Gathering Workshops

Workshops at the Gathering offer a unique weeklong experience: the opportunity to deeply explore a topic with other Friends who share your interest, within an immersive atmosphere of sharing, trust, and respect.

These daily sessions form a grounding mini-community throughout the week, building strong relationships and connections among Friends from all parts of the US and Canada.

Each workshop has an introductory session on First Day (10:30–11:45 am) and then meets from 9:00–11:45 am each weekday. Workshops include worship or worship-sharing each day. Detailed workshop descriptions can be found online.

Part-time workshops (PT): Workshops 6, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 22, 24, 25, 27, 36, 40, 42 and 57 welcome part-time participation. Friends may join after the Monday session, subject to space limitations.

Silent Place: If you are seeking an alternative option during workshop time, the Gathering Worship Committee offers the Silent Place. Bring to it anything that helps deepen your quietness through meditation, prayer, reading or writing.

Click on workshop titles to display short descriptions. Click on "read more" for each workshop to see details including topics, format, and schedule.

Open to all

1. FULL – Awareness of Being and Body: Yoga (Geeta Jyothi McGahey)

Yoga Asanas (poses), Pranayama (breathing), and concentration/meditation strengthen & energize us, encouraging mental, physical & spiritual well-being (1.5 hours vigorous practice daily). Learning about various Yoga paths, and reflecting on Yoga Sutras, we will also discuss Action, Devotion, and Moderation/Discipline in our lives. Bring a mat.

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 20; Lecture 5; Discussion 15; Experiential 60

2. Becoming a Storyteller (Ruth Fraser and Tom Farley)

Storytelling is a powerful way to communicate. No wonder Jesus used Parables! Do you have a story to tell? We will work together, developing stories of our own choosing (personal, created or traditional), gaining insights and skills, and sharing the stories with each other and in venues throughout the Gathering.

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 20; Lecture 10; Discussion 20; Experiential 50

3. FULL - Beyond Hearsay Testimonies: Living Quaker Values (Eric Moon)

Survey of the historical meanings and functions of Quaker testimonies over different eras, reflected in Quaker queries, pamphlets and disownments. We will touch their underlying spiritual reality, coming to understand what testimonies were and were not, while making space to consider freshly the possibilities of God working through the RSOF.

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 20; Lecture 40; Discussion 30; Experiential 10

4. Broadcasters of the Truth (Mark Helpsmeet)

Friends World Media and SpeakingTruth.org launched this past year with a desire to give a voice to Friends spirituality and testimonies. This workshop will help Friends brainstorm and season ideas for media outreach, via radio and the Internet, and help with practical skills in producing media and finding our voices.

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 20; Lecture 15; Discussion 30; Experiential 35

5. FULL – Changing Climate, Changing Selves (Karen Street)

The reality of Climate Change calls us urgently to action. Effective action requires both spiritual energy and solid information: What's happening and why? Who do we believe? What needs changing in our lives? In public policy? How do we answer doubt and cynicism to make way for constructive action? Pre-workshop data due 6/15

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 20; Lecture 10; Discussion 50; Experiential 20

6. Chant (Beverly Shepard)

Chant starts simply. As we sing, the music grows richer, deepening the worship and our faith. We use a variety of styles from different traditions; the majority are Judeo-Christian. (Many chants include "Lord" and other theist terms.) Expect joy, tears, exaltation, and healing. No special singing experience or gift is necessary.

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 80; Lecture 10; Discussion 10; Experiential 80
(PT)

7. FULL – Clerking with Joy and Confidence (Arthur Larrabee)

The workshop will focus on all aspects, both theoretical and practical, of being a presiding clerk of a Friends meeting or committee. There will be handouts and opportunities for experience sharing. All work will be done in a whole group setting. Participants are encouraged to make a voluntary $15 contribution for materials.

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 20; Lecture 10; Discussion 50; Experiential 20

8. Connecting the Wars at Home and Abroad (Jessica Walker Beaumont and Allison Budschalow)

Led by staff from AFSC, this workshop will focus on the interconnections between militarization, prisons, migration and the global economy. After four days of focus on these interconnections, we will explore the power for change this approach offers. We will also look at how our spirit guides us into working further on these issues.

