MEET OUR TEAM

Ed Bacon

Thomas Merton inspired Ed to become the Episcopal priest he has been for almost four decades: where he taught his central passion: that Jesus embodied a Love-based life as opposed to a fear-based ideology. He has served at Mercer University and in churches in California, Mississippi, and Georgia. Author of 8 Habits of Love, he has been guest host for Oprah Winfrey’s Soul Series, where she named him “Soul Teacher” on her SuperSoul 100 List of voices elevating humanity. Ed serves on several boards, including Sr. Ilia Delio’s Christogenesis. He and his wife live in Birmingham near their grandchildren. His website is Edbacon.co.

Vernon Dixon

Born 76 years ago and raised in Georgia, Vernon counseled patients in his Christian Psychiatric practice for 38 years. After a blessed 7-day Centering Prayer retreat with Fr Thomas Keating, he and his wife Mary Joyce began teaching Centering Prayer and Fr. Thomas’ wisdom to many. A commissioned presenter of Centering Prayer workshops, he has facilitated two Centering Prayer groups for 20 years.  He and Mary Joyce have led Intensive/Post-Intensive Five-day Centering Prayer retreats at the Holy Spirit Monastery in Conyers for 15 years. They presently reside in Hiawassee, Georgia.

Victor Kramer

A scholar of American Studies, Victor is Professor Emeritus from Georgia State University. He has worked in religion and literature primarily researching Thomas Merton. He has written, edited, and compiled many books in extensive work with the International Thomas Merton Society. Victor edited Merton’s fourth volume of journals, Turning toward the World; and wrote Thomas Merton, Monk and Artist; as well as two oral histories about Merton and monasticism. He credits his wife Dewey for her invaluable, astute help A certified spiritual director, he gives retreats and days of reflection. He and his wife live in Decatur, Georgia.

David Rensberger

David Rensberger grew up Mennonite in Indiana. Professor of New Testament at the Interdenominational Theological Seminary in Atlanta for 30 years, he continues to write and lead occasional workshops and retreats on the Bible and spirituality. Discovering mysticism in his late teens, Christian mysticism shortly after that, Thomas Merton 10 years later, and Centering Prayer in his late 40s, he is a vital member of the Atlanta chapter of the International Thomas Merton Society. David and his wife Sharon have two grown daughters and belong to Atlanta Mennonite Church and Oakhurst Baptist Church.

Paul Reeves

A Georgia native, Paul Reeves has served as pastor of musicians for over 15 years. In addition to creating, writing, singing, and performing unique and inspiring musical works, Paul nurtures and guides others with his compassionate spirit. A certified spiritual director, Paul is also a commissioned presenter of Introductory Centering Prayer workshops. He and his wife live with their two children in Acworth, Georgia.

Maggie Winfrey

After coming to the States for college from her birthplace the Panama Canal Zone, she taught children to read for 35 years. Maggie has guided adult spiritual enrichment classes, retreats, and contemplative groups for over four decades. A commissioned presenter of Centering Prayer Workshops, she is the chapter coordinator of Contemplative Outreach Atlanta as well as the Atlanta contact for the International Thomas Merton Society. Her current writing projects include poetry and unlocking contemplation and the mystics for everyday audiences.