BRIGID, BEER & BLESSINGS
February 1 – Wednesday
1:00-3:00 p.m.
Presenter: Pat Pintens
We’re celebrating February 1, the first day of the Celtic (Irish) spring and the feast day of one of Ireland’s most popular saints: St. Brigid. We’ll learn a bit about Brigid and the customs surrounding her and her feast day, pray a few of her blessings, have a bit of beer (since she is the patroness of brewers), and weave a simple Brigid’s cross. Suggested offering $10.00. Register by Monday, January 30.
PRAYING WITH ALL THAT IS
February 2 – Thursday
10:00 a.m.-Noon
Presenter: Marla Lang, FSPA
What are some of the everyday things that turn us in the light and direction of God? We will unpack some of one of Karl Rahner’s talks to God: “I must seek you in all things. If every day is every day, then every day is Your day, and every hour is the hour of Your grace.” Suggested offering $10.00. Register by Tuesday, January 31.
WATERCOLOR: COLOR SPLASH EXERCISES
February 6 – Monday
9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Presenter: Karen Kappell, FSPA
A color splash method is a quick way to put colors onto a paper and leads to an understanding of how colors merge and blend together. We will produce a number of small paintings on watercolor paper and take a creative clue from what happens when the paint creates the splash. Be ready to learn about color in a fun way. Bring watercolor supplies, large watercolor brushes, a full sheet of 140# cold press watercolor paper or the equivalent in smaller size. Fee: $30.00.Bring a lunch. Register by Monday, January 30.
RESIST PAINTING: DYE-FLOW INKS or FLUID ACRYLICS
February 7 – Tuesday
9 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Presenter: Karen Kappell, FSPA
Try an out-of-the-ordinary use of hair gel as a resist with inks. We will use dyes or acrylics with the gel to create wonderful backgrounds that can be enhanced with dry media. You will need to bring colored pencils, rubber gloves, fine mist spray bottle, sponges and a half sheet of 140#cold press watercolor paper. Fee: $30.00. Bring a lunch. Register by Wednesday, February 1.
FIRE, DIVISION AND FAITHFULNESS
February 8 – Wednesday
9:30 a.m.-Noon
Facilitator: Julia Walsh, FSPA
Jesus said, “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing! There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished! Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.” – Luke 12:49-50. These words can be challenging and confusing to disciples. Yet, our experiences show us that the work of service and advocacy on behalf of the poor is demanding and includes great struggle. During this morning of prayer and contemplation we will reflect together on our work of building God’s reign even while our actions may offend others and cause division. Suggested offering $10.00. Register by Wednesday, February 1.
HEARTS FOR VALENTINE’S DAY! WHY NOT CIRCLES?
February 14 – Tuesday
1:00-3:00 p.m.
Presenter: Pat Pintens
Perhaps hearts, as an expression of love, are overrated. Someone once wrote: “He drew a circle that shut me out, but love and I had the wit to win. We drew a larger circle that shut him in.” So why not use circles as a symbol for love? Share in reflecting on various circles as expressions of love and how we might draw larger circles of love in our lives, communities and world. Suggested offering $10.00. Register by Friday, February 10.
ADULT COLORING AS A SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE
February 16 – Thursday
9:30-11:30 a.m.
Presenter: Marla Lang, FSPA
After a guided experience in a contemplative prayer, you will be invited to engage in an adult coloring session. Many find it relaxing, a profound form of prayer, and an enriching way to spend a winter morning. All materials will be provided. Suggested offering $10.00. Register by Tuesday, February 14.
SOCIAL MEDIA, SMART PHONES, AND THE SPIRIT OF GOD
February 22 – Wednesday
9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Presenter: Julia Walsh, FSPA
This workshop will explore modern technology and the effects (positive and negative) media and technology can have on our spiritual lives. We will discuss the social and religious impacts of connecting with God and others through technology and consider how, or whether, to allow technology to be a tool in our prayer. Bring your own device (smart phone, tablet, etc. with Wi-Fi ability) so we can explore particular apps and websites that could enhance our spiritual lives. Bring a sack lunch too. Fee: $30.00. Register by Wednesday, February 15.
LIVING IN LOVE
February 23 – Thursday
9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Presenter: Dick Bruesehoff
February is the month of love! Take some time to experience God’s deep love for us, for you, for me! We’ll explore ancient prayer practices that can bring us face-to-face with the God of love. Suggested offering $10.00. Register by Tuesday, February 21.
CAN I SHOUT WHEN I PRAY?
February 27 – Monday
9:30-11:30 a.m.
Presenter: Pat Pintens
We’ve all shouted at one time or another. We shout for a number of reasons: fear, anger, excitement, joy. We shout at family members, friends, neighbors, our favorite sports team, complete strangers. But – can we shout at God? Learn about some people who shouted at God and the prayers they used. Suggested offering $10.00. Register by Friday, February 24.
