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.

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]

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.

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.

11/25/2025

Advent Reflection Group
Hi
Just a reminder that our Advent Reflection group begins a week from today on December 1st, 2025.

In the midst of busy days, this gathering offers a peaceful space to prepare our hearts for the coming birth of Jesus.
During this sacred season of waiting, you are invited into a space of stillness:

a gathering of prayer, quiet reflection, and hearts turned toward the dawning light of Christ.
Together we will sit with the themes of Advent as we prepare for the wonder of Jesus’ birth.

So I invite you to take some time for your heart - come and spend some time in reflection and prayer.

Advent Details

When: 4 consecutive Monday evenings from December 1st to December 22nd

Time: 6pm PST

Where: This is an online group

Cost: As always, there is no charge but we do ask you to donate what you can.

Sign up: By clicking here : https://confirmsubscription.com/h/t/ED7D42C72E0ECDA0

Advent Reflection Group

Viavetera.com

09/26/2025

I am beyond excited to share the launch of Via Vetera's Conversations Podcast - Please go listen, share with your friends - the speakers are really amazing with some interesting and thought provoking perspectives. We appreciate you guys so much!
The Via Vetera Conversations podcast is now available in video and in audio.
For the video of the episodes please go to Youtube.
Here are quick links to the first 2 episodes:
Intro episode:
https://youtu.be/iXEzdmRKqX0?si=_zmdY7xDSnUquA_j
Where Prayer Becomes Real:
https://youtu.be/GfFUKoA2oVc?si=F_xcMzkfeJkmAWv9
The audio version of the podcast is on Apple, Amazon, Spotify, iHeart and many other platforms.
We have received great feedback from these episodes so please check them out.
As always, please Like, Comment, and Subscribe as it prompts the algorithm to get the episodes out to a wider audience.
Please let us now what you think - we really do want to know.
Blessings and peace to you,
Danny B.
aka The Poncho of Many Colours
For Via Vetera
Via Vetera is a not for profit organization, and we appreciate your support.

09/01/2025

EXCITING NEWS!!!!

"Conversations" Podcast
Hi everyone,

After many attempts, the Via Vetera "Conversations" podcast is finally here.

This video is a short introduction to the podcast so that you have a sense as to what it is going to be about.

https://youtu.be/iXEzdmRKqX0?si=AVoCLGcYTIwHsDuI

The podcast will be available in both video and audio formats. I will let you know when the audio will be available - hopefully, as early as next week.

Please Subscribe, click on the Like button and please tell your friends and family about us - we really need your support.
It's been a long time coming but we're pleased to finally be able to launch it.

Blessings and peace to you,

Danny B.

https://www.viavetera.com

08/10/2025

The Pause Button...

Concluding this short series on the gift of the Holy Spirit’s presence, take a moment to reflect on words from the Apostle Paul.

Scene 3: Paul writes to the church in Rome (Romans 8:9-11)

“…You have the Spirit of God living in you… and Christ lives within you…
If the alive-and-present God who raised Jesus from the dead moves into your life, he’ll do the same thing in you that he did in Jesus, bringing you alive to himself…. With his Spirit living in you, your body will be as alive as Christ’s!” (MSG)

Consider these profound promises.

What word or phrase stand out to you?

In what ways are you able to see Spirit-life in your life right now?

In what ways do you feel distant, lacking, or even unworthy of that Spirit-life?

Talk with God about anything that you notice.

This same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead gives life to you right now

O Holy Spirit,
By whose breath
life rises vibrant out of death,
Come to create, renew, inspire;
Come, kindle in our hearts your fire
- Veni Creator Spiritus, tr. John W. Grant

Blessings and peace to you,

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

05/26/2025

The Pause Button...

Hi

Today is a remembering day.
When we first immigrated to the US, this was one of the holidays about which we had to become familiar.

Along with Thanksgiving, it was amazing to me that a nation would take the time to remember how they got here.
Some folks don't like to look back, but the past is filled with the stories of both good and difficult things - it lets you remember the journey.

Remembering is a powerful thing.

The founder of the Hasidic movement, Israel Baal Shem Tov wrote:
“Forgetfulness leads to exile:
remembering is the key to redemption”

Most recently, I’ve had a lot to be concerned about and I have caught myself praying in a kind of resigned sort of way.
I mean, I’m a Christian, I’m supposed to pray, right?
It occurred to me in the middle of one of those prayers, that I was so wrapped up in the concern that I couldn’t recall anything good that had happened.

"Forgetfulness leads to exile…"

So on this remembering day, let’s try to remember how we got here. And here is a temporary place - we’re still on the journey…
Remember the things I have done in the past.

For I alone am God!
I am God, and there is none like me.
- Isaiah 46:9 (NLT)

I will remember the deeds of the Lord;
yes, I will remember your wonders of old.
- Psalm 77:11 (ESV)

Reflect:
Take 5 minutes and consider these passages.
Read slowly, considering each word.
Now sit quietly and reflect.

Whatever, arises in your heart - whatever it is - share this with your Father who loves you.
Blessings and peace to you as you remember,

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]

https://www.viavetera.com

03/10/2025

Yesterday was Ash Wednesday, which signals the start of the season of Lent in the Church calendar.