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 20; Lecture 15; Discussion 40; Experiential 25
(PT)

9. Courage for the Dark Nights and Deserts (Laura Melly)

Faith journeys include periods of fear, dryness, reproof, and doubt. Courage and understanding help. This workshop is designed to build up both our collective courage and our Quaker understanding.

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 40; Lecture 10; Discussion 20; Experiential 30
(PT)

10. The Courage to Be Moral (Stephen Schwenke)

We all face moral dilemmas. Overcoming them takes courage, discernment, and inner peace – and often some deep moral understanding. This workshop is intended to demystify ethics, and to look at morality from several leading secular moral theories, as well as from that morality that is derived from our Quaker values.

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 20; Lecture 20; Discussion 40; Experiential 20

11. FULL – Courageously Faithful: Living a Life of Prayer (Mary Glazer and Kristina Keefe-Perry)

This workshop is for those who long to pray without ceasing. With God’s guidance, we will explore how prayer – and God’s presence – might live larger in us. Through a variety of contemplative exercises, we will open ourselves to the awesome and counter-cultural wonder of living in deeper awareness of God’s presence.

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 45; Lecture 5; Discussion 10; Experiential 40

12. FULL -Creating a Personal Spiritual Fairytale (Kathleen Mavournin)

Using formulas that describe fairytale development, we will create stories from formative episodes in our lives that help us understand how the events and people involved have influenced our personal and spiritual direction and formation. Please read the long description on the website before selecting this workshop.

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 30; Lecture 10; Discussion 30; Experiential 30

13. Daily Extended Meeting for Worship (Jorge Arauz and Ruth Pauly)

This is an opportunity to gather in worship, and entrust ourselves to the ministry of the Holy Spirit. God is here to teach, nourish and heal us. Embracing early Friends’ heritage of radical faith, we surrender into divine communion to be restored and transformed in God’s infinite love.

Percentage of time:
Worship 100
(PT)

14. Dancing In the Light (Ruth E. Hyde)

Experience international dance as a joyful, spiritual, group activity. Learn the role of dance in worship and community celebrations. Explore ways in which knowledge of dance in other cultures can lead to peace. Discover that participants of varied ages and levels of experience can enjoy dancing together. No partners needed.

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 30; Lecture/Discussion 5; Experiential 65
(PT)

15. FULL - Early Friends -- Connecting Deeply (Helene Pollock)

Encounter Early Friends as people. Be open to their spiritual experience while exploring your own. Enhance your spiritual vocabulary, pondering the words early Friends used when talking about their lives. Create a courageous, creative, caring community. Test out an adult curriculum you can use at home.

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 50; Lecture 15; Discussion 15; Experiential 20
(PT)

16. FULL – EarthQuakers Unbound! (Carl Magruder with Patricia McBee)

As the world faces unprecedented perils, our prophetic faith has more witness to offer. What corporate witness are Friends called to now? How do the dire threats we face provide the impetus for radical surrender? Not a Think Tank, but a Worship Tank, exploring what Quakerism will look like in the 21st Century. Not for the faint of heart.

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 20; Lecture 20; Discussion 30; Experiential 30

17. FULL – Elias Hicks (Paul Buckley)

Elias Hicks was at the center of the 1827-28 separations among American Friends, yet he is largely unknown to modern Friends. Using transcripts of his journal and letters, we’ll meet this fascinating and complicated man, and examine how his beliefs on being faithful to our calling and the nature of God affect us today.

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 25; Lecture 40; Discussion 25; Experiential 10

18. Facing White Privilege/Racism (Melody Brazo)

A time for Friends who identify as white to dismantle the barriers that conceal the fullness and depth of Spirit’s voice in others. Through deep listening, we will hear about the pain that racism inflicts on all people, and also the gifts available to those working to heal the damage.

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 40; Lecture 10; Discussion 30; Experiential 20

19. FULL – Fear, Faith, and Creativity (Janet Harrison)

This workshop offers a gentle exploration of the interrelationships between between fear, faith, and creativity using quotes, queries, discussion, writing, and art. No prior experience with writing or art is required. Emphasis will be placed on the role creativity plays in our spiritual journeys.

