Our purpose is summed up in the following:
We thrive when we:
Discover a common learning goal with at least one other friend.
Create a place to deepen knowledge, skills, or practices of an identified subject ( arts, theology, culture-making, etc).
Share friendship and joy with other participants on the learning journey.
Some previous learning rooms we have offered:
Enneagram Study Groups
Following ‘The Road Back To You’ text and study guide by Ian Cron and Suzanne Stabile, this Learning room explored the ancient personality system called the Enneagram. Participants launched into deep, personal inquiry and self-reflection, helping to foster grace and understanding regarding the complexity of being human.
Linoprint
The Linoprint Learning Room discussed basic lino techniques and materials needed to make prints. We met over four monthly sessions to share our work, give feedback, and celebrate the fun of doing art together.
Contemplative Prayer
Using the book ‘Mindful Silence’ by Phileena Heuertz, this group explored the tradition of Christian Contemplative Prayer. Participants met once per month for 8 months, sharing impressions, wrestling conundrums and practicing each prayer method. From silence, to labyrinths, to meditation, the group experienced a wide variety of prayer practices, helping to both enhance and challenge their own spiritual journey.
Being Christian
‘Being Christian’ was a four week study based on four essential Christian practices: baptism, bible, eucharist, and prayer. The group used Rowan Williams's short book ’Being Christian’ to initiate and stimulate the bi-weekly discussions. This immensely wise book is rooted in a generous orthodoxy drawing from across the Christian Tradition.
Mind Mapping Course
Over several sessions this group learned about Mind Maps — a visual tool that stimulates your ability to think both creatively and logically. We practiced making Mind Maps and considered how they might apply or be used in daily life. Mind Mapping is a fast and fun technique that can help you work through thoughts, feelings and information.
The Universal Christ
A study on the book, ‘The Universal Christ’, by Richard Rohr in which we learned about the teachings of Christ that can impact everything we see, hope for, and believe. It also gave an opportunity to learn and engage in Christian contemplative practices, as well as set intentions for becoming a more loving, engaged presence in the world.
KAIROS Blanket Exercise
The KAIROS Blanket Exercise is a unique, interactive and participatory history lesson developed in collaboration with Indigenous Elders, knowledge keepers and educators. By engaging participants on both emotional and intellectual levels, the activity both educates and creates understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
Stewardship of Trauma
Over 4 gatherings, this group met and discussed two books: Trauma Stewardship: An Everyday Guide to Caring for Self While Caring for Others by Laura van Dernoot Lipsky and Assimilate or Go Home: Notes from a Failed Missionary on Rediscovering Faith by D. L. Mayfield. These two books, while very different from each other, share interweaving themes and experiences around caregiving, ministry, theology, and psychological well-being. Our diverse group of attendees shared their own stories of suffering, fatigue, hope, and struggle. The question of interplay between the individual and the community was at the forefront of conversation, as was the question of how faith/faith practices can act as a resource for resilience
Writing Group
This group would meet twice a month to write together. There was also an opportunity to share work, offer feedback and encourage each other in the craft. We drank loose leaf tea among other rituals that made our gathering’s cozy and helped to foster creativity.
Theology in the Dark
This group met monthly to watch movies together either in homes or at the Bookshelf Cinema. Afterwards there would be an opportunity to discuss the film in a local cafe with the hope that our conversations would lead to a greater understanding of the human condition and our connection to the Divine.
E-mail us here if you would like more information on current offerings and how to participate: admin@tworiverschurch.ca