September 2025 Newsletter
- heartquest8
- Apr 15
- 13 min read
Updated: Sep 25
September 2025 Newsletter
New Grief and Forgiveness Workshops Starting This Month!
*Anyone affected by the fires can attend for free, please get the word out to anyone who was affected
Table Of Contents - President's Vision- Offerings- Monthly Reflection- Praises & Prayers- Birthdays, Anniversaries & Special Celebrations - What To Read Or Watch This Month
We look forward to seeing you and those you have invited in one of our upcoming workshops and events soon !!Let us know what workshops you would like to attend, what movie or book recommendations you would like to share, and what topics you would like to hear more about by sending :
President's Vision — Trusting God's Spirit
As Fall approaches and teachers and kids are going back to school, I am grateful that I am not one of them. Even though I am beyond giddy about retiring, I am a little sad, too. The leaves are changing, and so am I. I yearn for adventure and also routine. I want to write, and also binge watch tv. I would love to work on my arts and
crafts projects and also zone out on youtube videos. I so want to continue doing my emotional healing work but sometimes I just want to say forget it, I am healed enough. I realize there are some competing thoughts in my head. Some people may say there's a devil on one shoulder and an angel on the other. I don't think that things are that black and white. This is good, this is bad. I think balance is the key. I can eat healthy and also have dessert sometimes. It's not all or nothing. A little of each. I am going to commit to doing it all, just not all at the same time, and with zero guilt. I suggest you do the same. Madam PresidentJulie Tilney-Varden "Love Never Fails"
A generous person will prosper;whoever refreshes otherswill be refreshed. ~ Proverbs 11:15
At a Glance — HeartQuest Offerings this Month We currently have offerings EVERY Monday and Tuesday evenings on an ongoing basis.
Monday Drop-In Groups — Varying Each WeekTime is always:
- First Monday — Separate Men's and Women's Groups - Second Monday — (starts Sept. 8th) Forgiveness Workbook Series / By Bruce Wilkinson- Third Monday — Separate Men's and Women's Groups- Fourth Monday — (starts Sept. 8th) Forgiveness Workbook Series / By Bruce Wilkinson
About The Forgiveness Series:- Based on the book 70x7, HeartQuest's workshop where we go through the workbook created by the author, Bruce Wilkinson about topics like How To Forgive Yourself and How To Forgive Other People. There is a video and a workbook that will take you through everything you need to learn the shocking revelation of God's Forgiveness with HeartQuest as we take you through forgiving 70x7!The 70x7 course is designed to help individuals find freedom and peace by teaching them how to forgive others and themselves. Based on the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 18:21-22, the course explores the impact of hurt and unforgiveness on the heart and guides participants through the process of releasing themselves from the "prison" of unforgiveness. In essence, the 70x7 course offers a comprehensive approach to forgiveness, empowering individuals to find healing, freedom, and lasting peace by forgiving others and themselves.- Here is a testimonial from one of our participants: “I have been on a journey of healing for about 15 years now. After attending many workshops over the years I finally realized that I had a lot of unforgiveness left inside of my heart. After attending the course, I must say it was one of the most beneficial classes I have attended in a long time. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to continue their healing journey.” - Gary S.Email bobvarden@gmail.com for registration details
New Grief WorkshopSept. 16th
Grief Recovery Workshop
Grief Recovery Drop-inhappening the next couple weeks Join us Tuesday Throughout the year we alternate between the structured 8 week Grief Recovery Workshop and our more informal Grief Relief Drop-Ins.
TIME is ALWAYS
Join us for our Grief Recovery Workshop! Email us to enroll and get prepared, we are starting our brand new session of the Grief Recovery Workshop! Email us or message us on Facebook to enroll and get the necessary materials.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley,I will fear no evil, for you are with me;your rod and your staff, they comfort me. - Psalm 23:4
Help Support our Programs:
August Reflections"You Deserve Better"—
🔥 Jealousy & Envy:Restoring What Was Lost“Do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us?” – James 4:5
We are often taught that jealousy and envy are sins to be eradicated, emotional weeds in the garden of our souls. But what if these emotions are not weeds, but warning signals, searchlights, and seeds? What if they are—like all emotions—God-given, and asking not to be cast out, but understood? In the emotional ecosystem of your life, jealousy and envy are guardians of justice, commitment, loyalty, and belonging. These two emotions arise when something that matters to you—love, recognition, fairness—feels threatened or stolen. They hold a deep memory of what was promised or hoped for, and they will not stop burning until that thing is restored. And that’s not evil. That’s holy.That’s righteous fire. 💔 What Betrayed You?Jealousy and envy often appear after the betrayal, not before it. They don’t create the problem—they shine a light on it.
