Holy Week Retreat: Experiencing Easter through the Lens of Creation Thursday, April 6, Friday, April 7, & Saturday, April 8 9:30 am – noon Suggested donation: $50
Have you ever wondered why the date of Easter fluctuates from year to year? Since the early days of Christianity, the celebration of Easter has been connected to spring, when nature is transitioning from winter’s cold, dark days to spring’s light filled, warmer days bursting with new growth and life. It’s also the season for celebrating the Spring Equinox - a time of year when our earth is temporarily balanced between light and dark. By learning ways to align with this seasonal energy we can begin to work with rather than against the natural rhythm of the season. Join us as we explore Easter through the lens of the season of the Spring Equinox and discover ways we can align with its energy. Through short contemplative exercises, simple writing and artistic expression as well as learning what foods will best help us to transition into the season, we can learn how to be more in balance within ourselves and within the natural world.
Presenters: Ian Baker Johnson, BFA, MS, CWIC Ian comes with over 20 years of experience as an artist, workshop facilitator and certified holistic coach. She works with individuals as well as groups as it relates to creativity, wellness, personal and spiritual growth in order to bring more balance, presence, joy and positivity into everyday life. Kelly Lemens, Director, A Place To Be Spirituality Center Jenny Mitchell – artist extraordinaire
Sacred Circle: Contemplative Space for Deep Thinkers and Feelers (via Zoom) 2nd & 4th Tuesday, 4:00 – 6:00 pm Facilitator: Tamarah Rich Suggested donation: $25 for 6 sessions
Sacred Circle is for anyone desiring a deeper awareness of themselves and God, the opportunity to explore their own inner territory, and dialogue with other seekers. Through contemplative dialogue, Sacred Circle provides sacred space for compassionate listening, both to our inner selves and to others, in a way that restores our sense of self and God. Each session begins with a contemplative practice before reflecting and exploring a sacred writing. Please register here.
Exploring the Enneagram Through Music (via Zoom) Facilitator: Kris Portinga Donation: $45
More information to come.
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.
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.
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.
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
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/ .
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.
Radical GraceVirtual 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.
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.
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.