot of places in today’s world where you can do that without being bumped on the head or called something. That’s what we’re all about; providing these wonderful individual, small group spiritual growth experiences.”
The intersection of spirituality and the arts was on full display with a reading of a poem by Sean Sexton, Indian River County’s former poet laureate, and a silent auction featuring works donated by local artists.
Guests spent the evening “interacting” with one another while enjoying hors d’oeuvres from Michael’s on 7th, a dinner catered by Pepper and Salt, and desserts from M Bakeri, all while being entertained by the Sunrise City Bluegrass Band.
Ferrell closed the program with an original poem that questioned the role of spirituality.
“Does spirituality matter? When we have phones and screens, social media to connect us to each other’s beautiful lives, and cars to carry us from here to there, schedules overflowing, and so little time to pause or give thought to any of it. When is the last time that I have caught the gaze of another human being?”
At the end of the evening, guests lifted tealights in a symbolic “raising of the light” toast to the inner light within the community, pledging to carry that illumination forward for the next 25 years.
The Center for Spiritual Care offers programs that integrate mind, body and spirit wellness, such as through Vero BEach KIND, which promotes “Sunshine, Not Hate.” It offers yoga and Reiki, as well as arts and creativity workshops such as icon writing and art exhibits. Their lecture program features speakers discussing mind-body-spirit integration and faith traditions, and the lending library and meditation garden are available for education and reflection.
For more information, visit centerforspiritualcare.org.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