Both say: “Something about this situation feels wrong, and I matter enough to notice.” They may come out messy or misdirected, but at their core, they are not sins. They are signals of loss, dignity, and deep desire. They are asking two holy questions:What has been betrayed? What must be healed or restored? 🧭 The Practice: Discern, Not DenounceThe goal is not to get rid of these feelings. The goal is to discern their root, and then to partner with God to restore what's been lost. Ask:
If it's betrayal from others:🔥 Let healthy anger rise and fortify your boundaries. Anger and jealousy together are powerful protectors. If it's betrayal from within:💧 Let gentle compassion pour into your own soul. Envy often speaks of a lack of self-regard, a forgotten sense of belovedness. God wants to restore that. Either way, your jealousy and envy are not enemies of the spiritual life. They are invitations. They ask you to heal the fractures in your sense of belonging—whether with God, others, or yourself. 🕊️ When the Church Got It WrongThe modern church often teaches that jealousy and envy are automatically sinful. This stems from a fear that strong emotions will lead us astray. But Scripture tells us God is jealous—not in a controlling way, but in a covenantal, protective, fierce-love way. “For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.” – Deut. 4:24 Jesus Himself envied the false comfort and recognition given to religious hypocrites, not because He wanted their approval, but because He ached for true justice and honesty to be seen instead. What the church has often lacked is a language of integration.A way to say:"Yes, this emotion is painful. But what if it's also sacred?" ✨ Gifts of These EmotionsWhen honored and allowed to flow:
These emotions, when suppressed, fester into suspicion, obsession, or greed. But when honored with conscience and curiosity, they become allies in rebuilding dignity and discernment. 🌿 You Don’t Have to Navigate AloneJealousy and envy, like grief and fear, need witness.Sometimes, they’re just too tangled to sort out in isolation. That’s why HeartQuest exists—to walk alongside you in that tangle. To say: “Your emotions are not wrong. Let’s listen to them together and see what God is really saying underneath.” If you’re caught in a loop—envy disguised as comparison, jealousy dressed up as self-righteousness—come talk to someone. Let’s do the holy work of discerning, restoring, and healing, not alone, but with God and each other. Because emotions don’t just pass through us.They lead us home. With love,Rosemary Rieger IF YOU ARE GRIEVING or PANICKING AND NEED SUPPORT, PLEASE REACH OUT. Visit griefshare.org or call 1-800-273-TALK for confidential support. You can also reach out to the leaders of HeartQuest to request emotional support as well. Written by Rosemary Rieger, edited by ChatGPT, inspired by Karla McLaren’s Language of Emotions (Chapter on Grief)
Prayers and Praises
Be rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, and continuing steadfastly in prayer ~ Romans 12:12
September Praises From HeartQuest to God 🍂 God, thank You for a new month.Not because everything is perfect, but because You are still here. Thank You for mornings that come even after long nights, and for the way small mercies—like a kind word or a warm cup of tea—can carry us through heavy days. 🧡 Jesus, thank You for staying close when we feel far from everything.When friendships feel distant and money feels tight, when we're tired of holding it all together—You never leave. Remind us that we don’t have to earn Your presence. It’s already here, in the breath we just took. 🌾 We praise You for quiet resilience.For the people who keep showing up—to care, to cry, to keep going—when it would be easier to give up. Bless them with unexpected peace and the reminder that being soft is not the same as being weak. 🕊 Holy Spirit, help us notice the gentle gifts.The cool breeze after heat, the smile from a stranger, the one friend who checks in when we’ve gone quiet. Teach us to see these as You, whispering, "You're not alone." 🌅 Lord, let September be a month of comfort and connection.Let it be the time when someone finally feels seen, when a burden gets shared, when laughter surprises us in the middle of the mess. Let our lives be a soft place to land—for ourselves and each other. Amen
September PrayersFrom HeartQuest to God 🌙 God of Midnight Hours,Some nights, the silence feels too loud. The ache of loneliness creeps in, even when we're surrounded by people. We wonder if something is wrong with us—if we’re just too much, or not enough. Meet us in that doubt. Whisper that we are already beloved, already chosen, already known. Help us believe it. 🌾 Jesus, You who walked among us,You didn’t shy away from the brokenhearted. You touched the untouchable. You sat with the ones the world forgot. Sit with us now. When we feel invisible, remind us that You see every hidden bruise, every unspoken prayer, every breath we struggle to take. You are not far off. You are near. 🔥 Holy Spirit, Flame of Our Souls,We are tired of pretending. Of putting on brave faces while we crumble inside. Give us the courage to be real—with You, with ourselves, with each other. Stir the parts of us that long for more than survival. Help us risk being known, even when we’re scared it might lead to rejection. Show us the freedom of honesty. 🌿 God of the In-Between,We are not who we once were, but we’re not where we want to be. The waiting feels endless, and the world keeps spinning too fast. Teach us to rest in this moment without needing to fix it. Remind us that even here, we are still on holy ground. Even here, You are at work in ways we can’t yet see. 🕊️ Jesus, Friend of the Anxious,The fears we carry are heavy: that we’ll always be behind, that we’ll miss our purpose, that we’ll never be truly loved. Let us lay them down with You. Not in shame—but in trust. Let Your love speak louder than our panic. Let it become our home. 🌧 God of Honest Tears,Some of us are grieving dreams that didn’t come true. Some of us are afraid to hope again. We bring You our quiet heartbreaks. We’re not asking You to fix them all—but to hold them with us. Be the one who weeps beside us and stays through the night. That is enough. 🕯 Light of the World,If we are going to make it, we need more than noise. We need wonder. We need connection. We need reminders that we matter. So send us little glimmers—unexpected kindness, a moment of beauty, someone who really sees us. Help us notice the ways You are already near. 🙏 And finally, Beloved One,Help us come back to ourselves. Help us come back to You. When we feel like we’re drifting, anchor us in love. When we forget who we are, speak our name. Remind us: there’s nothing too broken, too messy, too late for You to redeem. We are not alone. We never were. Amen. "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness."—Jeremiah 31:3
