Martin de Porres Center Events

POTIONS, PORTIONS AND PIGMENTS

Presented by Claudia V. deGruy, PhD
Thursday, June 18 | 10:00 AM – Noon

This presentation begins with a sketch of how the experience of globalization is changing the world in which we live. Special attention will be given to how
globalization compresses our sense of time and space, how it exposes us to greater cultural diversity, and how it calls upon us to cope with consequences of decisions over which we have no direct control. Tomorrow’s presentation will explore how our ways of doing ministry have to change to meet these challenges.

Suggested donation is $15.00.
Please call 614-287-5006 to register by June 12.

Presented in partnership with the Lifelong Learning Institute at Columbus State Community College.

FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE AT THE MARTIN DE PORRES CENTER!

FROM INSPIRATION TO ILLUMINATION:
AN INTRODUCTION TO THE SAINT JOHN'S BIBLE

Presented by Tim Ternes
Friday, July 10 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Buffet supper begins at 6:00 PM.

At the end of the twentieth century Saint John’s University, in cooperation with the monks of Saint John’s Abbey, seek to ignite the spiritual imagination of believers throughout the world by commissioning a work of art that illuminates the Word of God for a new millennium. The Saint John’s Bible is the first handwritten, monumental, illuminated Bible commissioned by a Benedictine monastery in the modern era. This presentation introduces participants to the story of The Saint John’s Bible through video, facsimile and projected images. Guests are taken through the processes, tools, methods and materials for the project. Several artworks from the project are also explored through guided imagery discussions.

Suggested donation is $15.00. Program only, suggested donation is $10.00.
Please register by July 7.

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EXPERIENCE THE SAINT JOHN'S BIBLE RETREAT DAY

Presented by Tim Ternes
Saturday, July 11 | 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM

NOTE: Retreat includes the Friday night presentation,“From Inspiration to Illumination.”

This day long retreat will introduce participants to the fascinating story of the creation of The Saint John’s Bible, an inspirational work of art. Participants will spend the morning learning about the project through video, facsimile and visually rich guided imagery discussions. The afternoon will allow participants to delve more deeply into the Bible through Visio Divina, a visual Bible study experience focusing on two to three specific passages in the Bible. Guests will leave the day with a deeper understanding of the project as well as their own ability to “see” insights
into the scriptures.

Tim Ternes is the Director of The Saint John’s Bible at the Hill Museum & Manuscript Library in Collegeville, Minnesota. His role as director has him working directly with the artistic team for the project, facilitating planning and exhibitions for the original pages and reproductions, as well as curating and caring for the original folios of the Bible. Tim also travels extensively offering presentations, exhibitions and educational programs for the Bible project and library collections.

Suggested donation is $25.00, includes lunch.
Please register by July 7.

PRAYING WITH ART

Presented by Ruth Caspar, OP, PhD and Tina Butler, PhD
Location: Columbus Museum of Art, Bellows Room
Tuesday, August 18 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Required and non-refundable registration fee of $25.00 must be received by August 2, includes Museum admission and box lunch prepared by Museum’s Palette Café. Registration limited to 50.
Please send registrant’s name and a check payable to “Martin de Porres Center” to Martin de Porres Center, 2330 Airport Drive, Columbus, OH 43219.

This program represents a new approach to the Martin de Porres Center’s arts mission. Using the rich resources of the Columbus Museum of Art, we will explore ways to transform the “seeing” of art into prayerful contemplation. The presenters will offer several examples of works that provide insight into the human condition, opening our hearts to God’s revelation in the world around us. Participants will
receive guidelines for looking deeply at art, will then proceed to the galleries to identify works that speak directly to them, and will return to the Bellows Room
for sharing and inspiration.

NOTE: Participation in the program will require walking to and from galleries; if you would have difficulty with this, please bring a companion to assist you (all attendees will need to register).

