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Franciscan Living  

Urban Center for Spirituality

Explore the Sacred from the inside out


SoulScapes

 July/August 2011  

Greetings! 

In the last issue of this e-newsletter, I reflected on openness to RISK, Random Interludes of the Sacred Kind.  The day after  I sent out the newsletter, a R.I.S.K. presented itself for our consideration here at Franciscan Living.

Our synergy with  Ed Connolly, Karen Dotson and their staff at Sunlight of the Spirit Books and Gifts has been a great gift.  Their vision and mission are complementary to ours and sharing space with the bookstore has given us a wonderful opportunity to launch the innovative concept of an Urban Retreat Center located in the middle of daily life and activity. Our programs continue to grow and for several months the Board of Directors for Franciscan Living has been considering possibilities for the Center to expand in its own dedicated space. Initial inquiries were daunting.  Mid-town rents are high and long term leases are the norm.  I figured we were in for a long, arduous, if not fruitless, search.

Our quest unexpectedly ended (or perhaps it began again?) in late April  on the morning Board President, Albert Weaver and I  viewed a downstairs suite for rent in a 1904 Victorian building just 2 blocks away from Sunlight of the Spirit.  Although it is a stretch, the rent and lease terms are manageable. The space is newly renovated and the location is fantastic!! Our new location is just a city block away from St. Francis of Assisi Church on 26th and K Streets, and right next door to the  popular midtown eatery, Tres Hermanas.

In addition to an office for spiritual direction, our new home provides a dedicated meeting space that allows us to expand the number of evenings and weekends that we offer workshops, retreats and other opportunities to nourish the inner life. There is also a very neglected back yard, shared with the other two building tenants, that offers future possibilities for outdoor space.

The Center was closed from June 17-24 while we moved and unpacked boxes. Our regular schedule of programs resumed Saturday, June 25th in the new space at 2410 K Street, Suite A.  Many of those offerings are detailed later in this newsletter. 

Some of our new programs include an outreach project called Dress A Girl in which simple cotton pillowcase dresses and dolls are made for impoverished girls living in Tanzania.  A Lending Library of contemporary spiritual books has already begun with a baker's dozen of books lent to us by generous individuals. SoulSpace, a studio for art as mediation, will be open regularly on Monday evenings beginning July 18.  Another project we envision is a major makeover of the yard behind our building to create a Prayer and Meditation Garden.

As you may already know, many new ventures in the nonprofit world fail within the first 3-5 years.  Since we were founded in the depths of what economists are now calling the Great Recession, we are thrilled to be rapidly approaching the third anniversary of our founding with so much growth and activity.  Please be sure to mark your calendar for our 3rd Anniversary Celebration which will be an Open House on Saturday, July 23 from 2- 5 PM.  As always, there will be friends, food and fun!

Of course, like all small non-profits, we run the Center on a shoestring.  There are no paid staff and all donations or fees for service go to rent, utilities, insurance, equipment  and supplies for our programs. The expansion has stretched our resources with the purchase of tables, chairs, shelving, storage, portable ramps to accommodate wheel chairs, signage, and a myriad of other small necessities that add up.  As always, we rely on your generosity and support through your participation in our programs, your willingness to spread the word about our work, and your tax deductible donations. Below you will find a list of some of the major expenses associated with the expansion.  Any assistance you can offer us in financing these necessities is much appreciated.

Peace and Many Blessings,

Margie Will, osf

In this issue:

 

How You

Can Help


SoulSpace Studio

 

Open House

   

Dress A Girl

 

Lending Library

 

Event Schedule

 

Soul Food

 

60 Second Retreat  

  AT A GLANCE

 

RETREATS

SEMINARS

WORKSHOPS

PRAYER

 

JULY 

Sat. 7/9/11
SoulCollage:
SoulSight
10 AM - 1 PM

Sun. 7/10/11
Sabbath Prayer:
SpiritTouched
1:30 - 3:30 PM

Mon. 7/18/11
SoulSpace
Studio
5:30 - 8:00 PM

Tues. 7/12/11
In the Footsteps of Jesus - The Galilee
6:00 - 7:00 PM

Thurs. 714/11
In the Footsteps of Jesus - The Galilee
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Tues. 7/19/11
In the Footsteps of Jesus - Jerusalem
6:00 - 7:00 PM

Thurs. 7/21/11
In the Footsteps of Jesus - Jerusalem
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

7/23/11
Open House
3rd Anniversary  of Franciscan Living
2-5 PM
R.S.V.P.