September Celebrations of Our Community From HeartQuest with Love As summer softens into autumn, September brings with it a spirit of gratitude, reflection, and fresh beginnings. Each milestone—whether joyful, tender, or hard-won—reminds us of the sacredness of life. At HeartQuest, we believe these days matter not only to us but to God, who delights in celebrating His children and walking with us through every season. This month, we lovingly honor members of our HeartQuest family: 🎉 Happy Birthday & Chrismation Anniversary to Celine Giangi – September 2ndCeline, your special day shines with double blessing. On your birthday, we give thanks for the gift of your life, and on your Chrismation anniversary, we rejoice in your deepened walk with God. May this year be filled with His light, joy, and peace. 🎂 Happy Birthday to Amber – September 4thAmber, your birthday is a reminder of God’s tender love in creating you. We celebrate the joy you bring and pray this year brings you laughter, strength, and abundant blessings. 🎂 Happy Birthday to Melaine Marone – September 5thMelaine, may your birthday overflow with the kindness of God and the warmth of community. We give thanks for your life and the many ways you bless those around you. 💚 Celebrating Jim’s Prostate Surgery Anniversary – SeptemberJim, your journey is a living testimony of God’s sustaining grace. We are so thankful you are still here with us—your presence is a gift. May this anniversary be a reminder of healing, hope, and the preciousness of every day. 🎂 Happy Birthday to Kameron (Bob’s nephew) – September 30thKameron, on your birthday we give thanks for the joy and light you bring to your family and this world. May you continue to grow in strength, wisdom, and the blessings of God’s love. 🇺🇸 Celebrating Labor Day – September 1st (First Monday in September)Labor Day is a reminder of the dignity and value of work, and the contributions of all who labor with heart and hands. We give thanks for rest, renewal, and the blessings of community, trusting that God delights in both our work and our times of peace. 🙏 As September unfolds, may every celebration, remembrance, and moment of gratitude be filled with God’s presence. We rejoice with you, we give thanks with you, and we hold each of you in prayer as beloved members of this community. If you have a celebration, anniversary, or remembrance you would like us to honor, please email us or send us a message on our Facebook page. We are blessed to walk this journey with you. ❤️
The HeartQuest community believes in supporting ALL in their personal path. Share your prayer requests, express your praises, inform us of your special days and send a heartwarming blast of love directly and through God:
Is there anyone among you suffering? Let him pray.Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. James 5:13
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms ~ 1 Peter 4:10
What to Read, Ponder and (Perhaps) Discuss this MonthThe Universal ChristRecommended by Rosemary RiegerIn The Universal Christ, Franciscan priest and writer Richard Rohr invites readers into a spacious vision of Christ—one that expands beyond boundaries of tradition and doctrine into a living presence at the heart of all creation. Rohr suggests that Christ is not merely Jesus’ last name, but a universal reality, a current of divine love running
through every moment, every particle, every life. In the opening chapters, Rohr’s writing offers both challenge and comfort, encouraging us to see God not as distant but as intimately woven into the fabric of existence. For those longing for a faith that feels both grounded and expansive, his words provide a gentle, curious doorway. Rohr’s stirring imagery and insight shift the focus from dogma to relationship, from answers to wonder. He nudges us toward a way of seeing that is hopeful, inclusive, and deeply human. Even unfinished, the book leaves a kind of afterglow—a sense that Christ is not confined to Sunday worship, but alive in the world around us and within us, waiting to be noticed. This is the kind of reading that sparks conversations and stirs quiet reflection long after you’ve set it down.
📖 About the Author & BookRichard Rohr is a beloved teacher whose work has reached people across Christian traditions and beyond. The Universal Christ has been praised by voices like Oprah Winfrey and Krista Tippett, and it sits alongside Rohr’s many bestselling books that blend spirituality, psychology, and mysticism. Critics sometimes note that Rohr stretches traditional boundaries, yet even so, many admire his ability to speak with clarity and compassion in a world that longs for both. Whether one agrees with all his conclusions or not, Rohr’s influence is undeniable—he is a guide who encourages seekers to find Christ not in limitation, but in love without end.
Trust in the LORD with all your heartand lean not on your own understanding ~Proverbs 3:5
Contact :If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, please reach out via email or Facebook We look forward to seeing you and those you have invited in one of our upcoming workshops and events soon !!Let us know what workshops you would like to attend, what movie or book recommendations you would like to share, and what topics you would like to hear more about by sending :
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