Reflections and Resources January 23 by Joanna Quintrell

Posted on January 24, 2012 by publicity@journeycenter.org

photo of plantGreetings from the Journey Center staff!

After a long stretch of “cold and dry”, the rain has come back to Northern California and the earth soaks up this marvelous live-giving gift. Whether we are a person who enjoys the rain or not, we know that it is truly needed by all of Creation. The hills are responding by showing off their deepening green coat of grass. Plants and trees have perked up and our reservoirs and snow pack are headed in the right direction once again. Yes, the rain is indeed a gift and we are so grateful for the deep soaking that has come.

As I walked outside this morning during a lull between storms, I realized that I have been in a “cold and dry” season spiritually. There are many reasons for this and perhaps you are (or have been) in a similar place. When I get busy and distracted, when I forget to take the time to tend to my heart…it is like I am in a season where the rain is scarce and dryness is my experience. If I allow myself to look a bit more deeply, though, I do have to admit that perhaps a better image (which I’ve shared before) is that the rain is falling but I have put up my umbrella. What is that rain? I believe it is the life-giving, spirit-watering gift of Love…for which we all long and without which we do find ourselves in a desert experience.

I invite you to join me as we put down our umbrellas (whatever keeps us from opening ourselves to the Spirit’s presence and touch) and allow the Living Water of God’s love to soak into our spirits, to touch us and to transform us.

There are a number of wonderful workshops, groups and gatherings being offered at the Journey Center in the next couple of weeks…different pathways for experiencing the Love that surrounds and supports us. If you would like to attend one or more of these events, please register on our website (www.journeycenter.org ) or by calling us at 707-578-2121. We hope to see you soon!

·This Thursday (January 26; 7-9 p.m.) is a very special gathering, our first Evening of Sacred Hebrew Chant and Music. Dr. Sheila Katz has previously facilitated two workshops at the Journey Center; this gathering is not a workshop, but an opportunity for those who desire to praise the Holy One with song, music and silence. Sacred chant is a practice of spiritual communal worship that is embodied and contemplative. Everyone’s voice is invited into the mix and the blend creates a chorus that envelops the group and shapes everyone’s prayer experience. The repetitive, active chanting of simple Hebrew verses from scripture will be followed by periods of silence, allowing time for integration and reflection. Sheila is the co-founder and Executive Director of Beit Ayin, a national non-profit that brings Jewish spiritual practice to people through sacred chanting, meditation, storytelling and movement.  She will be accompanied by Brian Lemesh, a musician and composer for 22 years, who provides the music for Jewish chanting and Kabbalat shabbats for several North Bay synagogues, and with the Beit Ayin band. Cost: $15.   View the Evening of Sacred Hebrew Chant and Music poster

·This Sunday, January 29 (6:30-8:30 p.m.) Julie Miller is offering something new…the first Evening of Natural Reflection gathering…and it’s free! Julie has joined our team of spiritual directors and offers this opportunity for you to get together with others to enjoy a 30-minute reading/reflection on some aspect of how we encounter the Holy in nature, followed by a time of just plain “hanging out” in the beautiful Journey Center. (Those of you who are not able to come by during our daytime hours will appreciate this!).  View the Evening of Natural Reflection poster

·NEW!! Creativity Released: Reawakening the Artist Inside of Us (Saturday, February 4; 1-5 p.m.) This class is for people who feel they have an artistic talent and have buried it rather than developed it and for people who simply want to have a more meaningful artistic life. We will engage in a number of activities to call out the artist and creativity in each participant. Kathy Cia White is a local artist who is passionate about helping others release their creative gifts.  Cost: $20 + a $10 materials fee.   View the Creativity Released poster

·Join spiritual director Alexandra Montoya for a half-day Centering Prayer Retreat on Sunday, February 5 (1-4 p.m.). This is an invitation to and extended time of quiet in the presence of the Holy One. This retreat day will offer silence, a variety of contemplative prayer practices, such as prayer walk, lectio divina and journaling, as well as several centering prayer sits. Cost: $15.  View the Centering Prayer Retreat poster

·For those of you interested in the Enneagram, a spiritual approach to understanding the nine personality types, we have two workshops and two groups coming up:
-A free Introductory Workshop this Wednesday, January 25 (6:30-9:00 p.m.) and a 5-week Enneagram Exploration group (Wednesdays, Feb. 1-29)  with Joanna Quintrell View the Enneagram for Beginners Series poster

-A Guest Enneagram teacher workshop with Kathryn Grant (The Wings and Arrows of Outrageous Fortune), this Saturday, January 28 (9-4 ) and our monthly “Going Deeper with the Enneagram” session on Monday, February 6 (6:30-9:00 p.m.) View the Enneagram for those Familiar Series poster

·Our monthly Healing Prayer Gathering will take place on Friday, February 3 (6-7 p.m.). View the Contemplative Prayer Gathering poster

And here are quick links to the rest of the February offerings, so that you can plan ahead a bit if you see something that will be a blessing to you:

THE CONTEMPLATIVE LIFE SERIES:

·Walking the Path Together, a monthly spirituality support group facilitated by spiritual director Dick Meyer (Thursday, February 2; 7-8:30 p.m.). View the Walking the Path Together and Reading Group poster

·Walk by the Spirit, a special class with spiritual director, Cecilia Tonna (Saturday, February 11; 9 a.m.-noon).  View the Walk by the Spirit Group poster

·Come Away…to a Quiet Time gathering with spiritual director, Alexandra Montoya (Mondays, Feb. 13 and 27 and Friday, Feb. 17; 5:30-7:00 p.m.). View the A Quiet Time Poster

