February 2010
Upcoming Retreats and Programs
at Franciscan Living Urban Center for Spirituality
Greetings!

Although we are still in the chilly, damp and foggy grip of a valley winter,
the growing daylight and occasional appearances of the sun turn our thoughts to springtime and new growth. At Franciscan Living Urban Center for Spirituality we are pleased to offer several ongoing and new opportunities to nourish your inner life.
 
The February 6th introduction to SoulCollage, Hungers of the Heart, will explore the universal human longing for connection.  In this workshop participants are invited to search their inner landscape for signs of their spiritual longings as they create collaged cards revealing glimpses of the interior life.  There are still a few openings available for this event which requires pre-registration.  All materials for the workshop, including images, are provided. 
 
On Sunday, February 7th, Sabbath Prayer, Leaning on the Heart of God, will provide time and space to consider the hidden and visible signs of Divine Love within us and in our world.  Using the metaphor of the heart, we will explore the experience of this Love in the presence of our daily lives.
 
BodyPrayer, a fusion of gentle movement, breathwork and modified tai chi movements, will focus on the energy of the heart during the month of February. 
Each Monday the 40 minute session will begin with a demonstration of the movements used in the prayer followed by an experience of Prayers from the Heart. 
 
Discovering the Secret Garden: A Path to Inner Renewal, a 5 week series beginning on Tuesday, February 23rd, will offer the opportunity to tend one's interior life through imagination, journaling, art as meditation, and sacred conversation. Each week we will deepen and broaden this rich image as we  explore, clear, plant, nurture, and honor the sacred space within and without. This same series will be offered on Thursday mornings beginning, February 25th.  Space is limited, so be sure to register soon.  A discount is available to all who register before February 17th.  
 
Sand, Stone, and Spirit,
our mini-retreat for the season of Lent, will be offered twice.  In this 3 hour pause for reflection, we will explore the freedom of simplicity and the grace of silence through moments of song, images, meditation, and faith sharing.
   
Spiritual Direction is a process that focuses on the conscious development of the relationship between a person and God in either a one-to-one context or in a small group setting. The director helps the person notice and respond to the presence, movement and invitation of God in life and prayer. Sessions are generally once per month for 50  minutes.  If you are interested in learning more about this ancient spiritual tradition, please drop me an email or give me a call at 916.718.4797.  I'd be glad to meet with you to answer your questions about this practice. A sliding scale is available.
February Workshops and Retreats
 
Introduction to SoulCollage - Hungers of the Heart
Saturday, February 6, 2010, 2009, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM 
$25.00 - Pre-Registration Only
 
Sabbath Prayer - The Heart of God
Sunday, February 7, 2010, 1:30 - 3:00 PM 
$10.00 - Pre-Registration encouraged
 
BodyPrayer - Prayers From the Heart
  Mondays, February 1,8,15, & 22  6:00 - 7:00 PM 
Drop in - Free will offering
 
Discovering the Secret Garden -  5 Session Lenten Series
Tuesday Evenings Feb. 23, March 2, 9,16, & 23 , 6:30 - 8:00 PM or
Thursday Mornings Feb. 25, March 4,11,18, & 25 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
$45.00  pre-registration for series  before Feb. 17th - $55.00 after Feb. 17th
 
Sand, Stone, and Spirit - a Mini-Retreat for Lent
 Saturday, February 27 from 11 AM - 1 PM or
Saturday March 27 from 11 AM - 1 PM
 $20.00 pre- registration; $25.00 at the door
 

March Workshops and Retreats  
 
Sabbath Prayer - Songs in the Silence
Sunday, March 7, 2010, 1:30 - 3:00 PM 
$10.00 - Pre-Registration encouraged
 
BodyPrayer - Prayer of Stillness
Mondays, March 1,8,15, & 22  6:00 - 7:00 PM 
Drop in - Free will offering
 
Discovering the Secret Garden Series (continues)
 For details please see February listing above
 
Exploring the Secret Garden - The Fruits of the Holy Spirit
This day-long women's retreat on March 6 for the WINGS group at Divine Savior Catholic Church is open to interested women. 
Contact Michele Kinaan, [email protected] for more information.
 
Sand, Stone, and Spirit (repeat)
Saturday, March 27 11 AM - 1 PM
For details please see February listing above.

Who are You, God, and Who am I?

Franciscan Living Urban Center for Spirituality is rooted in this fundamental question that transcends the boundaries of space, time, race, gender, and religious practice. Like St. Francis of Assisi and his early followers, especially St. Clare of Assisi, we recognize our origins in the Holy One and our kinship with all creation. Together we strive for authenticity of spiritual practice that manifests in the ordinary course of our daily lives and relationships. Through the spirituality of Presence we touch the Sacred and come to know the blessing of who we are as an integral part of the web of life.
 
Margie Will, Executive DirectorWe look forward to seeing you at one or more of our winter offerings.  May the growing light fill you with energy,enthusiasm, and Divine Wisdom. 
 
Peace and Every Good,
 

Margie Will, osf