Below is a list of the commonest workshops that I conduct as one day events. They can be adapted to many situations and audiences. If you are interested in hosting a seminar or have more questions please contact me at christine@msainfo.org
Rhythms of Grace – Workshop
“Walk with me & work with me–watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me & you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matt 11:29 & 30, the Message)
Do you have a hard time sifting through the busyness of your life in order to connect to God? For Christians life should not be about filling our schedules 24/7 or checking off “to-do” lists. It is meant to be about connecting to God and to the rhythm of life that God intends for us. God’s rhythm embraces all the good things of life including prayer, Bible study, the creative activity of work, the joy of relationships and the soothing relaxation of rest. Make space for God and discover the Christ-like pace that liberates you from a culture enslaved by time.
This day long seminar explores the rhythms that Jesus lived by which enabled him to prioritize his use of time and resources. We will discuss how to infiltrate these rhythms into the fabric of our lives today and encourage participants to develop an everyday lifestyle that flows directly from our Biblical faith.
During our time together we will:
· Reflect on our spiritual journeys and identify when and how God has guided us throughout our lives
· Explore the rhythms that Jesus lived by and discuss how these enabled him to prioritize his use of time and resources.
· Identify the restorative rhythms of grace that provide structure and stability for our lives
· Identify the transformative rhythms of grace that grow our faith and enrich our lives.
Thin Space: Learning from the Celtic Saints
Celtic Christianity has gained tremendous popularity over the last few years. People of many traditions are intrigued by the Celtic saints who led this flourishing movement from 4th through 8th centuries. They were described as God intoxicated people who lived with an intense sense of the presence of God. All of life and all of creation were embraced by the triune God whom they believed walked with them throughout life’s journey.
The invigorating prayers and traditions of this movement continue to inspire people today. This workshop is an opportunity to learn from the Celtic saints and see how this wonderful Christian tradition can enrich and empower your spiritual life. Find a new intimacy between your prayers and your everyday life as you explore the many examples of prayer that under girded the lives of these dynamic ancient followers of Jesus.
Spirituality of Gardening
Do you struggle to connect to the story of God through morning devotions and Sunday worship? I believe one reason people are moving away from Christianity at time warp speed is because we have divorced our faith from the glory of God revealed through the natural world. Nothing makes me more aware of this than working in the garden. I read about the death and resurrection of Christ in the Bible, but I experience it every time I plant a seed and watch it burst into life. I read about the faithfulness of God to Israel but I experience it every time I watch the rain fall and nourish the seeds I have planted. I read about the miracle of the fish and the loaves but I experience a miracle every time I am overwhelmed by the generosity of God’s harvest.
In this workshop, we will discuss the wonderful ways that God is revealed through the rhythms of planting, growing, and harvesting in the garden. There will be spiritual insights and practical suggestions for backyard gardening in the Northwest. Come prepared to get your hands (and your clothes) dirty!
We run an intern programme EQUIP out of Christian Fellowship Church Belfast for young leaders across Northern Ireland from all traditions & backgrounds. If you are around our part of the world we would love to host a workshop (and anything else we can facilitate) for them at the Benedictine monastary we have connections with. For more info you can check it out on http://www.sourceireland.org We partner with 24/7 UK & Pete Greig and Phil Togwell tell us you have been part of their development as well. Anyway our year runs from Oct – June if you and Tom are interested?
Cheers – Janene
Janene,
We would love to have the opportunity to be involved. It is a long time since we were in Ireland. At the moment we do not have any trips to the UK planned though we are starting to work on a trip for next spring after Tom’s new book is published. I will keep you posted about that trip but if you know of other possibilities in Ireland it would be great just to do a trip there – less wear and tear on us then!
Are you aware of any workshops, retreats, or seminars on Celtic Christianity/spirituality between now and April 2008? Is the “Thin Space” workshop being offered in this timeframe?
Hello Christine, a new way to communicate! I just found out that my intensive will be in July, so the date in June would be great for me — not that I was needed so much as want to be there. Spring quarter has been crazy, but it is nearly over. I would love to add to the blog, have some thoughts forming, I’ll see if I can get them in writing.
OK, wanted to edit that post, I meant to add that I was referring to a Godspace workshop in LA in June.
[...] Workshops [...]
Hi just logged in and all sounds interesting. I also run workshops on Celtic Spirituality on the Aran Islands. details on http://www.deirdrenichinneide.com. Slan tamall Deirdre
Another blessing – I stumbled upon your site. God’s at work again! I like what I see, Christine. God bless you and your work! I am a retired holistic family doctor and now promote holistic health full time. I just published my first book Whole Health Healing – The Budget Friendly Natural Wellness Bible for All Ages. As a Christian, I love glorifying God by showing people how well holistic health care fits with Christianity. I teach a class called Bible Based Health Care whereby I challenger Christians to be aware of the differences between “worldly” and “Godly” health care. For those interested in the difference – I offer some free reports on my blog site http://www.thedowntoearthdoctor.com. I hope we can talk and/or meet sometime. Please pray for me as I recently received and am condsidering a calling to participate on a medical mission trip to Cambodia.