Gathering Leaves 2023 Schedule and Activities
Thursday, August 24
4:30-6:00 pm Registration/check-in
Explore the grounds, collect attendee materials, make a personalized name tag, sign up for Sister Circles, visit with other attendees, view art display. Refreshments provided.
Location: Round Room
6:00-7:00 pm Dinner
Location: Sheep Fold
7:00-8:30 pm Opening Presentation
Pluralism in the New Church
Presenter: Eleanor Schnarr
Description: Historically, people from many different spiritual and religious backgrounds have been drawn to the works of Emanuel Swedenborg. As a movement, our embrace of variety in worship and spiritual practice is one of our greatest assets. The diversity of the Heavenly form in Swedenborg's metaphysics is what allows this amazing dynamism in thought and identity. This workshop will look at this doctrine and in the way that it has manifested itself historically.
Location: Church Hall
8:30-8:45 pm Spiritual Moment
Presenter: Jane Siebert
Location: Church Hall
Friday, August 25
8:00-9:00 am Breakfast
Location: Sheep Fold
9:15 -9:30 am Opening Spiritual Moment
Location: Church Hall
9:30-10:30 am Welcome and Plenary Session
Welcome, schedule for the day
Fill out intention cards
Finding My Divine Mother
Presenter: Tirah Keal
Description: In my mid 30’s I began struggling with my relationship with God. How can I rely on a being that doesn’t know what it’s like to be me? The God I had been guided to know is not someone who has first-hand experience with the mess and pain of menstruation, the anxiety of trying to become pregnant, or avoiding pregnancy. God is supposed to understand and Love me, but how would a male God have compassion for a woman having a miscarriage, or trying to accept that she’s pregnant again, though she didn’t want to be? Not to mention that I wanted to know that God knew what my life felt like in all its minuscule hurts, restricted, lonely, overwhelming, and exhausting. I knew I had suffered in my life, but I didn’t know if God understood my suffering. I knew I had to either find God anew or would lose my faith. I dove deep into the scriptures, and the journey was revelatory. I am delighted to have this opportunity to share with you the blessing of coming to know my heavenly Mother and the infinite love She has for us and the wisdom She has to give to us all.
Location: Church Hall
10:30-10:45 am Coffee Break
Location: Sheep Fold
10:45-12:15 pm Workshops Session 1
A Taste of Logopraxis - Session 1
Presenter: Ros Taylor
Description: “Logopraxis simply means “to practice the Word” and describes an approach to engaging with truths of Divine revelation as the basis for a daily spiritual practice. Logopraxis not only offers a framework for personal inner work and spiritual growth through integrating spiritual truths into life but it also offers a basis for cultivating a deeper sense of spiritual community through its online and face to face small group networks.” Participants will choose between a Bible passage and a Swedenborg passage as the text they will use for Logopraxis. We will follow the process of working with the text to develop a personal spiritual growth task to use in the next session.
Note: Those already familiar with the Logopraxis practice are welcome to prepare a passage on their own, and join the second session on Saturday morning.
Location: Pastor's Office or Outdoors (weather permitting.)
Johnny Appleseed
Presenter: Robbin Ferriman
Description: My presentation will be on the faith of John Chapman/Appleseed. As a Swedenborgian I believe he understood the correspondences in nature to the spirit world, and that it was reflected in his relationship with God and others. This is revealed in the stories that people told about Johnny Appleseed, in the way he spoke about his beloved apples as well as his "Good news fresh from heaven."
Location: Church Hall
Women's Presence and Influence in Religion Across History
Presenter: Amy Glenn
Description:
Discover the untold stories of women in religion throughout the ages in this captivating workshop presentation. Delve into the rich tapestry of their presence and the often overlooked roles they played in shaping religious traditions. Unveiling their contributions as leaders, mystics, scholars, and activists, this enlightening session challenges conventional narratives and highlights the power and resilience of women within the spiritual realm.
