Shalom Spirit e-Newsletter

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SHALOM ELSEWHERE

F O L L O W on F A C E B O O K

F O L L O W on T W I T T E R

F O L L O W on I N S T A G R A M

Join Shannon and Eric Evans during this sacred time on the beautiful grounds of the Shalom Spirituality Center with your partner to explore the contemplative dimensions, joys, and demands of committed romantic partnerships in a weekend retreat setting. All genders and partnerships are affirmed and welcome!

Visit the link below for pricing details and to register!

TAI CHI at SHALOM

Weekly on Mondays
Facilitators: Nancy and Jerry Trowbridge

Monday night Tai Chi class at Shalom Spirituality Center may become your best night of the week! Tai Chi uses breathing and relaxation techniques to loosen up our bodies, removing stress and allowing energy to flow. It has been shown to improve flexibility, blood circulation, and sleep quality. Tai Chi is low impact and generally safe for any age or athletic ability.

Why not try a class, and see how good you feel afterward? Your first class is FREE! Join the beginner class on Mondays from 6:30-7:30 pm. Please get in touch with Nancy or Jerry at 563.590.9953 to register.

NEW SELF-CARE OFFERING! Day of Self Renewal
Thursday, February 2, 9 am-4:30 pm
Shalom Spirituality Center

Celebrate Self-Renewal Day and join us for a day of rest and relaxation for mind, body, and spirit during Shalom's Day of Self-Renewal. Facilitated by Jim Earles, the day offers a group guided meditation, private guest room, delicious lunch, access to our chapel and labyrinth, and a choice of relaxation services -- massage, reflexology, sound healing, life/wellness coaching, or spiritual direction. Enjoy a quiet reading space, nap in your private room, or enjoy peaceful prayer time in the chapel. Come and focus on YOU for a day!

The cost is $95.00 per person; please call Shalom to register by Friday, January 27th.

READING THAT MATTERS: February Book Discussion
Tuesday, February 7, 2023, NEW TIME 3:30-5 pm
Shalom Parlor
Facilitator: Eileen Miller OSF

February Book:
Convicted: An Innocent Man, the Cop Who Framed Him, and an Unlikely Journey of Forgiveness and Friendship by Jameel Zookie McGee, Andrew Collins & Mark Tabb

Falsely convicted, McGee, a black man, spent three years in federal prison thanks to over-zealous narcotics officer Collins (a white man). Collins also went to prison a few years later for falsifying police reports. While behind bars, the faith of both men deepened. But the story took its most unexpected turn once they were released—when their lives collided again in a moment brimming with mistrust and anger. The two were on a collision course—not to violence—but forgiveness.

As current as today’s headlines, this explosive true story reveals how these radically conflicted men chose to let go of fear and a thirst for revenge to pursue reconciliation for themselves, their community, and our racially divided nation.

The cost is $6 per discussion and does not include the book; the registration deadline is Monday, February 6.

Walking and Praying in the LABYRINTH
Tuesday, February 14, 5:30-6:30 pm
Shalom Chapel
Hosted by Ginny Heldorfer, OSF

Is life too busy to sit and pray? Maybe walking and moving are your style of praying. We invite you to come and walk the labyrinth, a sacred journey of prayer. Walking the labyrinth can help bring about clarity, peace, and healing. This is a silent, prayerful practice suitable for older teens and adults. Socks are required. This program will be offered on the second Tuesday of each month. Join us!

Limited to 10 participants. Freewill offering; RSVP on or by February 13.

Lunch and RENEW: Chair Yoga
Wednesday, February 15, 11:30 am-12:30 pm
Shalom Dining Room
Hosted by Deb May, Yogacare

Strengthen and support your immune system with simple Chair Yoga poses while relieving neck, shoulder, and back tension, followed by a simple and delicious lunch! This program will be offered monthly on the third Wednesday of each month. Join us!

The cost is $15.00 per person; please register by Friday, February 10.

MEDITATION AND MUSIC: SOUND HEALING

Monday, February 20, 6:30–7:30 pm
Shalom Chapel
Hosted by Morgan Noel, Singing Bowl Practitioner

Experience a deep meditative state as you surrender to the healing sound frequencies of Crystal Singing Bowls. This practice helps to cultivate a calming and relaxing experience for participants. This program will be offered on the thrid Monday of each month. Join us!

No prior experience is needed. Please wear comfortable clothing, and feel free to bring a pillow, blanket, or anything else that will make you more comfortable. The cost is $10; please register by Friday, February 17.

LENTEN SERIES: WHAT IS THE STATE OF OUR COMMON HEART?

Wednesday evenings on March 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29; 7:00 pm
This is a VIRTUAL event via Zoom
Facilitator: Sr. Sarah Kohles, OSF

Sr. Sarah Kohles will offer an examination of conscience this Lent as she explores the state of our common heart by reflecting on “heart passages” from Scripture. In addition to reflecting on the personal need for conversion of the heart characteristic of the season of Lent, Sr. Sarah will also invite participants to consider what it means to transform our common heart. What does the Gospel of Matthew mean when calling us to be “humble of heart,” and what is Philippians asking of us when challenging us to be “united in heart?”

