First Fruits Offerings at Christ King

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Offerings at Christ King Parish

Body Wisdom: Compassionate Self-Care Practices

Life’s demands and difficult situations can leave us feeling worn out physically, emotionally and spiritually. It’s hard to maintain relationships with those we love, including God, when we don’t feel at peace within ourselves. And yet we often neglect to care for ourselves. Body Wisdom teaches simple but effective practices which can help relieve the symptoms of stress which come from both ordinary and extraordinary life events. The practices involve gentle movement, quiet reflection, calming breath work, simple finger holds, safe touch and more. When accompanied by the intention of connecting with God, these practices also become a form of compassionate body prayer.

with Margorie Wilber

Centering Prayer

"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10 We may think of prayer as thoughts or feelings expressed in words. But this is only one expression. In the Christian tradition, Contemplative Prayer is considered to be the pure gift of God. It is the opening of mind and heart--our whole being--to God, the Ultimate Mystery, beyond thoughts, words and emotions. Through grace, we open ourselves to God whom we know, by faith, is within us, closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than consciousness itself. Centering Prayer is a method designed to facilitate the development of contemplative prayer by preparing our faculties to receive this gift. It is, at the same time, a relationship with God and a discipline to foster that relationship. In our time together, we will discuss this method developed by Fr. Thomas Keating and have an opportunity to experience the prayer itself. COME and SEE!

with Gloria Dryer

Coloring Prayer

Praying in color is an active, meditative, playful practice. It is both process and product. The process involves a re-entry into the childlike world of coloring and improvising. The product is a colorful design or drawing that is a visual reminder of the time spent in prayer. This prayer form gives God an invitation and a new door to penetrate the locked cells of our hearts and minds. A great process to learn and do with children/grandchildren. It turns coloring and doodling into a form of prayer that you can do together.

with Sandra Dempsey

Earthen Vessels

The workshop "Earthen Vessels" given by Sister Karlyn Cauley will allow the participants to create a matted art piece ready for framing. Supplies provided will use a simple weaving technique with colored papers. As the project is worked, the words of St. Paul will become clearer about our life of grace in the coming new year: "We have this treasure in earthen vessels... because the power is God's, not ours.”

with Sr. Karlyn Cauley

Lectio Divina

New prayer practices can bring a refreshing spirit to our prayer lives and our feelings of connection to God. Would it surprise you though to know that an ancient and very traditional way to pray can bring these same feelings and more? Lectio Divina or Sacred Reading has been used for prayer by the monastic traditions for a very long time. In its simplest form, Lectio Divina isn’t a reading or study group, but it is a way to pray and find guidance in life. In its more mature form it is preparation for even deeper contemplative prayer. This group will explore the Lectio Divina tradition and individuals can use it in their journey to find new and deeper connections with God. Whether you are a beginner or have some experience with this prayer form, all are called.

with Sue Rolison

Mary’s Way of the Cross

As women; mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, girlfriends, let us join together and walk with Mary through the passion of her Son, Jesus. Deepen your faith as we look through Mary’s eyes to experience her sorrow on that walk to Calvary. Pray we can learn through the journey of Mary’s Way of the Cross to apply it to our own lives; the suffering, falls, hurts, rejections, condemnations, death, burial…and also the glory and joy of the resurrection!

Mining the Meaning of Our Lives: Theological Reflection as Prayer

Someone once said, "We live life forward, but we understand it backward." Wise people become that way by learning from the experiences of their lives, and those with spiritual wisdom have done so in dialogue with their faith tradition. Engaging fully the questions of our lives – and reveling in the blessings, can teach us so much if we are tuned in. That’s what our prayer lives should be, but who has taught us to do that? In the morning you will hear some stories from Mary’s own life, and see how this process works, what resources there are, and then to "see the bones" of the process so you can do it more effectively and deliberately yourself. She will also speak about discerning God’s call in your own life. In the afternoon you will have an optional opportunity to speak with Mary one-on-one about struggles, blessings and yearnings that are currently part of your own prayer life and spiritual growth.

with Mary Janowak

Spiritual Toolbox

No, you don’t have to be handy to enjoy this offering! Carol Sullivan, Spiritual Director and Retreat leader, will give participants a look at various prayer methods that help us to “build” our relationship with God. One of these forms of prayer is the practice of meeting with a Spiritual Director on a regular basis. Carol will specifically address what a Spiritual Direction session with her looks like … how she personally does this ministry. She will be available after the presentation to answer any questions. Carol will then be available in the after noon to see 6 individuals for a “mini” direction session with each (20 minutes). Spiritual Toolbox morning presentation is not a prerequisite for the mini session.

with Carol Sullivan

To Fill These Hearts Full: God, Sex and the Universal Longing

Start the New Year joining yourself with the strength and spirit of women, while we learn, share, and pray together. We will add personal prayers to the timeless tradition of the rosary. Scripture and Art work depicting the mysteries of the rosary will complement the meditative, repetitive prayer form .This experience will inspire and strengthen you. During our time together everyone will receive easy to follow picture -guide and copies of the prayers along with a rosary to keep. If you have a special one, bring it along with you.

with Lydia LaCoco

The Kiwi-Café is waiting for you!

You’ve had an amazing morning at FIRSTFRUITS and you don’t want to leave? Then don’t. We’re open all day. Bring a bag lunch and spend time in meaningful conversation at The Kiwi-Cafe, our spiritual café! We will provide awesome coffee and beverages and different homemade goodies each month. You didn’t have time to eat breakfast or visit the Starbucks drive thru, no problem! Grab a cup of Buena Vida coffee served at The Kiwi-Cafe and a homemade scone and your good to go. We’re better than Starbucks, we feed your body and your soul! At The Kiwi-Cafe there is always a welcoming space and a friendly face.

The Kiwi-Café will be open open 9am—9pm in Parish Center at Christ King for the March 28th First Fruits Day.

A Once a Month Women's Day Retreat

Christ King Parish