All times listed are Eastern Standard Time – See links below to join us in the Sanctuary
9:30 am – Contemplating Poetry Using Lectio Divina with Rev. Susan Telford
Rev. Susan Telford will be guiding us in learning the contemplative practice of Lectio Divina using poetry. In each session, Susan will read a poem, drawing from a wide range of poets, including Rumi, Hafiz, David Whyte, Mary Oliver, John O’Donohue, and many others (including her own work), then guide participants through the four steps of Lectio Divina. Susan shares that this direct practice is a beautiful way to connect with Inner Wisdom and obtain clarity.
10:15 am – Weekly Gathering – Rev. Saina Fernandez
Topic: “Thoughts are Tools, Not Truths”
Description: Rev. Saina will be sharing deeply from her heart on some recent insights and realizations that are helping her to further let go of the ego. She invites you to join her this Sunday and perhaps some of these unveilings will inspire you to further let go of the ego.
Reading: Judy Lekisch will read NTI Colossians Ch. 4 & NTI 2 Thessalonians, Ch. 3.
11:30 am – Fellowship Time – Hosted by Laura~Joy Bedford
This is the time when Awakening Together joins together in fellowship as a community. We share what is on our hearts and minds from the recent homily or anything else that is truly inspiring us.
12:00 pm – NEW PROGRAM: Just Being Here Now – Anja Janssen
Everything is already here now, so all we have to ‘do’ is be. In this program, Anja will look deeply into the now – the present moment, to explore how truth presents itself. She will be using everyday experiences and events to practice being present with what is. She will also share a variety of teachings about the now, the illusion of time, and resting in beingness. Some of the teachers and texts she will draw from are Eckhart Tolle, Lao Tzu, Angelo Dilullo, A Course in Miracles & NTI. Join Anja in using our everyday experiences to embrace the present moment and be.
12:30 pm – God Through Audz – Audrey Whitehead
Join Audsie for her program ‘God through Audz’ as she reads and contemplates from Guiding Ollie Through “A Course in Miracles” Book One. It is directed and compiled by Rev. Devan Jesse Byrne. Experien
1:00 pm – Sacred Inquiry – Rev. Shawna Summers
Rev. Shawna demonstrates the art of Sacred Inquiry in real-time. Join her as she asks to see with Clarity, questioning each layer of the thinking mind, to see what beliefs are hidden in the sub-conscious. She opens deeper into beginners’ mind with humble curiosity. This is an evolving process, as she discerns for the vibrational level of each thought, exposing the source. She invites all listening to join her in their own Inquiry to experience the strength of this powerful and often surprising spiritual practice.
1:30 pm – Freedom Practice Sangha – Facilitated by Joe Schmitz
Following the recent Awakening Together online retreats it has become clear that many feel called to dive into intensive follow-up work. While the practice of unearthing and looking directly at our individual beliefs is primarily solitary in nature, we all recognize that the sharing of that work with others who are undergoing the same process can be enormously beneficial and supportive. This is a time of sharing our inquiries, insights and challenges, listening to others, or just knowing that we are in community, as we find that undefended place within ourselves that longs to be free.
2:30 pm – Qigong the Movement of Now with Ian McArthur
In this program, we will learn the traditional Mind, Body, and Spirit practice of Qigong (Chi Kung). Qi means life energy, referring to the energy circulating through the body, and Gong means cultivation or work. The two words are combined to describe the practice to cultivate and balance life energy. By following movements (forms) and a simple breathing technique, we encourage more Qi to flow, which in turn allows us to feel more peaceful and at One with ourselves.
This practice has been followed for thousands of years to promote balance and wellbeing as well as a means to encourage Spiritual Awakening. Ian’s Meditative approach to Qigong allows us to experience the many benefits of Qigong. One of the beauties of Qigong is its simplicity which makes it easier for the forms to be learnt. You can start your practice at any age and begin a journey of discovery into Qigong.
For more information about Ian and to access his teachings you can email him at peacefulexperie
3:30 to 4:45 pm The Sanctuary Is Closed
5:00 pm – Sounds of Awakening with Rev. Yolanda Mapes
Join us for the next installment of Awakening Together’s musical program, Sounds of Awakening hosted by Rev. Yolanda Mapes where she will interview Rev. Pamela Mann.
Reverend Pamela was ordained at One Spirit Interfaith Learning Alliance and Seminary in NYC, NY, Class of 2011 along with Rev. Yolanda who was in her class. Her first year of study had an emphasis on the world’s religions and their cultures and ceremonies. Rev. Pamela is a Wedding officiant as well as a self-taught, intuitive artist in addition to being a Ritualist and Ceremonialist, and Sound Healer.
Rev. Pamela last joined us in August of 2023 on Sounds of Awakening where she shared her joy of Sound Healing and took us on a meditative, healing Journey of Sound. We are truly looking forward to having her again to experience this beautiful practice.
If you would like to contact Rev. Pamela and find out more about her wedding ceremonies, please click here: heartstarceremonies.com
Rev. Yolanda is a trans femme gender queer singer/songwriter/performance artist & interfaith minister, originally from Muscle Shoals, Alabama- The Hit Recording Capital of the World. Rev. Yolanda has been making music/theater/TV/film/performance art for well over 40 years, winning the NYC MAC Award twice and inducted into both the NY Blues Hall of Fame and The GLBT Hall of Fame. Rev. Yolanda is so very happy to be a part of and be of service to the Awakening-Together Community on The Member Board of Trustees, as well as with her weekly program The Mighty Companions-The Voice that Likes You.
You can find Rev. Yolanda’s music here: www.Yolanda.net/audio
6:00 pm – Enlightened Leadership: Building the Foundation – Facilitated by Revs. Rhoda Makled & David Hemphill
The Tao Te Ching (The Way), written by Lao-Tzu (Old Teacher), is a guide to enlightened leadership. While most people believe effective leadership lies in knowledge and power, the Tao teaches it lies in emptiness, stillness, and presence.
Awakening Together’s President-Minister, Rev. Rhoda Makled, and Rev. David Hemphill share from the Tao as they contemplate its principles to fully embody them. They will read Regina Dawn Aker’s translation of the Tao Te Ching, and may refer to other translations as guided.
7:00 pm – Deepening into Clarifying the Teachings – Facilitated by Rev. Jacquelyn Eckert
During this program, Rev. Jacquelyn Eckert will guide us as we will listen to a portion of each previously recorded “Clarifying the Teachings” program, which was originally taught by our Founding Minister, Regina Dawn Akers. Afterward, we will spend time contemplating and sharing what is most alive for us now. We may also spend time practicing what Regina is teaching. Bring your journals, openness, and curiosity as we explore what is revealed and ready to be seen. We invite you to join us.
8:00 pm The Sanctuary is Closed
All Times are Eastern Standard Time – See helpful links below.
Enter the Sanctuary or see the complete listing of speakers.
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