Location: Conference Room
12:30-1:30 pm Lunch
Location: Sheep Fold
1:30-3:00 pm Workshops Session 2
The Art of Living a Playful Life
Presenter: Kelly Lucero
Description: Discover the joy of embracing a playful existence in this engaging workshop session on the art of living a playful life. Through interactive exercises, insightful discussions, and creative activities explore the transformative power of playfulness, as you learn practical techniques to infuse spontaneity, curiosity, and laughter into your everyday experiences.
Location: Church Hall
Creator God by Many Names
Presenter: Gloria Toot
Description: During this workshop a basic introduction to major world religions will be presented, as well as readings, prayers, meditation, and music from many spiritual traditions to be experienced.
Location: Conference Room
Outgrowing Patriarchal Influences
Presenter: Linda Simonetti Odhner
Description: Patriarchal thinking lurks in unexpected places and takes surprising forms, and I often overlook it in my own attitudes, until I begin to outgrow them. The grip of male-dominated power structures on society may be loosening, yet they may still leave an unconscious imprint on our vision of life. I plan to focus on where we are still tripping over patriarchal thinking today, and on recognizing its presence so we can move past it.
Location: Pastor's Office or Outdoors (weather permitting)
3:00-4:00 pm Coffee Break & Sister Circles
Location: Sheep Fold
4:00-5:30 pm Art Making Time sponsored by Deborah's Tree (Sheep Fold), Pennypack Walking Tour of the Bryn Athyn Historical District (Pennypack Trail), or Free time.
Location: Various
5:30-6:30 pm Dinner
Location: Sheep Fold
7:00-7:45 pm Holy Supper Service led by Rev. Jane Siebert
Location: Chapel
8:00-9:00 pm Bonfire, music & dancing
Location: Fire pit area, weather permitting. Church Hall if it is raining.
Saturday, August 26
8:00-9:00 am Breakfast
Location: Sheep Fold
9:15-9:30 am Morning Spiritual Moment
Location: Church Hall
9:30 - 11:00 am Workshops Session 3
Prayer Beads
Presenter: Gail Simons
Description: In this hands-on workshop, I will present a history of prayer beads, such as malas and rosaries, and offer suggested symbolism for the beads from which attendees can select for making a very simple stringing of beads that represents their prayer. "The original word for beads was 'bede" which means prayers. In this workshop participants will have an opportunity to put together a strand of beads that represent their prayers."
Location: TBD
Materials Fee: The supplies fee for this workshop is $10, which will include beads and materials to use during the workshop, as well as beads to take home. In addition, there will be a marketplace of examples of Gail's work designed to inspire, and special items for possible use in the prayer bead project. Please bring cash along if participating in this workshop.
A Taste of Logopraxis - Session 2
Presenter: Ros Taylor
Description: This second session will function as follows: A “Life Group” for those who worked with the Bible passage, in which they will share how they worked with the text and the results of their personal spiritual growth task. The Swedenborg group will observe. A “Life Group” for those who worked with the Swedenborg passage, in which they will share how they worked with the text and the results of their personal spiritual growth task. The Bible group will observe.
Note: Those already familiar with the Logopraxis practice are welcome to prepare a passage on their own, and join this second session.
Location: TBD
The Poison of Internalized Misogyny
Presenter: Rebecca Esterson
Description: Our tradition teaches that religious life requires us to examine our own will and intentions, to reflect inwardly rather than merely focusing on the sins of others. We will take the opportunity in this session to consider the pitfalls of internalized misogyny, or the ways we as women have learned to distrust, criticize, or condemn other women and ourselves. We will ask: what are the aspects of our religious teachings that support and value women, and what are the potential obstacles in this regard? How can we learn to notice and silence the inner voices of judgment that get in the way of our flourishing and the flourishing of our sisters?
Location: Conference Room
11:00 - 11:45 am Coffee Break & Sister Circles
Location: Sheep Fold
11:45am - 12:30 pm Free Time / Physical Activity Break
Gong Sound Bath
Presenter: Liz Kufs
Description: Bring your yoga mat, small blanket and/or pillow to lie down and experience a restorative gong bath from a certified Sound Healer. Rest and relax while the healing vibrational energy of the gongs and other tonal instruments sweeps over you for a whole rejuvenating hour.