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 20; Lecture 15; Discussion 30; Experiential 35

20. The Gospel of Matthew (Gail Thomas)

Matthew is an intriguing mixture of very old and newer traditions about Jesus. We will consider both the content and the context, and how the text can deepen and transform our spiritual lives today.

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 30; Lecture 20; Discussion 25; Experiential 25

21. FULL - Hiking a Spiritual Path (John Cardarelli)

This workshop will involve hiking on moderate trails both on and off campus. Worship sharing will follow daily hikes focusing on a theme of spiritual life. Themes include: Seeking the Light, Finding a Right Path, Valley of the Shadow of Death, Moments of Revelation, and Ascent of the Holy Mountain.

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 30; Lecture 0; Discussion 0; Experiential 70

22. If War Is Not the Answer, Then What Is? (Stephen McNeil)

Revisiting the Peace Testimony, participants will learn about the current Peaceful Prevention of Deadly Conflict work of the FCNL and the AFSC finding on the UN proposal on the Responsibility to Protect. Based on Quaker spiritual insights, we will advise FCNL on possible actions to take to challenge crimes against humanity.

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 25; Lecture 25; Discussion 25; Experiential 25
(PT)

23. Living Forms; Vital Meetings (Walter Hjelt Sullivan and Elaine Emily)

Many of us long for deeply faithful communities with powerful worship and vital social ministries. Yet, often, something crucial is missing. How can we kindle a powerful 21st century Quakerism? Committees of Ministers and Elders used to carry these concerns. What vital new forms does current personal experience lead us to?

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 30; Lecture 10; Discussion 20; Experiential 40

24. Meeting for Bicycling (Russell Nelson)

Feet to the pedals and meat to the seat induces a worshipful state conducive to opening yourself to the Light. Physical exhaustion is a part of every mystical religious tradition.

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 15; Lecture 0; Discussion 0; Experiential 85
(PT)

25. Meeting for Worship for Healing and Laughter (Richard Lee)

This workshop is filled with all of the possibilities of the movement of the Spirit. We begin by looking at the healing tradition of early Friends. Also, we will look at healing in Mennonite and Amish communities. There are plenty of opportunities for fun and laughter. Laughter is healing!

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 20; Lecture 20; Discussion 20; Experiential 40
(PT)

26. FULL – Nontheist Friends and Courageous Discernment (Robin Alpern and David Boulton)

Committed nontheist Friends are invited to explore the nature and process of discernment. How do we recognize, interpret and respond to leadings, calls, clearness, and sense of the meeting, outside a traditional theistic framework? How do our processes of decision-making enable us to live faithful, adventurous lives?

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 20; Lecture 10; Discussion 60; Experiential 10

27. FULL - Opening Hearts and Minds: Speak Peace (Bonnie Tinker)

Learn practical tools for speaking peace when confronted with violence, bigotry and fear. Facing the fear behind discrimination and war, we will construct nonviolent responses for use in our personal and political lives. Through worship we will look at our fears and seek courage to use words as instruments of peace.

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 25; Lecture 10; Discussion 35; Experiential 30
(PT)

28. Opening the Silence: Meeting Community Inreach (La Verne Shelton)

We will practice tools for Meeting Community Inreach by sharing our individual practice of testimonies of Equality, Peace, Integrity, Simplicity, and Community. In worship sharing, story-telling, writing, and exercises, Friends with any level of experience with testimonies will also learn about giving and receiving as channels of Divine love.

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 30; Lecture 0; Discussion 5; Experiential 65

29. Primitive Quakerism/Postmodern World (Robin Mohr)

Explore the re-emergence of primitive Quakerism in the postmodern era. Experiment with traditional and new spiritual practices to help us fearlessly live up to the Light that we have been given. Daily hour of worship, plus reading, writing, animated discussion, singing, new media, some homework. Expect inclusive and Christian language.

