Hamilton Conference Annual Meeting Workshop Descriptions

Workshops are limited to 25 participants, except Drumming which is limited to 20.

1. Awaken to Your Dreams

Have you ever wondered about the dreams you have at night? Jeremy Taylor says, “All dreams come in the service of health and wholeness.” In this workshop we will look at dreams in scripture and from our own experience and explore what they might mean for us. Join us as we begin to understand our dreams as God’s metaphorical language to us. No experience is necessary!

Offered: A.M; P.M
Facilitators: Kellie McComb and Elaine Graham

2. Biblical Meditation with Hand Drumming

Some people understand the study of scripture is an intellectual pursuit. As spiritual beings we want our study of scripture to be alive and filled with joy. By using rhythm as part of our practice of reflection and meditation, we invite the wisdom of scripture to move into a new deepness, with the potential of transformation of body, soul and mind. The workshop will introduce participants to basic hand drumming techniques and rhythms that will facilitate the practice of biblical meditation. No previous experience in hand drumming is needed. Limit to 20 participants. 

Offered: A.M; P.M
Facilitators: Jeff Allman and Mark Rutledge

3. Bibliodrama—Exploring Scripture Through Role Play

In Bibliodrama, a scripture passage is read slowly, participants are invited to listen and to try to connect with one or more of the characters in the story. They are then invited to think about how that character might have felt, or thought during the experience. Context/background is provided and participants are invited to role play the character(s), speaking as that character and sharing their experience from the story and context. 

Offered: AM
Facilitator: Linda Clark

4. Chanting

St. Augustine said, "Those who sing pray twice." Chanting opens us to connect more deeply with prayer beyond the mind. Experience prayer through chanting using simple phrases and tunes which can be remembered and carried in your heart, to be called upon at any time. Try creating your own chants!  Bring:  A Bible.

Offered: A.M; P.M
Facilitator: Linda Nash

5. A Class Meeting in the John Wesley/Methodist style

Full!

The heritage of the United Church of Canada includes our Methodist roots. A part of John Wesley's mission strategy was establishing small groups of disciples which met weekly to study and pray together under the leadership of a Class leader. Called 'a class meeting' Methodists across the world for the last couple of centuries have continued this spiritual practice for discipleship. Conversation revolving around questions like: what is the state of your soul? Where have you met Christ this week? is a core part of deepening relationship with Jesus Christ and growing in 'Christian perfection' in mutually accountable ways. Participants will engage in an experience similar to the Methodist class meeting.

Offered: A.M.
Facilitator: Jenny Stephens

6. Clear your Clutter and Open Your Soul

Full!

De-cluttering as a Spiritual Practice can free up space in our physical surroundings while opening us to new spiritual opportunities and understandings. Stephanie Bennett Vogt author of Your Spacious Self describes clutter as anything that prevents us from being who we truly are. Come ready to ponder, reflect and explore your own experience with stuff! 

Offered: A.M; P.M.
Facilitator: Valerie Pitt

7. Contemplative Prayer

In these hectic days, contemplative prayer helps us to create a still and silent space within. Contemplative Prayer is a prayer of silence. It is an opening of mind and heart - our whole being - to God who is the Ultimate Mystery, beyond thoughts, words and emotions and closer than breathing. Whether you are experienced in contemplative prayer or new to this practice, this workshop can help you learn to relax in God’s presence and to remain centered in divine love and peace even in the midst of distractions.  

Offered: A.M.; P.M.
Facilitator: Diane Clark

8. Courage to Lead ® as Spiritual Practice

Full!

This workshop will offer a taste of the core values, principles and practices of the Circle of Trust(r) approach to leadership. This approach is based on Parker J. Palmer's work, and is about creating spaces that "invite the soul to show up, this core of ourselves, our selfhood.” (Parker Palmer: A Hidden Wholeness.)

Offered: A.M.
Facilitators: Mardi Tindal and Fred Monteith

9. Embodied Prayer

You have, no doubt, heard of body language... our bodies communicate many things beyond our words, both to others and to ourselves. Come explore how movement and dance might enhance your prayer life. We will explore both individual and group expressions of praying through simple sacred circle dances, body prayer and reflection. Please wear loose,comfortable clothing and shoes.

