Cedar Park United Church

Spirituality and Healing Discussion Groups and Workshops

General: Discussion groups are offered in English. Small donation or fee may apply. Because space is limited, pre-registration is essential. See Sign-Up Sheets on the Activity Board, or call the Church Office (514 695-3337).

Discussion Group:
A New Earth–Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose by Eckhart Tolle

Facilitator: Rev. Sharon Moon

Schedule: Six Wednesday evenings, September 17-October 22, 7:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

Description: Millions around the world are reading Eckardt Tolle’s books The Power of Now and A New Earth–Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose. Some describe it as a life-changing experience. Let’s talk about it!

We’ll explore ideas from A New Earth in six evening discussions. How do we experience spiritual awakening? How do we practice the power of now? How do we create our own suffering? And how can we be free of it? How do Tolle’s ideas connect with those of Jesus?

Come with an open mind and heart, and bring your copy of the book A New Earth. Pre-registration required: call 514 695-3337.

Discussion Group:
Spiritual Parenting (Talking with your Kids about Spiritual Stuff!!!)

Facilitator: Rev. Sharon Moon

Schedule: Wednesday, September 17, 9 a.m.-11 a.m.
(Feel free to come for coffee anytime after 8:30 a.m.)

Description: Do you want to talk to kids about faith in a way that you don’t have to undo it all later? Do you wonder how to make meaningful spiritual practice happen in your busy family life? Come to a conversation with our minister, Sharon Moon. Bring your questions, and let’s begin a conversation on Spiritual Parenting (for those who have little or no experience!). Invite your friends who might be asking these kinds of questions, too. Please sign up so we know how many chairs to set up. Everyone is welcome and there is no charge.

Workshop:
Journaling Journeys

Workshop leader: Terri Coyle

Schedule: Tuesday evenings, October 7- November 11, 7:00-9:00 p.m.,
in the Common Room (near the kitchen).

Description: Come join us on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.

– Learn what a precious treasure or therapeutic tool journaling can be.
– Learn specific writing techniques that will help you.
– Tell your family stories.
– Enhance your health and well-being.
– Develop your spiritual awareness.

Pre-registration required (514 695-3337).

Informational Meeting:
Memorial Services: Offering Some Answers to Your Questions

Workshop leader: Rev. Sharon Moon

Schedule: Wednesday, October 8, 10:00-11:30 a.m. (coffee, tea, and refreshments will be served in the Common Room)

Description: We often have “what-if” questions that cause unnecessary stress. Here is an opportunity to obtain some reassuring answers on the role of your church around death and dying. No financial planners or funeral homes will present their products at this session.
This is an informal informational group conversation with your minister, hosted by the Morning Connections group.

Topics to be covered include:

– What’s involved in funeral planning
– How to make arrangements with the church in advance
– When to call Sharon and what support is available
– How to tell your kids what special things you’d like included in your funeral or memorial service, such as special music
– How to specify things you’d like–or don’t want (such as visitation, open casket, reception, etc.)
– How to discuss funeral arrangements with your parents

Please call the Church Office (514 695-3337) to confirm your attendance.

Retreat:
Caring for the Caregiver

Leaders: Margaret Taylor and Rev. Sharon Moon

Schedule: Saturday, October 18 and October 25, 9 a.m.-noon

Description: You are invited to a two-part retreat to recharge your batteries and to connect with yourself and with others who share your experience. Experience spiritual support, meditation, healing pathways, and sharing in a safe and encouraging environment. Give yourself the gift of a time-out.

Pre-registration required. Sign up or call 514 695-3337.

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Healing Pathway Ministry

Therapeutic touch techniques adapted for the United Church to restore balance and wholeness of Body, Mind, and Spirit. The Healing Pathways Team has been working every Monday all summer long, giving wonderful treatments to anyone who requests them. We continue to grow spiritually the more treatments we give. Be sure to visit our booth at the Stewardship Fair and even stay for a five-minute mini-treatment. For more information, call the Church Office (514 695-3337).

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Discussion Group:
Struggling with Scripture: A Bible Study course for People Who Aren’t Sure Why They Read It

Facilitator: Elisabeth Jones, Director of Studies, United Theological College, Montreal

Schedule: Wednesday, October 29-December 3, 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Description:

– Why is the Scripture called “Holy” when there’s so much nasty stuff in it?
– Why do we keep the Old Testament as well as the New Testament?
– What’s the difference between taking the Bible “literally” and taking it “seriously”?
– What’s the difference between the way the United Church uses the Bible, and the way it’s used on those televangelist shows? (Is it even the same book?)
– What about all those “Thou Shalt Nots”? Do we still need them? Does the Bible really tell us what to do–and what not to do?
– Some people read it every day, but I can’t make heads or tails of it; should I be worried?
– Why has the Bible become a battleground among Christians?

If you’re wanting simple answers to any or all of these questions, this course is NOT for you.
If you’re wanting to explore these questions–and many more–in the company of others who want to take this Bible seriously, but not literally, then this course might well be for you.

Are there any prerequisites? Yes. You need to have your own questions about the Bible, curiosity, and an open mind. You also must be willing to do some reading in between sessions so that you can get the most out of the course.

Discussion Group:
Faith and Reason: Our Relationship with God (subject to avability of video resource)

Facilitators: Rosemary Cass-Beggs and Graeme Sutherland

Schedule: six sessions, Thursday mornings, october 23-November 27, 9:30-11:00 a.m.

Description:
– Is God just?
– Does God punish or reward Us?
– Is God’s love for us unconditional?
– What Does God expect us to do about evil?
– Is it all right with God if we suffer?
– How does God control us?

A short videotape with well-known theologians introduces the topic, expresses points of view, and poses questions for discussion. Registration is limited to twelve participants.
Sign-up sheet will appear at coffee hour in early September.

Workshops:
Living Greener Series

Workshop No. 1:
Fall Harvest Vegan Dinner and Discussion

Facilitator: Andrea Belcham

Schedule: Tuesday, October 28, 6-8 p.m.

Description: You’re invited to share in preparing and then feasting on a delicious vegan meal that will nourish your body and spirit. Learn the benefits of veganism to the body and wallet… or just come to pick up some great recipes! Bring an open mind and a hungry stomach.

Limited to ten participants. A small donation to help cover the cost of groceries would be appreciated.

Workshop No. 2:
Improving Energy Efficiency

Schedule: Sunday, November 2, 7:30 p.m.

Description: Watch the Cedar Park website and Sunday bulletin for details about an evening presentation in October or early November on increasing your home’s energy efficiency. This workshop will include concrete suggestions about physical changes that will save you money, as well as ideas on how we look at climate change, fuel costs and environmental issues. Your small changes, combined with others’, can have a great effect on the world.