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 40; Lecture 10; Discussion 25; Experiential 25

30. FULL - Quakers and Leadership (Jennie Isbell)

Participants will explore "leadership" in the manner of Friends including examination of current supply and demand issues, and theological and historical understandings of authority, stewardship, giftedness, community, and obedience. Other topics will include resistance to leading and to following, discipleship to the Spirit, and leadership as ministry.

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 40; Lecture 20; Discussion 20; Experiential 20

31. The Question of Palestine & Israel (Skip Schiel)

Based on photographs and stories from my most recent of four journeys to Israel and Palestine, this workshop will provide background and context for the conflicts in Israel-Palestine, and concentrate on crafting a proposal for Quakers to help build peace and justice in this most troubled region.

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 30; Lecture 30; Discussion 20; Experiential 20

32. FULL - Reclaiming Our Understanding of the Divine (Jim Cain, Sally MacEwen and Elaine Ruscetta)

A safe space to articulate, explore, and deepen understanding of the divine and its source. Through lecture, discussion and worship we go deeper than common dichotomies and oversimplified labels to negotiate new conceptualizations of things like theist and nontheist; fundamentalist and analytical Biblical interpretation; and words which describe the divine.

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 30; Lecture 40; Discussion 20; Experiential 10

33. Recording Minutes Can Be Joyful (Judy Purvis)

Using discussion and hands-on practice, we will explore being a recording clerk, asking questions such as what to record, how to articulate the sense of the meeting, and how to interact effectively with the presiding clerk.

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 20; Lecture 10; Discussion 35; Experiential 35

34. FULL - Sacred Circle Dance: Meditation in Motion (Joan Rawles-Davis)

Simple dances to glorious music from many cultures. Lively or meditational, all are done in a spirit of worship. The simple steps allow us to give ourselves over to the spirit created by dancing with others to beautiful music. Dances are interspersed with time for meditation or journaling.

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 25; Lecture 0; Discussion 0; Experiential 75

35. Seeking Common Ground (John Helding)

Together we'll explore ways to discover and communicate our common needs, truths, and ways of being in the world. Instead of emphasizing differences, can we learn to identify and celebrate common ground? In our personal lives? Within Quakerism? A week of building community, developing communication skills, and seeking common ground.

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 25; Lecture 15; Discussion 20; Experiential 40

36. Slavery Among Friends (and why it matters) (Betsy Cazden)

Before 1775, many Friends held Africans in slavery. Through readings, small-group role-plays, and discussion, we will explore how that happened; how Friends came to see slave-owning as not consistent with Truth; and how their experience may inform our conversations about un-free labor, wealth, reparations, and global warming.

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 35; Lecture 10; Discussion 30; Experiential 25
(PT)

37. Speaking My Truth, Hearing Yours (Dorothy Henderson)

We will engage the practice of Nonviolent Communication (NVC) to connect deeply with that of God in ourselves and with that of God in others. NVC goes beyond conflict resolution, taking us to the heart of compassion, while teaching us to more fully speak our truth and more clearly hear the truth of others.

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 20; Lecture 20; Discussion 10; Experiential 50

38. Users' Guide to the Bible (Murray Richmond)

This workshop will help participants use the Bible for their own spiritual development and practice. We’ll focus on reading within historical context, using Isaiah (Hebrew Scriptures), and I Corinthians (New Testament). We will cover different methods of reading: Devotional Reading, Study, Lectio Divina, Liturgical Prayer and Visualization Meditations.

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 10; Lecture 30; Discussion 30; Experiential 30

39. Walking with Gandhi (Chris Moore-Backman)

Mohandas Gandhi is far and away the most oft-cited teacher of nonviolent resistance. Do we actually understand the essence and demands of his profound instruction? Join us in a workshop experience designed to invite the mahatma down from his pedestal, so we can get busy with the nuts and bolts of real-life nonviolent transformation.

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 20; Lecture 30; Discussion 35; Experiential 15

40. Wool Gathering (Heather Nelson)

As a group, we will create a space to worship through knitting. We will knit an afghan to be given away. Bring needles and washable yarn for the afghan. Come with your own projects, or try my patterns. No knitting experience necessary.

