
Calendar of Events 2023-24
September 27, 7:30 pm
Why Sabbath? An event to launch the new program year
St. Aidan’s Rector Laura Cochran joins award-winning documentary filmmaker Martin Doblmeier to explore the ancient practice of Sabbath, its relevance in our time, and how it can be life-giving. How is sabbath already a part of our own lives—or how it could be? Why is sabbath integral to so many faith traditions? What forms can sabbath take? (Tech sabbath? Sabbath for the earth?) Beyond offering rest, what does a sabbath practice allow us to do? We will watch the trailer for Martin Doblmeier’s latest documentary, SABBATH, whose themes we will weave throughout our program year.
Date TBD
Viewing of SABBATH documentary and exploration of how we carry the fruits of sabbath practice into our lives in community.
October 17 & 24 at 7:30 pm
Original Enlightenment and Dogen’s Great Question
St. Aidan’s parishioner Russ Bradley will explore the life and teachings of 13th century Zen monk Eihei Dogen, a religious philosopher who presents a unique blend of mysticism and pragmatism. We are familiar with St. Augustine’s teaching of Original Sin and Pelagius’ teaching of Original Blessing as two opposing views of the human condition. Dogen presents a third alternative-Original Enlightenment.
November 7, 14, & 21 at 7:30 pm
Exploring the Eastern Religions
With Laura Shulman, Assistant Professor of Religion at NVCC, we’ll explore Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism—their origins, basic beliefs, teachings, values, and practices. What do they have to say about the nature of God/Ultimate Reality, the human condition/nature, the afterlife, and the ultimate goal of the spiritual paths they teach? We’ll each be invited to consider connections and differences between these faiths and our own.
January 16, 23, & 30 at 7:30 pm
Let Nothing Disturb You: The Mystical Legacy of Teresa of Avila
We continue our annual mystics series with presenter LJ Milone. How do I become a mystic? Earthy, passionate, and unstoppable, Teresa of Avila shows us how to become mystics by recounting how she did it and teaching us how to pray. She says, "The important thing is not to think much, but to love much, and so to do whatever best awakens us to love." She teaches us God alone is enough.
Ongoing Offerings – Continuing via Zoom
Silent Prayer
Tuesdays in the Sanctuary and Fridays on Zoom, 8:00 am
Meditations on the Gospel of Mary Magdalene
1st and 3rd Thursdays, 7:30 pm
Starting in October 2023
Soul Circle
2nd & 4th Thursdays, 7:30 pm
Regathering in October 2022