(Gong baths are considered safe for most people, but those who are pregnant, are experiencing hearing loss or have a seizure disorder triggered by auditory stimuli may wish to consult their doctors prior to attending a gong bath, as a gong bath may not be right for you.)
Note: Extra yoga mats, pillows and blankets will be available.
Location: TBA
12:30-1:15 pm Lunch
Location: Sheep Fold
1:15-5:15 pm Outing
Morris Arboretum & Woodmere Art Museum
(depart from Church Hall)
1:15-1:45 pm Travel
1:45-3:15 pm Morris Arboretum
3:15-5:00 pm Woodmere Art Museum
5:00-5:30 pm Travel
Entry Fees: There are entry fees of $20/person at Morris Arboretum and $10/person at Woodmere Art Museum. Please bring this amount ($30/person total) along with you if you plan to attend the Outing.
Note: If you would prefer not to venture out on the outing, there will be self-guided art supplies available for you to enjoy, courtesy of Deborah’s Tree!
5:30-6:30 pm Dinner
Location: Sheep Fold
7:00-7:30 pm Evening Vespers
Location: Chapel
8:00-9:00 pm
The Emerald Tree: A Puppet Show for Gathering Leaves 2023
Presenter: Angela Rose
Description: TBA
Location: Church Hall
Snacks included!
Sunday, August 27
8:15-8:30 Welcome
Location: Round Room
8:30-9:30 am Breakfast
Location: Sheep Fold
9:30-9:45 am Closing
Revisit intention cards. Discuss takeaways/actions, thank-yous, plans for lunch meet-ups at nearby restaurants after worship, if so desired.
Location: Church Hall
9:45-10:45 am Worship at the Lord’s New Church, led by Rev. Renee Machiniak
Location: Hemlock Grove (Chapel if raining)
11:00 am: Farewells and Departure
Location: Hemlock Grove (Chapel if raining)
4:30-6:00 pm Registration/check-in
Explore the grounds, collect attendee materials, make a personalized name tag, sign up for Sister Circles, visit with other attendees, view art display. Refreshments provided.
Location: Round Room
6:00-7:00 pm Dinner
Location: Sheep Fold
7:00-8:30 pm Opening Presentation
Pluralism in the New Church
Presenter: Eleanor Schnarr
Description: Historically, people from many different spiritual and religious backgrounds have been drawn to the works of Emanuel Swedenborg. As a movement, our embrace of variety in worship and spiritual practice is one of our greatest assets. The diversity of the Heavenly form in Swedenborg's metaphysics is what allows this amazing dynamism in thought and identity. This workshop will look at this doctrine and in the way that it has manifested itself historically.
Location: Church Hall
8:30-8:45 pm Spiritual Moment
Presenter: Jane Siebert
Location: Church Hall
Friday, August 25
8:00-9:00 am Breakfast
Location: Sheep Fold
9:15 -9:30 am Opening Spiritual Moment
Location: Church Hall
9:30-10:30 am Welcome and Plenary Session
Welcome, schedule for the day
Fill out intention cards
Finding My Divine Mother
Presenter: Tirah Keal
Description: In my mid 30’s I began struggling with my relationship with God. How can I rely on a being that doesn’t know what it’s like to be me? The God I had been guided to know is not someone who has first-hand experience with the mess and pain of menstruation, the anxiety of trying to become pregnant, or avoiding pregnancy. God is supposed to understand and Love me, but how would a male God have compassion for a woman having a miscarriage, or trying to accept that she’s pregnant again, though she didn’t want to be? Not to mention that I wanted to know that God knew what my life felt like in all its minuscule hurts, restricted, lonely, overwhelming, and exhausting. I knew I had suffered in my life, but I didn’t know if God understood my suffering. I knew I had to either find God anew or would lose my faith. I dove deep into the scriptures, and the journey was revelatory. I am delighted to have this opportunity to share with you the blessing of coming to know my heavenly Mother and the infinite love She has for us and the wisdom She has to give to us all.
