Embodied Faith
After more than a full year of virtual meetings, remote worship, quarantines, and other isolation-inducing experiences, many of us are eager to return to our bodies. Even as we are slowly but surely reconnecting with the collective bodies of church and community, we are sensing the need to connect inwardly, to the sacredness of our own individual bodies, which are temples for the Holy, and must be treated with honor and care.
In the spirit of returning to our bodies, the Faith Development Committee of RCHP is offering a 6-week summer series called “Embodied Faith,” in which we will be turning to God through embodied practices of breathing, meditation, singing, eating, and connecting with the natural world. All are invited to join any or all of these sessions. For distributable flyers, please click here.
Please direct all questions to RCHP Elder, Carrie Dirks. Click here to email Carrie.
Below is a more detailed schedule of our 6-week series:
Sat, July 10 (8:00-9:30am): Gentle Yoga Class
Join in person in the RCHP Social Hall or at home (clicking link below). You will need a chair, a yoga mat, and a pen or pencil. We can provide these items at the church, upon request. For a preview of this gentle yoga class, please check out this recording of instructor Rachel Bass Gunnewig teaching through the Daily Bread Yoga program.
Sat, July 17 (9am-12pm): Embodied Faith Labyrinth
Visit our self-paced Embodied Faith Labyrinth in the RCHP Sanctuary to participate in an exploration of contemplative practices that help us become more present to ourselves through breathing, meditation, listening, and prayer.
Sun, July 25 (11am-12pm): Body-Honoring Food & Fellowship
Join your RCHP family for an after-church (and before-softball-game) community meal. We will together reflect on how we honor our bodies through nourishment and enjoyment. Feel free to bring a dish, side, or dessert, but RCHP will cater enough food for all.
Sat, July 31 (9:00-10:30am): Contemplative Nature Hike
Walk an easy nature trail in beautiful Cheesequake State Park, engaging our bodies through reflection, leisurely hiking, and scheduled time of “sacred silence.” We will leave from the church at 9:00am and return around 10:30am. Recommended for adults and teens, but children are welcome if supervised by an adult.
Fri, August 6 (7-9pm): Campfire Sing-Along
Join in singing around the campfire with your RCHP community. Submit favorite songs to Lisa in the church office, or to Carrie at carriedirks@yahoo.com ahead of time. RCHP musicians and singers of all skill levels are invited to bring instruments and voices to make a joyful noise together!
Sat, August 14 (8:00-9:30am): Gentle Yoga Class
Join us again, in person in the RCHP Social Hall or at home (clicking link below). Just like our first session, you will need a chair, a yoga mat, and a pen or pencil. We can provide these items at the church, upon request. Please use the link below to join us virtually, if you choose to participate from home.