Interfaith Service to Honor Gay Pride Month

A group of clergy concerned for the well being of LGBTs (lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transsexuals) in the Valley are once again organizing an interfaith service to honor LGBTs.  The service will be held on Sunday, June 22, at 7:00 P.M. in St. John's United Church of Christ, 1050 Buffalo Road, Lewisburg.  This event is free and open to the public.  

Last year's event was attended by 120 citizens.  It was a delightful and triumphant service that featured three speakers, as well as music from the Buffalo Valley Singers and from the choir members of the United Church of Christ. Clergy of various faiths participated, including Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Earth-based religions, and Unitarian Universalism.  The service lasted approximately one hour and was followed by informal social gathering. The clergy hope to make this an annual event.  We hope to see many of you there this year.

/// Geisinger Division of Spiritual Care ///

The Division of Spiritual Care is pleased to offer the following classes to all clergy, spiritual caregivers, lay ministers, hospital staff and interested community members. Unless otherwise noted, classes are held at the Spiritual Care Center at Geisinger.  To register for any of these workshops, please call Tina or the voice mail at 570-271-3700 and kindly leave the workshop title, your name, contact phone number and email. Unless otherwise noted, classes are held at the Spiritual Care Center at Geisinger in Danville, and are without charge. Facilitated by Rev. Dr. Karl A. Polm-Faudre, Director of Education, Research and Outreach, Geisinger Division of Spiritual Care (unless otherwise noted).

REGISTRATION: To register for any of these workshops, please call Tina or the voice mail at 570-271-3700 and kindly leave the workshop title, your name, contact phone number and email address in a slow, clear voice. Courses are free unless otherwise noted. Participants are required to obtain their own texts as listed with a course.

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WISDOM TRADITION NIGHTS
An on-going study of the mystic and contemplative traditions of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism as applied to various contemporary everyday topics.
Every Wednesday evening, 7:00-9:00pm, from May 21st through to August 6th, 2008
A wide variety of topics are offered ranging from discussion of a theme, study of a short text, or a media presentation. Informal atmosphere. Come when you can as you are.

CENTERING PRAYER
A six-session workshop for all interested persons, with or without meditation experience.
Saturday mornings, 10:00-11:30am, June 7, 14, 21, 28 and July 12 and 18, 2008.
Text:  Cynthis Bourgeault (2004).  Centering prayer and inner awakening.
Cowley Publications.  ISBN-10: 1561012629 or ISBN-13: 978-1561012626. Participants purchase their own text.
Available new or used at www.amazon.com.

DEVELOPMENT OF THE BIBLE
A four-session study and discussion group for all interested persons.
This same class is offered at two different locations and dates:

Tuesday evenings, 7:00-9:00pm, June 3, 10, 17 and 24, 2008
Spiritual Care Center, 101 North Academy Avenue, Danville, PA

Thursday mornings, 9:00-11:00am, June 5, 12, 19 and 26, 2008
St John United Church of Christ, 1050 Buffalo Road, Lewisburg, PA

Text:  Karen Armstrong (2007).  The Bible: A biography. NY: Atlantic Monthly Press.  ISBN-10: 0-87113-969-3 or ISBN-13: 978-0087113-969-6. Participants purchase their own text.  Available new or used at www.Amazon.com.

Research Workshop Number Three:
DIGNITY THERAPY FOR THE CRITICALLY ILL
A workshop for clergy, lay ministers, spiritual caregivers and all interested persons. Workshop fee: $5.00.  No Text.  Copies of study materials will be provided to each participant. This same workshop is offered at two different locations and times:

Tuesday 9:00-11:00 am, July 8, 2008
Community Mennonite Fellowship, 2985 Broadway Road, Milton, PA
(off Exit 215 – Limestoneville, of Interstate Route 80)

Tuesday 9:00-11:00 am, July 22, 2008
St Matthew Lutheran Church, 123 North Market, Bloomsburg, PA

THE ART OF CARING CONVERSATION
A four-session class focused on the communicative dimension of being a healing presence.
Open to all interested persons, lay ministers, clergy as well as health and spiritual caregivers.
Completion of course required of those wishing to be a Geisinger volunteer Chaplain Assistant.

Thursday evenings, 6:00-9:00pm, July 10, 17, 24, and 31, 2008.
Course fee: $10.00.  No text.  Course handouts and media provided.  Scholarships available.

Richard Emmert, the Artistic Director of Theatre Nohgaku, announces the Noh Training Project's 14th annual summer intensive Noh program at BTE. Full information on the Noh Training Project can be seen at our website: http://www.nohtrainingproject.org/ which also has a link to photos from last summer's NTP. Please address inquiries to NTP 2008 producing director Elizabeth Dowd edowd@bte.org. More info at (http://www.theatrenohgaku.org/) and (www.bte.org/program/noh.htm)

Northeast PA Diversity Education Consortium
Workshops For more info, visit: http://www.nepdec.org/calendar/calendar_workshops.html


///  Dance and more  ///

Susquehanna International Folk Dancers
International Folk Dancing on Sunday nights at Milk Parlour Ballroom
Bloomsburg http://www.sifd.blogspot.com/

Hosts an annual Family Party Benefit – “Sedeljka” - this picture from 2008 by Jeremy dePrisco featuring music by John Matulis and Dottie Yacek and dance performance by the Students from Greenwood Friends School.

 

KHOROVOD
Pleasant Valley Dancers A Community Dance Group in Freeburg, PA
holtn@susqu.edu (570) 374-5324        Natasha Holt.
Weekly Ballroom Classes International and American Dance Parties http://www.susqu.edu/FacStaff/h/holt/dance/default.htm

*** A Request from the State Library of Pennsylvania *** The State Library of Pennsylvania is collecting materials by or about religious communities in Pennsylvania, as well as materials on religion written or published in Pennsylvania. They have already received some assistance through us, but could use more. They are requesting any autobiographies, biographies, histories related to any faith or individual church, congregation, building or movement as it regards its history or story in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. They write that the State Library of Pennsylvania would be interested in obtaining such material. "All faiths and groups are welcome to send material or to let us know the cost of material," including Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, atheist and agnostic groups and any others. Prayer books and hymnals would be considered at this time, as would any pamphlet, periodical, directory, or other book (but not small fliers or church newsletters at this time).