About
The science of awe has seen a surge in the last decade, highlighting its benefits of emotional regulation, greater feelings of connection, and inspiration to self-giving, among others. Science is confirming what artists and theologians have always known: awe is good for us. This is good news for us as spiritual leaders for our task of elevating peace and wellbeing among our parishioners, patients, clients, and students.
This event will resonate with spiritual directors, pastors, worship leaders, seminarians and academics, chaplains, social workers, and others who seek to infuse a grounded spirituality and practices of awe into their work. Marcia McFee, PhD., will guide us in learning about cutting edge scientific research, connecting it to the spiritual wisdom from various voices. She has also curated experiences of awe and collective effervescence to choose from in the stunning Community of Christ Temple Complex.
Come to learn about and experience awe. Leave inspired with a vision of building up wellbeing and peace in our city with practices of wonder, delight, meaning, curiosity, and connection.
This event is sponsored by The Center for Living Water, launched in 2021, with a primary desire to form communities of peacemakers and offer diverse entry points into sacred community. This event focuses on Kansas City metro spiritual leaders who are seeking revitalization, more connection with colleagues, and access to spiritual renewal opportunities.
Registration
$35-100. There are costs associated with this event, but we want to provide a sliding scale fee structure so that participation is as accessible as possible. Your support helps make these events possible!
Guest Presenter
Dr. Marcia McFee, PhD.
Dr. Marcia McFee is a professor, worship designer, author, preacher and ritual artist. Her first career was in professional theater, music, and dance in major companies that toured the world. She brings all of that, combined with a Master’s in Theology and a PhD in Worship and Ethics to her work of designing, leading, and teaching about meaningful and memorable worship. (worshipdesignstudio.com)
Dr. McFee’s latest research is about the impact awe and wonder can have on our spiritual communal wellbeing. She speaks at conferences and leads retreat experiences based on the research as well as offering a Guided Study and Journal on the topic.
Registration will include a copy of Dr. McFee’s book, “Purveyors of Awe.”
Schedule for the Day
9:00 Registration, Coffee & Snacks, Connection Main Foyer
9:30 Orientation and Opening Practice Main Foyer
9:45 Invitation to Journey of Awe Main Foyer
10:00 Session 1 with Marcia McFee, PhD. Lecture Hall
12:00 Lunch (included) Main Foyer
12:45 Invitation into sanctuary for Prayer for Peace
1:00 Prayer for Peace Sanctuary
1:20 Collective moment with Marcia Sanctuary
1:45 Breakout sessions: Experiencing Awe Various
Artistic Creative Practice
Guided nature video experiences
Prayers for the World on the World Plaza
Contemplative, guided walks around the Temple
Experiencing the Labyrinth and rootfop Praire Garden
Music practice and drum circles
3:00 Concluding Conversations with Marcia Sanctuary Additional Note:
You are invited to arrive early and experience the rooftop labyrinth and native prairie garden. It will also be available during the Experiencing Awe breakout sessions.
About the Center for Living Water
The Center for Living Water is a ministry of Community of Christ, grounded in Christian spirituality and a model of contemplation and action. The Center is home to an ecumenical Spiritual Direction ministry, and hosts monthly events including spiritual and prayer practice, artistic spiritual expression opportunities, mindful live music gatherings, yoga, community concerts, and more. Our mission is to be a wellspring of life in the community. As diverse participants come together for personal spiritual practice, discernment, and community gatherings, a collective movement towards peace and justice emerges. As this movement takes shape, like living water, compassionate responses will flow and give life to the world. The Center for Living Water resides at the Community of Christ Temple, a unique community space dedicated to the pursuit of peace. As you journey through the building, you will encounter architectural and artistic choices that point to a universal inward and outward spiritual journey.