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Welcome to the Transformations NEWS ROOM. |
NEWS RELEASE Kalamazoo, MI – Marcella Clancy, CSJ, will present Discovering God Anew on Friday,Oct. 22 beginning at 7 p.m. and ending Saturday Oct. 23 at 3 p.m., at Transformations Spirituality Center. Many believers have learned about God through a theology that has often viewed the divine mainly in abstract concepts as almighty, omnipresent, and omniscient. Today, emerging theologies and contemporary experiences of revelation are discovering the sacred anew through major events and movements occurring within the human community, and new understandings of scripture. These approaches present new images and understandings that invite believers to grow in relationship with this living God. They challenge us to follow God along new paths. Together we will explore these events and movements and the new visions of the sacred they reveal. Registration is $120 if paid by September 24, $130 after. Registration includes a private room with bath, meals and materials. Please register by October 8. For more information or to register call 269.381.6290 ext. 249, or visit www.transformationscenter.org. NEWS RELEASE Kalamazoo, MI – As a follow-up to his visit in June, join us for Spiritual Literacy – A Group Discussion of Books You’ve Been Meaning to Read as we explore Richard Rohr’s "The Naked Now: Learning to See as the Mystics See”. The group will meet on Tuesdays, October 12, 26 and November 9, 2010 from 7 until 8:30 p.m. at Transformations Spirituality Center. In “The Naked Now”, Richard Rohr is primarily concerned with what keeps us from seeing reality truthfully, humbly, and helpfully. He draws on the wisdom of Native and world religions to explore a different way of knowing and describes a way of “seeing the moment,” the Naked Now. This program continues a series of Spiritual Literacy programs led by Sr. Gertrude Maurer who holds a doctorate in American Literature from the University of Notre Dame. Other books in the Spiritual Literacy series have included: The Gift of Years by Joan Chittister, Everything Belongs by Richard Rohr, The Five Stages of the Soul by Harry Moody, The Soul of Christianity by Huston Smith, Radical Amazement by Judy Cannato, The Holy Longing by Ron Rolheiser and Riding the Dragon by Robert Wicks. Registration is $25 if paid by September 21, $30 after. Please register by September 28. Seating is limited so register early. For more information or to register call 269.381.6290 ext. 249, or visit www.transformationscenter.org. NEWS RELEASE Kalamazoo, MI – Professional caregivers are invited to the 9th Annual Community of Caregivers gathering – Caregivers & Transition: Navigating the Land of Uncertainty on Monday, October 18, 2010 from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. at Transformations Spirituality Center. All transitions begin with an ending; and they end in a new beginning. While the ending may be highly emotional, and the beginning not clear, it is the crucial time and space in-between, the land of uncertainty, that holds the heart and soul of transition. The challenge in a time of transition is to trust the process. Transitions often challenge us to face what is ending, to name the underlying losses, and to move through a grieving process. The program will be led by Dr. James Zullo, a licensed and practicing Clinical Psychologist. He is a former Faculty Member of the Institute of Pastoral Studies at Loyola University in Chicago, specializing in the Psychology of the Mid-Years and Young Adulthood. Jim lectures and conducts workshops and retreats across the world from New Zealand to Malaysia, and is a visiting Professor at the University of Monterrey in Mexico. He has been the keynote speaker at numerous national assemblies – both clerical and secular. The program is made possible by generous donations from the Battle Creek Health System; Borgess Medical Center; Bruce & Sharon Betzler & Betzler Life Story Funeral Home staff; Congregation of St. Joseph; Episcopal Diocese of Western Michigan; John E. Fetzer Institute, Inc.; Langeland Family Funeral Homes; Lois Martens Memorial Fund; Pine Rest Kalamazoo Clinic; Presbytery of Lake Michigan; Redmond Funeral Homes; and the United Church of Christ, Southwest Association of Michigan Conference. Registration is $80 if paid by September 7, $95 after and includes lunch. Professional CEU credits are available for participation in this program. Seating is limited so register early. For more information or to register call 269.381.6290 ext. 249, or visit www.transformationscenter.org. NEWS RELEASE Kalamazoo, MI – Take a new and deeper look at the Lord’s Prayer during the program >Praying with Jesus & “The Lord’s Prayer” on Saturday, September 18, 2010 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Transformations Spirituality Center. The Lord’s Prayer is Christianity’s most familiar prayer. While it is often recited from memory, it’s not often examined and reflected upon. This program will look at the prayer in Aramaic, it’s original