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
twitter @chicagocohort