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 15; Lecture 0; Discussion 0; Experiential 85
(PT)

41. FULL – Writing: A Spiritual Practice (Anne Beaufort)

Writing as a spiritual practice goes beyond journaling into undiscovered depths of wisdom and meaning. Explore ways to access writing that bypasses our day-to-day thoughts. We will write in community to prompts that will help us speak our truths, discover our inner lives, and listen deeply to the Light within.

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 20; Lecture 10; Discussion 20; Experiential 50

42. Yoga as an Aid to Meditation and Reflection (Ann Ritter)

(Kundalini Yoga tradition) Simple postures (from floor or chair), breathing and hand movements, group chant to recorded music, followed by silent meditation resembling Meeting for Worship. Aim: to deepen openness and discernment, and lead to the still point/ light within. Daily discussion of group energy and Q&A regarding individual practice.

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 50; Lecture 0; Discussion 20; Experiential 30
(PT)

High school only

43. Honoring That of Goddess Within (Peggy O'Neill)

This workshop will encourage high school women to have direct personal experience of the inner light and the Divine Feminine through worship, guided meditation, sacred circle dance, journaling, worship sharing, group discussion, affirmations, and ritual. We’ll form a safe and supportive sacred community to allow for deep personal exploration and sharing.

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 20; Lecture 5; Discussion 20; Experiential 55

44. Ministry with Children (John Inman)

High school participants will join experienced Junior Gathering leaders in nurturing, witnessing, and delighting in our very young Friends. Serious work, serious responsibility, serious fun! If you choose this workshop, please complete a Junior Gathering staff application.

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 5; Lecture 0; Discussion 5; Experiential 90

45. FULL – Xtreme Quakerism: Mind, Body, Spirit (Peterson Toscano & Kri Burkander)

This dynamic, interactive workshop will help to deepen your faith, nurture your spirit, share your heart, and get (re)energized to be a radical Quaker in the world. Through games, movement, worship, art, writing, drama, and more, we'll build a loving community and listen deeply to each other and the Spirit.

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 30; Lecture 0; Discussion 0; Experiential 70

High school & AYF only

46. Healthy Sexuality as Quaker Testimony (Guli Fager and Seth Barch)

Quakers are known to be open-minded, accepting, and compassionate toward a diversity of relationships, but there is no unified Quaker approach to teaching young Friends about sex. We will discern "personal testimonies" toward sex, explore our role as Quakers in American sexual culture, and learn from other Friends. (For Friends ages 16-20)

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 20; Lecture 20; Discussion 50; Experiential 10

47. FULL - How to Speak Truth to Power (Heather Brutz)

Want to work for change in the world? Passionate about peace, social justice, and the environment? This workshop will teach you some basic techniques for working for social change. We will consider the effectiveness of different strategies, as well as the consistency of those strategies with our beliefs as Friends.

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 15; Lecture 5; Discussion 40; Experiential 40

AYF only

48. *CANCELED* - Spirit Life Now (Julian Dockhorn) -

Adults only

49. *CANCELED* - Blessing, a Way of Life (Judy Brutz)

50. FULL – Bread and Roses, a Singing Sanctuary (Annie Patterson)

This workshop is for those who identify themselves as women who love to sing, yet long for rest and renewal. We will sing songs that fill our hearts with joy and hope, and songs that help us share our burdens and our grief. There will be time for gentle movement, quiet prayer and reflection.

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 10; Lecture 5; Discussion 35; Experiential 50

51. Celebrating Quaker Philanthropy (Michael Wajda, Susan Hopkins and Alison Levie)

We'll consider philanthropy based upon Quaker testimonies and practice. Content will include history of Quaker philanthropy, financial matters related to giving, and discussion with a thoughtful panel of Friends who give. Philanthropy as a spiritual practice will be explored through journaling and experiential activities. Friends of all incomes warmly welcomed.

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 25; Lecture 20; Discussion 30; Experiential 25

52. Deepening the Spiritual Life of the Meeting (Mary Ann Downey)

In meeting for worship, we seek a deep sense of God's presence among us. What is the role of our appointed ministry and worship committees in anchoring the gathered stillness and nurturing vocal ministry? We will explore how meetings can deepen and nurture the spiritual life of the meeting, especially meeting for worship.