Ruth Caspar, OP, a Dominican Sister of Peace, served for 35 years in the Philosophy and Humanities Departments at Ohio Dominican University. She has also given retreats and directed a summer program in spirituality, the “House of Prayer.”
Tina Butler, director of the Martin de Porres Center, has focused her energies on adult education during the past decade.

 

FALLING INTO GRACE: THE FICTION OF ANDREW GREELY

Presented by Ronald W. Carstens, PhD
Thursday, September 23 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

In his recently published book, Falling into Grace, Professor R.W. Carstens shares the findings of his deep exploration into Greeley’s novels as evidence of a set of ancient values and key political ideas that are needed today more than ever. As a storyteller, Greeley’s message is significant—that grace sustains us, unites us, comforts us, and sometimes overwhelms us, but it is also evidence of our freedom.
Carstens’ careful examination into the deeper meaning behind the stories demonstrates that Greeley’s characters and the world in which they live portray
life as an act of faith, hope, and love and prove that God is alive and well in the hearts of many in the world. As he discusses Greeley’s political and theological
concepts, Carstens will share his own theories on how these ideas can be applied to today’s world by creating freedom, limiting authority, and building communities where people are united by the common good.

The author of several books and many articles, R.W. Carstens has served Ohio Dominican University in various capacities since 1974—Professor of Political
Science, Director of the Humanities Program, and founding Dean of the School of Graduate Studies. Honored as a Dominican Master Faculty in 1994, he earned his BA from St. Ambrose College and received his MA and PhD in political science and philosophy from Miami University.

Suggested donation is $10.00.
Please register by September 21.

FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE AT THE MARTIN DE PORRES CENTER!

"HAD WE BUT WORLD ENOUGH, AND TIME..."
A CHRISTIAN THINKS THEOLOGICALLY ABOUT TIME

Presented by Bonnie Thurston, PhD
Friday, October 16 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Buffet supper begins at 6:00 PM.

After introducing our subject with some biblical passages, we will consider four suggestions about the theological and spiritual meaning of time, focusing on it as gift and opportunity. There will be opportunity for discussion about practical application.

Suggested donation is $15.00. Program only, suggested donation is $10.00.
Please register by October 13.

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A SABBATH REST FOR THE PEOPLE OF GOD

Presented by Bonnie Thurston, PhD
Saturday, October 17 | 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM

This retreat will offer a consideration of the concept of “Sabbath” and practical suggestions for how to recover Sabbath in our own lives. The day will include
talks, periods of quiet reflection, and conversation about the importance of spiritual leisure. The morning presentation will focus on “A Sabbath Rest for the People of God: Sabbath in Judaism and Christianity” and the afternoon’s presentation, on “Making Sabbath: Practical Suggestions for Busy People.”

Bonnie Thurston, a native of West Virginia, currently lives in solitude near Wheeling, having previously served as William F. Orr Professor of New Testament at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in 2002. Her church affiliations include the Episcopal Church and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). She wrote her doctoral dissertation on Thomas Merton at the University of Virginia. Bonnie is the author of poetry, many articles, and several books, including To Everything a Season: A Spirituality of Time. Her most recent book is For God Alone: A Primer on Prayer (University of Notre Dame Press, 2009).

Suggested donation is $25.00, includes lunch.
Please register by October 13.

ON THE SHOULDERS OF ANCESTORS

Presented by Willis Bing Davis
Sunday, October 25 | 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Following reception with artists Bing and Derrick Davis 2:00 – 3:00 PM

Please join us for this slide/lecture presentation that traces the artistic and cultural development of a visual artist who blends his urban experience with his African heritage to create an artistic vision. Willis Bing Davis has a long and distinguished career as an Ohio artist, educator, and curator of exhibits throughout the United States and abroad. He has taught in the Dayton Public Schools, at DePauw
University, Miami University, and Central State University in Wilberforce. His art can be found in public and private collections in the U.S., England, China, Japan, France, Australia, and in the African countries of Senegal, Ghana, Nigeria, Namibia, and
Gabon. In 2001 he received the Ohioana Pegasus Award, in 2008 the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Service Award and in 2009, an Ohio Governor’s Award for the Arts.

