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 – with Rev. Anne Blanchard
Topic: ‘Giving the Gap to God’
Description: One of the most powerful tools we are given when we are called to discern one truth, that is, to live this life centered in the one True Self, is trust. So what would it be like to live with total trust, with a faith so immediate and certain that everything is seen as a Divine unfolding, every moment as a holy instant in which our only desire is to allow God to have its way with us, to show us the way, to orchestrate it all? Join Rev Anne Blanchard as she shares her journey to consistently “up her trust”, to allow the Presence of Divinity to handle all things in this life.
Reading: Lin Castaldo will read excerpts from NTI Luke.
11:30 am – Fellowship Time – Hosted by Rev. Rona Marren
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 – Just Being Here Now – with 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 – with 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 – with 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 Anne Blanchard
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 practice 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 in order to promote balance and well-being 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 learned. You can start your practice at any age and begin a journey of discovery in Qigong.
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 Doreen Younglove.
Doreen Younglove is a vocalist, songwriter, recording artist and vocal/ performance coach. Doreen has recorded lead and backing vocals with many artists in LA and NYC, with most of her success happening in her spiritually themed House/Dance music. Doreen’s underground dance hit “When You’re in Love” was placed on DJ Danny Krivit’s album, Music is My Sanctuary. Currently, Doreen is the Assistant Music Coordinator for Bearded Lady Productions where she performs with Rev. Yolanda at Church with a 2 Drink Minimum and other spiritual gatherings, as well as being the glue that holds the team together for The Alien Love Child Musical where she co-stars as “The Angel”.
To get in touch with Doreen, please click here.
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 Hour -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 – with 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. Rev. Rhoda Makled, and Rev. David Hemphill share from the Tao as they contemplate its principles in order to fully embody them. They will read Regina Dawn Aker’s translation of the Tao Te Ching, and 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.
All Times are Eastern Standard Time – See helpful links below.
Enter the Sanctuary or see the complete listing of speakers.
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