The pandemic stay-in-place prompted me to send out newsletters every other Wednesday. It has been a joy to do so. It kept me connected in a challenging time and from what I heard back, also did that for others and was a welcome respite in their lives. What I loved most was hearing back from folks. There was a lot of that and I appreciate it. Thank you.
Like you, I am now hoping to do some of the things that have been on hold for more than a year. But I am not about to let a good thing go. I learned from this year, how much I value my online ministry and that others do too. My plan through the summer is to send out newsletters on a monthly basis. To plan beyond that, I ask your assistance. Please read through these thumbnail descriptions below of various offerings and then weigh in on the survey.
This year's Zoom sessions
Teresa of Avila: Her Poetry as Window into Her Soul
Most of us have heard of St. Teresa of Avila, one of the most important women in the Church. But few know the back story of her life or have experienced her remarkable poetry that makes accessible the inner life of this remarkable and profound woman.
Hildegard of Bingen: A Modern Medieval
Once an obscure Rhineland saint, Hildegard has been "discovered’ in recent years by ecologists, artist, musicians, theologians, and, even, by the Church who finally canonized her. Discover her for yourself as we explore her visionary illuminations, poetry, creation-centered spirituality, and colorful life.
Mary Magdalene: Fact or Fiction--what would Snopes say?
Fact or fiction, saint or sinner, the object of veneration or vilification? We certainly know of her, but do we know her? Here's our chance to at least sort through some of her story. We'll look to scripture, history, apocryphal texts, literature and art to enhance our understanding of her story and of her.
Miriam, sister of Moses: God at Every Age
Who is the one person in the Bible we meet as a young girl, as a grown woman, and as an elderly adult? Miriam, sister of Moses: the girl who watched by the Nile, the woman who danced by the sea, and woman of the desert. God at every age—that’s Miriam’s story. It is our story too.
Prisca of Paul's Letters: Leader in the Early Church
Along with her husband, Aquila, Prisca worked side by side with Paul, traveled over hundreds of miles and two continents, shared the lean times, escaped danger, even risked her life. As church leader, she catechized, opened her home for worship, and was one of those early leaders in the church who converted a world to Jesus Christ.
A boy, a dog and an angel head out on a journey..."
The Book of Tobit is a gentle overlooked gem of a story with complex characters, an engaging plot, and a moral that speaks inspiration to our current times of trial and waiting, times when we wonder if God is even listening--a scriptural "hero's journey."
This year's Retreats
ONCE UPON A TIME IN A TOWN CALLED NAZARETH
An Advent retreat with Betsey Beckman, Friday evening and all day Saturday. Using scripture, art, music, dance, poetry and our creative imagination we went back to a time and place and a young Jewish girl named Mary.
WITNESSES ON THE WAY
A Lent retreat and interactive Stations of the Cross, again presented with Betsey Beckman. Together we created stories around each of the 14 stations, stories that centered on the lives and witness of those who were there.
ENCOUNTERS WITH THE RISEN LORD
An devotional time together every morning of Easter Week, Mon-Sat. Each day we took a deep, prayerful look at a different Resurrection appearance.
The Possibilities Ahead
How well did you do identifying the holiday possibilities? If you got 6 out of 6, let me know! If you decided to celebrate one or more of them, would love to hear which one you celebrated and how.