DEVELOPING YOUR SPIRITUAL SENSES Sister Barbara Jean Brown TUESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2017 6:30PM – 8:00PM ALL SAINTS’ EPISCOPAL CHURCH AND PRESCHOOL 4-1065 KUHIO HIGHWAY, KAPA’A, HAWAI’I 96746 About the Program This experiential presentation will look at ways in which we can better listen for the movement of the Spirit within our lives, by becoming more aware of and open to our own spiritual discernment. "Open the eyes of my heart, Lord" is a song that speaks to the ability of becoming more receptive to God in the world around us. We can "Taste and See" that the Lord is good. We can listen for the Still Small Voice and we can also learn to feel the Spirit holding us in a loving embrace. About Sister Barbara Jean Brown Sister BJ, as she is known, is the co-founder of an Episcopal religious community called Anamchara Fellowship. She attends St. James Episcopal Church, Millcreek, in Wilmington, DE. She is also the Executive Director of the Interfaith Resource Center, a lending library serving all of Delaware and Eastern Shore, Maryland. She holds a BS in Theology from Marian College, Fond du Lac, WI and a Masters diploma in Celtic Christianity from The University of Wales, Lampeter, Wales. Sister BJ has been an Episcopal Religious for 43 years. Her ministry over these years has ranged from parish and diocesan ministry for Children and Youth; being a retreat and conference leader; as well as being a traveling preacher/teacher and a spiritual director. She is the proud author of a book on the Christian Mystical tradition, called Convents, Jails and Other Tales, as well as a book that can be used for Lenten study called Six Smooth Stones. Her favorite ministry among all of these things has been leading pilgrimage groups to the UK and Ireland.
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Last year during Lent, Bob Vlach, who designs and crafts labyrinths in Hawai'i and Oregon, painted a labyrinth on the All Saints' lawn. Throughout the year, members of the wider Kapa'a community have maintained the labyrinth's design--most notably the Rev. Caroline Miura, chaplain at Kaua'i Hospice and the Rev. Barry Mick, pastor at UCC Kapa'a First Hawaiian.
This year, members of the All Saints' 'Ohana have expanded the labyrinth ministry: The entire lines of the labyrinth are now illumined with LED, solar-power, light strings. The labyrinth can be utilized at day or night--and during the night the experience is extremely peaceful and profoundly spiritual. What is a labyrinth? It is an archetype, a divine imprint, found in all religious traditions in various forms around the world. Walking the labyrinth is an invitation into forgotten mystical tradition. A labyrinth is not maze. Labyrinths have only one path, no dead ends, and are not designed to confuse or trick their users. The winding path of a labyrinth becomes a mirror for where we are in our lives. The experience is intended to touch our sorrows and releases our joys. Users are invited to walk the labyrinth with an open mind and an open heart. Three stages of walking the labyrinth: 1. Purgation (Releasing): A releasing, a letting go of the details of your life. This is the act of shedding thoughts and distractions. A time to open the heart and quiet the mind. 2. Illumination (Receiving): When you reach the center, stay there as long as you like. It is a place of meditation and prayer. Receive what is there for you to receive. 3. Union (Returning): As you leave, following the same path out of the center as you came in, you enter the third stage, which is joining God, your Higher Power, or the healing forces at work in the world. Each time you walk the labyrinth you become more empowered to find and do the work for which you feel your soul is reaching. Suggested Practices for walking the labyrinth Quiet your mind and become aware of your breath. Allow yourself to find the pace your body wants to go. The path is two ways. Those going in will meet those coming out. You may "pass" people or let others step around you. Do what feels natural. We invite you to experience the drama, mystery, and profound love that is Holy Week and Easter. All Saints' will offer 16 worship experiences throughout the week along with other events. Many of the worship services will feature music under the direction of Hank Curtis. All are welcome throughout the Holy Week and Easter services and events.
On Palm Sunday, April 9th, All Saints' will host 'Ohana Beach BBQ at Lydgate Beach Park (4:00PM -6:30PM). On Easter Sunday, April 16th, following the 9:30AM, All Saints' will host its annual Easter Festival featuring Keiki and Kupuna egg hunts, games, tons of food and drinks, fun and fellowship. To download the schedule, click on the image below. |
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