Drumming Circle
Third Tuesdays
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Hand drumming is an ancient art used in many cultures. The music of drums creates a conduit to the Divine. Drumming is an opportunity to experience worship with our bodies as well as our minds. Join us for this monthly evening of drumming and discover inner strength and encouragement by those sharing the experience. Bring a drum of your own or use one of ours. No experience is necessary. All are welcome!
Please register here.
Third Tuesdays
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Hand drumming is an ancient art used in many cultures. The music of drums creates a conduit to the Divine. Drumming is an opportunity to experience worship with our bodies as well as our minds. Join us for this monthly evening of drumming and discover inner strength and encouragement by those sharing the experience. Bring a drum of your own or use one of ours. No experience is necessary. All are welcome!
Please register here.
Creative Contemplation
Introduction to Contemplation: Thursday, September 1
Contemplative Practice - 1st & 3rd Thursdays
6:00-7:00 p.m.
Donation: Free-will offering
Meditation is one of the key practices to achieving balance and well-being in one’s life. Yet many find it difficult to begin – navigating the “what” and “how” of meditation can be intimidating and discouraging. Are you curious to learn more about it? Join us as we explore the various forms and techniques of meditation, then participate in a contemplative practice led by one of APTB’s seasoned practitioners. The introduction session will provide an overview to meditation and the various techniques. Then join other practitioners each 1st and 3rd Thursday session in a guided contemplative practice.
Registration requested here.
Introduction to Contemplation: Thursday, September 1
Contemplative Practice - 1st & 3rd Thursdays
6:00-7:00 p.m.
Donation: Free-will offering
Meditation is one of the key practices to achieving balance and well-being in one’s life. Yet many find it difficult to begin – navigating the “what” and “how” of meditation can be intimidating and discouraging. Are you curious to learn more about it? Join us as we explore the various forms and techniques of meditation, then participate in a contemplative practice led by one of APTB’s seasoned practitioners. The introduction session will provide an overview to meditation and the various techniques. Then join other practitioners each 1st and 3rd Thursday session in a guided contemplative practice.
Registration requested here.
Women of the Hebrew Bible
Thursdays, 7:00-8:30 p.m.: 9/29, 10/6, 10/13, 10/20, 11/3, 11/10
Facilitators: Kelly Lemens
Donation: $25
The victorious, the victims, the virtuous and the vicious all describe the women of the Old Testament. Generally demeaned by the dominant culture, women have held a prominent role God’s plan for humankind all along. Join us as we meet 12 remarkable women of the Old Testament, each representing different ages, economic circumstances, family status and culture. Learn their stories and explore what insights they can reveal to us. We will meet:
Rebekah (Isaac's wife) – Sept 29
Leah (Jacob's wife) – Sept 29
Rahab (Conquest period) – Oct 6
Delilah (Sampson – Judges) – Oct 6
Ruth (end of Judges) – Oct 13
Hannah (Samuel's mother) – Oct 13
Tamar (King David) – Oct 20
Bathsheba (King David) – Oct 20
Gomer (Hosea’s wife - Divided Kingdom) – Nov 3
Judith (during exile) – Nov 3
Esther (Return) – Nov 10
Mary (mother of Jesus) – Nov 10
Please register here.
Thursdays, 7:00-8:30 p.m.: 9/29, 10/6, 10/13, 10/20, 11/3, 11/10
Facilitators: Kelly Lemens
Donation: $25
The victorious, the victims, the virtuous and the vicious all describe the women of the Old Testament. Generally demeaned by the dominant culture, women have held a prominent role God’s plan for humankind all along. Join us as we meet 12 remarkable women of the Old Testament, each representing different ages, economic circumstances, family status and culture. Learn their stories and explore what insights they can reveal to us. We will meet:
Rebekah (Isaac's wife) – Sept 29
Leah (Jacob's wife) – Sept 29
Rahab (Conquest period) – Oct 6
Delilah (Sampson – Judges) – Oct 6
Ruth (end of Judges) – Oct 13
Hannah (Samuel's mother) – Oct 13
Tamar (King David) – Oct 20
Bathsheba (King David) – Oct 20
Gomer (Hosea’s wife - Divided Kingdom) – Nov 3
Judith (during exile) – Nov 3
Esther (Return) – Nov 10
Mary (mother of Jesus) – Nov 10
Please register here.
