By Janis Fontaine
The Rev. Wendy Tobias, associate priest at St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church in Boynton Beach, will present an Introduction to Centering Prayer from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 18.
“We may think of prayer as thoughts or feelings expressed in words, but this is only one expression,” Tobias explains. “In centering prayer we rest in the presence of God beyond thoughts, words and emotions. In this prayer method, we cultivate a deeper relationship with God and a discipline to foster that relationship.”
Centering prayer is more meditative than active prayer. Its goal is to quiet the mind so God’s voice can be heard, according to Tobias. Rather than asking for what we want, the prayer asks what God wants for and from us. “Our only intention in centering prayer is to consent to God’s presence and action within us,” Tobias said.
The workshop will offer time for conversation and lunch. Bring your own bag lunch. Drinks and fruit will be provided. Cost: $10 suggested donation. St. Joe’s is at 3300 S. Seacrest Blvd. Call 732-3060 or visit stjoesunplugged.org.
Advent Lutheran offers opportunities for growth
Advent Lutheran Church is accepting reservations for a Women’s Sea Side Retreat Sept. 28-30 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton at the Deerfield Beach Resort and Spa. Registration is open through Aug. 26 after church services and online at www.adventboca.org.
Also registering at Advent Lutheran is Pastor Andy Hagen’s Irish Adventure 2019. Travel with the pastor and his wife, Susan, on a trip to Ireland from April 25 to May 4. The trip includes visits to Belfast, Dublin and the Dingle Peninsula. Kiss the Blarney stone, see the Book of Kells, sip Guinness, dine in a castle and play golf. For details, visit adventboca.org.
St. Vincent programs registering now
St. Vincent Ferrer is offering two multiple-week programs beginning in August, as well as a one-night marriage seminar. For information about programs at St. Vincent, call 665-8566 or visit stvincentferrer.com
A 14-week Grief Share support group begins Aug. 4 and meets from 10 a.m. to noon each Saturday in the conference room. The group will offer compassion and comfort to those grieving the death of a loved one. Call 921-5693 or visit stvincentferrer.com/griefshare
Faith on Fire programs help parishioners connect with their fate. The next program is Course 1, Introduction to the Bible, and it meets from 7 to 9 p.m. Aug. 20, 27, Sept. 10, 17, 24, and Oct. 1 in Kellaghan Hall. The registration fee is $10. Course textbooks are additional. Contact Deacon Bob Laquerre for more information and to register at 276-6892 or email associate@stvincentferrer.com
Family Life Ministries and An Empowered Life Inc. present the Empowered Marriage, a seminar set for 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Aug. 28 to help strengthen faith-based marriages. Jeanine Mannweiler, a Delray Beach-based licensed therapist, will teach. A $25 donation per couple is suggested. RSVP to 702-8271.
St. Paul’s music programs
Music at St. Paul’s returns in August and continues with programs throughout 2018. Concerts take place at 3 p.m. Sundays at the church, located at 188 S. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. Many shows include pre-concert discussions at 2:30 p.m. A $20 suggested donation is asked, but shows are free for those 18 and younger. The announced August and September programs are:
Baroque and Beyond — Aug. 19. Violinist Mei Mei Luo and harpsichordist Paul Cienniwa, who is director of music ministries at St. Paul’s. There will be a pre-concert conversation with composer Karl Henning at 2:30 p.m.
Chopin and the Americans — Sept. 16. The Delray String Quartet performs with pianist Jure Rozman with a pre-concert lecture with Cienniwa.
For future programs and more information, visit music.stpaulsdelray.org.
St. Mark Parish Picnic
The annual St. Mark Parish Family Picnic takes place 1-4 p.m. Aug. 12, after the noon Mass. Tickets are $15. Children 5 and younger are admitted free. A cash bar, music and activities are planned. Tickets are on sale in the parish office and will be for sale after Mass Aug. 4 and 5. For more information, call 734-9330.
Janis Fontaine writes about people of faith, their congregations, causes and community events. Contact her at janisfontaine@outlook.com.
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