Derrick Davis grew up around art and artists in his parents’ home in Dayton, but majored in Communication with a focus in Radio and Television at Central State University, leading to his first career as a broadcast technician at WOSU-TV in Columbus and Fox 45 TV in Dayton. In 2006 Derrick made the commitment to develop his visual arts ability and has been exhibiting alone and alongside his father since 2007. Both artists draw inspiration from African textiles and fabrics.

Free and open to the public.
Please register by October 21.

Presented in partnership with the Ohioana Library Association.

OLIVE TREES, ORANGES AND MICE: MARTIN SHOWS US THE WAY

Presented by Joan Monahan, PhD
Sunday, November 1 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Please join us for this slide/lecture presentation that traces the artistic and cultural development of a visual artist who blends his urban experience with his African heritage to create an artistic vision. Willis Bing Davis has a long and distinguished career as an Ohio artist, educator, and curator of exhibits throughout the United States and abroad. He has taught in the Dayton Public Schools, at DePauw
University, Miami University, and Central State University in Wilberforce. His art can be found in public and private collections in the U.S., England, China, Japan, France, Australia, and in the African countries of Senegal, Ghana, Nigeria, Namibia, and
Gabon. In 2001 he received the Ohioana Pegasus Award, in 2008 the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Service Award and in 2009, an Ohio Governor’s Award for the Arts.

Derrick Davis grew up around art and artists in his parents’ home in Dayton, but majored in Communication with a focus in Radio and Television at Central State University, leading to his first career as a broadcast technician at WOSU-TV in Columbus and Fox 45 TV in Dayton. In 2006 Derrick made the commitment to develop his visual arts ability and has been exhibiting alone and alongside his father since 2007. Both artists draw inspiration from African textiles and fabrics.

Free and open to the public.
Please register by October 21.

Presented in partnership with the Ohioana Library Association.

YOU WILL NEVER WALK ALONE

Presented by Mauryeen O'Brien, OP
Saturday, November 14 | 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM

Sometimes as we grieve the death of a loved one we think we are alone in our pain. We are sad and lonely and often feel that no one cares or understands. But
God has told us He will “never abandon us…” Come together with others who have experienced loss and spend a quiet day in a peace-filled atmosphere of reflection and sharing. Learn from each other that we need not walk this difficult grief journey by ourselves. Experience the true meaning of Christ’s words expressed in the poem, “Footprints in the Sand”…"my precious, precious child, I love you and I would never leave you…” During the day there will be time for prayer, input from the director, quiet, and sharing. The day will end with a prayer service in honor
of our deceased loved ones.

Sr. Mauryeen is a Dominican Sister of Peace who has ministered in the Archdiocese of Hartford, CT, for the past 22 years. She works with divorced and bereaved
families. She has published widely, including a book for the initially bereaved, New Day Journal, a book of meditations for the bereaved, Lift Up Your Hearts, and
two books of prayers and ritual prayer services, Praying Through Grief and Gentle Keeping. Sister Mauryeen also writes for Care Notes, a publication of Abbey Press.

Suggested donation is $20.00, includes lunch.
Please register by November 10.

 

ANNOUNCING THE MARTIN DE PORRES CENTER'S
NEW INSTITUTE FOR MATURING SPIRITUALITY!

The Institute for Maturing Spirituality had its debut on March 4, 2009, after a year and a half of planning by an interfaith committee of “visionaries” and with significant input from focus groups of older adults at Reynoldsburg United Methodist Church, St. Agatha Parish, St. Dominic Parish, Kensington Place at Lutheran Village, and Seton Square North Residential Community. The rapid rise in the number of older adults calls leaders of all faith traditions to consider how to meet these adults’ specific spiritual needs. In its first phase of development, the Institute will offer programming to support mature adults’ desire to grow closer to God and to better understand their own search for identity in the second half of life. Underlying all aspects of the Institute will be encouragement for elders to claim their “elderhood,” to fully discern the place of God in their lives and to share their experience and wisdom with others.

