Groups and Workshops
At various times in the year we offer groups and workshops on centering prayer, healing, creativity, the environment, parenting, poetry and spirituality for everyday living.
New Groups this Fall
A Singing Presence, led by Ellen Oak
Thursdays, September 29—November 3, 7:00 – 8:30 pm
All are welcome, registration required. Fee $25 per session.
Join us November 3 at 7:30 for a worship offering from A Singing Presence with Ellen Oak.
An opportunity to relax and renew as we enjoy and foster inner expansiveness and community relationships. In the context of Christian tradition, we will: delve into singing as a manifestation of divine immanence and transcendence; explore body, breath, and vibration to develop healthy vocal technique and holistic expression; consider singing as vocation; as healing, and learn a repertoire of chants, refrains, rounds, including both unison and part-singing. A connecting thread will be praying the psalms through song. The final session will include a worship service open to the public. Singing experience and skill is appreciated but certainly not required.
A New York City native, Ellen Oak is a singer, conductor, composer, music minister, and teacher who inspires, educates and celebrates through artistic excellence, intellectual acuity, cultural courage, and spiritual imagination. For more information, please visit www.wisdomatplay.com.
Essential Ingredients: A Mother’s Group for Nourishing Body and Soul
March 5, 2012 – April 23, 2012, 7PM – 8:30PM
This six-week program will offer time and space to share wisdom and humor with other mothers, be renewed by quiet reflection, and to reconnect with a sense of the holy amid the chaos and joys of daily life. Please join us on March 5th, 2012 from 7PM to 8:30PM to learn more about this new offering. This evening, which is free and open to the public, will offer an experiential taste of Essential Ingredients. Women who wish to join the group can register on March 5th for the six-week program that will take place Monday evenings from March 12th to April 23rd. The fee for the six week program will be $20 per session. Registration for the initial evening is appreciated but not required. Registration for the six week program is required. Please join program co-facilitators Dr. Mary Ann Christie Burnside and Mary Curlew, LICSW, Bethany associates, who have experience facilitating groups, working with mothers and raising their own wonderfully spirited children, at this initial evening.
Paying Attention: Writing Poems as Spiritual Practice
Wednesday evenings, October through May, 7-9 pm.
Registration must be completed by September 19 for all sessions. Fee: $30 per session.
Reading and writing poetry help us pay attention to the world and remind us of what it means to be fully human. Whether you have never written a poem in your life or you have a regular practice of reading and writing poems, you are welcome to join this circle of writers who will explore poem-making as a spiritual practice. Poems are, after all, like psalms, giving expression to all our longing, joy, and thanksgiving, all our sorrow and regret. We’ll read poems for inspiration, discuss some of the craft decisions poets make, try our hand at responding to prompts, and generate poem drafts for reading and response. But this is first and foremost a poem-making-as-soul-making gathering, a time and place for mulling the world around us and its impact on our hearts. Group size limited to eight.
Kimberly Cloutier Green, from Maine, is a poet, collaborating artist, teacher, and spiritual director at Bethany House of Prayer.
Awaken to Mystery: Contemplative Prayer & Reflection
Every Thursday morning beginning October 6 – December 15. 10:00 – 11:30 am
A free will offering is appreciated. Please register so we can plan on your coming–open each week to newcomers.
Is some part of us still like Samuel being wakened in the night? Perhaps to listen anew and more deeply to what is known and not yet known. What is changing perhaps becoming less important and what is now more essential? What is abundant life for you? This group will begin in contemplative prayer with readings and silence to accompany us in deeper listening and presence with one another and the holy in our lives. Facilitated shared reflections will follow. A circle of encouragement for the practice of contemplative prayer.
Each Gathering will be led by Bethany House of Prayer Retreat Leaders including Mary Meader, Julia Slayton, Pat Boyd, Helen Netos, The Rev. Susan Richmond, Dr. Mary Ann Christie Burnside and other Associates.
Spirituality of Parenting ~ facilitated offering for Parish groups and forums
Contact Bethany House of Prayer to arrange for this offering
Offering a supportive circle for parents who want to connect with others and reconnect with a sense of wholeness and balance; share stories, wisdom and humor; and explore a sense of the holy amidst the chaos, cares and joys of daily life.
Led by Dr. Mary Ann Christie Burnside and Mary Curlew, LICSW, co-facilitators, educators, advocates, mothers, and women of spirit.