First Church Presents Lenten Programs: “Caring for Body, Mind, and Spirit”

First Church of Christ Congregational, 1652 in Farmington is introducing a new program for the Lenten season, “Caring for the Body, Mind and Spirit”, which will take place on four consecutive Wednesday evenings this winter.  Each meeting will be held in the Porter Memorial Hall at First Church, 75 Main Street in Farmington, from 7-8:30pm.  All are welcome; no registration, free will offering.

February 27:  From Scrambled Eggs to the Thanksgiving Turkey:  Eating compassionately for enhanced happiness and spiritual growth

Craving comfort food? Craving spirituality? You're not alone. Come learn how compassionate eating can enhance happiness and spiritual growth!  This presentation explores the taboo topic of whether or not eating animals is in alignment with our core values, and provides a glimpse into the tremendous spiritual growth that oftentimes comes with fueling our bodies with nourishment based on conscious compassion.

Maribeth Abrams, MS, is a Nutritional Consultant, Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, Certified Lifestyle Educator, Board Member of the North American Vegetarian Society, Associate Editor for Vegetarian Voice Magazine.

March 6:        Walking a Sacred Path: Nourishing Body, Mind, and Spirit

Tired of your “same old, same old” music CD’s? In a music funk? Discover a different pace in ancient chanting music interspersed with silence.  Does your daily life feel like one long sprint to the finish line? Walk with a welcoming community indoors at a gentle pace, step by step, on the circles of the labyrinth.   Raising voices in the beautiful chants from the Taizé community in France with accompanying times of silent meditation offers opportunities for self-reflection. And negotiating the twists and turns of the Labyrinth opens possibilities to find rest in the hands of God. Everyone is welcome as we explore and then reflect on these ancient practices. This exploration will be led by the Rev. Steven Savides, Sr. Pastor, First Church Farmington; and Nanette Pitt, M. Div.

March 13:      Gaining Spiritual Insight Through the Practices of Yoga and Mindful Meditation

Feeling out of shape or out of sorts? Stressed out? Frazzled? Welcome to the club! Some gentle yoga and ancient meditation guidelines may be the healing Rx you need

Participants will “try out” practices that “develop physical, mental and spiritual awareness using slow, gentle postures and including stillness in the sitting posture.”  Iris Maurer is a certified Ana Forest yoga instructor, a tradition she chose for its emphasis on physical and spiritual healing, as well as the intensity and thoroughness of training.  Roy Maurer, M. Div. from Yale Divinity School, spent 4-5 years living in monastic settings, practicing Christian contemplative prayer and participating in intensive, long-term Buddhist meditation retreats

March 20:  Embodying Holiness: A Scriptural View of Body, Mind, and Spirit

Who are you, body and soul? What are your values? How does caring for your body, mind and spirit reflect your values and the things that matter most to you? Drawing on the Bible and various Christian interpretations we will explore the relationship between body, mind, and spirit and how a holistic view of the self, derived from Scripture, can lead to hope and healing. Familiarity with the Bible is not required. Join us in conversation, no matter who you are, whether you have deep faith or are filled with questions. You are welcome. This workshop will be led by Dr. Jane Smith, Professor Emeritus, Hartford Seminary, and The Rev. Steven Savides, Sr. Pastor, First Church Farmington.

For more information, log on to www.firstchurch1652.org or call 860-677-2601

About First Church

The First Church of Christ, Congregational, 1652, Farmington, CT, is a church rich with history and committed to being a spiritual home for a diverse group of Christians. We are open to many ways of understanding, questioning, challenging, learning, deepening and living out our faith while making a difference in the world. We engage in meaningful worship, fun fellowship, stimulating education and life-changing service.

Weekly services are celebrated every Sunday at 10am.