A Place to Be Spirituality Center
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Bible Basics
Facilitator:  Kelly Lemens
Monday's: 1/19, 2/2, 2/16, 3/2 & 3/16
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Suggested Donation:  $35
Have you ever wondered how we got the Bible? Who were its authors? Why is it so hard to read? Is the Bible meant to be read literally? This Bible Basics series answers these questions and many more. Learn the anatomy of the Bible, its organization, authors, and main themes. We wrap up the series with practical advice on how to read the Bible and develop good Scripture reading habits. Join us for a fun and enlightening pilgrimage through the Bible.  Session available in-person and via Zoom.
Register HERE OR Venmo "Bible Basics"

NOTE:  If you prefer to pay by cash or check in person, please register by emailing Kelly
 here. ​

​🌶️ Discover the Art of Thai Cooking! 🌶️


​Monday, January 5
​6:00 - 9:00 pm
Suggested Donation: $40
​Registration CLOSED

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Join us for an immersive Thai Cooking Workshop!! 
Discover the vibrant flavors and aromatic spices that make Thai cuisine so beloved worldwide while learning to prepare authentic Thai dishes from scratch! 
Together we will prepare 2 - 3 authentic dishes from scratch then enjoy the delicious meals we prepare. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced home cook,
this workshop offers a fun, interactive way to expand your culinary skills
while connecting with fellow food enthusiasts.
Perfect for: Food lovers, cultural explorers, and
anyone looking to add exciting new recipes to their repertoire!

WHAT'S INCLUDED:    
• All ingredients and equipment provided
• Step-by-step guidance from a fellow food explorer
• Two - three recipes to recreate dishes at home
• Enjoy the delicious meal you've prepared together
Limited spots available – reserve yours today!

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THANK YOU!!!
To everyone who generously gave to our
Giving Tuesday campaign:
THANK YOU!
You enable us to continue our mission of providing safe space for personal and spiritual growth, self-discovery and deeper community connections to happen. 
Your generosity allows folks of all
traditions and spiritualities to have
​community and companionship on the journey.  
THANK YOU!!
We cannot do this work without your support!!
If you didn't have a chance yet to donate, there is still time to help our mission! 
We are soooo close to meeting our goal
of $3000 - can you help?
Your support is so very much appreciated!

DONATE NOW!

Giving Tuesday

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Contact Ruth
Ruth Hoenick received her commission in Spiritual Guidance from the Siena Retreat Center in Racine, Wisconsin.  She holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Professional Development.  As a Spiritual Companion Ruth supports seekers in listening to their sacred stories and exploring a relationship with the divine. She believes in mutual sharing to gather wisdom and knowledge of self and God.  The impact of companionship can create new paths and openness within one’s heart and soul. Ruth may provide options of inter-spiritual practices or ideas, as well as encourage the expression of prayer and spirituality through movement, visual arts, journaling, music and sustained silence.  She is a seeker of spiritual connection and continual growth. Ruth is open to seekers of all faith traditions and practices.  She facilitates retreats around the United States for members in the recovering community of AA, Al-Anon and other 12 step programs.
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Embark on a Flavorful Adventure!!

Healthy Cooking Workshop


Monday, June 16 & 23
6:00 - 9:00 pm
Cost:  $40 one session; $75 both sessions
​Space is limited to 10 participants

Dive into the world of meat-free magic with our hands-on cooking experience at A Place To Be Spirituality Center. Whether you're a seasoned plant-based pro or just curious about alternatives like tofu, tempeh, and seitan, this workshop is your chance to discover delicious recipes and wholesome techniques!
  • June 16: Whip up a refreshing Tofu Salad paired with a hearty Tempeh Grain Bowl—perfect for your next lunch spread.
  • June 23: Savor crispy Baked Tofu Sticks and wrap your taste buds around a vibrant Roasted Pepper & Onion Wrap.
You'll not only learn to work with these versatile meat alternatives but also enjoy sharing creative ideas and indulging in a yummy dinner alongside fellow food enthusiasts. Get ready to roll up your sleeves, ignite your culinary spark, and explore the art of healthy cooking—because dinner is served, and it’s going to be delicious!