language and what Jesus spoke, and explore how these words apply to our contemporary lives. Registration is $35 if paid by September 3, $40 after and includes lunch. Please register by Sept. 13. For more information or to register call 269.381.6290 ext. 249, or visit www.transformationscenter.org. NEWS RELEASE Kalamazoo, MI – Come and experience journaling as part of your spiritual journey during The Art and Prayer of Journaling on Saturday, October 9, 2010 from 9 a.m. until noon at Transformations Spirituality Center. Almost since the invention of writing people have been engaged in the art and practice of journaling. The exercise of recording meaningful thoughts, feelings and experiences for personal and spiritual reflection can help us process our thoughts and provides a means for later reflection and growth. Some of the most inspiring journaling has come from those seeking to deepen, understand and describe their spiritual journey and relationship with the sacred. In this age of blogs and keyboarding there is still a place for the hand-written journal. This program is an opportunity to start, re-start or enhance your experience of journaling as part of your spiritual journey. It will include sharing journaling methods, resources and suggestions as well as quiet time for reflection and engaging in prayer and written conversation with the Holy. Past participants commented “It answered questions, gave me new insight into starting journaling;” and “I am so inspired to begin my “journey of words.” Registration is $30 if paid by September 10, $35 after. Please register by Sept. 20. For more information or to register call 269.381.6290 ext. 249, or visit www.transformationscenter.org. NEWS RELEASE Kalamazoo, MI - Transformations Spirituality Center is hosting introductory classes for Centering Prayer and Spiritual Direction. Orientation for Group Spiritual Direction will be held Wednesday, Sept. 1 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Transformations Spirituality Center on Gull Road. Spiritual Direction is a way to become more aware of the many ways God is present and reaches out to you in your daily life. The group practice shares these insights in a small group setting. Registration is $5 when paid by Aug. 23, $10 after. Register by Aug. 27. Centering Prayer Introduction will be held Tuesday, Sept. 21 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Transformations Spirituality Center on Gull Road. Drawing on the Psalmists invitation to “Be still and know that I am God”, centering prayer is a spiritual practice grounded in Christian tradition. This prayer form can help us enter into God’s silence which then enters us. Registration is $15 when paid by Sept. 1, $20 after. Register by Sept. 7. This program will also be offered Thursday, Nov. 11. “Spiritual Direction really helps me when time, events and the pace of life threaten to overwhelm me. The conversation helps me find and stay on my spiritual path,” says Sr. Christine Parks, CSJ. “I practice Centering Prayer because it’s an oasis of sacred silence in daily life.” For more information or to register for these programs, call 269-381-6290 ext. 310 or visit www.TransformationsCenter.org. NEWS RELEASE Kalamazoo, MI (August 4, 2010) – Transformations is now taking registrations for the 2010-2011 Living from Within: The Journey toward an Undivided Life program. This series of four seasonal retreats will take place 7 p.m. Friday through noon Sunday on Oct. 1-3, 2010; Jan. 28-30, 2011; April 15-17, 2011 and June 24-26, 2011 at Transformations Spirituality Center. This life enhancing program invites participants into a process of reconnecting who they are with what they do. Using small and large group as well as individual formats, poetry, and stories, they will address basic life questions which, although private, are often deeply instructive when shared in the “circle of trust” formed within the group. This series is led by Marianne Novak Houston of Kalamazoo, Michigan. Houston is a retired teacher from the Vicksburg, Michigan school district. She was one of the first participants in the Courage to Teach program sponsored by Parker J. Palmer and The Fetzer Institute. Since her participation she has continued to work with Palmer and expand the work of his Center for Courage and Renewal based in Washington. Past participants of the Living From Within program describe it as… “Always exceeding my expectations. It is the primary way that I disconnect with life’s mystery and gain clearness around my questions.” “This retreat reminded me to stay grounded and to seek what will make me happy.” “It is one of the most respectful processes I have experienced. Courage & renewal is what I come away with.” The non-refundable deposit is $240 if paid by Sept. 1, $260 after and a balance of $225 is due upon arrival at each retreat weekend. Space is limited, registrations are due Sept. 17. Rates include a private air-conditioned room with bath, meals and materials. For more information, or to register, call 269.381.6290 ext. 249, or visit www.transformationscenter.org.