Offered: A.M; P.M.
Facilitator: Catherine Maine 

10. Experiencing Creation Spirituality

The environmental crisis has prompted a transformation in Christian spirituality: how we experience the sacred, what it means to be human, and how we live in relationship to the whole earth community. This workshop will explore some of the emerging ideas in creation spirituality and give participants an opportunity to experience it through photography and/or writing. Bring: pen/paper/digital camera if you have one.
NOTE: This workshop would be a nice compliment to the "Walking Meditation" workshop offered by John Lawson.

Offered: A.M; P.M.
Facilitator: Garry van Bruchem

11. Inner Drives/Outward Expectations: The Search for Core Practices for Stability, Courage and Joy

An exploration of personal and communal practices of body, mind and spirit developed out of the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola as adapted from a United Church perspective. Bring: an inquiring spirit, paper and pen/pencil

Offered: A.M; P.M (Afternoon Full!)
Facilitator: John Buttars

12. Journeying Toward Greater Generosity

The Church’s present uneasy relationship between faith and economics cannot be bridged with a simple list of “how to’s” or “10 steps” programs alone. Workshop participants will reflect on the Spirit dwelling in matter, in money, in bodies and buildings. What would it mean for us to practice stewardship as incarnation, God with us for all time?
Receiving, practicing, and bequeathing generosity changes lives of both giver and receiver. What do we need in order to practice greater generosity beyond those we know? What would it mean to bequeath a legacy of generosity to subsequent generations with whom we have no memory of relationship?

Offered: A.M; P.M
Facilitator/s: Kim Uyede-Kai and  Lisa DiVeto

13. Morning Pages

Morning Pages is one of the basic tools of creative recovery introduced by Julia Cameron in The Artist's Way. Many have found that through stream-of-consciousness writing they have made major changes in their lives, such as starting a new career, buying a house, ending a relationship, enrolling in a belly dance class. Morning Pages has been used to loose weight, transform one's work environment, and even craft a sermon! In this session, we will write Morning Pages to discover its power and will engage in tasks to uncover "magical moments" of insight of one’s own potential. Participants should expect to be surprised and refreshed! Morning Pages releases energy and lets the Spirit lead  to inspire ideas and novelty.

Offered: A.M; P.M
Facilitator: Rose Ann Vita 

14. Pilgrimage: Ancient Practice, New Relevance

Participants will explore the practice of Christian pilgrimage and how the way of the pilgrim – part attitude, part physical journey – is particularly relevant today. Inspired by experiences of pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago and with the Iona Community, the facilitator now leads a spiritual pilgrimage of her hometown in Guelph, Ontario.

Offered: P.M.
Facilitator: Sheryl Spencer

15. Singing Your Spirit

Full!

How do you feel when you sing? It’s been said that song is one of the most powerful expressions of the human spirit. So come and nurture your spirit during a program of joyful singing and fun. Can you “Name that Hymn?” That’s just one of the fun things we will do during this workshop. And remember, it’s not the quality of the singing that matters; it’s the “joyful noise” of the blended voices praising God! Bring:  Voices United

Offered: P.M.
Facilitator: Linda Clark

16. Soul Collage ®: A Spiritual Art

An Introduction to Soul Collage (R). This is a process, designed by Seena Frost, that allows us to access our inner wisdom with visual images. Soul Collage doest require an artistic background. It is a simple, yet creative and expressive process of surprising value. In a two hour time frame, we will learn Soul Collage and make a card of our own. For more information see www.soulcollage.com.
Offered: A.M; P.M
Facilitator: Barbara Booth

17. Standing in the Gap

"Standing in the Gap"--We explore the practice of Intercessory Prayer by examining Biblical teaching and models, and address:

Offered: A.M; P.M.
Facilitator: Jeeva Sam

18. Walking Meditation

Full!

Many people find their most profound experiences of the divine and the holy in nature – not inside buildings. Mindful walking may enable us to learn how to love the earth and walk on it in sacred ways. In this practice we will share a scripture and then, holding that in our mind, walk with fellow pilgrims in conversation with others and with God. Participants need to be mobile.

Offered: A.M; P.M.
Facilitator: John Lawson