We are sad to report that Rev. Jane Whitinger made her transition on January 1, 2012, at her home in Wisconsin after a long illness. Jane was ordained through Light of Christ Community Church on Oct. 20, 2002, and went on to earn a Master of Divinity degree from Sancta Sophia. Through her charter center, Global Reality, she touched many lives. Her greatest loves were her gardens and prairies, her pets, her far-ranging studies, and her friends and family. She was adventurous, curious, loving, kind, and transformative. Jane is survived by her life partner, Sylvia Meltzer; her brother and sisters, Robert (Jean) Whitinger, Ruthie (Jeff) FitzRandolph and Nancy (Steve Anderson) Whitinger; her brother in-law, Adam Meltzer; and mother in-law, Ellen Meltzer. Jane was well loved, giving inspiration and courage to all.

As always, the Annual Conference last November was a wonderful opportunity for one and all to renew and rejuvenate themselves once again, thanks to the energy of the beautiful mountaintop and the wonderful people of the village, school, and church. Old friends and fellow students took part in sharing their stories and expressing experiences that we have had with one another, bringing up fond memories, with many chances for new ones to occur during the week. We also had the occasion to share our gifts, as we did on Wednesday afternoon with Sharing and Exploring time. What a wonderful and talented group of people we are. We started the week with much anticipation about what all the new changes meant for Sancta Sophia. Experiencing the many services, talks, meetings, presentations, appointments and receptions that went on, it didn't take long before we all felt at home once again. We easily remembered why this mountaintop school brought us together, as well as the contentment, peace, and clarity it gave to each of us. The foundation that Rev. Carol Parrish-Harra established is still present and that is very important for all of us.  

Alumni members, we are looking for news about your activities.  If you would like to share what you are doing in your community, please contact me at wm_stork@yahoo.com. It is a way of sharing our lives with one another; a lot like we do during Professional Sharing at Conference, but on a more frequent basis.

Blessings to you all, Rev. Wendy Stork.

2012 Classes Begin Online

February 6 - April 9, 2012

Mondays -- on Sophia Online

ST202 Judeo-Christian Scriptures

 
This course begins on Monday, February 6, 2012 and is offered in a 10 week format with self-paced lessons available to students on Monday of each week. The instructor(s) will be available via email message throughout each week and a teleconference will be arranged at about the mid-point of the series.

The Rev. Dr. Fred Craddock is known as a master preacher and mentor of preachers. The Bandy Distinguished Professor Emeritus at Candler School of Theology, Emory University, he is an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). For the Festival of Homiletics 2008 in Minneapolis, Fred discussed the art and science of preaching today with Peter Wallace (host and producer of the Day1 radio program). 6:36 minutes

Look for these new Sophia Online courses in 2012.

You can earn credit toward your certificate or degree through the online courses listed, with the exception of Tantra Yoga and Seeking Sophia.

Now open for enrollment:

Judeo-Christian Scriptures, Homiletics and Tantra Yoga 

 
Date                Title                                        Instructor

Feb 6 -
Apr 9       Judeo-Christian Scriptures                   Susan Hamilton

Feb 13-
Mar 5       Homiletics - (begins online)                  Susan Hamilton

Mar 7 -
April 18    Tantra Yoga                               Donna Mitchell-Moniak

April 23-
June 25     Esoteric Thea/ology                            Susan Hamilton

Aug 20-
Oct 22       Intro to Second Testament           Mark Throckmorton

Oct. 1-
Oct. 30      Moving Through Grief and Loss             Doug C. Smith

Nov. 12-
Dec. 21     Seeking Sophia                                   Susan Hamilton

Nov. 26, 2012-

Every moment, thing, and person, the seen and unseen, our awareness and ignorance are not only interwoven but are the threads of an amazing great Reality of Oneness. The understanding, exploration, and constant discovery of this is the tantric path. The practicality of living a more awakened and aware life speaks for itself. Add to that the perpetual joy of sacred relation with Life: this is the tantric path. The six-week online class explores Tibetan Tantric Buddhist principles reframed in a modern and practical way and promises to illumine the profound within the everyday.

Cost $129

Enroll through Sophia Online
(Click link to go to Sophia Online)

This workshop isn't guided imagery. Instead, it is a process of going into alternate dimensions not accessible via other forms of inner work. Shamans world-wide access these dimensions, each culture in its own way. Maryphyllis teaches you how to access this core of all shamanism in a way that is right and accessible to you and your spiritual nature. Shamanic Journeying is for nurturing, emotional and physical healing, and detailed guidance. It is also for peace, support and protection, guidance (relationships, career, mission, past and future, more), self-empowerment, and detailed answers from your Akashic Records ("Book of Life") on anything important to you. You'll experience how to contact your true Spirit Guides (power animals) on your own at any time you choose. You will feel and know that the guidance is accurate.