·NEW!! Opening the Heart’s Gate through the Rhythm of Word and Silence: Hearing Jesus’ Parables as Zen Christian Koans-Introduction (Friday, Feb. 24: 7-9 p.m.) & Silent Retreat Day (Saturday, Feb. 25; 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.) with Revs. David and Christy Parks-Ramage. The parables and sayings of Jesus, used in silent prayer and meditation as koans, open our hearts to God’s healing presence. View the Opening the Heart’s Gate poster

·Our regular, free gatherings for prayer and meditation: View the Contemplative Gatherings poster

SPIRITUAL DIRECTION:

·For an introduction to Spiritual we offer at Direction, which is at the core of everything the Journey Center, plan on attending this free workshop… An Invitation to Encounter the Holy (Friday, February 10; 7-9 p.m.). Facilitated by two of the Journey Center’s spiritual directors. View the Spiritual Direction Workshop poster

May you be blessed as you put down your umbrella and soak in the Living Water…

Joanna Quintrell and the Journey Center staff

The Journey Center
1601 Fourth Street, Santa Rosa, CA 95404
707-578-2121
www.journeycenter.org
Posted in Reflections & Resources | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Reflections and Resources-January by Joanna Quintrell

Posted on January 18, 2012 by publicity@journeycenter.org

photo of plantGreetings from the Journey Center staff!

I’ve been watching the vegetables in my garden be “confused” by the weather we are having…it is so cold at night, sometimes below freezing. By morning, they are covered with frost and looking wilted and stressed. But then the sun shines all day and it actually gets quite warm, and they perk up. It looks to me that just about the time they decide they can put a little energy into growing, the sun goes down and they find themselves back under a blanket of coldness. So mostly they just sit there and not much happens in terms of growth.

I don’t know about you, but life can feel a lot like that to me. I am so aware lately that the warmth of the joys of life AND the coldness of the pain I also encounter seem to go hand-in-hand…both are present and true at the same time.  There are blessings and grace in the midst of pain…. and grief in the midst of joy. No wonder I sometimes feel confused, too!

As we journey through life experiencing all that it means to be human, there are some things that truly help us to keep growing in the midst of it all. Everyone’s list of what those things are is unique and there are also some basic things that we need for growth, just because we are human: love, an experience of the Holy, community, places where we can share our experiences and be heard…and a balance of taking care of ourselves and giving to others.

At the Journey Center, we offer a variety of resources and gathering places where these very things can be received as you seek to keep growing and learning and experiencing transformation in your life and relationships. If you read on, you’ll see what we are offering the rest of this month and we want you to know that we’d love to see you and have the opportunity to be companions on your journey!

THE CONTEMPLATIVE LIFE SERIES:

·NEW Workshop with Helen Cepero who is here from Alaska!! Writing the Sacred: A Psalm-Inspired Path- (Saturday January 21, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.)
In describing different aspects of our relationship with the Creator and of living in the world, the Psalms invite us to see the holy in the ordinary–and also in times of suffering and exaltation. They are the authentic voice of our common humanity. This workshop will offer gentle writing exercises that encourage you to stretch your imagination, express your emotions and experiment with forms of language inspired by the words and forms of the Psalms.  Facilitated by Helen Cepero, spiritual director, author and co-director of the spiritual direction training program at the Journey Center. She lives in Anchorage, Alaska. Her book, Journaling as a Spiritual Practice: Encountering God Through Attentive Writing, was published in 2008.  View the Writing the Sacred
Poster

·NEW!! An Evening of “Natural Reflection” with Julie Miller, spiritual director ( Sunday, January 29, 2012, 6:30-8:30 p.m.).Have you wanted to come to the Journey Center to enjoy the space but you are not available during the weekdays? From 6:30-7:00 p.m. we will enjoy a contemplative reading of a piece of literature that captures the way we encounter the Holy in nature. The rest of the evening is available for you to enjoy our WIFI access, prayer, conversation, a chance to read or meditate.  View the Evening of Natural Reflection poster

THE HEALTH AND HEALING SERIES:

·New!! How Honey Can Benefit Your Health (Sunday, January 22: 2:00-5:00p) Honey is an amazing gift from our Creator! Using honey both internally and externally can give your body amazing results and is especially useful for burns, allergies, arthritis and osteoporosis. Join beekeeper Emery Dann to learn about the miracle of bees and hives and the many practical everyday  uses for honey.   View the How Honey Can Benefit Your Health poster

THE SHARING THE SACRED/JOURNEYING WITH OTHERS SERIES:

·An Evening of Sacred Hebrew Chant and Music (Thursday, January 26, 2012, 7:00-9:00 p.m.). Sacred chant is a practice of spiritual communal worship that is embodied and contemplative. Everyone’s voice is invited into the mix and the blend creates a chorus that envelops the group and shapes everyone’s prayer experience.  Sheila Katz, PhD is co-founder and Executive Director of Beit Ayin, a national non-profit that brings Jewish spiritual practice to people through sacred chanting, meditation, storytelling and movement. Brian Lemesh, a musician and composer for 22 years, provides the music for Jewish chanting and Kabbalat shabbats for several North Bay synagogues, and with the Beit Ayin band.     View the Evening of Sacred Hebrew Chant and Music poster

THE SPECIAL EVENTS SERIES:

If you are thinking about this evening, please register in advance as without a minimum number of folks, Julie will have to cancel the evening.  PLUS, there will be free hot, homemade soup and bread served at 6pm for anyone interested in joining us early for a bite!

