Intimacy is topic as St. Peter’s begins spirituality series June 2

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Lewes opens its annual 14-week Summer Spirituality Series Thursday, June 2, at 7 p.m., with a presentation on intimacy within relationships by two psychotherapists from the Brandywine Pastoral Institute.

With the exception of music presentations in the church, all spirituality series Thursday evening events will be held in St. Peter’s Parish Hall, 211 Mulberry St.

In their presentation, the Rev. Thomas Ledbetter and Donna Strachan-Ledbetter will draw from decades of experience as psychotherapists and life partners who integrate psychotherapy and spirituality in their professional work. Using theories and practices from experts in the field, they will address ways to deepen intimacy in committed relationships; their insights will be valuable for both young and old, gay and straight, married and unmarried.

They will speak about the nature of true commitment; how the use of conflict can help both the individual and the relationship grow; sexuality; spirituality and community, and the vulnerability of living a life together. As in past years, an opportunity for discussion and social time with ice cream will follow each Thursday evening presentation.

Brandywine Pastoral Institute in Lewes is a nonprofit center providing counseling, psychotherapy and education for individuals and couples, including those who may feel like outsiders because of their sexual orientation, lifestyle, circumstances, or choices, as well as victims of prejudice.

The Ledbetters lead groups together and occasionally do couples sessions together. Tom has spent much of his professional life teaching in a variety of faith communities on topics that have a psycho-spiritual focus. Donna, prior to becoming a therapist, worked with children and youth who had multiple developmental disabilities and counseled their families.

On June 9, the second event in the summer series, a performance by the Immanuel Bach Consort, “An IBC Messiah,” combining arias and choruses from Handel’s “Messiah” will be held in the church.

For more information, go to www.stpeterslewes.org.