As a Lay Speaker/Servant/Leader you may find yourself the one leading prayer in worship services, as well as in other settings. It is vital then that you are knowledgeable and lead well. This course may challenge some of your assumptions, test some of your preconceived ideas, stretch your thinking and enrich your prayer life. It will, at the very least, present you with an opportunity to grow in the discipline of leading prayer. The primary objective for this course is to enable the Lay Speaker to effectively prepare and lead various prayer forms, primarily in worship settings.
This online course follows the required text, Let the Whole Church Say Amen! by Laurence Hull Stookey (Abingdon Press, 2001).
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Disclaimer: Sacred Space Online Learning (SSOL) seeks to provide individuals with information about religious, spiritual, or faith-based online resources from a variety of sources. Sacred Space Online Learning does NOT claim ownership over this online course or online offering. Sacred Space Online Learning is also NOT responsible for the accuracy of the materials, the content, the way they are advertised or taught, or the costs associated with this online course or offering. The views and opinions expressed in this online course or offering are those of the creators and/or the persons appearing in the online class or offering. They do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of SSOL, the OFLD, or MCC. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the creator(s) of the given online course or online offering.
Meditation and Mindfulness for Everyone (Spiritual Directors International)
Why meditate? You may have heard how meditation and mindfulness practices can offer scientifically verifiable benefits for your physical and spiritual health. Meditation benefits include reduction in stress; improved psychological, emotional, and physical well-being; as well as increases in compassion and altruistic behaviors. Beyond the scientific benefits—and more importantly for many seekers and spiritual companions—meditation fosters an openness of mind and heart that can be transformative, making room for spiritual growth.
Through his work with college students, creative artists, and writers, Sean Murphy has developed an inclusive, non-denominational approach to these powerful tools, which can be put into practice by anyone—including you and the people you spiritually companion.
Presenter: Sean Murphy
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Disclaimer: Sacred Space Online Learning (SSOL) seeks to provide individuals with information about religious, spiritual, or faith-based online resources from a variety of sources. Sacred Space Online Learning does NOT claim ownership over this online course or online offering. Sacred Space Online Learning is also NOT responsible for the accuracy of the materials, the content, the way they are advertised or taught, or the costs associated with this online course or offering. The views and opinions expressed in this online course or offering are those of the creators and/or the persons appearing in the online class or offering. They do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of SSOL, the OFLD, or MCC. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the creator(s) of the given online course or online offering.
The Dazzling Tonic of Silence (Presbyterian Outlook)
This on-demand webinar is helpful to anyone who feels busy, overwhelmed or burdened. If you are feeling like you want more time and spaciousness, this is the webinar for you. Silence is, indeed, the most straightforward route to insight. We know insight to mean deep understanding, perception and acumen. But dig deeper and you discover that the word comes from the archaic Scottish insicht: furniture or household goods. It was legal terminology found in documents and records in Scotland’s archives. That’s amazing!
This on-demand webinar can help you recover the dazzling and amazing power of silence, and give cleaner access to your God-given insight.
In this webinar, you will:
- Be given practical steps to take in order to invite more spaciousness into stressful situations or interactions.
- Understand that the power of silence will actually “buy” you more time and an increased ability to achieve your goals, even when you feel barraged by too much media and too many obligations.
- Recognize the ways you may have avoided silence and acknowledge the cultural distaste for silence.
- Come away having learned and felt the necessity for silence in your life.
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About the instructor: Charlotte Matthews is associate professor in The Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies Program at The University of Virginia. She is author of three books of poetry including “Whistle What Can’t Be Said,” and is launching Whistle Words, which offers writing workshops in hospitals and churches to women impacted by cancer. She lives in Charlottesville with her husband Albert Connette (who is the pastor of Olivet Presbyterian Church), her two teenage children and a big galumphy black Labrador.
Disclaimer: Sacred Space Online Learning (SSOL) seeks to provide individuals with information about religious, spiritual, or faith-based online resources from a variety of sources. Sacred Space Online Learning does NOT claim ownership over this online course or online offering. Sacred Space Online Learning is also NOT responsible for the accuracy of the materials, the content, the way they are advertised or taught, or the costs associated with this online course or offering. The views and opinions expressed in this online course or offering are those of the creators and/or the persons appearing in the online class or offering. They do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of SSOL, the OFLD, or MCC. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the creator(s) of the given online course or online offering.
Freedom From Worry (The Upper Room)
The online course is packed with helpful suggestions for letting go of your worries. It follows a pattern of 28 days of prayer, with each day’s content intended to reduce your anxiety level and instill practices of prayer and trust.
This online course includes:
- Daily readings, audio recordings of scripture, reflection questions, and mindfulness guides.
- Weekly videos with Pat.
Ponder the readings and pray the Psalms and other prayers in this practical, easy-access e-course. Let Patricia Wilson, with her warm, personal style, help you learn how to give your worries to the Good Shepherd. As you focus your attention and energy on God, you will learn to relax and see that God will take care of you, no matter what.