Location: Church Hall
10:30-10:45 am Coffee Break
Location: Sheep Fold
10:45-12:15 pm Workshops Session 1
A Taste of Logopraxis - Session 1
Presenter: Ros Taylor
Description: “Logopraxis simply means “to practice the Word” and describes an approach to engaging with truths of Divine revelation as the basis for a daily spiritual practice. Logopraxis not only offers a framework for personal inner work and spiritual growth through integrating spiritual truths into life but it also offers a basis for cultivating a deeper sense of spiritual community through its online and face to face small group networks.” Participants will choose between a Bible passage and a Swedenborg passage as the text they will use for Logopraxis. We will follow the process of working with the text to develop a personal spiritual growth task to use in the next session.
Note: Those already familiar with the Logopraxis practice are welcome to prepare a passage on their own, and join the second session on Saturday morning.
Location: Pastor's Office or Outdoors (weather permitting.)
Johnny Appleseed
Presenter: Robbin Ferriman
Description: My presentation will be on the faith of John Chapman/Appleseed. As a Swedenborgian I believe he understood the correspondences in nature to the spirit world, and that it was reflected in his relationship with God and others. This is revealed in the stories that people told about Johnny Appleseed, in the way he spoke about his beloved apples as well as his "Good news fresh from heaven."
Location: Church Hall
Women's Presence and Influence in Religion Across History
Presenter: Amy Glenn
Description:
Discover the untold stories of women in religion throughout the ages in this captivating workshop presentation. Delve into the rich tapestry of their presence and the often overlooked roles they played in shaping religious traditions. Unveiling their contributions as leaders, mystics, scholars, and activists, this enlightening session challenges conventional narratives and highlights the power and resilience of women within the spiritual realm.
Location: Conference Room
12:30-1:30 pm Lunch
Location: Sheep Fold
1:30-3:00 pm Workshops Session 2
The Art of Living a Playful Life
Presenter: Kelly Lucero
Description: Discover the joy of embracing a playful existence in this engaging workshop session on the art of living a playful life. Through interactive exercises, insightful discussions, and creative activities explore the transformative power of playfulness, as you learn practical techniques to infuse spontaneity, curiosity, and laughter into your everyday experiences.
Location: Church Hall
Creator God by Many Names
Presenter: Gloria Toot
Description: During this workshop a basic introduction to major world religions will be presented, as well as readings, prayers, meditation, and music from many spiritual traditions to be experienced.
Location: Conference Room
Outgrowing Patriarchal Influences
Presenter: Linda Simonetti Odhner
Description: Patriarchal thinking lurks in unexpected places and takes surprising forms, and I often overlook it in my own attitudes, until I begin to outgrow them. The grip of male-dominated power structures on society may be loosening, yet they may still leave an unconscious imprint on our vision of life. I plan to focus on where we are still tripping over patriarchal thinking today, and on recognizing its presence so we can move past it.
Location: Pastor's Office or Outdoors (weather permitting)
3:00-4:00 pm Coffee Break & Sister Circles
Location: Sheep Fold
4:00-5:30 pm Art Making Time sponsored by Deborah's Tree (Sheep Fold), Pennypack Walking Tour of the Bryn Athyn Historical District (Pennypack Trail), or Free time.
Location: Various
5:30-6:30 pm Dinner
Location: Sheep Fold
7:00-7:45 pm Holy Supper Service led by Rev. Jane Siebert
Location: Chapel
8:00-9:00 pm Bonfire, music & dancing
Location: Fire pit area, weather permitting. Church Hall if it is raining.
Saturday, August 26
8:00-9:00 am Breakfast
Location: Sheep Fold
9:15-9:30 am Morning Spiritual Moment
Location: Church Hall
9:30 - 11:00 am Workshops Session 3
Prayer Beads
Presenter: Gail Simons
Description: In this hands-on workshop, I will present a history of prayer beads, such as malas and rosaries, and offer suggested symbolism for the beads from which attendees can select for making a very simple stringing of beads that represents their prayer. "The original word for beads was 'bede" which means prayers. In this workshop participants will have an opportunity to put together a strand of beads that represent their prayers."