·Repeated from Fall 2011 by popular demand…Digging Deep in Israel: Archaeology and the Excavation of Faith Insights in the Holy Land ( Wednesday, January 18, 2012, 6:30-8:30 p.m.). Julie Miller spent five weeks this past summer participating in an archaeological dig at Tel Gezer, an ancient city that guarded the western entry into Jerusalem. Julie will give us glimpses into “a day in the life of an archaeologist” and the discoveries made, as well as share insights into how historical evidence has informed her faith.  View the Digging Deep in Israel poster

THE ENNEAGRAM SERIES:
·The Enneagram: A Tool for Transformation (Free Introductory Workshop on Wednesday, January 25, 2012, 6:30-9:00 p.m.)
Join Joanna Quintrell, spiritual director at the Journey Center, for this free workshop designed to introduce you to the Enneagram, an ancient tool for personal and relational transformation. You will learn a lot about yourself and others in a relaxed and fun setting! This is a great workshop to bring a friend or relative to.    View the Enneagram for Beginners Series poster

Blessings to you on your journey!

Joanna Quintrell and the Journey Center staff
The Journey Center
1601 Fourth Street, Santa Rosa, CA 95404
707-578-2121
www.journeycenter.org

Posted in Reflections & Resources | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

New Beginnings by Joan LaViolette

Posted on January 9, 2012 by publicity@journeycenter.org
It is time to use what I learned about myself during my winter of reflection. I seem to always go deep within during November and December, then come January I am ready to begin anew and refeshed spiritually. My goal for 2012 is to walk closer with my God, my Higher Power every day. I have given this much thought and finally asked God if he had any ideas about my journey.  Of course, the answer is not new to me. It was to pray every day from the moment I awaken to the end of the day and somtimes pray in my sleep. I often doubt that praying is enough of a mission for God.  I wonder if I shouldn’t go to a different country that really needs people to help; I truly struggle with this. Then my God lets me know that prayer is enough.  There will appear a person or situation that I feel compelled to pray about.I find a place where homeless people are and they need prayer, or someone will ask me for prayer. God always gives me direction, I just do not listen all the time. He has shown me that anytime one prays, you add love and hope to the Universe.

The Universe and our world really need positive forms of energy now. We all need lots of love and hope for the conditions we find ourselves in. I encourage you to ask your God what He/She wants you to do for the improvement of the world and I bet He answers you. When your mind is going in so many different directions just stop and ask Him.  He might just tap you on the shoulder, nod His head and say “I need you to pray .”

Happy New Year
Joan L

Posted in Staff Blog | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Journey Center Reflections and Resources for The New Year by Joanna Quintrell

Posted on December 28, 2011 by publicity@journeycenter.org

photo of plantGreetings from the Journey Center staff…

I’ve always loved the last week of the year! I find my heart and mind naturally moving into a time of reflection as I consider where I am on my journey and what the Spirit is calling me to as a new year begins. There is something especially wonderful for me about January 1 st …  it is a grace-filled day of quiet retreat and a time of starting over on some things as well as choosing a new practice for the year, whatever that might be.

There have been times in my life when this time of reflection has been quite painful. If the prior year had been a time of struggle, loss or setback, it was hard to look ahead with hopefulness. I remember that during one of those times I found a little card that I framed and still keep with me, now on the wall in the office at the Journey Center. The illustration shows a small person, dressed in climbing gear and standing at the foot of a tall mountain…and words written by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe say:

Whatever you can do, or dream you can,
Begin it.

At the Journey Center, we offer wonderful resources and community to support you as you “begin it”…whatever it is that the Spirit is inviting you to as 2012 dawns. Some are specifically designed for reflection, new beginnings and transformation, including these FIVE that take place in the first week of the new year (just around the corner- please register today if you plan to attend):

·Going Deeper with the Enneagram (Monday evening, January 2)- This group is for those familiar with the Enneagram and who want to experience transformation and freedom in their lives. Facilitated by Joanna Quintrell and guest teacher, Dickson.  View the Enneagram for those Familiar Series poster

·Prayer Collage/Vision Board Class (Wednesday, January 4, 2012, 7:00-9:30 p.m.). Join local artist, Maria Crane, for this popular class in which you will create a visual picture of your hopes and dreams for the coming year using magazines, words, and other art mediums. Let it serve as a visual reminder of your Creator’s goodness and the wonderful plans in store for you. Discuss and pray in your intentions at the end of the class with a blessing circle. All are welcome! View the Prayer Collage/Vision Board Class poster

·NEW group with Jeanette Frances, spiritual director and life coach! Shaped by the Word (Thursday evenings, beginning January 5th ; 7:00-8:30 p.m.)- Join Jeanette Frances, spiritual director and life coach to explore this invitation from the Spirit into being “shaped” and “formed” by the Word in the months ahead. Time will be given in the group for entering into God’s presence, allowing ourselves to listen deeply and to be touched and transformed.  View the Shaped by the Word poster

·Into the Silence – A Winter Retreat Weekend at St. Columba’s Retreat House -Friday, January 6 (afternoon) – Sunday, January 8, 2012 (noon) : The world in winter is a place of hushed sounds and muted colors. Gone are the riotous color and dancing leaves of the fall. Trees are bare, bulbs are planted but waiting underground for spring. There is a sense of silence, of a great quieting down and with it an invitation to quiet ourselves and listen more carefully to our hearts and to the Holy. Join spiritual directors Dick Meyer, Julie Miller, Linda Albert and Laurie Goldstein in the new year for this silent retreat at St. Columba’s Retreat House in Inverness. Spiritual direction and the accompaniment of Laurie’s harp playing will be offered as well as simple guidance in how to enter the silence.  View the Into the Silence Winter Retreat Poster