Cost: $150

To register: Call 800-386-7161 or Email registrar@sanctasophia.org
Instructor bio

This course is designed to provide students with practical ministry tools for bereavement counseling, premarital counseling, identifying relationship issues, development of reflective listening skills, and indications of when to refer to licensed professionals.

Required for MDiv.
Cost: $300 (3 credits)

To register: Call 800-386-7161 or Email registrar@sanctasophia.org
Instructor bio

Gabrielle Roth's 5 Rhythms ™ is a practice; a meditation of listening to and moving our bodies in order to deepen our awareness and transform our lives. Powerfully and simply, the rhythms help us to be fully embodied, and to manifest the essential Self. At its most basic level this is a physical practice of moving the body through a 'Wave' in which we explore five distinct rhythms. Awakening the body, heart and spirit, we release our minds into trust, and the flowing state. In this way we remember our own natural rhythms, and engage life more authentically. Being based in the infinite wisdom of our bodies, there are no steps to learn. No dance experience is necessary.

Cost: $175

To register: Call 800-386-7161 or Email registrar@sanctasophia.org

Life on the ground includes ideas, emotions, beliefs and sensations. It is filled with beauty, laughter and accomplishment while also challenged by attachments, desires and preferences. Heaven is the ultimate truth of non-dual reality. It is a realm that cannot be perceived by the five senses yet informs our actions and allows for the peaceful appreciation of the relative world. With our feet planted firmly on the ground we can celebrate the richness and texture of the relative world. With our heart in heaven we are in the center of a universe that has no center. This retreat will provide experiential learning in awareness, stillness, aliveness and presence--the threads that weave two worlds into one.
Meals will be taken in silence.

Cost: $125

To register: Call 800-386-7161 or Email registrar@sanctasophia.org
Facilitator bio

Presents fundamental information in understanding trauma; the event itself, the client's response, as well as the brain and body's reaction to trauma. Disaster response, debriefing, psychological first aid and verbal first aid are presented as interventions to support a victim of trauma. Traumatic loss such as homicide, suicide and accident are discussed and interventions presented. Interventions address the spiritual, physical and emotional needs of the client. Class participants are encouraged to include personal experiences, and are guided through practice sessions and scenarios to provide some practical experience.

Required for CCTC.
Cost: $300

To register: Call 800-386-7161 or Email registrar@sanctasophia.org

This fast paced interactive course will include an introduction to disaster assistance working with GreenHawk agency and FEMA. How communities and states deal with emergencies/disasters, an overview of FEMA and how it works, and what citizens can expect in the field are also covered. Video, slides, handouts, exercises, and small/large group activities keep the material moving. This class is appropriate for all helping professions and people interested in being prepared to assist in crisis.

Required for CCTC.
Cost: $59

To register: Call 800-386-7161 or Email registrar@sanctasophia.org

In the last few issues of the SSS News, we have introduced you to some of our 2012 guest instructors, who were specially chosen as experts in their field. This month, we spotlight Allen McKiel and William Meader.

Currently Dean of Library Services for Western Oregon University, Allen McKiel has over twenty years of academic library experience. Life-long commitments to personal spiritual development and understanding lead to the hosting of weekly informal discussions on religion and human spirituality. Dr. McKiel published a book in 2007 on the unity of religion, Beyond Tolerance: Religion and Global Community. He has since facilitated numerous presentations, classes, and discussions over the content of the book.

Class:
ST203  Comparative Sacred Texts -  June 4-8, 2012


For more than 20 years, acclaimed author William Meader has been a student and teacher of the Ageless Wisdom. From his remarkable insight into creative living, he has become internationally renowned for clarifying the spiritual purpose of life to countless numbers of people. He does this by teaching the means to recognize the soul deep within, as well as by providing methods to more effectively express the soul in one's daily life.

At this critical time in human history, William emphasizes the importance of becoming the "Practical Mystic." To him, a practical mystic is one who is inwardly conscious of his/her soul (and its intention), while at the same time outwardly contributes to humanity's upliftment. Practical Mysticism is an approach to spiritual living that blends the mystical dimension of life with reason and practical action.

Class:
Revelation: Holding the Mind Steady in the Light - July 20-22

There are several ways to stay connected to Sancta Sophia Seminary.

We hope to see you on campus for one or more of our inspiring classes or events. We think you will not only enjoy the valuable enrichment that they provide, but also the wonderful fellowship that is created by like-minded individuals.

Please feel free to forward this email, via the link below, to anyone who you think may be interested in receiving a transformational spiritual education.

And as always, thank you for your generous support of our programs.