Contemplative Movie Nights: Pleasantville
Mondays, 11/28, 12/5; 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Donation: $10
Set in present day America, a mysterious television repairman is impressed by high school student’s devotion to 1950s ideals in a black and white “Father knows best” type television rerun show. In sharp contrast to life in his present day reality, the television repairman provides the student with an escape into this 1950s world with his sister, Jennifer.
While the student, David, initially enjoys being part of these simplistic days of yester-year, Jennifer sets about jolting the characters with doses of her reality as a teenager in 2000’s America. These doses unexpectedly bring expanded awareness to those experiencing them, adding budding doses of color to their otherwise black-and-white world. As you can imagine, some townspeople experience this as a threat to their status quo.
Given the chance, would you “zap” into 1950’s or remain in 2022? Were the “good old days” really good old days? How do you grapple with change in the world around you? Join us as we explore and reflect on various reactions to change in the world – both in others and, most especially, in ourselves.
Please register here.
Mondays, 11/28, 12/5; 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Donation: $10
Set in present day America, a mysterious television repairman is impressed by high school student’s devotion to 1950s ideals in a black and white “Father knows best” type television rerun show. In sharp contrast to life in his present day reality, the television repairman provides the student with an escape into this 1950s world with his sister, Jennifer.
While the student, David, initially enjoys being part of these simplistic days of yester-year, Jennifer sets about jolting the characters with doses of her reality as a teenager in 2000’s America. These doses unexpectedly bring expanded awareness to those experiencing them, adding budding doses of color to their otherwise black-and-white world. As you can imagine, some townspeople experience this as a threat to their status quo.
Given the chance, would you “zap” into 1950’s or remain in 2022? Were the “good old days” really good old days? How do you grapple with change in the world around you? Join us as we explore and reflect on various reactions to change in the world – both in others and, most especially, in ourselves.
Please register here.
Advent Day of Reflection: The Wonder of the Incarnation
Friday, December 9, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Facilitator: Kelly Lemens
Donation: $50
Advent is a season of preparation – shopping for gifts, readying the house for guests, baking and cooking everyone’s favorite treats. Advent is also a season that calls us to be intentional about preparing for the incarnation of Christ – God becoming human in the person of Jesus. The incarnation, however, doesn’t just offer us a Person as much as the possibility of an encounter and a universal way of being fully human. By becoming human, Jesus dared to assume a unique and intimate, personal closeness with God. More importantly, it opened up for us the possibility of participating in Jesus’ intimate, personal experience of God. So the Jesus event, the Word made flesh, is an event of the present as well as the past; an opportunity to join, with Christ, in the breathing of God’s Spirit into the world. Enter into this sacred season with intention. Explore your own encounter with Mystery, reflecting on this universal path to becoming fully human by embracing and participating in Jesus’s intimate relationship with God. The day will include individual silence and reflection time, small group sharing as well as a creative activity to deepen our experience and encounter with each other.
Please register here.
Friday, December 9, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Facilitator: Kelly Lemens
Donation: $50
Advent is a season of preparation – shopping for gifts, readying the house for guests, baking and cooking everyone’s favorite treats. Advent is also a season that calls us to be intentional about preparing for the incarnation of Christ – God becoming human in the person of Jesus. The incarnation, however, doesn’t just offer us a Person as much as the possibility of an encounter and a universal way of being fully human. By becoming human, Jesus dared to assume a unique and intimate, personal closeness with God. More importantly, it opened up for us the possibility of participating in Jesus’ intimate, personal experience of God. So the Jesus event, the Word made flesh, is an event of the present as well as the past; an opportunity to join, with Christ, in the breathing of God’s Spirit into the world. Enter into this sacred season with intention. Explore your own encounter with Mystery, reflecting on this universal path to becoming fully human by embracing and participating in Jesus’s intimate relationship with God. The day will include individual silence and reflection time, small group sharing as well as a creative activity to deepen our experience and encounter with each other.
Please register here.
Spiritual Resource Library
Available during center hours
Our library features a variety of books, cd's and dvd's on a wide variety of topics, available to check out, to foster personal and spiritual well being. We also have a well-lit library space with comfortable seating that offers the peace and solitude for readers to dive into whatever books they wish to explore while they visit.
Available during center hours
Our library features a variety of books, cd's and dvd's on a wide variety of topics, available to check out, to foster personal and spiritual well being. We also have a well-lit library space with comfortable seating that offers the peace and solitude for readers to dive into whatever books they wish to explore while they visit.