·NEW group with Alexandra Montoya!   DESIRE (12-week group, meeting on the 2nd and 4th Monday nights, January 23-July 9, 7:00–9:00 p.m. Free introductory group: January 9, 7:00 p.m… please attend if you are considering joining this group.) To lose heart is to lose everything. Because everything that makes a life worth living flows from the heart…connection, intimacy, love, joy, romance, adventure, meaning, purpose, identity, one’s place in the world…So how do we guard our heart? How do we even know what our heart is up to, or how it’s doing, or where it’s headed? One secret to your heart is… DESIRE. How you handle your deep desires is how you handle your heart. Desire is speaking all the time; it is one of the deepest voices of the heart… a voice many of us have never been taught to understand, or even recognize. This is a loving, Christ-centered group experience for going into our hearts to discover our desire. Facilitator: Alexandra Montoya, spiritual director/counselor/heartwork practitioner.  View the Desire poster

Here are descriptions and links to more detailed information for the other wonderful and practical groups, classes, workshops and gatherings that will take place later in the month January. We have grouped them by each particular series so you can easily find the ones you are most drawn to:

THE CONTEMPLATIVE LIFE SERIES:

·NEW Workshop with Helen Cepero!! Writing the Sacred: A Psalm-Inspired Path- (Saturday January 21, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.)
In describing different aspects of our relationship with the Creator and of living in the world, the Psalms invite us to see the holy in the ordinary–and also in times of suffering and exaltation. They are the authentic voice of our common humanity. This workshop will offer gentle writing exercises that encourage you to stretch your imagination, express your emotions and experiment with forms of language inspired by the words and forms of the Psalms. Facilitated by Helen Cepero, spiritual director, author and co-director of the spiritual direction training program at the Journey Center. She lives in Anchorage, Alaska. Her book, Journaling as a Spiritual Practice: Encountering God Through Attentive Writing, was published in 2008.  View the Writing the Sacred Poster

·For a complete list of our regular prayer and meditation gatherings (in Santa Rosa and Sebastopol), click on this link: http://journeycenter.org/hapPrayerMedGatherings.php

·For details about our two ongoing community groups (The Walking the Path Together group and the Spiritual Journey group), click on this link:  View the Walking the Path Together and Reading Group poster

·NEW!! An Evening of “Natural Reflection” with Julie Miller, spiritual director (Sunday, January 29, 2012, 6:30-8:30 p.m.). Have you wanted to come to the Journey Center to enjoy the space but you are not available during the weekdays? From 6:30-7:00 p.m. we will enjoy a contemplative reading of a piece of literature that captures the way we encounter the Holy in nature. The rest of the evening is available for you to enjoy our WIFI access, prayer, conversation, a chance to read or meditate.  View the Evening of Natural Reflection poster
 THE ARTS, CREATIVITY AND SPIRITUALITY SERIES

·Don’t miss our next art opening reception on Friday, January 13 (5-7 p.m.): “Abstract Reflections” by Carolyn Beyah. Meet the artist; appetizers and beverages will be served. Free admission. View the Abstract Reflections Art Opening poster

·We are happy to announce a very special event…a Book-Signing and Introduction Party for Beth Misner on Saturday, January 14 (7:00-8:30 p.m.). Beth is the director of the recently-birthed Journey Center in Claremont, CA and her first book, “Jesus and The Secret: Where the Word of God and the Law of Attraction Intersect”, was recently published. Please join us for this time of celebration and the opportunity to meet Beth. Food and beverages will be served. Free admission. http://journeycenter.org/hapSpecialEvents.php

THE HEALTH AND HEALING SERIES:

·Holistic Nutrition for Depression, Anxiety & Memory (Saturday, January 14, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.) Brain health is essential for emotional regulation and optimal mental function. A basic understanding of healthy nutrition principles can significantly improve brain longevity and cognition. This workshop will empower you to understand how nutrition can powerfully shape the brain and create a brain health nutrition regime! Chiara Maria Kae, PhD, a professional in the health field for over 20 years. She is a health communication professor, holistic nutrition consultant, and yoga/fitness instructor and she is passionate about health and spirituality. View the Holistic Nutrition Poster

·New!! How Honey Can Benefit Your Health (Sunday, January 22: 2:00-5:00p) Honey is an amazing gift from our Creator! Using honey both internally and externally can give your body amazing results and is especially useful for burns, allergies, arthritis and osteoporosis. New scientific discoveries show why honey promotes effective healing and improves your health. Join beekeeper Emery Dann to learn about the miracle of bees and hives and the many practical everyday  uses for honey.   View the How Honey Can Benefit Your Health poster 

 

THE SHARING THE SACRED/JOURNEYING WITH OTHERS SERIES

·An Evening of Sacred Hebrew Chant and Music (Thursday, January 26, 2012, 7:00-9:00 p.m.). Sacred chant is a practice of spiritual communal worship that is embodied and contemplative. Everyone’s voice is invited into the mix and the blend creates a chorus that envelops the group and shapes everyone’s prayer experience. The repetitive, active chanting of simple Hebrew verses from scripture will be followed by periods of silence, allowing time for integration and reflection. Sheila Katz, PhD is co-founder and Executive Director of Beit Ayin, a national non-profit that brings Jewish spiritual practice to people through sacred chanting, meditation, storytelling and movement. Brian Lemesh, a musician and composer for 22 years, provides the music for Jewish chanting and Kabbalat shabbats for several North Bay synagogues, and with the Beit Ayin band. View the Evening of Sacred Hebrew Chant and Music poster

THE SPECIAL EVENTS SERIES:

