About the Author: Parker Memorial United Methodist Church

SEEKING WISDOM FOR EVERY DAY LIVING Parker Memorial United Methodist Church is a progressive Christian community. “Come as you are” is the invitation we extend to everyone who visits or takes part in our community during their personal search for God. This means all spiritual seekers are welcome. We welcome people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, and all people of color. (For a full statement of our inclusivity, see the bottom of the page). Openness and acceptance of our peoples’ unique contributions in worship (art, poetry, music, etc.) are integral parts of the Parker community. We seek to “live the questions” of Christian faith in our lives.

  • Monks in the World: Seeking God in a Frantic Culture

    By Published On: February 26, 2015

    In this moving spiritual memoir, Dr. William Thiele shares inspiring stories of the birthing of a monastery without walls among everyday women and men around New Orleans after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Along the way, core contemplative attitudes, practices, and principles were discovered. He offers these stories of birthing a School for Contemplative Living as a challenging call to a frantic and polarized world. Readers will be drawn toward their own spiritual transformation as they encounter imperfect monks with messy lives who are practicing God's presence and learning to serve the world from that presence. He encourages readers to join these monks in the world by forming contemplative communities who radiate loving-kindness as their first priority.