September 23, 2023

Opening God’s Word: Creative Ways to Engage Scripture 

God's Word still speaks to us today. Kathleen teaches us a simple tool, the T-exercise, that helps us discover meaning in Scripture for our own lives and inspires us to respond with heartfelt prayer. Scripture can also present us with stumbling blocks that cause us to question, may confuse, intrigue, or even trouble us. Kathleen refers to these as "speed bumps" and invites us to view them as doorway into the story using the rabbinical tool of Midrash.

Kathleen McInnis Kichline

Kathleen uses these techniques and others in her bible studies: SISTERS IN SCRIPTURE: Exploring the Relationships of Biblical Women and NEVER ON SUNDAY: A Look at the Women NOT in the Lectionary. She is also the author of the recently published book, WHY THESE WOMEN: Four Stories You Need to Read Before You Read the Story of Jesus. She is a frequent retreat and Zoom presenter on women in Scripture and the women in Tradition who have followed in their footsteps and continue to "Go, tell the others." Kathleen served for many years as Pastoral Associate in parishes in the Seattle Archdiocese and as adjunct faculty at Seattle University.

Visit Kathleen’s website at sistersinscripture.com

Chant Your Heart Prayer

Consider your unique belovedness in God, and how your role complements your wider community, like a member of a band. How has your special part grown or shifted during your lifetime? We will explore the prayer practice of chanting as an opportunity to finding peace in our daily lives. Rest assured that no background in music is necessary to participate, and you will not be asked to sing in front of others!

Shannon Dahlstedt

Shannon Dahlstedt is a Spiritual Director who studied in the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation. A musician, runner, writer, and lover of nature, she offers Spiritual Direction at St. Francis Springs Prayer Center in Stoneville, NC, and Inner Ground in Greensboro, NC. Shannon also facilitates Sacred Circles for Retreat, Reflect, Renew. She is a wife to Stephen, mom to two older teens, and companion to two furry doodles.

12 - 1 Lunch Break and time to meet with Christine if you have questions about upcoming retreats.

Get Up & Move: Cultivating Peace & Joy Through Movement

Whether we are aware of it or not, we hold stress and tension in our bodies. Get in touch with movement as a way to release stress in order to be open to, “love God with all your mind, body, and soul.” Through stretching, movement, and music, you can experience new ways to be grounded in your own body and be comfortable with your body. Let go of stress and find creative ways to express your thoughts and feelings to God. Pauline will guide us through gentle exercises with options for those who want to move while sitting down.

Pauline Locsin

Pauline is a professional dancer, choreographer, and Senior Lecturer in the Theatre and Dance Department at Santa Clara University. She enjoys using dance as a way to help us express ourselves. Her choreographic works and technique classes have spanned across concert dance and musical theatre at SCU, Bellarmine College Preparatory, San Jose Lyric Theatre, and nationally ranked dance studios including Lana's Dance Studio in Morgan Hill, CA. She has served as an adjudicator for several international companies and a performance coach for competitive and pre-professional dancers.

Soulful Listening: Awaken Your Playful Spirit and Prayerful Heart

What does soulful listening look like in your every day? Darlene and Christine will take some time to explore what you heard from the day’s event and then they will share their personal experience of soulful listening in their friendship and in their working together in the ministry. Awaken your playful spirit and prayerful heart with ways to recognize holy listening and be open to the Grace that accompanies this sacred gift.

Christine Jurisich

Christine Jurisich is an author, retreat facilitator, spiritual director and founder of Retreat, Reflect, Renew ministry. She has been in retreat ministry for the past fifteen years.

Darlene Carlson

Darlene Carlson is a Retreat, Reflect, Renew facilitator, spiritual director and on staff with the Bread of Life’s, “Listening to Your Life” formational program. She has led numerous faith sharing and prayer groups for the past 15 years and have over 25 years of experience both as a catechist and middle school teacher.