Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Intro to Creative Art Journaling - Sat, June 9

Almost every day, my brain has been dreaming up ideas for creating experiences that connect people to God and each other, cohort conversation topics, conference themes, and spiritual formation retreat elements. Yet, for the past 3 years, I've been busy putting those ideas into grad school papers and in one-on-one meetings with the many people who email up/rooted - the Chicago Emergent Village cohort, attempting to connect with other people in the area who are reimagining church life in this culture and within our Chicago context. Now that I'm done with my grad program, I've begun putting together this year's cohort events schedule and other experiences to equip and resource church and ministry leaders.

Out of hundreds of encounters traveling across the globe, I've met many people for whom connecting with God beyond the intellectual level of belief is a challenge. The practice of listening to God is difficult, and prayer is often like leaving a voice mail message hoping that God checks it someday and gets back to us.

So, I've asked a friend, Tamara Peterson who teaches spiritual art journaling to put together a class for us. Moody Radio will also be featuring her Artful Story work on the Midday Connection May 23rd.

This "Intro to Creative Art Journaling" class introduces a hands-on approach to teaching people how to connect with God - expressing their true selves, prayers, desires, longings, pain, joy or other emotions through creative art form, and listening for what God would say.

"God, what do you think/feel about me?" "God, I struggle with....Where are you?" And, then we listen and paint, write, draw, glue and smudge the colors that we hear God whisper.

This class is not just geared for those who are naturally artistic or creative. But, even for the experienced creative, this class is designed to awaken you to another way that God speaks and another way to pray. This is the first of many more to come that are designed to help connect people to God, and others and to help us listen to our own souls.

Through this hands-on intro to creative art journaling class, you will be invited to incorporate your prayers, desires, dreams, or a snapshot of your life into a piece of art, on canvas or in a take-home journal. Class is geared for all levels, beginner artists to advanced.

$30 class fee includes art supplies used during 3 hr class, coffee/tea and snacks, and assists in providing class scholarships to others in need.

Please bring your own notebook/sketchbook or there will be a limited number of canvas available for sale at the registration check in table on the day of the class.

Sacred Heart Monastery in Lisle, IL has graciously agreed to host this event.  Registration and cost details at the link below.

Sat, June 9th 1pm - 4pm  $30
Please register and pay online
Email to request class fee scholarship.


Regards,.
Kristine Socall
cohort coordinator
 
twitter @kristinesocall
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