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 25; Lecture 10; Discussion 25; Experiential 40

53. Grief That's Not Been Grieved: Witnessing Loss (Elizabeth Barnard)

Almost everyone with a profound loss has something unresolved about the death/grieving process. Even stories of loss from years ago may need telling. We'll identify commonalities of grief, using worship, poetry, journaling and art-making to witness each person's story. For people who have lost someone or are close to someone grieving.

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 45; Lecture 5; Discussion 5; Experiential 45

54. Membership Process as Spirit-led Eldering (Margery Larrabee)

The goal of this workshops is to look at how a Spirit-led eldering process can be integrated with the process of becoming a member and to offer support and direction to those discerning their relationship to the Spirit and to the Meeting. Includes helpful and exploratory questions, worship sharing, role playing, discussion, and stories.

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 25; Lecture 5; Discussion 25; Experiential 45

55. *CANCELED* - Mining Our Workplace For Glints Of Spirit (Heidi Jett and Mary Ann Peterson)

56. Parenting Guided by Quaker Faith and Practices (Harriet Heath)

Our Quaker beliefs, testimonies and practices contain challenges and insights for how we can live as a family and how we can nurture our children. In a worshipful atmosphere, we will explore the strengths of Quakerism and the guidance it offers our parenting, while dealing with the individual concerns we have for our families.

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 33; Lecture 17; Discussion 33; Experiential 17

57. Quaker Quest (Mary Jo Clogg and Elaine Crauderueff)

Gather with Friends with a concern for the future of Quakerism. We will discuss simple, radical and contemporary ways of articulating Quaker spiritual practices and testimonies to others and to ourselves, including how to use the Quaker Quest program that is so effective in Britain and has arrived here.

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 25; Lecture 15; Discussion 25; Experiential 35
(PT)

58. Sexuality & Spirituality in Mid and Later Life (Peggy Brick)

How can we be sexually healthy and whole as we age? Confronted with changing bodies, changing relationships and changing lives, we will explore the changing meanings of sexuality in mid and later life. Communicating with clear and caring guidelines, we will examine the interface of sexuality and spirituality as we grow older.

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 20; Lecture 20; Discussion 30; Experiential 30

59. FULL - Shifting Gears at Sixty: What now? (Elisabeth Dearborn and Joyce Victor)

Participants age 55+ explore the passage from parenting/career into the vitality of the unknown. Reflecting on related topics, playfully engaging experiential exercises, song, and in-depth conversation. Likely to foment inspiration on questions like: How do I stay rooted in my changing body? How can relationship to partner/community evolve with me?

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 20; Lecture 0; Discussion 40; Experiential 40

60. FULL – Telling Our Stories (Allan Brick)

Life's significant meanings are revealed by the personal tale, concretely remembered, vividly told. We will write our memories and read them to each other, thus listening more deeply to ourselves in the Spirit. Allan Brick is formerly a professor of literature and writing at Hunter College.

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 10; Lecture 10; Discussion 30; Experiential 50

Couples only

61. FULL - Couples Enrichment 1 (Verne and Shirley Bechill)

For couples in a committed relationship, this workshop includes worship/worship-sharing and experiential exercises in a group atmosphere of increasing trust. We hope to increase communication skills, spiritual depth, intimacy and the ability to handle conflict and anger, using couple dialogue. Our goal is enrichment of the relationship, not therapy.

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 20; Lecture 10; Discussion 20; Experiential 50

62. Couples Enrichment 2 (Marsha and Michael Green)

63. LGBTQ Couples Enrichment (Marijke van Roojen and Danae Steele)

For lesbian, gay, queer or transgendered couples in a committed relationship. Within a safe community environment, we’ll work on enhancing communication skills and the ability to handle conflict and anger - using couples dialogue and experiential exercises, as well as worship and worship sharing to increase spiritual depth and intimacy.

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 20; Lecture 10; Discussion 20; Experiential 50

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