Location: TBD
Materials Fee: The supplies fee for this workshop is $10, which will include beads and materials to use during the workshop, as well as beads to take home. In addition, there will be a marketplace of examples of Gail's work designed to inspire, and special items for possible use in the prayer bead project. Please bring cash along if participating in this workshop.
A Taste of Logopraxis - Session 2
Presenter: Ros Taylor
Description: This second session will function as follows: A “Life Group” for those who worked with the Bible passage, in which they will share how they worked with the text and the results of their personal spiritual growth task. The Swedenborg group will observe. A “Life Group” for those who worked with the Swedenborg passage, in which they will share how they worked with the text and the results of their personal spiritual growth task. The Bible group will observe.
Note: Those already familiar with the Logopraxis practice are welcome to prepare a passage on their own, and join this second session.
Location: TBD
The Poison of Internalized Misogyny
Presenter: Rebecca Esterson
Description: Our tradition teaches that religious life requires us to examine our own will and intentions, to reflect inwardly rather than merely focusing on the sins of others. We will take the opportunity in this session to consider the pitfalls of internalized misogyny, or the ways we as women have learned to distrust, criticize, or condemn other women and ourselves. We will ask: what are the aspects of our religious teachings that support and value women, and what are the potential obstacles in this regard? How can we learn to notice and silence the inner voices of judgment that get in the way of our flourishing and the flourishing of our sisters?
Location: Conference Room
11:00 - 11:45 am Coffee Break & Sister Circles
Location: Sheep Fold
11:45am - 12:30 pm Free Time / Physical Activity Break
Gong Sound Bath
Presenter: Liz Kufs
Description: Bring your yoga mat, small blanket and/or pillow to lie down and experience a restorative gong bath from a certified Sound Healer. Rest and relax while the healing vibrational energy of the gongs and other tonal instruments sweeps over you for a whole rejuvenating hour.
(Gong baths are considered safe for most people, but those who are pregnant, are experiencing hearing loss or have a seizure disorder triggered by auditory stimuli may wish to consult their doctors prior to attending a gong bath, as a gong bath may not be right for you.)
Note: Extra yoga mats, pillows and blankets will be available.
Location: TBA
12:30-1:15 pm Lunch
Location: Sheep Fold
1:15-5:15 pm Outing
Morris Arboretum & Woodmere Art Museum
(depart from Church Hall)
1:15-1:45 pm Travel
1:45-3:15 pm Morris Arboretum
3:15-5:00 pm Woodmere Art Museum
5:00-5:30 pm Travel
Entry Fees: There are entry fees of $20/person at Morris Arboretum and $10/person at Woodmere Art Museum. Please bring this amount ($30/person total) along with you if you plan to attend the Outing.
Note: If you would prefer not to venture out on the outing, there will be self-guided art supplies available for you to enjoy, courtesy of Deborah’s Tree!
5:30-6:30 pm Dinner
Location: Sheep Fold
7:00-7:30 pm Evening Vespers
Location: Chapel
8:00-9:00 pm
The Emerald Tree: A Puppet Show for Gathering Leaves 2023
Presenter: Angela Rose
Description: TBA
Location: Church Hall
Snacks included!
Sunday, August 27
8:15-8:30 Welcome
Location: Round Room
8:30-9:30 am Breakfast
Location: Sheep Fold
9:30-9:45 am Closing
Revisit intention cards. Discuss takeaways/actions, thank-yous, plans for lunch meet-ups at nearby restaurants after worship, if so desired.
Location: Church Hall
9:45-10:45 am Worship at the Lord’s New Church, led by Rev. Renee Machiniak
Location: Hemlock Grove (Chapel if raining)
11:00 am: Farewells and Departure
Location: Hemlock Grove (Chapel if raining)