Mon. 7/25/11
SoulSpace
Studio
5:30 - 8:00 PM

Wed. 7/27/11
Working With Your SoulCollage� Cards
6:30 - 8:00 PM

 

AUGUST

Wed. 8/10/11
Exploring the
Cosmic Christ

6:00 - 7:00 PM

Thurs. 8/11/11

Exploring the
Cosmic Christ

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Thurs. 8/11/11
St. Clare Celebration

6:00 - 7:00 PM

Sat. 8/13/11
Light Abounds:
A Taste of
SoulCollage
10 AM - 1 PM

Sun. 8/14/11
Sabbath Prayer:
Song of the Sea
1:30 - 3:30 PM

Mon. 8/15/11
SoulSpace
Studio
5:30 - 8:00 PM

Wed. 8/17/11
Exploring the
Cosmic Christ

6:00 - 7:00 PM

Thurs. 8/18/11
Exploring the
Cosmic Christ

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Sat. 8/20/11

Soul-full- Sojourners

A Gathering of Male
Spiritual Directors
9:30 AM

Mon. 8/22//11
SoulSpace
Studio
5:30 - 8:00 PM

Tues. 8/23/11
The Power of Vision
6:00-7:00 PM
Wed. 8/24/11
Exploring the
Cosmic Christ

6:00 - 7:00 PM

Thurs. 8/25/11
Exploring the
Cosmic Christ

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Sat. 8/27/11
Franciscan Prayer and Presence Circle
12:30 - 2:00 PM

Mon. 8/29/11
SoulSpace
Studio
5:30 - 8:00 PM

Wed. 8/31/11
Exploring the
Cosmic Christ

6:00 - 7:00 PM

SEPTEMBER

Thurs. 9/1/11
Exploring the
Cosmic Christ

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM


Sat. 9/10/11
A Taste of SoulCollage
Creating Personal Meditation Cards
10 AM - 1 PM

Mon. 9/12/11
SoulSpace
Studio
5:30 - 8:00 PM

Tues. 9/13/11
The Sacred Circle - Nature Mandalas
6:00 - 7:30 PM

Mon. 9/19/11
SoulSpace
Studio
5:30 - 8:00 PM

Tues. 9/20/11
The Sacred Circle - Healing Mandalas
6:00 - 7:30 PM

Sat. 9/24/11
Franciscan Prayer and Presence Circle
12:30 - 2:00 PM

Sun. 9/25/11
Sabbath Prayer:
Autumn Surrender
1:30 - 3:30 PM

Mon. 9/26/11
SoulSpace
Studio
5:30 - 8:00 PM

Tues. 9/27/11
The Sacred Circle - Prayer Mandalas
6:00 - 7:30 PM

Please see our Website for complete details

 

Click this link to view our 2011Calendar

 

 

WE'VE MOVED!  

Franciscan Living

2410 K Street, Suite A 

Sacramento, CA 95816

916.718.4797                         

How You Can Help  

  Your tax deductible donations to assist in defraying expansion expenses are appreciated. Unrestricted contributions will be used as needed or you can designate how your donation is used.

Some of our major expenses are listed below: 

 

2 portable wheelchair ramps @ $233.00 each 

3 bookshelves @ 124.00 each

5 floor lamps @ $50.00 each

5 round folding tables @ 45.00 each 

24 folding chairs @ 16.50 each 

8 large storage baskets @ $16.00 each

Signage (estimates in progress)

Contact our office for details 


An Exciting New Opportunity

SoulSpace

Monday Evenings from 5:30 - 8:00 PM

Drop in to nurture your spirit with a variety of art as meditation activities including, mandala making, watercolor, journaling,  

and  SoulCollage  in a peaceful,  meditative, atmosphere.  

Arrive when your schedule permits  

and stay as long as you wish.  

 

An opening  prayer, accompanied by music and sacred movement, is offered @ 5:30 PM.  

A closing prayer is offered @t 8:00 PM 

All materials provided.

$10.00   

front door 2

You are invited  

to our

Open House

Celebrating  

the 3rd Anniversary of  

the Founding of  

Franciscan Living  

 

Drop by to to view our long awaited video  and to  tour our new space at 2410 K Street, Suite A.


