Contemplative Workshops
Feeling called to a practice of contemplative prayer, I began my journey leading a small group at church where we take two hours each week to pray, meditate, pause, and practice being present. I am now a certified contemplative facilitator by the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation and lead retreats and groups aimed to tap into our desire for depth, stillness, meaning and beauty in an often unsettling and noisy world. Classes are open to all.

Current Offerings

Open Studio 2023
Third Thursdays
7-9 pm EST
If you would enjoy a time of creation, communal quiet, writing and sharing, join me! Come for an opening circle of journaling and stillness. Bring a journal and an open heart, there will be some creative activity each month, materials are supplied, no previous experience is necessary, simply a willingness to be.
$15 each gathering

Still Wednesdays
Every Wednesday
7-8 pm EST
St. Paul's UMC
Bring your desire for stillness and the Spirit's loving Presence in this weekly offering of quiet, reflection, silence and prayer. May this be a time to deepen your personal relationship with the Divine in and around us, possibly in ways you have not experienced before. The facilitation leader and prayer forms will rotate weekly but generally follow this format. Sessions are typically held at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Kensington, MD.
"Thanks for inspiring me to get back into playing with my art materials as well as inspiring much thought."
"I can’t begin to tell you how moving our get together was! Not only the reflection about my interactions with water…but also the little bit of fun I had when I decided to pull beets and blueberries from my refrigerator to use in crafting a “watercolor.'”
"Thank you again for this wonderful opportunity. I have found our Friday mornings together so peaceful, fun and inspiring, on so many levels. Feeling very grateful."
Past Offerings
Fill Your Cup
Saturday, June 4, 2022 10 am –2 pm

If you would enjoy a time of creation, communal quiet, writing and sharing, join me! Come for a morning circle of journaling and stillness. We will create with clay and make our own cups. (later to be fired and glazed by potter Phyllis Turnham). No previous ceramic or writing experience is needed. Bring a journal and an open heart, there will be soup for lunch!
$60 each (includes coffee/tea, croissants, soup, clay, first and second glazing firing)
Thanks Giving
Jan 15 - March 19 2021; 10 Weeks
Fridays; 10 - 11 am EST; Virtual
$100 (10% donated to Sierra Seeds)

Join me as we contemplate what it means to live in a closer relationship with Earth. We will use the Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address as a guide each week and reflect on the reciprocal nature of our place in this sacred world. The book Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Kimmerer is a nice companion to our time together. Sample structure: Opening Bell and Reading; Journaling with prompts; Sharing (always optional); Meditation; Painting; Collage, Drawing prompts; Closing.
Prayer Journaling Workshop
Saturday, November 9, 2019
10 am - 3 pm

After beginning the session with an opening prayer, you will work on a journal but my hope is to also work on each others by passing and adding to each others providing an opportunity for many caring voices. Blank journals and materials supplied.
Story
Fall 2021

We all have saved objects, most of the items we hang onto are
perhaps placed where we see them daily, they may not have much monetary value. (or maybe they do). Select an item for our time together. This could be a rock or a ring, a leaf or a letter.
Anything really will work, what was the first thing that popped
into your mind? Don’t over think it, have faith that what you
choose will unfold meaning for you.
I will supply coffee and tea, and any creative materials. We will spend time outside and inside, I have a screened porch and garden space for those who are more comfortable remaining outdoors. All attendees must be vaccinated, and mask up when indoors. Limit of 8 folks so don’t wait too long if interested!
Cost is $50 for the day
if the fee is prohibitive please let me know
The Artist's Rule
April 3 - June 26, 2020
Friday Mornings; 10 - 11 am

Each week, we will read and follow exercises from the book, The Artist’s Rule by Christine Valters Painter. Exercises could include writing, watercoloring, prompts to think about while walking. This is not making “art” but about being open to the creative spirit and looking within. The real gift is a scheduled time in community to focus on our creative souls, and a chance to experience why so many people through the ages have found grounding in a contemplative life.
Guided Silent Retreat
October 19 - 21, 2018
Dayspring Retreat Center

Are you being called to deepen your relationship with God as well as others from St. Paul's United Methodist Church? There will be time to explore 200+ acres of forest and meadows, walk the labyrinth, use materials for creative expression, or simply be still without the cloud of daily noise.