NEWS RELEASE Kalamazoo, MI – Transformations Spirituality Center introduces their fall schedule of programs for renewal of mind, body and spirit. Listening to God through Our Dreams; A Retreat Friday, Aug. 27; 7 p.m. - Saturday, Aug. 28; 4 p.m.; Led by Olga Wittekind, OSF Whatever your experience of dreams, this retreat with Olga Wittekind(spiritual director, psychologist and Jungian therapist) will bring new insights and awareness of your dream life. Orientation for Group Spiritual Direction Wednesday, Sept. 1; 6:30–8:30 p.m.; Led by Gertrude Maurer, CSJ and Christine Parks, CSJ An introduction to and the opportunity to experience the Group Spiritual Direction process. Watercolor: The Free Flow of Letting Go Saturday, Sept. 18; 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.; Led by Frankie Dutil, CSJ Watercolor painting can be a metaphor for the spiritual journey, as this medium defies precise control yet yields wonderful results when we are able to let go. Praying With Jesus & ‘The Lord’s Prayer’ Saturday, Sept. 18; 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.; Led by Ginny Jones, CSJ Join us for a prayerful and reflective retreat day exploring the words of this very familiar prayer in Aramaic, the language Jesus himself spoke during his lifetime. Centering Prayer Introduction Tuesday, Sept. 21; 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.; Led by Betsy Meagher, CSJ & Christine Parks, CSJ If your spiritual journey has led to a hunger for a deeper experience of prayer and silence in God’s presence, join us for an evening on the process and practice of Centering Prayer. Living From Within 2010-11 Circle of Trust: The Journey Toward an Undivided Life A series of 4 seasonal retreats Oct. 1-3, 2010; Jan. 28-30; April 15-17 and June 24-25, 2011 Friday, 7 p.m. through noon Sunday; Led by Marianne Novak Houston Rejoin your soul and role. Reconnect who you are with what you do during this series led in the spirit of the work of Parker Palmer. Mid-Week Sabbath Wednesdays, Oct. 6, Nov. 10 and Dec. 8; 10 a.m. – noon; Led by Christine Parks, CSJ Enjoy a re-creative ‘mid-week Sabbath’ on one or more of these three mornings. Each morning will be a time of prayer, quiet reflection and sharing on themes that speak to our hunger for more time with God. Oct. – Harvesting the Fruit of Prayer; Nov. – Living a Life of Gratitude & Thanksgiving; Dec. – Light in the Darkness The Art & Prayer of Journaling Saturday, Oct. 9; 9 a.m. – noon; Led by Christine Parks, CSJ This morning for journaling will include time for prayer, reflection, sharing of journaling methods, resources and suggestions; as well as quiet time to engage in conversation with the Holy. Spiritual Literacy - A Group Discussion of ‘Books You Have Been Meaning to Read’- “The Naked Now,” by Richard Rohr Tuesdays, Oct. 12, 26 and Nov. 9; 7 - 8:30 p.m.; Led by Gertrude Maurer, CSJ Rohr draws on the wisdom of Native and world religions to explore a different way of knowing and describes a way of “seeing the moment,” the Naked Now. Through reading, reflection and discussion we will explore how this way of seeing enables us to “be present...to the Real Presence” in daily reality. Caregivers and Transition: Navigating the Land of Uncertainty The 9th Annual Caregivers Gathering Monday, Oct. 18; 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Led by James R. Zullo, FSC, Ph.D. All transitions begin with an ending; and end in a new beginning. While the ending may be emotional, and the beginning unclear, it is the crucial time and space in-between, the land of uncertainty, that holds the heart and soul of transition. Learn the dynamics of transition, and how to better understand and more successfully navigate this challenging land of uncertainty. Discovering God Anew; A Retreat Friday, Oct. 22; 7 p.m. - Saturday, Oct. 23; 3 p.m.; Led by Marcella Clancy, CSJ Emerging theologies and contemporary