·Repeated from Fall 2011 by popular demand…Digging Deep in Israel: Archaeology and the Excavation of Faith Insights in the Holy Land (Wednesday, January 18, 2012, 6:30-8:30 p.m.). Julie Miller spent five weeks this past summer participating in an archaeological dig at Tel Gezer, an ancient city that guarded the western entry into Jerusalem. Julie will give us glimpses into what the work was like and the discoveries made, as well as share insights into how historical evidence has informed her faith. View the Digging Deep in Israel poster

THE ENNEAGRAM SERIES:

·The Enneagram: A Tool for Transformation (Free Introductory Workshop on Wednesday, January 25, 2012, 6:30-9:00 p.m.)
Join Joanna Quintrell, spiritual director at the Journey Center, for this free workshop designed to introduce you to the Enneagram, an ancient tool for personal and relational transformation. You will learn a lot about yourself and others in a relaxed and fun setting! This is a great workshop to bring a friend or relative to.    View the Enneagram for Beginners Series poster

·Just a few spaces remain for our next Enneagram Guest Teacher Workshop on Saturday, January 28, 2012, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. “The Wings and Arrows of Outrageous Fortune” features Kathryn Grant, a certified and International Enneagram Association accredited Enneagram teacher, Spiritual Director, Life Coach and family constellation facilitator. The Enneagram is about movement – a dynamic figure that asks us to look around, look across, adjust our lenses and move to healthier, more adaptable versions of ourselves. This workshop will focus on the four connections we each experience: two wings and two lines of connection (arrows). Some prior knowledge of the Enneagram is suggested for participation in this workshop.   View the Enneagram for those Familiar Series poster

We look forward to seeing you in the new year at the Journey Center. It is our privilege to be an oasis of peace and a place of resources for your spiritual journey!

Blessings,
Joanna Quintrell and the Journey Center staff

The Journey Center
1601 Fourth Street, Santa Rosa, CA 95404
707-578-2121
www.journeycenter.org

Posted in Reflections & Resources | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Light in our Darkness By Joanna Quintrell, Executive Director

Posted on November 28, 2011 by publicity@journeycenter.org

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
   a light has dawned.”

(Isaiah 9:2)

In the winter season there is less light and more darkness in the world around us. The days are shorter, the nights longer and we tend to stay indoors where it is warm and we can turn on a light.

Have you ever been somewhere so dark that you couldn’t even see your hand when you held it up in front of your face? Perhaps it was on a cave tour or a camping trip; the flashlight was turned off and all you could see was…nothing at all. Most of us rarely experience that kind of deep darkness. Where we live, you can turn on a light.

But imagine for a moment that there was no light, that you had to get around by walking carefully, hands out in front of you, feeling your way. What would it be like if you lived “in the land of deep darkness” described in this ancient text? And what would it be like if, after days and weeks and months of living in such darkness, the light began to dawn? Imagine the joy!

As I ponder these things, I have been struck by how the light is celebrated at this time of year in so many ways. In the Christian tradition, the birth of the Christ child is remembered in stories and Christmas carols as the miracle of the coming of God’s light into the darkness of our existence:

…in thy dark streets shineth the Everlasting Light;The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.

(From the carol ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’)

 

During Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, candles are lit to remember the miracle of the restoration of the Temple and are a reminder of what God has done, inspiring thanks and praise…

We light these lights for the miracles and the wonders,
for the redemption and the battles that you made for our forefathers…

(From a hymn recited at the lighting of the candles)

All over the world in the time of winter candles are lit, strings of lights decorate houses and trees, people draw near to the warmth and flickering flames of the fireplace. The darkness is here, yes, and we welcome and enjoy the light that drives it away.

There are other kinds of darkness that can be with us no matter what season of the year it is, aren’t there? There are times when we find ourselves in a dark place on our journey- perhaps we feel “lost” in a particular situation and don’t know which way we should turn, or a deep grief overtakes us and weighs down our heart. It might be that circumstances beyond our control have thrown us unexpectedly into a time of struggle, or we are touched by the pain of others. Maybe we are experiencing a “dark night of the soul” and we long for days gone by when it was easier to sense the presence of the Holy.

At the Journey Center, we believe that whether you are celebrating the light…or longing for the light…there is something essential about having the companionship of others at this place on your journey. Joy is more complete and struggles are less burdensome when we come together to talk and pray, laugh and cry, listen and learn.

It is our practice to light a candle each time we gather as a reminder that we are not alone. We invite you to join us during this dark season of the year. See the happenings section of our website for opportunities to come and experience the presence of the One who is…

                                                   “…wrapped in light as with a garment.”

Psalm 104:2

Posted in Articles | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Reflections and Resources + NEW WINTER NEWSLETTER!

Posted on November 21, 2011 by publicity@journeycenter.org
photo of plant

Greetings!

One of my favorite quotes from the New Testament is this…. “Come away with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” These words were spoken by Christ to his disciples, who were so busy that they didn’t even have time to eat! 

Whatever your spiritual path, this invitation to step out of the busyness of life and find rest in the presence of the Holy is so timely as we enter the busy holiday season. For many of us who tend to get swept up in the cyclone of activity, it takes real effort to choose to say “yes” to the opportunities for slowing down and just “BE-ing”…and it is good to know that the Spirit is at work, encouraging us and helping us to take care of ourselves in this way. 

It has become our tradition at the Journey Center to offer regular and seasonal opportunities to enter into the loving presence of the Holy One, where we find rest and peace and grace. As the fall quarter comes to a close and our winter quarter begins, we would like to invite you join us for some of these beautiful and peaceful gatherings where we know that your spirit will be refreshed and blessed. 

