Via Vetera

Via Vetera Via Vetera is a non profit organization that offers Retreats, Spiritual Direction, times of Worship, long and short term groups. We do not do this alone.

We exist to accompany believers and to equip them for their journey towards Christ-likeness. How do we do this?

“Without knowledge of self there is no knowledge of God. Without knowledge of God there is no knowledge of self.”
- John Calvin
- Book 1 Chapter 1 Calvin’s Institutes

With the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit, we engage in spiritual practices that open us to the honest examination

of our own hearts – weak, broken, and sinful. We do this in the safety of God’s love for us and His desire for deep relationship with us along with a community of fellow travellers who are on the same journey. What we offer:

The Journey
The Journey meets for 9 months and is an intentional, intensive time to focus on your relationship with God. It is a time to grow in the awareness of what is taking place in your own heart while also growing in the awareness and knowledge of God. You will experience scripture, theology, times of reflection, group spiritual direction, retreats, and various prayer practices (or spiritual disciplines) – all with the emphasis on exploring the ramifications that we really are in a relationship with God. All of this is done in the context of a community of fellow travellers who will support you on the Journey. Some reasons The Journey might be for you
If you find yourself feeling “stuck” in your spiritual life
If your life of prayer is non-existent, erratic or feels “dry.”
If God feels distant. If you’re wondering if church actually “works” for you anymore. If you’re asking yourself:
- Is this as good as the spiritual life gets?
- Where is God?
- How can I change?
- Why do I keep sinning when I know so much? Please be aware that The Journey is not a typical study group. It is a long term, focused, community-based experience that requires a certain level of readiness and commitment. Consequently, we ask you to apply only after prayerful consideration. The current groups are closed but Journey groups commence in the Fall and end in May of the following year. Applications for the next Journey groups will commence in April 2015. Please check back as the application form will be available at that time. Feel free to direct any questions to:
Danny Bridgens or Susan Ness at [email protected]



Reflection
Our Reflection groups meet for 10 weeks and are designed to help you consider the true nature of your relationship with God. How do I look at God, and how does He look at me? What is prayer like for me? Do I actually have affection for God? Does how I experience God affect my relationship with others? In a safe and honest group setting, we will discuss fresh ways to approach scripture, conversation with God, and contemplation as we seek a deeper and dynamic relationship with God. Individual Spiritual Direction
We provide individual spiritual direction with trained and experienced directors. Please contact them directly to make an appointment. Retreats
We provide opportunities to get away and be alone with God. These retreats are held at retreat centers that have ample space for quiet and prayer . The first 3 hours are guided by a spiritual director. Space tends to be limited so please book as soon as possible. Our next retreat will be…. Worship Gatherings
These are special times of worship and prayer designed to be a mini–retreat in the middle of the busyness of life. These take place monthly - message us if you would like to attend the next one and we will let you know where it will be held, as we are holding them in various venues.

The morning has come.After the long night, after the silence of the tomb, after all that seemed lost and broken beyond r...
04/05/2026

The morning has come.

After the long night, after the silence of the tomb, after all that seemed lost and broken beyond repair—light breaks in again. Steady and sure, like dawn has always done.
And with it comes the world-altering truth: Christ is risen.
Give thanks to the Lord for He is good
His faithful love endures forever

Easter does not deny the darkness we have known. It does not rush past grief or pretend that suffering was not real. Instead, it speaks gently into those very places and says: this is not the end.

The stone is rolled away. The grave is empty. And love—faithful, patient, enduring love—has the final word.
“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.
His faithful love endures forever.”

Today we remember that this love has walked through death itself and come out the other side.

It has not abandoned us in our fear or our doubt.
It meets us where we are—in our weariness, in our hope, in our longing—and calls us again into life.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.
His faithful love endures forever.”

So we gather with gratitude.
We gather with wonder.
We gather with hearts that may still be healing, yet are stirred by this promise:

Resurrection is not only something that happened,
but something that is happening still.
May this Easter morning find you held in that promise.
May it awaken in you a quiet hope and joy.
And may you know, deeply and truly,
that His faithful love endures forever.
Grace and peace to you this Easter,

Danny B.
aka The Poncho of Many Colours
For Via Vetera
Via Vetera is a not for profit organization, and we appreciate your support.

At any time, for more information, don't hesitate to contact us at
[email protected]

Good Friday:The Wounded GodGood Friday invites us to linger where we might otherwise hurry past—to stand at the foot of ...
04/03/2026

Good Friday:

The Wounded God

Good Friday invites us to linger where we might otherwise hurry past—to stand at the foot of the cross and behold a mystery that is not easy, but is deeply true.

We worship a God who did not remain distant from human suffering, but entered into it fully. In Jesus, God does not watch from afar; He knows pain from the inside. He bears it, carries it, and, in love, transforms it.

There is something in us that longs to be understood in our wounds—not explained away, not fixed too quickly, but known. On this day, we remember that Christ meets us there. His suffering is not abstract; it speaks to our own. His wounds are not hidden; they are the place where healing begins.

As you move through this Good Friday, may you find space for quiet reflection. Bring before God whatever feels broken or heavy, trusting that nothing is beyond His reach.

I leave you with these words:

“The other gods were strong, but Thou wast weak;
They rode, but Thou didst stumble to a throne;
But to our wounds only God’s wounds can speak,
And not a god has wounds, but Thou alone.”
— Edward Shillito (1872-1948)
Grace and peace,

Danny B.
aka The Poncho of Many Colours
For Via Vetera

https://www.viavetera.com
Via Vetera is a not for profit organization, and we appreciate your support.

Lent Reflection 2026Hi everyone,Lent invites us to slow down and listen to the quieter, truer parts of ourselves—the pla...
02/15/2026

Lent Reflection 2026

Hi everyone,

Lent invites us to slow down and listen to the quieter, truer parts of ourselves—the places where our souls ache, hope, and long to be made whole again. It’s a season that doesn’t look away from our brokenness or our mortality, but gently asks us to bring those very things into the light.

During Lent, we gather to take some time that makes space for honest reflection, thoughtful conversation, and the grace that meets us right where we are. Together, we’ll explore what it means to be human: fragile, beloved, unfinished—and still deeply held by God.

Whether you’re feeling strong or tired, hopeful or worn thin, you’re welcome here. Come as you are. Bring your questions, your weariness, your hope. Let’s walk this season together, tending to our souls and making room for renewal.

The Details:

When: 4 consecutive Mondays from March 9th, 2026 at 6pm PST

Where: Online

Cost: We ask you to please give what you can - simply click on the Donate button at our website https://www.viavetera.com
Sign Up: Sign up by clicking here
https://confirmsubscription.com/h/t/B9CE70DBF2C936E6

Come and take some time for your soul.
Peace

Danny B.
aka The Poncho of Many Colours
For Via Vetera

Via Vetera is a not for profit organization, and we appreciate your support.

Address

135 W 25th Avenue, # 6716
San Mateo, CA
94403

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