experiences of revelation are discovering God anew through major events and movements occurring within the human community, and new understandings of scripture. These approaches present new images and understandings that invite believers to grow in relationship with this living God. Explore these events and movements and the new visions of God they reveal. Seeing God in Everyday Life: A Day of MindfulnessSaturday, Nov. 6; 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.; Led by Laura Smith, CSJ Many yearn to live our ordinary daily lives more mindfully and connected with the sacred. Spend a day opening to this yearning—reflecting on life’s meaning, our relationship with God in everyday life, and allowing the child in us to wash out the shadows within. Centering Prayer Introduction Thursday, Nov. 11; 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.; Led by Gertrude Maurer, CSJ & Christine Parks, CSJ If your spiritual journey has led to a hunger for a deeper experience of prayer and silence in God’s presence, join us for an evening on the process and practice of Centering Prayer. Make a Joyful Sound: The Fresh Voice of Spiritual Music with Joel Mabus & Carrie Newcomer The concert and workshops are co-Sponsored with the Michigan Festival of Sacred Music. Concert Friday, Nov. 19; 7 – 9:30 p.m. Enjoy an evening of entertaining and spirit-filled music with these two popular singer-songwriters as they “make a joyful sound” with their fresh, engaging and spirit-filled musical performances. Workshops Saturday, Nov. 20; 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Participants will attend workshops by both Joel Mabus and Carrie Newcomer. Joel Mabus - Singing From Other Hymnals: Finding the Sacred in the Secular Carrie Newcomer - Writing Mindfully: Exploring the Sacred Ordinary in Story and Song Advent Vesper Services with the Sisters of St. Joseph Sundays, Nov. 28, Dec. 5, 12 & 19; 6:30 p.m.; Led by Betsy Meagher, CSJ The sisters of Saint Joseph invite you to join them for evening vespers during advent in the beautiful and prayerful sacred space of Holy Family Chapel. There is no registration for this program.
Journeying Toward Bethlehem: An Advent Retreat Saturday, Dec. 4; 9 a.m. - noon; Led by Christine Parks, CSJ Give yourself the gift of a morning ‘walking toward Bethlehem,’ anticipating Emanuel—“God with us.” Walk in the company of those who journeyed toward Bethlehem, beginning with Mary and Joseph, shepherds, angels and Magi, and many others throughout the centuries. NEWS RELEASE Kalamazoo, MI – Find meaning in your dreaming at the Transformations Spirituality Center’s dream retreat Listening to God through Our Dreams. The retreat starts at 7 p.m. on Friday, August 27 and concludes at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010. Dreams are one of life’s fascinating mysteries. We all dream, remembered or not, and dreams can be intriguing, disturbing and inspiring. They can also be messages from God—present in our waking and sleeping. Dreams open us to our inner landscape and can help us grow spiritually. Understanding dreams can help bring inner wholeness. The program will be led by spiritual director, psychologist and Jungian therapist Olga Wittekind, OSF. Whatever your experience of dreams, Wittekind is sure to bring insight and awareness to your dream life. Using a Jungian approach to dream work, participants will learn the symbols and archetypal images found in dreams, as they work with their own dreams, and gain spiritual insights from their stories. Registration is $130 when paid by July 27; $140 after and includes a private air-conditioned room with bath, meals and materials. Please register by August 13. For more information, or to register, call 269.381.6290 ext. 249, or visit www.transformationscenter.org. Transformations is located at 3427 Gull Road, just east of Kalamazoo, Michigan at the Congregation of St. Joseph.