Here is the link to the winter quarter newsletter- it is full of wonderful resources for your journey, and is newly organized so it’s easier to see what is available: http://journeycenter.org/jcnewsletterWinter2011_2012_web.pdf 

And here are the gatherings that offer you an oasis of peace in the midst of a busy season- all of them are free of charge:

·Advent Reflections: A Candlelight Contemplative Gathering (Sunday evenings, November 27; December 4, 11 and 18, 7:00-8:00 p.m.)  In the Christian tradition, the season of Advent is the month preceding Christmas and is meant to be a time of reflecting on the meaning of the coming of the Christ-child . Each Sunday in Advent, we gather to create space in this busy season for encountering the Holy One and receiving the gifts of joy, peace, love and hope. All are welcome, from all spiritual paths for this time of beautiful live music/song and prayerful meditation. No registration needed for this event.
View the Advent Workshop and Gatherings poster

·New!!!! Come Away… to A Quiet Time (Monday, November 28, 5:30pm – 7:00pm)  Come Away… to A Quiet TIME: An evening experience of quiet, meditative time .  Do you long to: …just stop …get quiet …calm yourself … breathe in God’s love and comfort and strength and peace? This is a drop- in group where there will be a mixture of meditative quiet sitting… sometimes with music, sometimes with words, sometimes with the imagination, sometimes with poetry or scripture… but always with God and with yourself in the company of others. You are welcome to join the movements with the group, or to sit in the living room and rest, journal, or do as you wish. Please come as your schedule allows; enter in silence if the Quiet Time has begun. Facilitated by Alexandra Montoya. No registration needed for this gathering.View the A Quiet Time Poster

·Other contemplative, quiet prayer gatherings are offered throughout the week; all are free. Check out this link to the poster: http://www.journeycenter.org/posters/contemplativeGatherings_Fall2011.pdf 

Gift Certificates available   Do you have someone you would like to bless with a holiday gift certificate from the Journey Center?  We can make it for any amount and it may be redeemed in our bookstore or for any of our classes, workshops or retreats.  Call or stop by to purchase.

The Journey Center is closed for the Thanksgiving Holiday November 24 & 25.  Gatherings that normally meet on those days will be suspended.

Again, here is the link to the new winter quarter newsletter- enjoy! http://journeycenter.org/jcnewsletterWinter2011_2012_web.pdf 

We look forward the opportunity to be a blessing to you on your journey!

Joanna Quintrell and the Journey Center staff
The Journey Center
1601 Fourth Street, Santa Rosa, CA 95404
707-578-2121
www.journeycenter.org

Posted in Reflections & Resources | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Reflections and Resources-November 2nd

Posted on November 2, 2011 by publicity@journeycenter.org

photo of plant

Greetings from the Journey Center staff-

Well…can you believe it? It is November already! The beautiful leaves are changing color and falling from the trees, most of our summer vegetables have been harvested and the fall/winter seedlings are taking their place in the beds. The mornings are cold and the afternoons warm…and the light! Autumn’s light has a special beauty that delights us as we walk in the beauty of Creation at this time of year…

Walking in the Light… on our journey through life, this is the Spirit’s invitation to us, as we read here in these ancient words from the Psalms:

Blessed (happy, fortunate) are the people who know the joyful sound;
                                       they walk in the light of Your presence!

At the Journey Center, we offer many kinds of opportunities to bless and support you as you seek to walk in the Light. November is the last month of our fall quarter and, as I look ahead, I am grateful that we are able to offer such a diversity of resources to you as you continue on your spiritual journey. Thanks for registering ahead of time for those events that require this- either by calling us at 707-578-2121 or on our website at www.journeycenter.org .

The following gatherings are taking place this weekend:

·Art Opening: Two Friends’ Passion for Art with Bonnie Soule Karlsen and Alice Larsen.  Friday, Nov 4, 5-7pm.  Appetizers and beverages will be served. Free!  View the Art Opening Poster for Alice Larsen and Bonnie Soule Karlsen

·Healthy Holiday Eating with Chiara Maria Kae.   Saturday, Nov 5, 10 – noon. When holiday cravings hit, would you like to have handy some healthy, decadent desserts? Learn the top ten ingredients to have in your pantry that pack plenty of flavor without pound-producing punch!  View the Healthy Holiday Eating Poster

·Letters from God: Dreamwork and Your Spiritual Journey. Saturday, November 5, 2-5 p.m. In this workshop, led by spiritual directors Ruah Bull and Joanna Quintrell, we will share several approaches to entering into this wisdom-experience that is the dream world, and explore how to integrate the message found there into your journey with the Divine. Bring a dream and a journal and the desire to learn about The Holy through the invitation of dreams. View the Letters From God poster

And here are the offerings for the remainder of the month, by series:

THE CONTEMPLATIVE LIFE SERIES:

·Walking the Path Together- A Spirituality Support Group with Dick Meyer.  Thursday, Nov 3, 7 – 8:30pm.  A group for those who want to share their experience of God with others (joys, challenges, wisdom, questions).  View the Walking the Path Together and Reading Group poster

·Meeting the Mystics- Martin Luther: Radical Mystic with Tim Kellgren. Friday, Nov 11, 7-9pm. Join Tim Kellgren as explorations are made as to what Luther teaches us about the invitation to total surrender and dependence on God that is at the heart of the Christ-centered spiritual journey. View the November Meeting the Mystics poster

·Come Away to a Quiet Time with Alexandra Montoya.  Monday, Nov 14, 5:30 – 7pm. Come Away… to A Quiet TIME: An evening experience of quiet, meditative time. Do you long to:…just stop…get quiet…calm yourself… breathe in God’s love and comfort and strength and peace? View the A Quiet Time Poster