Healing Hands
By appointment
Facilitator: Maria Giordano, HCT
Investment: $55 for a one-hour session
Hands on healing is a complementary healing technique for stress-reduction and relaxation to improve health and well-being. Hands on healing combines deep breathing, meditation, and light touch to bring balance to your body, mind, and spirit. Benefits include: releases stress and pain, calms anxiety and depression, enhances the immune system, improves sleep patterns, and maintains health. Contact Maria at mariag@healinghandsenergy.com to book an appointment.
By appointment
Facilitator: Maria Giordano, HCT
Investment: $55 for a one-hour session
Hands on healing is a complementary healing technique for stress-reduction and relaxation to improve health and well-being. Hands on healing combines deep breathing, meditation, and light touch to bring balance to your body, mind, and spirit. Benefits include: releases stress and pain, calms anxiety and depression, enhances the immune system, improves sleep patterns, and maintains health. Contact Maria at mariag@healinghandsenergy.com to book an appointment.
Day of Solitude
Based upon availability
Facilitator: Kelly Lemens
Donation: $35, includes optional spiritual companioning session and simple meal
Yearning for a day to unplug and pause from the demands of life? You are invited to spend a day of solitude at the Center where you are given permission to simply BE. Solitude offers a place to listen to and rest in God. Choose a day that works for you. Begin and end the day with prayer and a Spiritual Companion. You will be offered a private, comfortable room and a simple meal. Options include attending Daily Prayer, using our art supplies, enjoying a walk along the nearby walking trail or lakefront, and meeting with Kelly Lemens, Spiritual Companion, if you wish.
Click here to register
Based upon availability
Facilitator: Kelly Lemens
Donation: $35, includes optional spiritual companioning session and simple meal
Yearning for a day to unplug and pause from the demands of life? You are invited to spend a day of solitude at the Center where you are given permission to simply BE. Solitude offers a place to listen to and rest in God. Choose a day that works for you. Begin and end the day with prayer and a Spiritual Companion. You will be offered a private, comfortable room and a simple meal. Options include attending Daily Prayer, using our art supplies, enjoying a walk along the nearby walking trail or lakefront, and meeting with Kelly Lemens, Spiritual Companion, if you wish.
Click here to register
Spiritual Companioning for Those Dealing with Addiction
There is spiritual help and support for those dealing with addiction themselves and/or their family members. Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon, and other 12 step programs are a means of dealing with a physical, emotional and spiritual disease. Yet, sometimes more space is needed to tend to the soul, to healing, to exploring spiritual choices. Sponsorship is vital in working a recovery program, yet a trained spiritual guide may be what you are looking for. A Place To Be would like to provide that sacred circle for both individual and small group sharing and listening. A companion will journey with you to investigate and navigate your spiritual path. Spiritual Companion Ruth Hoenick has a solid understanding of the impacts of alcoholism and addiction and welcomes you to join her. For more information, email Ruth directly at 1raheducate@gmail.com or connect over LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruth-a-huige-hoenick-28422a11/ .
There is spiritual help and support for those dealing with addiction themselves and/or their family members. Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon, and other 12 step programs are a means of dealing with a physical, emotional and spiritual disease. Yet, sometimes more space is needed to tend to the soul, to healing, to exploring spiritual choices. Sponsorship is vital in working a recovery program, yet a trained spiritual guide may be what you are looking for. A Place To Be would like to provide that sacred circle for both individual and small group sharing and listening. A companion will journey with you to investigate and navigate your spiritual path. Spiritual Companion Ruth Hoenick has a solid understanding of the impacts of alcoholism and addiction and welcomes you to join her. For more information, email Ruth directly at 1raheducate@gmail.com or connect over LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruth-a-huige-hoenick-28422a11/ .
Online Programs
Would you like to participate in our programs but struggle to fit them into your busy schedule? These are the programs that we currently offer with an online course option. Register online and we will contact you with the login information for the course. There you will be able to participate in group discussions, get feedback on your questions, and explore more deeply the spiritual topic being discussed at your own pace.
Busy Person’s Retreat
Donation: $50
A “Busy Person’s Retreat” is a time of focused prayer and companion journeying. This Online Busy Person’s Retreat gives the participant an opportunity to make a retreat in the midst of a daily, busy routine of life, using a daily suggested scripture passage, some written reflections and other optional resources (i.e. videos, audio scriptures, and messages to one of our spiritual companions). This retreat will help you learn how to make time for prayer and meditation even in the midst of a regular busy schedule. Click here to learn more about the Busy Person's Retreat.