​Click here to register
NOTE:  If you prefer to pay by cash or check in person, please register by emailing Kelly here. 
Check out the fun we had at our first session!  Join us!  Spots are still available!!
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Journey Through the Bible II:
From Christ to Christianity

8 Sessions beginning March 12th-April 30th. 3:00-4:30pm 
Facilitator: Kelly Lemens 
​Suggested Donation: $50

Zoom participation available for remote participants.

Jesus’ crucifixion left the disciples hiding: uncertain of what they had come to believe, lost and confused without their spiritual leader and afraid for their own lives. And yet great hope lies in the next chapter of the story. Join us as we study the weeks and years after Jesus’ resurrection. Learn how the early Christians were inspired by the Holy Spirit to bring Christ and the Good News to all corners of the known world in spite of internal strife, hostile crowds and secular forces. Explore how heresies challenged beliefs and influenced church doctrine. Journey Through the Bible II: From Christ to Christianity follows the events of the church from the resurrection to the Crusades. Enter into this most dynamic period in the early church and be inspired by the courageous and hope-filled leaders of early Christianity.

How to be a Bridgebuilder in a Deeply Divided Culture

​4 Sessions, all Monday’s from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
May 12, May 19, June 2 & June 9
Facilitator: Kelly Lemens
Suggested Donation:  $50
The United States has long been defined by the great diversity of its people.  Whether that diversity enriches or divides, however, is not a given.  Where there is deep difference, there is a need for bridgebuilders: citizens with the mindset and skills to transform diversity into pluralism. 
 Using the Bridgebuilder Basics curriculum of Interfaith America, participants investigate powerful psychological and sociological dimensions of bridgebuilding and develop skills for effectively listening and sharing across difference, with the ultimate goal of identifying opportunities to build bridges in our own lives and communities.  All materials and handouts have been provided by Interfaith America in partnership with ReligionAndPublicLife.org.
Register here
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
Vision:
  • Share how bridgebuilding connect to their worldview and/or traditions
  • Articulate the value of healthy disagreement and curiosity in relationships
  • Name one example of where bridgebuilding led to a positive outcome
  • Identify and commit to a next step in bridgebuilding in their own life
 Knowledge:
  • Describe the “Perception Gap” and give an example of where such a gap may exist in their life and impact their behavior
  • Distinguish between “high conflict” and “good conflict”
  • Describe how our brains tend to instinctively react when we perceive there to be meaningful differences in views during a conversation
  • Explain the positive impact that an individual relationship can have on our perception of groups to which we do not belong
 Skills:
Listening
  • Describe the value of listening as a core skill for bridgebuilding
  • Name a few listening techniques for bridgebuilding
  • Identify a couple of their current strengths and weaknesses as a listener as well as one thing they will do to continue refining their skills
 Sharing
  • Name a few reasons why stories are generally powerful but especially in bridgebuilding
  • Share their values or perspective through a simple personal story in a way that is hospitable and empathetic to those who hold different views

How to be a Bridgebuilder in a Deeply Divided Culture

Monday's: May 12, 19, June 2 & 9
6:00 - 8:00 pm
​Zoom option available​
Click here to learn more.
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Jo-Ann Decker

"When I started attending A Place to Be over three years ago, I felt like I was part of the family immediately. It is a very enriching, spiritual, friendly and loving environment. I am so honored to be asked to be part of the leadership team. I have attended almost everything the center has to offer, now as part of the leadership team I hope I can help pass on and build on what I have learned."
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Spirituality Book Club
Wednesdays, 9:30-11:00 a.m. OR 6:30-8:00 p.m.
​Facilitator: Kelly Lemens
Donation: Varies (See selection below)

This group provides encouragement and fellowship for anyone looking to delve deeper into different areas of Spirituality. Join other seekers in studying a faith topic using a variety of genres followed by reflection, discussion and prayer. For more information, contact Kelly Lemens: [email protected].

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We are excited to partner with the Milwaukee Interfaith Conference and its members in offering Interfaith Events!
These are opportunities to participate in prayer/worship, learn about and share in hospitality of other spiritual traditions.  Some events are hosted by APTB, others by the Milwaukee Interfaith Conference.   
All are welcome! 
Those interested in carpooling are asked to contact Kelly Lemens separate from the event registration process.

We are growing!