·Images of Growth with Cecelia Tonna. Tuesday, Nov 15, 7 – 9pm.  In our busy lives we often long for “down time” to let our outer and inner selves connect and regroup. View the Images of Growth Workshop Poster

·Spiritual Journey Reading Group with Andy Trapp.  Thursday, Nov 17, 7 – 8:30pm.  In this reading group, we will read and discuss books that express a variety of ways to think about, engage with, and encounter Christ today.  View the Walking the Path Together and Reading Group poster

·For details about our regular prayer/meditation groups that meet through the week, click here: http://journeycenter.org/hapPrayerMedGatherings.php

SPECIAL CONTEMPLATIVE ADVENT WORKSHOP AND GATHERINGS:

·Encountering God During Advent: An Invitation to the Contemplative Gifts of the Season with Joanna Quintrell.  Sunday, Nov 20, 7 – 8:30pm.  This free workshop is an introduction to the Advent season and to new ways of approaching it that will enrich your spiritual journey. View the Advent Workshop and Gatherings poster

·Advent Reflections: A Candlelight Contemplative Gathering with Joanna Quintrell.  Sunday, Nov 27, 7 – 8pm.  Each Sunday in Advent, we gather to create space in this busy season for encountering God and receiving the gifts of joy, peace and hope. AdventWkshpGathering_2011.pdf

THE ARTS:
·Giving Thanks: Creating a Gratitude Mandala with Caterino Martinico and Patricia Waters.  Saturday, Nov 12, 10-4pm.  View the Gratitude Mandala Workshop poster In this workshop we will engage in a powerful and centering process of giving thanks in a prayerful and creative manner, by creating luminous Gratitude Mandalas.

THE ENNEAGRAM:
·Going Deeper with the Enneagram.  Monday, Nov 7, 6:30-9:00 p.m. This group is for those who know their Enneagram scores for all nine styles. If you have taken Wagner’s WEPSS inventory or the Riso-Hudson Enneagram Type Indicator…you have this information about yourself and will be able to participate in this transformative group experience. View the Enneagram for Those Familiar Poster

SHARING THE SACRED: JOURNEYING WITH OTHERS:
·Sharing Poems and Tea with Shauna Jacobs.  Sunday, Nov 13, 7-9pm.   Bring one or two of your favorite poems and one or two of your favorite tea bags to share. We will be reading to the others a poem that has special meaning in our personal life. View the Sharing Poems and Tea poster

 

The Journey Center will be closed for Thanksgiving November 24 and 25.
May you be blessed on your journey!
Joanna Quintrell and the Journey Center staff

The Journey Center
1601 Fourth Street, Santa Rosa, CA 95404
707-578-2121
www.journeycenter.org

Posted in Reflections & Resources | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Reflections and Resources-October

Posted on October 17, 2011 by publicity@journeycenter.org
photo of plant

hand holding plant

Greetings from the Journey Center staff!

As I stood in my living room this morning, looking out the front window, I noticed a young mother and her little boy walking along the sidewalk. He looked to be about a year old and walking was obviously a new adventure for him. His mother held his hand as he toddled along; they walked very slowly and he was filled with excitement and joy. At the end of the street, he decided he was tired and was scooped up into his mother’s arms for the journey home.

There is a passage I love in the ancient book of Hosea and it comes to mind as I think about this mother and child. Perhaps these words of love will touch you today and remind you that you are not alone, that the One who knows and loves you is holding your hand and carrying you when you just get too tired:

It is I who teaches you to walk, taking you by the arms;
you do not realize it is I who heals you.
I lead you with cords of human kindness, with ties of love.
To you I am like one who lifts a little child to the cheek… 

Here we are, almost halfway through the month of October, and it is time to remind you of the upcoming gatherings, workshops and events scheduled on the Journey Center calendar…resources for you, invitations to come and experience the reality of the presence of this One, to be more deeply aware of the movement of the Spirit in your life. 

If you would like to join us, simply register online at www.journeycenter.org or call us at 707-578-2121. We would love to share one or more of these experiences with you!

THE CONTEMPLATIVE LIFE SERIES:

Spiritual Direction: An Invitation to Encounter the Holy (Workshop)- Mon, October 17, 7pm – 9pm.  Grow in your awareness of the presence and movement of God in your life. What is this ancient practice called spiritual direction? How can it enhance and support your spiritual journey? Join us for this free workshop to find out. Facilitated by Linda Albert and Dick Meyer, Journey Center spiritual directors.  View the Spiritual Direction Workshop Poster

NEW- JOURNEY CENTER PRAYER GROUP IN SEBASTOPOL!! Starting October 19, an ongoing, drop-in group on Wednesdays (12:00-12:45 p.m.)!   Weekly Contemplative Prayer/Meditation Group You are invited to come and encounter Christ in silence, in contemplation and in imagination as we practice Christ-centered forms of meditation.  Location is at the Sebastopol United Methodist Church (across from Safeway).  http://www.journeycenter.org/hapPrayerMedGatherings.php

Christ-centered Reading Group: Thu, October 20, 7:00pm – 8:30pm.  In this reading group, we will read and discuss books that express a variety of ways to think about, engage with, and encounter Christ today– within ourselves and in our communities. Facilitated by Andy Trapp.  http://www.journeycenter.org/posters/communityGroupsOngoing.pdf

Contemplative Healing Prayer Gathering Fri, October 28, 6pm – 7pm.  A time of reflection and healing prayer for physical, emotional, mental, relational and spiritual healing, as well as prayer for our community and our world.  http://www.journeycenter.org/posters/contemplativeGatherings_Fall2011.pdf

For details about our regular prayer/meditation groups offered throughout the week, click here:  http://journeycenter.org/hapPrayerMedGatherings.php