Lent dates back to the 2nd Century. It is a season where we reflect on our sinfulness, our weakness and brokenness.
These are things we never really want to think about and we spend a lot of time avoiding :-)

While reflecting on these things seems negative, the truth is that it is meant to remind us of what Jesus has done for us.
It's the reason that Lent culminates in the Easter Celebration - the Resurrection - where the Grace and Mercy of God is on full display for all of us.

So come and take some time for your soul. Come and reflect on the mercy and the love of God for you.

Here are the details for our Lent Reflection Group:

Where: This is an online group.

When: 5 consecutive Monday evenings starting on March 17th and ending on April 14th

Time: We will meet at 6pm PST. This makes it possible for the folks on the east coast to meet at a reasonable hour :-)

Cost: As always we ask you please to donate what you can as we want everyone to be able to participate.

If you would like to participate, please register here.
https://confirmsubscription.com/h/t/D5DFC7EF6251AC68

If you would like more information or have any questions, simply email: [email protected]

Feel free to send this to anyone you think could benefit from this study.

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)

Blessings and peace to you as you prayerfully consider this.

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]

10/31/2024

Advent

We are entering into the season of Advent - one of my favourite seasons in the life of the Church. This is the time of year where we prepare our hearts for the celebration of the birth of Jesus.
This season can be a little crazy :-) and our hearts can easily be distracted.

The heart of this season, though, is to remember that Jesus stepped out of heaven and entered the world as a helpless child.
And that He did so for you and me.

I invite you to join us as we take the time to prepare our hearts for this celebration.

Come and take a little time for your soul.

As always, there will be prayer, scripture, times of reflection and quiet as well as some conversation as we travel together in community.

Here are the details for our Advent Reflection Group:
Where: This is an online group.

When: 4 consecutive Monday evenings starting on November 25th and ending on December 16th

Time: We will meet at 6pm PST. This makes it possible for the folks on the east coast to meet at a reasonable hour :-)
Cost: As always we ask you please to donate what you can as we want everyone to be able to participate.
If you would like to participate, please email [email protected]
If you would like more information or have any questions, simply email [email protected].

Feel free to send this to anyone you think could benefit from this study.

I sent these words out last year but they seem even more appropriate now:

We cannot wait till the world is sane
to raise our songs with joyful voice,
for to share our grief, to touch our pain,
He came with Love: Rejoice! Rejoice!
- From “First Coming" by Madeleine L’Engle

We live in times when these words are more significant than ever.
Blessings and peace to you as you prayerfully consider this.

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]

06/08/2024

The Pause Button...

Hi

A couple of weeks ago we commemorated Memorial Day. It ocurred to me then that there are many such days, days of Remembering. What role do they play in our lives?
There are times and events that happen that we know we ought to remember because of the significance of the impact that those events hold on us as a society.

But there are days of Remembering that aren’t for society - they’re just for us. A birthday or remembering the day a loved one passed away, there are many Days of Remembering.
In our journey of faith, though, it seems that we forget easily. We get caught up in the whirlwind that is daily life and we forget.
The founder of the Hasidic movement, Baal Shen Tov, wrote this:

“Forgetfulness leads to exile
while remembrance is the secret of redemption.”

Ponder the depth of these words for a moment.
For our Pause this week, I invite you to open your heart to this passage:

I will remember the works of the Lord;
Surely I will remember Your wonders of old.
I will also meditate on all Your work,
And talk of Your deeds.
- Psalm 77:11–12 (NKJV)

I recall the words of an older believer: “God, you’ve done it before and you can do it again"

Let’s take some time to Remember.

Reflect:
Take 5 minutes and consider the passage.
Read slowly, considering each word.
Now sit quietly and reflect.

Whatever, arises in your heart - whatever it is - share this with your Father who loves you.
Blessings and peace as you remember your journey with the Father.

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.

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

05/16/2024

The Pause Button...

Hi

I normally send `a Pause out on a weekend so this one may seem oddly placed but please bear with me.

This coming Sunday is Pentecost Sunday. This is the day we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church.

However, it occurred to me that the disciples had been waiting for something that Jesus had told them to wait for. I wonder what was going on in their hearts? What shape were they in?

I don’t think they had an inkling of what was to come but in that waiting time they were still living with the very fresh memory of Jesus’ Crucifixion, His Resurrection and Ascension.
That’s enough to deal with - but, remember, they’re also living with the memory of their greatest failure: abandoning Jesus and leaving Him alone to face the Priests and the Romans.
And now they're just...waiting.

What do you do when you feel like you’ve really messed up, that you’ve really blown it? Do you doubt that there is a way back?
How do you live in that waiting space?

In today’s Pause, we learn - again - that we are not alone. Not even when we mess up. Maybe especially when we mess up.

Our Father is still with us.
He doesn’t let us go.
He never forgets us.

Our passage this week is really simple, but let us not let the simplicity get it the way of opening our hearts to the depth of this promise.

If we are unfaithful,
he remains faithful,
for he cannot deny who he is.

- 2 Timothy 2:13 (NLT)

Reflect:

Take 5 minutes and consider these words.
Read them slowly, considering each word.
Now sit quietly and reflect.

Whatever, arises in your heart - whatever it is - share this with your Father who loves you.
Blessings and peace as you open to the Father's promise.

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.

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

Address

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

Website

http://www.viavetera.org/

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