Please register here.
Donation: $50
A “Busy Person’s Retreat” is a time of focused prayer and companion journeying. This Online Busy Person’s Retreat gives the participant an opportunity to make a retreat in the midst of a daily, busy routine of life, using a daily suggested scripture passage, some written reflections and other optional resources (i.e. videos, audio scriptures, and messages to one of our spiritual companions). This retreat will help you learn how to make time for prayer and meditation even in the midst of a regular busy schedule. Click here to learn more about the Busy Person's Retreat.
Please register here.
Radical Grace Virtual Retreat
Facilitator: Kelly Lemens
Donation: $50
The spiritual journey invites us to examine closely those things that get in the way of our relationship with the Divine. Radical grace is needed to help us in the process. In this retreat, we explore three movements that get us closer and closer to a pure heart, to “will the one thing” – union with the Divine. Through Radical Hospitality, we open our heart to ourselves; Radical Humility invites us deeper and deeper into our impure hearts; which will ultimately lead us into Radical Transformation into who we are created to be. Each movement of this retreat includes prayer, reflection and an artistic exercise intended to bring us deeper into the material and into our own personal journey. Also included is 1 hour spiritual companioning session with Kelly Lemens to explore and unpack the retreat experience, if desired. All materials provided at no extra cost. Access to videos and retreat materials provided upon registration.
Register here.
Facilitator: Kelly Lemens
Donation: $50
The spiritual journey invites us to examine closely those things that get in the way of our relationship with the Divine. Radical grace is needed to help us in the process. In this retreat, we explore three movements that get us closer and closer to a pure heart, to “will the one thing” – union with the Divine. Through Radical Hospitality, we open our heart to ourselves; Radical Humility invites us deeper and deeper into our impure hearts; which will ultimately lead us into Radical Transformation into who we are created to be. Each movement of this retreat includes prayer, reflection and an artistic exercise intended to bring us deeper into the material and into our own personal journey. Also included is 1 hour spiritual companioning session with Kelly Lemens to explore and unpack the retreat experience, if desired. All materials provided at no extra cost. Access to videos and retreat materials provided upon registration.
Register here.
The Sacred Art of Fasting by Rev. Thomas Ryan
Facilitator: Kelly Lemens
Donation: $20
Fasting is a religious tradition practiced in some form by nearly every faith tradition throughout the world. The Sacred Art of Fasting invites us to explore the practical approaches, spiritual motivations, and physical benefits of this ancient practice by looking at the ways it is observed in several faith traditions, including Judaism, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism. Inspiring personal reflections and encouragement from people who practice fasting answer questions and reveal how to incorporate fasting into your spiritual life.
Register here.
Facilitator: Kelly Lemens
Donation: $20
Fasting is a religious tradition practiced in some form by nearly every faith tradition throughout the world. The Sacred Art of Fasting invites us to explore the practical approaches, spiritual motivations, and physical benefits of this ancient practice by looking at the ways it is observed in several faith traditions, including Judaism, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism. Inspiring personal reflections and encouragement from people who practice fasting answer questions and reveal how to incorporate fasting into your spiritual life.
Register here.
A Journey Through The Bible
Facilitator: Kelly Lemens
Donation: $25
Focusing on the historical books of the Old Testament, this narrative approach to studying the Bible gives the big picture of salvation history and shows how everything ties together. Based on The Great Adventure Bible Study by Jeff Cavens, we will explore individual events as well as the overall story God’s relationship with His people that ties together and makes sense of all the books of the Bible. Once we get a grasp of this “big picture,” Scripture comes to life and makes sense; we begin to see how our lives fit in God’s loving plan. All are welcome—no previous Bible study experience necessary.
Register here.
Facilitator: Kelly Lemens
Donation: $25
Focusing on the historical books of the Old Testament, this narrative approach to studying the Bible gives the big picture of salvation history and shows how everything ties together. Based on The Great Adventure Bible Study by Jeff Cavens, we will explore individual events as well as the overall story God’s relationship with His people that ties together and makes sense of all the books of the Bible. Once we get a grasp of this “big picture,” Scripture comes to life and makes sense; we begin to see how our lives fit in God’s loving plan. All are welcome—no previous Bible study experience necessary.
Register here.