Sr. Sarah is a scripture scholar with a Ph.D. from Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley and an MA from Catholic Theological Union. She has served as an adjunct professor at Loras College, Wartburg Theological Seminary, and is currently at Briar Cliff University.

$5 per person per session or $25 per person for the series; please register online at shalomretreats.org or by calling 563.582.3592.

READING THAT MATTERS: March Book Discussion
Monday, March 13, 2023, NEW TIME 3:30-5 pm
Shalom Parlor
Facilitator: Eileen Miller OSF

March Book:
I Am a Bacha Posh: My Life as a Woman Living as a Man in Afghanistan by Ukmina Manoori

In Afghanistan, there is a widespread practice of girls dressing as boys to play the role of a son. These children are called bacha posh: literally "girls dressed as boys." This practice offers families the freedom to allow their child to shop and work—and in some cases, it saves them from the disgrace of not having a male heir. But in adolescence, religion restores the natural law. The girls must marry, give birth, and give up their freedom.

Ukmina decided to confront social and family pressure and keep her menswear. This brave choice paved the way for an extraordinary destiny. This is a stunning and brave memoir about a little-known practice that will challenge your perceptions about gender and the courage it takes to live your life to the fullest.

The cost is $6 per discussion and does not include the book; the registration deadline is Friday, March 10.

Save the Date! SHALOM SPRING BREAKFAST
Wednesday, March 15, 7:30 am
Shalom Dining Room
Guest Presenter: Ginny Heldorfer, OSF

Winter's cold, dark days have passed; we look forward to a new season in gratitude and hope! Let's offer this new season a warm welcome at Shalom's Spring breakfast! Gather with friends and enjoy a delicious breakfast and lively Lenten presentation by Sr. Ginny.

The cost is $15 per person; please register by Thursday, March 9.

SPRING EQUINOX DRUMMING CIRCLE
Tuesday, March 21, 6:30 pm
Shalom Chapel
Facilitated by Deb Stevens

Join us for our Spring Equinox Drumming Circle! Native drums, made in a circle, represent Earth and life. The beating drum is compared to the beating of a human heart and is said to represent the Earth's heartbeat and right relationships. Celebrate the Spring Equinox, the day that ushers us out from the winter season into Spring, by joining our drumming in harmony with Earth’s rhythms! All ages are welcome; an adult should accompany children.

The cost is $10 per person; please register by Monday, March 20.

March Day of Self Renewal
Thursday, March 23, 9 am-4:30 pm
Shalom Spirituality Center

Join us for a day of rest and relaxation for mind, body, and spirit during Shalom's Day of Self-Renewal. Facilitated by Jim Earles, the day offers a group guided meditation, a private guest room, delicious lunch, access to our chapel and labyrinth, and a choice of relaxation services -- massage, reflexology, sound healing, life/wellness coaching, or spiritual direction. Enjoy a quiet reading space, nap in your private room, or enjoy peaceful prayer time in the chapel. Come and focus on YOU for a day!

The cost is $95.00 per person; please call Shalom to register by Friday, March 17th.

Walking and Praying in the LABYRINTH · 2nd Tuesday of the month, 5:30-6:30 pm
March 14, April 12, and May 10
Shalom Chapel, Hosted by Ginny Heldorfer, OSF; Freewill offering, socks required.

Lunch and RENEW: Chair Yoga · 3rd Wednesday of the month, 11:30 am-12:30 pm
March 15, April 19, and May 17
Shalom Dining Room, Hosted by Deb May, Yogacare; $15, please register.

MEDITATION & MUSIC: SOUND HEALING · 3rd Monday of the month, 6:30–7:30 pm
March 20, April 17, and May 15
Shalom Chapel, Hosted by Morgan Noel, Singing Bowl Practitioner; $10, please register.

Register for these monthly offerings at our website: www.shalomretreats.org or call Shalom at 563.582.3592.

A NOTE ABOUT ONLINE REGISTRATION AND PARTICIPATION:
Some Shalom programs have an in-person or virtual option. If you are registering with a credit or debit card, please register online securely at www.shalomretreats.org. We are not able to take credit card reservations over the phone. If you are using a check, cash, or another form of payment, please call 563.582.3592 to register. When you register online, you will receive a confirmation email and receipt. Please check your spam/junk folder or a secondary email address if you do not receive this confirmation email. If you have not received a confirmation email, please call 563.582.3592 to confirm that you are registered. For Zoom programs, you will receive an email with a Zoom link and instructions on how to join the virtual gathering two days before the program. If you have not received this link within 24 hours of the program start, please call 563.582.3592 or email info@shalomretreats.org. Shalom offices close at 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and are not staffed in the evening or on weekends, so it is important to ensure you have your Zoom link before evening and weekend programs.