Wendy Fernstrum is a certified spiritual director with 5 years of training from Sacred Ground in St. Paul, Minnesota. The certification program at Sacred Ground emphasizes self-awareness and the discernment of divine presence within oneself and within another.
Wendy is also a visual artist. Her work is collected and exhibited nationwide. For her, the studio is a sacred, contemplative space, and making art is a form of prayer.
>View Wendy’s artist books, prints, and paintings
Wendy volunteers as a spiritual listener for people on the margins, at three different programs in the Twin Cities. The Pathways program at the Basilica in Minneapolis embraces the power of change by strengthening an individual’s outlook on life through awareness of God and self, relationship building and skill development. Peace House offers a non-violent, welcoming and inclusive community for poor and marginalized women and men who are seeking companionship, safety from the streets and personal affirmation. Union Gospel Mission’s Naomi Family Residence offers shelter for women and children escaping abuse, battling addiction, and struggling with homelessness and poverty. This women’s shelter provides a safe place to sleep and 3 meals a day. More importantly, it provides a full program designed to build family stability by helping to meet the physical, spiritual, and emotional needs of women and children in crisis.
In 2020 Wendy completed her studies in the Living School, offered by the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Core faculty members include Richard Rohr, Cynthia Bourgeault, and James Finley. The Living School for Action and Contemplation offers a unique opportunity to a select group of students to deepen engagement with their truest selves and with the world. Through rigorous study and contemplative practice, students awaken to the pattern of reality—God’s loving presence with and in all things; and embrace a rich heritage of faith from the Christian mystical tradition.
She also participated in the 4-year EfM (Education for Ministry) program, through Sewanee University. EfM offers an opportunity to discover how to respond to the call to Christian service.
Wendy meets with her spiritual director each month, and her spiritual practice includes:
- Asanas (yoga poses)
- Meditation
- Regular attendance at an Episcopal church
- Contemplation
- Kirtan (yoga chanting)
While those practices are commitments Wendy makes to herself, her community, and God, their influence spreads far beyond the confines of the actual activity. Wendy views each moment of the day as an opportunity to practice her spirituality and grow deeper in her relationship with God.