NEWS RELEASE Kalamazoo, MI – Transformations Spirituality Center will host Walking the Labyrinth – Finding a Path to Meet the “Other” on Saturday, July 10, 2010 from 9 a.m. – noon. Walk with the experiences of the Canaanite Woman (Matthew 15:21-28). In this story from scripture we engage with the questions: Who is our neighbor? How and why do we name them as “other”? What is our call in this story? Like the Canaanite woman, we live in a time of enormous change that can at times threaten to intimidate and overwhelm us. This morning is an invitation to take time for reflection, sharing experiences of ‘otherness,’ and affirmation of our gifts as we grow and create a more hopeful future. One source of inspiration will be soulful meditation amidst the beauty of walking the unique outdoor labyrinth on the Transformations Spirituality Center grounds. The program will be led by Elizabeth Tompkins, a spiritual director and long-time labyrinth facilitator. Participants should wear clothes appropriate for the weather and comfortable shoes. Journals are welcome. Registration is $35 when paid by June 18; $40 after. Please register by June 28. For more information, or to register, call 269.381.6290 ext. 249, or visit www.transformationscenter.org. Transformations is located at 3427 Gull Road, just east of Kalamazoo, Michigan at the Congregation of St. Joseph. NEWS RELEASE Kalamazoo, MI – Transformations Spirituality Center will host Gardens & Gardening – Images for the Spiritual Life on Saturday, June 19, 2010 from 9 a.m. – noon. Throughout Christian scripture, and in the writings of all traditions, gardens and gardening are often found as images and metaphors for our relationship with the divine, as well as for the spiritual life and journey. The program, led by Christine Parks, CSJ, will explore this rich metaphor of tilling the soil, planting seed, nurturing growth and harvesting, through sacred writings, prayer, poetry, photography, experiences, and the earth garden that is our home. Participants should wear comfortable clothes and shoes for walking outdoors and bring a journal, writing/drawing materials and/or a camera. Registration is $30 when paid by May 28; $35 after. Please register by June 7. For more information, or to register, call 269.381.6290 ext. 249, or visit www.transformationscenter.org. Transformations is located at 3427 Gull Road, just east of Kalamazoo, Michigan.
NEWS RELEASE Kalamazoo, MI – Transformations Spirituality Center will host Seeing the Holy – Praying with and Through Your Camera Lens on Saturday, May 1, 2010 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. The program, led by Christine Parks, CSJ, offers input and reflection on “Seeing the Holy”; individual time for photographing and praying with the Holy you see around you; and sharing your experience, prayer and insights. "Let those who have eyes, see.” The spirit of the Holy, or the Sacred, surrounds us on all sides, from the grandeur of the night sky, the curve of a lake’s shore, the loveliness of a flower in bloom, the face of a child. Come away for a day of seeing, and being present to the Holy and capturing that image with a camera for later reflection. Participants should bring a journal and camera (digital camera with a download cable, if available); and wear comfortable clothes/shoes for walking outdoors. This is not a technical photography class and no photographic instruction will be given. No professional experience or equipment is required. Registration is $45 and includes instruction and lunch. Please register by April 19. For more information, or to register, call 269.381.6290 ext. 249, or visit www.transformationscenter.org. Transformations is located at 3427 Gull Road, just east of Kalamazoo, Michigan.
NEWS RELEASE Kalamazoo, MI – Transformations Spirituality Center will host The 12-Steps of AA Women’s Retreat – A Journey of Ongoing Humility and Responsibility on Friday, April 9; 7 p.m. – noon on Sunday, April 11, 2010. This weekend retreat, for women who are actively working an AA 12-Step program, will review the 12 steps and how the steps, and working with them, are influenced and effected by both humility and responsibility. The program will be led by Sr. Karen Anne Jackson of the Sisters of the Holy Cross St. Mary’s, Notre Dame, Indiana. Karen Anne is an experienced 12-Step retreat facilitator who creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere enhanced by her delightful sense of humor. During the past 20 years she has facilitated 12-Step retreats for women in Ohio, Michigan, Indiana and Illinois; in addition to her full-time ministry. Progress in the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous can be described in two words: Humility and Responsibility. The basic ingredient of all Humility is the desire to seek and do the will of the higher Power. True humility is freedom from self, along with a sincere attempt to keep ourselves “green and growing.” Our ever increasing sense of Responsibility continues to challenge us to grow in our acceptance of the needed behavior and action. Registration is $185, including a $50 non-refundable deposit. Please register by March 29. For more information, or to register, call 269.381.6290 ext. 249, or visit www.transformationscenter.org. Transformations is located at 3427 Gull Road, just east of Kalamazoo, Michigan. | |
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