As always there will be great finger food, our signature Assisi inspired Italian sodas and fabulous conversation.

Saturday, July 23, 2011

2:00 - 5:00 PM


R.S.V.P.

Dress A Girl  

Imagine a world where every little girl  

owned at least one dress.

What if that dress were made by you? 

  Pillowcase Dresses

 We are thrilled to partner in outreach with the Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity in a project called, Dress A Girl, in which simple cotton dresses are made from fabric or gently used pillowcases.  These dresses and a small doll made from scraps are sent to impoverished families  

in Tanzania.   

 

Lisa Brown, osf, is organizing a group to sew these dresses and dolls.  Franciscan Living is providing publicity for the Sacramento branch of the project and offering space for the sewing group to gather in community as they share the gift of creativity in a practical endeavor.   For more information please visit Dress A Girl Around the World 

 

If you are interested in being a part of this project, please contact Lisa.


Lending Library 

Many wonderful books on spirituality are published  

each month and the Franciscan value of sharing our gifts has merged with the expansion of our Center to provide a bookshelf for a  Lending Library.

 

We have a good start with over a dozen contemporary titles that are available for lending.  If you have purchased books on spirituality that you no longer wish to keep, please consider donating them to our collection.

 

We are also seeking a person or persons to organize and maintain the lending library. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Margie. 

.

RETREATS, WORKSHOPS, PROGRAMS

 Click here for a link to our calender

 

JULY

 SoulSight

Creating Personal Meditation Cards With SoulCollage�  

with Margie Will

Saturday, July 9, 2011, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM  

Introductory Workshop - all materials provided.

10 AM-1 PM

 $25.00 prepaid / $30.00 at the door *

 

Sabbath Prayer: SpiritTouched

with Margie Will

This monthly 90 minute retreat includes exploration of spiritual themes though personal reflection, prayer, and shared wisdom. Sunday, July 10, 2011, 1:30 - 3:00 PM

$10.00 prepaid / $12.00 at the door*

 

 SoulSpace Studio

 Monday evenings, July 18th and 25th, from  5:30 - 8:00 PM

Drop in to drop in for art as meditation with  

opportunities for mandala making, watercolor, journaling, and SoulCollage in a peaceful, meditative atmosphere.

All materials provided. $10.00     

 

In the Footsteps of Jesus

with Margie Will 

Visit the ancient Holy Land of  the Christian Scriptures and the Holy Ground of your own life through this mini series on the life and teachings of Jesus which will include music, slides and reflections in a virtual pilgrimage to Israel.  

THE GALILEE   

Tuesday, July 12, 6 - 7 PM or 

Thursday, July 14, 2011,11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

JERUSALEM 

Tuesday, July 19, 6 - 7 PM or 

Thursday, July 21, 2011,11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Per Session: $12.50 prepaid  / $15.00 at the door*

Both sessions prepaid for $20.00  

 

Open House Celebrating  

Franciscan Living's

3rd anniversary

Drop by to to view our long awaited video  

and to  tour our new space at 2410 K Street, Suite A.

As always there will be great finger food, our signature Assisi inspired Italian sodas and fabulous conversation. 

Saturday, July 23rd, 2- 5 PM  

 

R.S.V.P.   

 


Working WithYour SoulCollage Cards

with Margie Will

Learn how to deepen the insights from your  

SoulCollage Cards

Wednesday, July 27th - 6:30-8:00 PM

$15.00 prepaid only*  

 

* Fewer than 5 pre-registrations for this session may result in the cancellation or rescheduling of this program.

 

 

 

 AUGUST

 Exploring theCosmic Christ

with Lana Engler

Wednesday Evenings, August 10,17,24,31

6:00 - 7:00 PM or

Thursday Mornings, August 11,18,25, & Sept. 1

11:30 AM -12:30 PM 

prepaid 10.00 / Door 12.50

Series of four pre-paid for $30.00 

 

 

St. Clare Celebration

Celebrate the life and legacy of St. Clare of Assisi  

in song, movement, and prayer

Thursday, August 11, 2011, 6:00-7:00 PM

No Charge


  Light Abounds 

A Taste of SoulCollage�  

with Margie Will 

Saturday, August 13, 2011, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM  

Introductory Workshop - all materials provided.

