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Spiritual Enrichment

Spiritual Enrichment is a committee of the Board of Deacons that supports, nurtures and encourages “listening with the ear of the heart” while exploring the questions, uncertainties and wisdom that such listening calls up as we walk – individually and collectively – on our spiritual journeys. Toward this mission, the committee sponsors retreats and groups for Plymouth members and friends. We sincerely hope you’ll find opportunities in 2010-11 to enrich your spirit.

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Spiritual Yoga

Ben Lee

Every Monday or Wednesday except holidays,
6:45-8:00 p.m., One Groveland
(Wednesdays only during summer months)

Relax, stretch, breathe into the moment and refresh your spirit. The goal of gentle yoga movements is to integrate our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being. No previous experience is necessary. Just wear comfortable clothing and enjoy.

Ben has been studying and practicing Hatha yoga since 1994 and teaching yoga since 2001. He brings his knowledge of anatomy and a thoughtful approach to individual differences to each class. Combining fundamentals of Hatha yoga with energizing flow sequences, Ben’s class emphasizes strength, energy, balance and deep relaxation.

Cost: $8-$10 donation per session
(no pre-registration)

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Introduction to
Japanese Taiko Drumming

Saturdays,
September 25 through October 16

Sara Dejoras Olsen

Since the beginning of civilization, the taiko drum has been an integral part of Japanese culture. For centuries the drums were played for many purposes. They were played in the temples, for government ceremonies, for planting and harvesting festivals and for theatre and dance performances. However, as Japan modernized, the drums came to be viewed as primitive and their presence slowly diminished until barely visible.

It wasn’t until the 1940s when Japan experienced a cultural renaissance that taiko drumming was embraced as a cherished folk art. Drum ensembles formed and taiko gained a new position. No longer used just as an accompaniment for other events or art forms, taiko was now an art form unto itself.

Taiko quickly grew in popularity. There are now more than 5,000 taiko ensembles in Japan. In the U.S., the first taiko dojo (school) opened in 1968 in San Francisco. There are presently more than 250 taiko ensembles in North America.

Playing the taiko drum is a powerful experience. It connects one’s mind, body and spirit to create a feeling of pure joy.

Plymouth is pleased to offer “Introduction to Japanese Taiko Drumming” for those of you who are interested in learning this exquisite art form. The course will be taught by Plymouth member Sara Dejoras Olsen, Artistic Director of Misora Taiko.

Introduction to Japanese Taiko Drumming is a four-week course for adults and teens age 16 and older. Class size is limited to 15.

Youth Introduction to Japanese Taiko Drumming is a four-week course for children 3rd grade to age 15. Class size is limited to 15.

Time: Adult Class 9:30-11:00 a.m.
Youth Class 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Course Fee: Adults $60; Youth $40

For further information contact Sara Olsen: 612/385-6107.

For class registration: contact the Church Office, 612/871-7400; see the Spiritual Enrichment table in Guild Hall following 10:30 worship; or...

Register on-line

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Spiritual Nurture for Women

Eight biweekly sessions, two groups
Tuesdays, 7:00-8:30 p.m.

Group One meets September 28, October 12, 26, November 9, 23, December 7, 21 and January 4

Group Two meets October 5, 19, November 2, 16, 30, December 14, 28 and January 11

Carol Burling and Paula Northwood
(both sessions)

Following a spiritual practice can be rewarding but sometimes challenging. We need companions and guides along our way. Plymouth is offering an opportunity for women to share their spiritual journeys with like-minded seekers in a small-group, intimate setting. The group meets every other week on Tuesday evening.

We’ll experience a variety of personal spiritual and self-care practices through poetry, prayer, silence, journaling, symbol, art and sand play. Participants need no prior experience but a willingness to be intentional about their spiritual journey. The goal of the series is to develop and foster a deep sense of the spirit in everyday life.

The facilitators are Carol Burling (above) and Paula Northwood. Carol, a certified spiritual director and Sandtray Practitioner, works as a Spiritual Director. She holds a D.Min from Wisdom University. Paula Northwood, Minister for Education at Plymouth, is also a certified spiritual director through the Center for Spiritual Guidance. She holds a D.Min from United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities.

Cost: $100 for eight sessions.

Register on-line

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Looking ahead to
Winter/Spring 2011

Lenten Meditation Book

If you haven’t contributed to the Lenten meditation booklet in the past, but have been enriched by reading others’ offerings during the season of Lent, now’s the time to be looking out for an excerpt from a poem, hymn, scripture or other writing that inspires you, for inclusion in the 2011 edition. Add a short related meditation and give it to any member of the Spiritual Enrichment committee or drop it off at the Spiritual Enrichment table in Guild Hall between now and January. The book will acknowledge contributors, but individual pieces will be anonymous.

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Shaping – Modeling with Clay

Saturday, January 15, 9 a.m.- Noon

Laurie L. Halberg and Sam King

How have we been shaped by the forces of birth, class, parentage, health, culture? When we’re dealt hard challenges, how can we transform our fear by shaping what’s come to us into healing forms? What shape is the vessel that we are and what’s our capacity: how much can we hold? As we enter a new year, what’s new that’s taking shape within us? In this retreat we’ll work on all this and more by playing with clay, material of the earth. We’ll try to allow our hands to teach us what we didn’t know we knew for the sake of guidance, inspiration, comfort and release. Along the way we’ll be attended by poetry, story and music as well.

Plymouth members Laurie Halberg and Sam King will facilitate this half-day retreat. Halberg founded and headed the renowned ceramics program in the Department of Art and Ceramics in the School of Fine Arts at St. Cloud State University. King is a poet, spiritual leader and frequent retreat facilitator at Plymouth, who draws on varied media to guide participants in their spiritual journeys.

Cost is $15 a person.

Register on-line

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Wounding Shame
and Original Blessing

Carol Burling and Paula Northwood will lead a half-day retreat Saturday, February 12.

Celtic Spirituality

Julie Neraas will facilitate a half-day retreat at Plymouth on Saturday, March 5.

Labyrinth

M.J. McGregor will bring it back.

Men’s spirituality groups

resume starting in January.

Yoga continues

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Register on-line for some
Spiritual Enrichment programs.

At a glance...

Spiritual Yoga

Introduction to Japanese Taiko Drumming

Spiritual Nurture for Women

Looking ahead to Winter/Spring 2011 –

Lenten Meditation Book

Shaping – Modeling with Clay

Wounding Shame and Original Blessing

Celtic Spirituality

Labyrinth

Men's Spirituality Groups

Yoga continues