Sounding the Divine

The experience of union with the Divine goes beyond what words can express or the verbal mind alone can grasp. Non-verbal forms of creative expression and sensory experiences can be doorways into deeper union with Spirit.

In this workshop, we will explore ways of centering into worship that expand our awareness of the presence of Spirit. We will engage in Meetings for Worship that invite ministry in the form of of improvised music, movement and other forms of creative expression in addition to vocal ministry. We will use simple instruments and our bodies and wait expectantly for divine guidance to lead us in creating sound, movement and beauty together.

Because it is possible to listen to more than on sound at a time, the instruction "leave space between messages" takes on new meaning as we all play together at the same time. Friends experience a cohesive sense of gathering that is at the heart of building peaceful community. We will discuss ways in which our experience of artistic inspiration has brought us closer to Spirit and what it can teach us about listening for leadings in other parts of our lives.

As we make a joyful noise together we will consider that perhaps this joy is the most effective way to defy violence and build peace.

Each Meeting for Worship will have a different emphasis, such as rhythm, voice, movement, visual art, or appreciating nature followed by worship sharing about the experience. We will also do listening, sounding and movement exercises to build skills and confidence in what may be new territory for some. The instruments and media we use will be so simple (such as bells, shakers, sticks, etc) that no performance anxiety is expected.

This workshop is open to people of all levels of musical and physical ability. Participants may bring their own instruments if they wish, but are encouraged to leave song books behind.