10 AM-1 PM

 $25.00 pre-paid / $30.00 at the door *

 

 

Sabbath Prayer: Song of the Sea  

with Margie Will

This monthly 90 minute retreat includes exploration of spiritual themes though personal reflection, prayer, and shared wisdom. Sunday, August 14, 2011, 1:30 - 3:00 PM

$10.00 pre-paid / $12.00 at the door*

   

SoulSpace Studio

 Monday evenings, August 15, 22, 29 from  5:30 - 8:00 PM

Drop in to drop in for art as meditation with  

opportunities for mandala making, watercolor, journaling, and SoulCollage in a peaceful, meditative atmosphere.

All materials provided. $10.00   

 

Soul-Full Sojourners:

A Gathering of Male Spiritual Directors

with Lew Robinson 

Saturday, August 20, 2011

9:30 AM

 

The Power of Vision 

with Margie Will

explore new ways of seeing in this repeat of  one of our most popular 60 Minute retreats 

Tuesday, July 23rd - 6:00-7:00 PM

$10.00 prepaid only* 

  

Franciscan Prayer and Presence Circle

Saturday, August 27th, 2011, 12:30 - 2:00 PM

Drop in - Donations for the support of the Center accepted

 

* Fewer than 5 pre-registrations for this session may result in the cancellation or rescheduling of this program.

 

 

 SEPTEMBER

A Taste of SoulCollage   

Creating Personal Meditation Cards    

with Margie Will

Saturday,Sept. 10, 2011, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM  

Introductory Workshop - all materials provided.

10 AM-1 PM

 $25.00 prepaid / $30.00 at the door *

 

SoulSpace Studio

 Monday evenings, Sept. 12,19, 26 from  5:30 - 8:00 PM

Drop in to drop in for art as meditation with  

opportunities for mandala making, watercolor, journaling, and SoulCollage in a peaceful, meditative atmosphere.

All materials provided. $10.00    

 

healing hand mandala 

 

Entering the Sacred Circle:
An Introduction to Mandala Making

with Margie Will

 What do tree rings, sand paintings, and stained glass rose windows have in common?  They are all mandala forms. 

Learn the origin and theory of this ancient spiritual practice as you create your own personal mandalas for insight, healing  

and self-expression. Tuesdays - 6-7:30 PM 

Each session will focus on a specific type of mandala.  

Sept. 13 - Nature Mandalas, Sept. 20 - Healing mandalas,  

Sept. 27 - Prayer mandalas.   

Single sessions $10.00 pre-paid/$15.00 at the door. Complete series of three $25.00 pre-paid*

 

Franciscan Prayer and Presence Circle

Saturday,  Sept. 24, 2011, 12:30 - 2:00 PM

Drop in - Donations for the support of the Center accepted

 

Sabbath Prayer: Autumn Surrender  

with Margie Will

This monthly 90 minute retreat includes exploration of spiritual themes though personal reflection, prayer, and shared wisdom. Sunday, Sept. 25, 2011, 1:30 - 3:00 PM

$10.00 pre-paid / $12.00 at the door*

 

* Fewer than 5 pre-registrations for this session may result in the cancellation or rescheduling of this program.

 

For more information about these events or to register

contact our office  


Lewis Robinson

Dr. Lew Robinson 

Spiritual Direction

 

Many people find working with a spiritual director to be a transforming experience.  Our trained directors are members of

Spiritual Directors International.

 

Spiritual Direction sessions are usually 50 minutes in duration. During each session both the director and directee listen together for signs of the of the Sacred in the directee's life.

Margie Will, Executive Director

Margie Will, osf 

   

If you are curious about this ancient path, please contact one of our spiritual directors by clicking on the e-mail link.



Soul Food

  

Sunrise

 

You can

die for it-

an idea,

or the world. People

 

have done so,
brilliantly,
letting
their small bodies be bound

 

to the stake,

creating
an unforgettable
fury of light. But

 

this morning,
climbing the familiar hills
in the familiar
fabric of dawn, I thought

 

of China,
and India
and Europe, and I thought
how the sun

 

blazes
for everyone just
so joyfully
as it rises

 

under the lashes
of my own eyes, and I thought
I am so many!
What is my name?

 

What is the name
of the deep breath I would take
over and over
for all of us? Call it

 

whatever you want, it is
happiness, it is another one
of the ways to enter
fire.

 

-Mary Oliver 

 


A 60 Second Retreat


 Kwan YinSpend a minute considering this simple question: 

 

What Wisdom can you find that is better than kindness?