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About the instructor: Patricia Wilson is retired and lives with her husband in New Glasgow, Novia Scotia. A graduate of Ryerson University (Toronto), she was a professional motivational speaker and workshop leader who traveled widely in Canada and the United States. Patricia is the author of 10 Upper Room Books, including Quiet Spaces: Prayer Interludes for Women and When You Come Unglued… Stick Close to God.
Disclaimer: Sacred Space Online Learning (SSOL) seeks to provide individuals with information about religious, spiritual, or faith-based online resources from a variety of sources. Sacred Space Online Learning does NOT claim ownership over this online course or online offering. Sacred Space Online Learning is also NOT responsible for the accuracy of the materials, the content, the way they are advertised or taught, or the costs associated with this online course or offering. The views and opinions expressed in this online course or offering are those of the creators and/or the persons appearing in the online class or offering. They do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of SSOL, the OFLD, or MCC. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the creator(s) of the given online course or online offering.
For Sabbath’s Sake (The Upper Room)
Many Americans balk at the idea of setting aside a whole day for worship, rest, and time with those who matter most to them. Yet we long for more time to spend on what matters most—unrushed time to rest, reconnect with friends and loved ones, and deepen our relationship with God.
An ancient spiritual practice exists that can help restore balance to our lives: the practice of keeping sabbath. But how exactly do we manage to build time for sabbath into our busy lives? Instructor, Dana Trent, explores this question in For Sabbath’s Sake.
With humor and honesty, Trent reveals her own struggles with setting apart a day devoted to God, rest, and community. This online course traces the rich history of sabbath, helps you find ways to overcome barriers to this spiritual practice, and suggests achievable ways to build sabbath into your life.
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Disclaimer: Sacred Space Online Learning (SSOL) seeks to provide individuals with information about religious, spiritual, or faith-based online resources from a variety of sources. Sacred Space Online Learning does NOT claim ownership over this online course or online offering. Sacred Space Online Learning is also NOT responsible for the accuracy of the materials, the content, the way they are advertised or taught, or the costs associated with this online course or offering. The views and opinions expressed in this online course or offering are those of the creators and/or the persons appearing in the online class or offering. They do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of SSOL, the OFLD, or MCC. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the creator(s) of the given online course or online offering.
Prayer, Stress, and Our Inner Wounds (The Upper Room)
This online course explores Flora Wuellner’s book Prayer, Stress and Our Inner Wounds, and several types of pain are examined: physical pain, painful memories, forgotten wounds, the pain of uncertainty, the pain of stress and anxiety. Flora suggests practical ways by which prayer can help us experience inner healing. The reader learns how to cooperate with God, trusting the grace of God’s love rather than rigid discipline and techniques. As Wuellner says, “God is asking for relatedness not rules.”
A key practice Flora offers is guided prayer that engages our imagination. These guided prayer practices are found throughout the content of Prayer, Stress and Our Inner Wounds. We invite you to engage in a healing journey through Flora’s book and guided prayer practices.
This online course includes:
All essential content from Flora’s book Prayer, Stress, and Our Inner Wounds
Audio recordings of Flora’s guided prayer practices read by Marjorie J. Thompson
A place to post comments for others on this healing journey
A recorded interview with Flora Slosson Wuellner
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About this instructor: Flora Slosson Wuellner, a retired ordained minister of the United Church of Christ, is well-known throughout the United States and Europe for her writings and retreat leadership that focus on the inner healing God freely offers through Christ. She has been involved in a specialized ministry of spiritual renewal for over 40 years and has written 14 books on individual and communal healing.
Flora served as adjunct faculty member for 12 years at Pacific School of Religion, Berkeley, California, in the field of spiritual wholeness. Educated at the University of Michigan and at Chicago Theological Seminary, she has served pastorates in Wyoming, Idaho, and Illinois.
Disclaimer: Sacred Space Online Learning (SSOL) seeks to provide individuals with information about religious, spiritual, or faith-based online resources from a variety of sources. Sacred Space Online Learning does NOT claim ownership over this online course or online offering. Sacred Space Online Learning is also NOT responsible for the accuracy of the materials, the content, the way they are advertised or taught, or the costs associated with this online course or offering. The views and opinions expressed in this online course or offering are those of the creators and/or the persons appearing in the online class or offering. They do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of SSOL, the OFLD, or MCC. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the creator(s) of the given online course or online offering.
Celtic Blessings (The Upper Room)
Through Beth’s written blessings and stories, you’re invited to live into a regular practice of gratitude and noticing—practices that encourage us to be aware of God all around us. Drawing on her own Celtic heritage, Beth weaves personal story and written blessings into a book you’ll want to have ready for life’s ordinary and extraordinary moments.
In our online course, you’ll meet Beth through brief videos, hear her read aloud both story and blessing, and be guided in writing blessing prayers of your own.
This online course includes:
- All essential content from Beth’s book, Christ Beside Me, Christ Within Me: Celtic Blessings.
- Introductory video for each section.
- Audio recordings of Beth reading blessings and telling her family story.
