Who we are: We are of people with different backgrounds and interests who are seeking to study Celtic and other forms of Spirituality and spiritual practice; looking for ways to remain creative, or embrace more creative forms of expression; who wish to continue learning through study, and discussion. We gather in the Library, drink a ‘cuppa’ and just talk, laugh and cry a little sometimes:
Winter Women who meet the second Thursday of each month discuss, discern and concern ourselves with issues of sisterhood and are brought together through the study of Celtic Spirituality. This group is open to all ‘mature’ women and ones who recognize the potential of the wisdom-bringers among us.
The Creative Age-ers, open to all genders, strive to understand aging in a world which does not wish to acknowledge it or embrace it. We meet on the fourth Thursday to contemplate what we must learn, offer, and embrace.
The other Thursdays are open to all persons for various activities such as ‘bookless book’ studies, and spirited movies, and one Thursday a month we have gentle conversation while working in our Library.
What we do: We have discussion times for Bible study, Celtic study, Spirituality study, Book study. We have meditation time for Advent, for Lent and ‘Just Because’. We host women’s retreats seasonally, including Women’s Christmas in January. We go on pilgrimage: Iona, Ghost Ranch, New York City are a few. We seek ways to be creative and to live in creative ways. Stir the Soul Café is a concept that is evolving, unfolding, and re-creating.
Come join us anytime, as we meet in the Library at FCUCC, located on the 2nd floor of the Education/Office Building. If you have any questions, email Loraine Tuenge at ministry@uccasheville.org.
Our motto for this year for Stir the Soul Café Ministries: “In times of bleakness, darkness, fear, hopelessness, there is God, present in blessed acts of Incarnational Work.”
Stirrings From Stir the Soul Café Ministries
April 27 and May 25, the Creative Age-ers will continue to study Refugia Faith by Debra Rienstra. It addresses how people of faith can nurture our own small refugia as packets of life even as climate change alters so much of how we have understood our world. (Library, 1:30)
Wise Winter Women’s study of Braiding Sweetgrass will progress from ‘Learning the Grammar of Animacy’ into ‘Tending Sweetgrass.’ Join us May 11 – if you need a study guide, please contact Loraine at ltuenge44@gmailcom. (Library, 1:30)
Update: our Stroll for the Soul meditations will begin in May. This year’s theme is “Returning to Our Senses.” It takes 21 days to create a habit. Through a series of emails which offer a practice, or a reflection, or a poem, or a photograph, we will be given directions and encouragement to our time spent in walking, or jogging, or just sitting on the porch sipping coffee or tea. They will help us notice the green and growing glories of Spring.
“Stroll” is a collaboration between Kereru Pub., New Zealand and Prayer Bench in Canada. Caroline and Janice explore the unique spirituality of their landscapes from very different parts of the world. If you are not on the mailing list for Stir the Soul, contact me at ltuenge44@gmail.com
Earth Day is celebrated this year on April 22 and the theme is: “Investing in Our Planet” - in honor of Earth Day, you can click on this LINK for an article from Salt which speaks about what the Bible has to say about that theme.