INSTITUTE EVENTS ARE LISTED BELOW AND CAN BE VIEWED AT:
WWW.MARTINDEPORRES.NET

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Suggested donation for each 2-hour event is $5.00.

Wednesday, May 27, 10:00 AM – Noon
“Faith, Spirituality and Religion:  Distinctions and Differences”
Facilitated by William A. Doubleday, Professor of Pastoral Theology,
Bexley Hall Seminary

As part of the commitment to interfaith dialogue within the Martin de Porres Center's recently established Institute for Maturing Spirituality, Rev. Bill Doubleday will facilitate a discussion of issues that emerge from the complex times in which we live.  We hear regularly about pluralism, individualism, post-modernism, globalization, interreligious dialogue and the emergence of new religions, radical changes in the religious demographics of the nation and the world, and rapid new forms of technology and communications.  Today more than half of Americans no longer hold the religious affiliations of their parents or grandparents.  Many people identify themselves as spiritual, but not religious.  What does this mean for our families, for the community, and for our souls?  These and related matters will be explored and discussed on May 27.

Thursday, June 25, 10:00 AM – Noon
“Spirit Need: Beyond Chicken Soup or, Exploring One’s Own Spirituality”
Facilitated by Bettina Mollica, OP, Consultant on Spirituality and Wellness

Am I skimming the surface of life? Am I mindful that exploring and nourishing my own spirituality enables living life more deliberately? This on-going personal spiritual well-being fosters awareness that choices define a person far more than abilities. What defines Me?

Tuesday, July 21, 10:00 AM – Noon
“The Spirituality of Scripture”
Facilitated by Karen Gagel, MA in Theology from the Pontifical College Josephinum.

Scripture is a profound, deep experience of God. As the living word of God, the Bible speaks to us at each of our glorious ages.  This presentation will look at familiar stories, their messages and how they encourage our spiritual growth. Knowing the truth of God's word we can discover truths about ourselves.

Karen has a master's degree from the Pontifical College Josephinum with a concentration in Scripture.  Besides teaching at Ohio Dominican University and the Josephinum, Karen has presented Scripture topics for the Diocese of Columbus and local parishes.

Thursday, August 6, 1:00 – 3:00 PM
“Flourishing in the Later Years”
Facilitated by Rabbi Cary Kozberg, Chaplain, Wexner Heritage Village

According to Scripture, Abraham, the spiritual ancestor of the three monotheistic religions, answered God’s call to leave his home when he was already 75years old.  As he and his wife Sarah got older, the spiritual challenges and tests of faith increased: they were tested…and God was tested.  In the experience of Abraham and Sarah, was “age” a factor?  Would their responses have been different or the same, had they been younger?  Why did God select individuals who were older (as He did Moses), and not younger, for His purpose?

These will be among the questions addressed as Rabbi Cary Kozberg leads us in a look at the “Abraham” narratives from Hebrew Scripture.  Small group discussion will give participants an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of these stories for their own lives.

Rabbi Cary Kozberg is Director of Religious Life at Wexner Heritage Village in Columbus, Ohio.  He is the author of Honoring Sacred Tablets: A Jewish Approach to Dementia (Jewish Lights Publishing) and co-editor of Flourishing in the Later Years: Jewish Aspects of Long Term Pastoral Care (Victoria Press).

Wednesday, September 30, 1:00 – 3:00 PM
“Ministering to One Another”
Facilitated by Marialein Anzenberger, OP, Consultant in Elder Spirituality, and Rebecca Madine, Coordinator, Mount Carmel Church Partnerships

Thursday, October 22, 10:00 AM
“Day of Prayer and Reflection for Elders”
Facilitated by a team of retreat leaders

Art Exhibits

Also at the Martin de Porres Center...

Every Tuesday

7:15 – 8:45 PM