Word is spreading about A Place To Be! 
We are welcoming new friends, expanding programming and offering more ​fun, social nights! To help support this growth, APTB’s staff is transitioning into new roles:
  • Tracey Sodt, our awesome Social Media Manager and Admin Assistant, will be taking a lead role in all the APTB Marketing needs.  Keep an eye out for more of her fun, creative style!
  • Kelly Lemens will focus exclusively on programming and Spiritual Companioning.
This leaves an amazing opportunity for a NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR to help continue the mission of APTB and its growth in the community.  In addition to collaborating with Tracey and Kelly as well as the Board of Directors to continue our ministry, the individual in this compensated, part-time role will advance our mission by building partnerships and raising awareness of APTB and the impact we have. 
 
APTB changes lives by offering a place where
  • folks are welcomed and accepted just as they are,
  • respect and dignity is offered in all stages of life, and
  • sacred space is created for deep connection with others
Would you or someone you know like to have this kind of impact? 
Click HERE for more information.  Applicants invited to send resume to Jenny Mitchell.
WATERCOLOR FOR NEWBIES!
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​​Have you ever wanted to try watercolor painting but were afraid to? Here's your chance! Stacey Carlson, an award winning Wisconsin artist, will lead a class for watercolor beginners!  Together we will paint a simple yet beautiful painting of a Star Fish using a limited palette of watercolor paints. 
Note: This class is for beginners but of course anyone is welcome!  Click HERE for more information.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are special people who make important things happen!  A Place To Be’s volunteers are essential to its mission and, without their generosity, could not exist.  We are grateful for their help in the following areas:
  • Coordinating/organizing activities
  • Technology help at programs & events
  • Assistance with promoting/marketing APTB
  • Helping with the 2024 Regatta
  • Hospitality set up for various events
  • Coordinator of Volunteers
  • Presenters and facilitators
  • Advisory board member​
  • Office administration assistance
If you would like to share in the work of A Place to Be Spirituality Center as a volunteer, we would welcome the gifts of your skills and service.
Please contact Kelly Lemens at (262) 277-1928 or email  [email protected].

From the Desk
​of the Director...

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Brenda Wingard-Haynes
Email: [email protected]
"Hello, All!  I am so pleased to become part of the leadership team at APTB.  I have spent many years searching for a spiritual home and finally found it at APTB.  Here, one can explore one's own spiritual journey in a caring, warm, and welcoming environment. There is something for everyone.  In terms of leadership, I have a lot of interests and a few talents as they relate to leading/organizing.  I hope I can bring those interests and talents to the leadership team and those who participate in its programming."
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Awareness in Action
Time: 2nd Monday's of the month, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Facilitator: Varies
Donation: Free Will Offering


Awareness in Action highlights topics, issues and events to bring awareness to things that are happening every day in the world around us. The evenings will begin with a basic introduction/discussion of the topic and include some sort activity to empower action. Our hope is to ignite each participant with a feeling of awareness and empowerment.
Topics include:

October's Awareness in Action:  
​Honoring our non-human friends & family

THANK YOU to those who joined us for an engaging and dynamic discussion of what the animals in our lives teach us about spirituality. Thank you to Holly for leading us and teaching us and providing such amazing resources - we all gained a much deeper appreciation for how the Holy is present to us through our furry and non-furry friends! And thanks so much for bringing Sophie along! Her cheery smile and wagging tail brought such joy!
​APTB was blessed to have you here!
​December 11:    Got the Holiday Blues? Why are some of us SAD during the holiday season and winter in general? Join us as we explore the causes of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and learn a few simple ways to ease the blues.   We will work on a meditative drawing process known as Neurographic art aimed at bringing some happiness and cheer to those who may not be so happy during this festive season.   This process combines psychology and art to help reduce stress and create an overall sense of well-being. 
​No artistic experience is necessary to participate.
Please register here.

Note: If you prefer to pay by cash or check in person, please register by emailing Kelly here.
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Social Justice Book Series
Join others in learning about, discussing and taking action on topics, issues and events to bring awareness to things that are happening every day in the world around us through out Awareness in Action series.  Check it out here.

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A Place to Be Spirituality Center
2360 Dakota Drive, Suite J3     Grafton, WI     262-618-2171
Summer office hours available by appointment. 
Office hours:  12:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Wednesday. Additional hours by appointment.
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Blog
    • Summer Fireside Chat Series
  • Book Groups & Bible Studies
  • Spiritual Offerings & Contemplation
  • Community Events & Socials
  • Art Regatta 2026
  • Writings
  • Support
  • Calendar of Events
  • Contact Us