- A place to share your thoughts and blessings with others who will join in along the way.
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Disclaimer: Sacred Space Online Learning (SSOL) seeks to provide individuals with information about religious, spiritual, or faith-based online resources from a variety of sources. Sacred Space Online Learning does NOT claim ownership over this online course or online offering. Sacred Space Online Learning is also NOT responsible for the accuracy of the materials, the content, the way they are advertised or taught, or the costs associated with this online course or offering. The views and opinions expressed in this online course or offering are those of the creators and/or the persons appearing in the online class or offering. They do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of SSOL, the OFLD, or MCC. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the creator(s) of the given online course or online offering.
Practicing Spirituality with Buddhists (Spirituality and Practice)
This is not an online course on the history of Buddhism or a summary of its basic teachings. Instead, it will give you access to some of the finest Buddhist teachers of our day — the Dalai Lama, Thich Nhat Hanh, Pema Chodron, Lama Surya Das, Sharon Salzberg, Sylvia Boorstein, and many others — through passages from their recent writings.
The online course is designed as a 40-day retreat, although you can choose a different frequency during the sign-up process. 40 emails each contain a thought-provoking and soul-stirring quotation from a contemporary Buddhist teacher for you to reflect upon during the day. This is accompanied by a suggestion for how you can practice being present, equanimity, compassion, generosity, patience and other essential Buddhist ideals during the day.
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Disclaimer: Sacred Space Online Learning (SSOL) seeks to provide individuals with information about religious, spiritual, or faith-based online resources from a variety of sources. Sacred Space Online Learning does NOT claim ownership over this online course or online offering. Sacred Space Online Learning is also NOT responsible for the accuracy of the materials, the content, the way they are advertised or taught, or the costs associated with this online course or offering. The views and opinions expressed in this online course or offering are those of the creators and/or the persons appearing in the online class or offering. They do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of SSOL, the OFLD, or MCC. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the creator(s) of the given online course or online offering.
Being Present and Effective When Someone Dies (Metropolitan Community Churches)
This webinar (open to all but specifically relevant to chaplains, pastors, and any church leaders offering pastoral care) will provide information about the dying process, space for reflection and conversation, and practical tools for communicating with the bereaved.
Specifically, this webinar will assist participants in:
- Comfortably discussing death and the dying process with peers, family members, and non-clinicians.
- Explaining the death and dying process to persons that are emotionally attached to the dying person, with verbiage that is appropriate to their ability to listen, understand, and accept.
- Having increased awareness of one’s personal context and the capability of correctly investigating the context of others, to better communicate important information.
- Helping better support families before, during, and after a person dies.
The webinar is being presented by Rev. Tim Hamilton and will qualify for CEUs for clergy.
This webinar is appropriate for local churches as a part of their congregational care team training. Groups are welcome to participate together, from a central location or from their individual computers.
View the on-demand webinar at https://vimeo.com/mccchurch/review/261364648/75c451d359
Presenter Bio:
Rev. Tim Hamilton has been a Hospice Chaplain since 2000, when he was with AIDS Healthcare Foundation. Currently, he is a Hospice Chaplain and Grief Counselor for Kaiser Permanente Foundation. During his ten-years with Kaiser, Tim has increased accessibility to the Los Angeles Bereavement Groups, which are now open to the public and 
welcoming of the LGBTQI communities. This part of his ministry is important to him, as bringing people together in times of suffering is an excellent opportunity to narrow divisions and draw comfort from all people.
Rev. Tim responds to all hospice calls, including crisis visits and death pronouncements. Expanding the understanding of the death process, how it fits under the spiritual umbrella, and integrates into the clinical team, is a key ministry for Rev. Tim.
Rev. Tim was ordained into MCC in 2008, graduated from The Pacific School of Religion, is a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist, and Certified Grief Counselor. He has completed internships at St. Luke’s (San Francisco) and Children’s Hospital (Los Angeles). Tim has attended End-Of-Life Doula workshops, complicated grief courses, and taught Understanding Spiritual Aspects of End-of-Life to clinicians and laity.
Being a Healthy Leader (Center for Progressive Renewal)
Congregational leaders model their message, whether they know it or not. Developing a healthy spiritual foundation helps leaders to lend credibility to the messages that are attempting to convey.
This FREE on-demand webinar is an overview of a skill development track offered at the National Church Leadership Institute and through the Center for Progressive Renewal.
Register for this on-demand webinar.
Disclaimer: Sacred Space Online Learning (SSOL) seeks to provide individuals with information about religious, spiritual, or faith-based online resources from a variety of sources. Sacred Space Online Learning does NOT claim ownership over this online course or online offering. Sacred Space Online Learning is also NOT responsible for the accuracy of the materials, the content, the way they are advertised or taught, or the costs associated with this online course or offering. The views and opinions expressed in this online course or offering are those of the creators and/or the persons appearing in the online class or offering. They do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of SSOL, the OFLD, or MCC. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the creator(s) of the given online course or online offering.
