PATHWAYS OFFERS MANY OPPORTUNITIES

A relevant conversation on tattoo art and the ways that modern culture utilizes tattoos for healing effects. Led by licensed therapist and certified mental health evaluator Sarah Blackburn, our time included an exploration of historical biblical references for tattooing and how tattoos show up in today's modernized belief system. Additionally, Sarah shared personal examples of using tattoos to foster transformation in therapy sessions.

PATHWAYS went "on the road" to Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church in Rockford to learn about the origins and imagery of icons. Fr. Jonathan Bannon led our discussion and taught us about the use of icons since the early days of Christianity.

Held at The University Club (Rockford), presenter Steve Larsen shared insight on the ancient art of wine making, its origins, and how it has changed throughout the millennia. Particular attention was spent reviewing biblical history in regards to wine and strong drink.

Returning PATHWAYS presenter Marci Madary led our time as we pondered the vastness of space and God's magnificent creation, particularly through the review of selected Biblical passages that speak of celestial bodies and what these mean to our life today. 

Featured artist Kari Lindholm-Johnson guided this workshop on fractals, with an emphasis on God's repeating work of love and grace in our lives. Our time of learning included:

-- the concept of art as a spiritual discipline
-- meditatation on God's gift of grace
-- creation of custom artwork using a personal symbol of love
-- nourishment of mind and body

A Zoom offering led by Pastor John Kiemele (M.Div./Ph.D) and Dr. Marissa Kiemele (MD) explored the dynamic relationship between these two integral aspects of everyday life.  Group discussions, guided practices with reflection, and Q&A with our facilitators served to engage the whole person (body, mind, soul), encourage release from self-judgement and limiting beliefs, and awaken the power of awareness.

A contemplative prayer service led by Deacon Marti Bein with candlelight, simple song, meditative prayer and silence.

Led by Deacon Jennifer Fox and certified yoga instructor Jeff Leaich, this free workshop offered a time of worship, interactive drumming instruction, and meditative practice. 

• opening worship focused on the rhythm of the heart
• participatory African drum circle
• meditative chair yoga centered on breathing and inner peace
• closing worship with readings, hymns, and drumming

We marked the new season's arrival by giving thanks for the harvest and savoring the changing colors of the landscape.  A time of gratitude for God's abundance in our lives.

Following our prayer time, we enjoyed fellowship and refreshments of apple cider and donuts.

Using paint from elements of the earth and utilizing peace, centering, and listening through the creative process, participants learned about painting as a spiritual discipline, created their own paint and custom piece of art while nourishing their mind and body.

Facilitated by Kari Lindholm-Johnson, artist, ordained minister in the Evangelical Covenant Church, and spiritual director.

The Word on Fire

A celebration of the Holy Spirit and rekindling of the fire in each of us.  A service of song, prayer and reflection.

A multi-week book study, led by Pastor Twila Schock, of Dr. Dawna Markova's book, I Will Not Die an Unlived Life.

Poetic and inspiring, this book is a collection of insightful stories and questions that guide the search to find personal balance, reclaim passion and purpose in life, and focus attention and awareness on the present moment.

Testimony, Discussion and Luncheon

PATHWAYS welcomed the Rev. Dr. April Ulring Larson, ELCA Bishop Emeritus of the La Crosse Area Synod, to speak about her faith in a loving God during difficult times. Bishop April lost her son, Ben, in the 2010 Haiti earthquake.

Included in our time together was discussion of the book, A Witness: The Haiti Earthquake, a Song, Death, and Resurrection, which her daughter-in-law, Renee Splichal Larson, wrote about love, grief, survival, and new life.

With communication as a major component of a healthy relationship, time spent on understanding effective and compassionate communication is a worthwhile investment for both home and work. The enneagram helps us learn about ourselves and appreciate how we experience the world differently than others. This includes our communication styles.

Using the lens of the enneagram, presenter Marci Madary guided us as we took an honest look at how we communicate with those in our lives without judgment or blame. Strengthening Communication through the Enneagram will have long-lasting benefits for co-workers, family, friends, and most importantly, ourselves.

Marci Madary is a nationally certified Enneagram teacher through the Palmer/Daniels school in the narrative tradition. For more about Marci and her training, visit https://www.insideoutspirituality.com/about.

As we manage change while moving ahead, we are called to mature and less anxious relationships that handle differences, allow thoughtful listening, and help us to deal with difficult topics and decisions.  In our congregations as within all our lives, the way we treat one another is the significant factor in witness and service.  An event to help us strengthen relationships.

Led by Deacon MaryAnn Schwabe, ELCA Executive for Synod Relations and the ELCA Systems Academy Coordinator at the churchwide office in Chicago.