COMPASSION, MERCY AND JUSTICE

Orientation and Training for Volunteer Service with Our Most Vulnerable Neighbors: Sat, October 22, 9am – 3pm.   Want to help in our community but not sure how to do so? Join Kalia Mussetter, the founder of Living Bridges, a local non-profit consultancy that brings people together for transformative community service. Registration required. For more details, follow this link:  http://journeycenter.org/posters/volunteerOrientationTraining_Fall2011.pdf

THE ARTS:

TAKE JACK Concert Sat, October 29, 7:30pm .   LOVE LIKE THIS…an evening of music and song with the wonderful vocal ensemble, TAKE JACK (a benefit concert for the Journey Center), Saturday, October 29, 7:30 p.m. Tickets on sale now- this wonderful concert is in the intimate setting of the Journey Center and there are only 30 seats available. Gourmet desserts and beverages available for purchase. Order tickets on our website or by calling the Journey Center- and thank you for supporting us!  http://www.journeycenter.org/posters/TAKEJACKConcertPoster_Oct2011.pdf 

Stop by the Journey Center to enjoy our current art gallery show: Images of Peace and Tranquility-  beautiful photography by Nik Catalina. View the poster at http://journeycenter.org/posters/artOpeningPoster_NikCatalina.pdf 
 
SHARING THE SACRED: JOURNEYING WITH OTHERS

It is High Holiday Season for our Jewish friends and we’ve been invited to a very special service. For all the details, follow this link…http://journeycenter.org/hapJourneying.php … to our website or call our coordinator, Shauna Jacobs at  707-869-3647. We will carpool to these events.

·         October 19th: we have been invited to attend a Simchat Torah  (rejoicing of the Torah) service.  This is a joyous service celebrating the receiving of the Torah at Mt. Sinai. The Jubilee Klezmer Band will add to the festive nature of the evening. Location: B’Nai Israel Jewish Center, 740 Western Ave, Petaluma. Time: 6:30pm -?. Cost: probably around $10.

May you be blessed on your journey!

Joanna Quintrell and the Journey Center staff
The Journey Center
1601 Fourth Street, Santa Rosa, CA 95404
707-578-2121
www.journeycenter.org

Posted in Reflections & Resources | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Digging Deep in Israel by Julie Miller

Posted on October 10, 2011 by publicity@journeycenter.org

On September 25th, over 40 people gathered at the Journey Center to “Dig Deep” into archaeology and the excavation of faith insights in the Holy Land with Julie Miller and Sylvan Eidelman.

The evening was especially fun for me as the presenter because I was able to relive some of the moments of the dig while putting the slides together. In the cool, clean and comfortable Journey Center I told of the “day in the life of an archaeologist.” People groaned at the 4:30a.m. wake up time but realized the wisdom of that as they heard how the temperatures climbed to nearly 100 degrees Fahrenheit by quitting time at 12:30p.m. The tools, small creatures encountered while moving dirt (such as scorpions, snakes and toads!), and finds were discussed as well as the logistics of the supervisors in teaching methods and doing work in the evening to ready the plan for the next day. The feeling that came up for me was admiration as I recalled the over 20 people who were site supervisors, field archaeologists, archivists, pottery readers and the folks that kept us fed and happy. I admired their passion for archaeology. As hot and tired as I was after digging and washing pottery til 4:30 each day, I was amazed at the energy and enthusiasm these volunteer supervisors and support crew still had.

Isn’t it fun to glimpse that kind of passion? Each of us are probably passionate about some other area of life and we seem to be most fully alive when we are pursuing it. If you missed the talk and would be interested in hearing about Israel, I will be offering it again Wed., Jan 18. I added 30 minutes so we can play with some actual pottery brought back from the site. My slogan for archaeology? “Archaeology is not for Sissies!”

Blessings to you! Julie Miller

Julie Miller
The Journey Center
Executive Director’s Assistant
julie@journeycenter.org

Posted in Staff Blog | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

The Arts by Jeanette Frances

Posted on October 5, 2011 by publicity@journeycenter.org

“The Arts” is a category in a university catalogue and it is found in the local Sunday news paper; both of these are just two descriptive terms for “arts”, but there can be a multitude of meanings behind the word such as the capacity or ability to function well in an a special creative skill such as dance, sculpture, or drama.  But there is an additional aspect to the skill of “art”, the very capacity to function in a specific discipline, in one’s every day life.

“Art” requires intentionality – the painter must prepare the canvas, the singer must learn the words, and the dancer must engage the steps in rhythm to the music – art requires the total integration of the being to create, and to draw another into their creative space.  And each of us are designed to fulfill this quality of integration in a specific art – the art of receiving, but as in other art forms, one may have allowed various life strategies to get in the way, to interfere.

Why is it one lacks the art of receiving?  What might stand in the way?  The ego, self worth, stored pain, anger, resentment… the possibilities are numerous – the store house is full!  Yet we are invited to come, to be open, to receive, but we stumble through life while yearning to receive, to respond to the invitation to fill our store house with Love – full measure, the very capacity we are designed to hold, but to do so requires an action on our part.  We are to respond in faith, in acceptance of The Spirit’s love and in so doing we become intentional in our trust – we believe the invitation is ours and we come – we choose to draw near with an open mind and heart to receive The Love that relinquishes hope, trust and confidence.

Thus, we acquire the “art” of daily being open to the ever present Love that is present to grace our lives and the lives of others.

The invitation is present… “To take in the extravagant dimensions of God’s love.  To reach out and experience the breadth!  Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God.”
(James 4:7, The Message)

What are you waiting for?

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”   (James 4:8 RSV)

Jeanette Frances

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment