Spring Wellbeing Series: Creating Sanctuary - March 18, 2024
Winter Wellbeing Series: Journey to Freeing Your Soul - January and February, 2024
Led by Dr. Sallie Suby-Long, this class engaged in thoughtful conversation guided by the inspiration of best-selling author Melody Beattie in Journey to the Heart. In the beauty of the chapel we explored paths of spiritual growth in the welcoming and engaging company of each other. As always, we learned from each other’s transparent reflections and life stories with a holistic lens honoring intellectual, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Our primary areas of focus for this Wellbeing experience were Spirituality and Connection.
Vision Boards - January 20, 2024
CSE Partnered with St. Luke’s member Diane Lindsay to offer a fun and meaningful time to create vision boards. Each person created a personal collage of images and words to create a foundation for inspiration and motivation. Our group laughed a lot during the fun and organic process of building the boards and participants enjoyed sharing key points about their vision board.
Yoga/Reiki Experiece - January 18, 2024
A group of 18 yoga and reiki enthusiasts gathered in the chapel for a combined meditation, reiki and yoga experience. Led by Reiki Master Melinda Davidson and Certified Yoga Instructor Sharon Oliver we appreciated the opportunity to unwind from the busy holiday season and breathe into a time of peaceful contemplation, healing energy and gentle exercise. A wonderful evening of renewal!
Believe: Reflections, Music and Prayers - December 11, 2023
The Center for Spiritual Engagement hosted a sacred evening in the Chapel with readings, music, and prayers to cherish what we believe and hope for in the December season. Candlelight, the simple beauty of the Chapel and the lovely music of Sandy Larson on piano illuminated the space.
Fall Wellbeing Series: Healthy Habits - November 13, 2023
Dr. Sallie Suby-Long led this energized conversation about Atomic Habits - Tiny Changes, Meaningful Results - based on James Clear’s popular book. When we know the kind of person we choose to be, we can connect small habits to that bigger intention rather than just to a goal. We thoughtfully considered the people we each wish to be and the value of tiny changes that lead us in that direction.
Fall Wellbeing Series: Clear is Kind - October 17 & 24, 2023
Dr. Sallie Suby-Long led this two session class on creating healthy Boundaries. We explored simple and powerful ways to practice healthy boundaries that honor ourselves and others and contribute to trustworthy relationships in all aspects of our lives.
Annual Backyard Movie Night Fundraiser - September 15, 2023
The Tom Hanks and Madonna movie A League of Their Own was the star attraction for our baseball themed event. Pre-movie activities including games, a silent auction, a hot dog dinner, ice cream with peaches, and our own barbershop quartet started off the evening before our movie.
Summer Wellbeing Series: Mindfulness & Self-Compassion - August 15, 2023
Dr. Sallie Suby-Long led this class teaching the principles of Honor Yourself, Claim your strengths and Thrive. They used the book "Mindful Self-Compassion" by Kristin Neff.
Summer Wellbeing Series: Discover Your Character Strengths - July 18, 2023
Dr. Sallie Suby-Long led this class using an assessment tool by the VIA Institute and the book "Book of Character Strengths" by June Rousso.
Summer Wellbeing Series: Times of Transition - June 13, 2023
Dr. Sallie Suby-Long led this class on the always timely subject of transitions. The class focused on navigating through unsettling or unexpected changes inour lives. The book "Transitions" by William Bridges was a resource for the class.
Reiki & Yoga combination experience - August 17, 2023
On a warm summer evening a group of us gathered in St. Luke’s back yard to experience a unique opportunity. We engaged in a combined meditation, reiki and yoga session presented by Master Reiki Healing Energy Practitioner, Melinda Davidson and Certified Yoga Instructor, Sharon Oliver. Melinda began with a soothing, centering meditation followed by Sharon leading us in gentle, mindful yoga. As Sharon led us through our yoga poses, we each enjoyed an individual reiki experience with Melinda. Participants left with a sense of renewal and joy!
Container Gardening Class - June 3, 2023
Our passionate garden friend, Jennifer Smith, led a repeat of her popular 2022 class on planting a container flower garden. She gave us tips on choosing a container, preparing soil, selecting plants and how to care for flower pots in the most earth-friendly way.
World Labyrinth Day - May 6, 2023
Spiritual Director, Jenita Rhodes, led this event on a beautiful spring morning. We used the labyrinth located in the back yard at St. Luke's.
The annual Walk as One at 1 event is celebrated around the globe as a moving meditation for world peace and a celebration of labyrinths. We met as a group to discuss the meaning of the day and took turns walking the labyrinth in silence.
The Light We Carry - April and May, 2023
A second offering of ourJanuary-February class this year led by Dr. Sallie Suby-Long, Sharon Oliver and Renae Parra.
Light and Love Service Project - February 5, 2023
Our dynamic duo Jennifer Smith and Suanne Ediger led our second annual Love & Light service project. They collected items for beautiful and meaningful care bags to deliver to some of our St. Luke’s friends who are not able to make it to church or who needed a little light added to their lives. Many families joined in the assembly of these bags after church and some created a craft to add to the bags. The bags were then hand-delivered to members of our community to create a sparkle of light in their life.
The Light We Carry - January-February, 2023
This discussion class led by Dr. Sallie Suby-Long and Sharon Oliver was based on the book by the same name by Michelle Obama. We focused our conversations on times of uncertainty and using the connections and support of community and the confidence in our self-worth to get through tough times.
Nourish and Be Well Experience - January 28, 2023
Nourish and Be Well, a day-long CSE retreat facilitated by Melinda Davidson and Dr. Sallie Suby-Long, offered a lovely invitation to begin the New Year with grace and intentionality. Melinda and Sallie created a gracious environment that embraced nature, nourishing comfort food, and the time/space to think about important life questions. The day included both contemplative and communal experiences and ended in a creative activity to help us all remember essential insights about coming home to ourselves.
Hearts for Honduras Book Fair - October 2022
Each Sunday in October we had books available for purchase books to be gifted to the children and teachers of Abundant Life Christian School. These titles were selected by staff at the school. Purchasers of books could place a name plate in the front of the book dedicating it in memory or honor of someone they love. We collected several suitcases of books for Dr. Sallie and her husband Tom to take to the school on an upcoming trip to Honduras where their daughter’s family lives and works at the school.
I’ve Been Thinking Conversation Group - October 2022
A three-week group with honest conversations which encouraged practices that hold us steady. We used the book I’ve Been Thinking… Reflections, Prayers, and Meditations for a Meaningful Life by Maria Shriver as the guide for our conversations. We learned that connection with others can uplift us, help us think more deeply, renew our inner lives, and sustain our courage. We were inspired by many of Maria’s writings.
Cooking With Jen - October 2, 2022
Professional cook and baker Jennifer Hiltz is shared her passion for cooking with us in this new class leading us in the preparation of an authentic Thai meal. Jennifer Jensen offered her beautiful kitchen and gift of hospitality for this fun and unique class. Jen H. informed us of how and where to shop for specialty Asian foods and then put all of us to work preparing Pad Thai, Green Papaya salad and Mango Sticky Rice. Our palettes were beyond satisfied and the passion of Jen and Jen inspired our own spirituality.
Men in Community, bi-weekly gathering, started September 2022
Men in Community with Bryan Hutchinson started this group of men which meets on the first and third Mondays each month. Men engage in informal conversations about relevant topics and connect with other men in our community regarding everyday aspects of life... family, work, faith, challenges, transitions, goals and hopes. New participants can join at any time.
Take Care of Your Type: an Enneagram Workshop - June 26, 2022
On a Sunday morning in June, Dr. Sallie Suby-Long and Schawn Kellogg, Enneagram facilitators, joined together to lead an experience on the Enneagram designed to offer fresh ways of caring well for one's Enneagram type. We had an excellent group and meaningful conversaions based on the book by the same name.
Practices of Wellbeing - May 2-24, 2022
In the month of May, Dr. Sallie Suby-Long met weekly with a dedicated group of individuals and guided everyone through exploring and integrating Practices of Wellbeing. The experience helped us all reset, renew, and practice new ways of being. We focused on identifying and developing our individual character strengths and weaving creative practices of movement, meditation, self-compassion, mindfulness , gratitude, and savoring more fully into our lives.
Spring Container Gardening Class - April 30, 2022
CSE is always creating new innovative ways for people to express and share their spirituality. Jennifer Smith, a long-time avid plant lover, shared her enthusiasm and love for flowers and plants during her new Container Gardening class. She shared many tips and tricks for us and answered so many questions! Everyone created a beautiful clay pot of annuals to take home and start their spring flower garden.
Nourish with Melinda Davidson - March & April, 2022
Melinda Nourish experience continues to inspire, through Melinda’s invitation to consider new ways to live wholeheartedly. From Melinda’s beautifully spiritual descriptions of how we can nourish our souls, minds and bodies, to the wholesome Mediterranean-inspired recipe booklet, and the included healing Rieki experience, Melinda provided a lush, deeply nourishing invitation to be and live wholeheartedly. Melinda provided complete ingredients for the delicious recipes that we prepared, in community via zoom, in our own kitchens, which enhanced the realization that we can prepare healthy meals with what we have in our own kitchens. This experience also included a separate, personalized Reiki experience with Melinda, a Reiki Master Teacher.
WHOLE - Exploring Wellness in the Blue Zones With Sharon and Bob Oliver - March 12, 2022
Starting 2022 with healthy habits! We gathered at Sharon & Bob’s house once again to focus on the 5 areas of the world (blue zones) where people live longer, happier and healthier lives and dive into the reasons why. We shared a light meal, great conversation and blue zone recipes.
"Little Bit of Good" - Celebrating Desmond Tutu - February 22, 2022
Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” – Desmond Tutu On 2/22/2022, 22 folks came together to celebrate the life of Archbishop Desmond Tutu. His life exemplified compassion, reconciliation, love, integrity and joy! We listened and reflected on his actions and teachings as we joined in prayers, readings, videos, music and stories. As so beautifully expressed by participants, Jennifer and Brian Smith: “It was a lively and inspiring evening that allowed us to feel a sense of immersion into Desmond Tutu’s South African culture. Our favorite part was playing the African instruments, hearing Desmond’s meaningful wisdom and tasting mangoes! Thank you for a wonderful evening that filled us with hope and demonstrated resilience in such a positive way.”
Understanding Grief and How to Support the Griever - February 15 & March 1, 2022
Rev. Pat Shaffer and Nancy Abbott facilitated a meaningful experience on understanding grief. With sensitivity and care they helped participants identify the many ways that loss and death can affect us. Sometimes we recognize this and sometimes we are not aware of how grief can impact our daily lives. Rev. Pat and Nancy addressed multiple types of loss including job, home, divorce, health, aging, etc. They also helped us to see beneficial ways to support those who have suffered a loss or death of a loved one. Those in the class shared stories and examples that helped everyone honor the multiple emotions surrounding loss. The experience created an important sense of community and connection. About 25 people attended the sessions.
Light & Love for St. Luke's - February 6, 2022
In the spirit of Valentine love, CSE held an event On Feb. 6, 2022 to create care packages for St. Luke’s members that have been unable to attend church services regularly, or who just may enjoy a sprinkle of kindness and compassion! Many families and SLY, Jr. kids joined in the fun and created and then delivered the packages. We heard from many people who received these little bags of love and they were overcome with gratitude.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Marade - January 17, 2022
On Monday, January 17, 2022 thousands gathered to honor the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the 37th annual march along Colfax, from City Park to Civic Center Park. A group from St. Luke’s (including our clergy team) joined with folks from Trinity and Littleton UMC as we gathered near the statue of Dr. King and listened to local speakers, clergy leaders and politicians, reflect on Dr. King’s civil rights work; the progress that has been made, where we are today and the much further we have to go.
Parent Wellness Check, November 7, 2021
We offered Parent Wellness Check for families to join us for meaningful conversation and tell stories about what you, as a family, have overcome during the pandemic. We offered a variety of resources to help guide your family through this incredibly unusual time.
Daring Greatly Book Conversation - September 27, October 11 & 25, November 8, 2021
Based on Brene Brown's book, Daring Greatly, we engaged together in connection, authenticity, and gratitude as we explored what it means to be Wholehearted and to Dare Greatly. The conversation was co-facilitated by Melinda Davidson, Renae Parra and Sallie Suby-Long.
Daring Greatly For Parents - September 26, October 3 & 10, 2021
Based on Brene Brown's book, Daring Greatly, we joined in conversations about what it means to be Wholehearted and to Dare Greatly as a parent. This engaging conversation was facilitated by Sam Leahy, Jennifer Smith and Sharon Oliver.
Thrive! Renewing the Healthy Rhythm of Your Life - October 8, 2021
We had an uplifting day focused on wellbeing and lightness of spirit. The retreat was led by Renae Parra, Melinda Davidson, Suanne Ediger and Sallie Suby-Long and engaged all in opportunities to progress toward enhanced wellbeing of mind, body, heart and spirit. The Hideaway is a beautiful setting that enhanced our learning experiences.
Brave Spaces - Anti-Racism and Allyship, Fall, 2021
Through the fall of 2021, we engaged together in reflection and conversation on anti-racism based on the book Me an White Supremacy: Combat Racism, Change the World and Become a Good Ancestor by Layla Saad. In her writing, Layla Saad invites us to look more deeply at our own lives and challenged us to look honestly at racism. Beginning with ourselves is a crucial starting place for becoming anti-racist. Sharon Oliver, Julie Polikoff, Jane Staller and Sallie Suby-Long continue to facilitate the Brave Spaces conversations.
Yoga at the Mansion -- September, 2021
We gathered on the beautiful lawn of the Highlands Ranch Mansion for a 45-minute outdoor yoga session with Sharon Oliver (certified yoga instructor). Practicing yoga in the beauty of nature was an inspiration for all who attended.
Practices of Wellbeing – September 2 - 30, 2021
In the months of September, Dr. Sallie Suby-Long met weekly with a dedicated group of individuals and guided everyone through exploring and integrating Practices of Wellbeing. The experience helped us all reset, renew, and practice new ways of being. We focused on identifying and developing our individual character strengths and weaving creative practices of movement, meditation, self-compassion, mindfulness , gratitude, and savoring more fully into our lives.
CSE Backyard Movie Night - You've Got Mail - September 17, 2021
We had a beautiful fall evening in the backyard at St. Luke's complete with pre-movie music and fabulous concessions. It was a wonderful Community Raiser held under the stars. Families, couples, and groups of friends enjoyed this special evening together and in the "company" of Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks with the popular 1998 movie highlighting change, possibility and hope.
Family Yoga, --- July, 2021
We met at Highlands Ranch Mansion for 30 minutes of mindfulness and movement with Ms. Sharon (certified yoga instructor). Children and Families loved this experience in the beautfy of nature!
Yoga at the Mansion -- July, 2021
We gathered on the beautiful lawn of the Highlands Ranch Mansion for a 45 minute outdoor yoga session with Sharon Oliver (certified yoga instructor). Practicing yoga in the beauty of nature was an inspiration for all who attended.
Reflect - Reset - Reimagine - June 13, July 11, August 8, 2021
Since the year of 2020 and 2021 brought a mix of challenges, transitions, new discoveries, loss, creativity, and many other experiences, we invited people to join us in the support of community to acknowledge all we had encountered. We created space to name and honor the joys, challenges and learning we experienced.
Yoga at the Mansion - June, 2021
We gathered on the beautiful lawn of the Highlands Ranch Mansion for a 45 minute outdoor yoga session with Sharon Oliver (certified yoga instructor). Practicing yoga in the beauty of nature was an inspiration for all who attended.
Family Yoga - June, 2021
We met at Highlands Ranch Mansion for 30 minutes of mindfulness and movement with Ms. Sharon (certified yoga instructor). Children and Families loved this experience in the beautfy of nature!
Nourish with Melinda - May and June, 2021
Melinda invited us to her beautiful wellness experience, Nourish: Wholehearted Being and Living. We all need experiences that nourish us, with spiritual richness, community, and healing. Melinda’s creative adaptations enabled us to experience all of these blessings in a safe, “virtual” manner, observing current social distancing guidelines.
Using Enneagram Wisdom to Enrich Relationships – March 14, 2021
Schawn and Eric Kellogg skillfully led us in an afternoon of learning to enrich our relationships through the wisdom of the Enneagram. The experience was both light-hearted and deeply meaningful. We laughed, had some profound "ah ha" moments and gained greater understanding of how to communicate more effectively and compassionately in our closest relationships.
Practices of Wellbeing – February 11- March 11, 2021
In the months of February and March, Dr. Sallie Suby-Long met weekly with a dedicated group of individuals and guided everyone through exploring and integrating Practices of Wellbeing. The experience helped us all reset and renew even in the midst of some of the challenging circumstances of the past year. We focused on identifying and developing our individual character strengths and weaving creative practices of movement, meditation, self-compassion, mindfulness , gratitude, and savoring more fully into our lives.
On Purpose – July 24, 2021
Sallie Suby-Long and Renae Parra facilitated a day retreat at the Hideaway Conference Center assisting participants in identifying, discovering and celebrating purpose.
Nourish - Wholehearted Living and Being, October & November, 2020
Melinda Davidson led participants through a personalized Reiki experience to align energy and address individual needs and goals. The group then gathered in a creative and engaging zoom format for a fabulous cooking experience. Special attention was given to nutrition and quality foods. Each part of Nourish was carefully designed to contribute to participants overall health and wellbeing.
Simple Conversations to Restore Hope – April 15, 22, & 29, 2020
In the beginning weeks of the 2020 COVID pandemic, Sallie Suby-Long and Bryan Hutchinson joined together to facilitate an online Zoom class focussing on the restoration of hope in the midst of change. The group met weekly to connect in community and to share gratitude and strategies of hopefulness in the midst of an unsettling time.
Introduction to Enneagram, February 28, 2020
We gathered to learn more about the wisdom of Enneagram in enhancing our own self-discovery as well as our understanding of others.
WHOLE: Exploring Wellness in the Blue Zones – November 16, 2019
Sharon and Bob Oliver invited us into their home once again to share their knowledge about how to eat more mindfully and healthfully. They focused on 5 areas of the world (blue zones), where people live longer, happier and healthier lives. Common themes across these cultures include physical activity (natural movement), purpose, wise eating with an emphasis on plant-based nutrition, and community. We shared a light meal and blue zone recipes and left inspired.
Thrive! – November 6, 2019
We gathered at the beautiful Hideaway Retreat Center to learn about practices to enhance wellbeing and lightness of spirit. We connected with one another and the natural beauty of the Hideaway grounds. Our facilitators, Rev. Sallie and Renae Parra, presented a wellbeing model from the University of Minnesota that helped us to identify a “next step” to move toward enhanced wellbeing.
CSE Breckenridge Women’s Weekend – September 27-29, 2019
An inter-generational group of women headed to the mountains on a crisp, sparkling fall Friday morning. We cooked together, enjoyed great food together, laughed together, danced together, played games together, hiked together, and savored the beauty of a peak Fall Colors Colorado weekend. Renae Parra provided wonderful spiritual reflections that helped us deepen and honor our unique journeys through life’s changing seasons. Suzanne Rainey offered the ultimate yoga experience to gently “tuck us in” at the end of a busy traveling day.
WHOLE: Exploring Wellness in the Blue Zones – July 20, 2019
Sharon and Bob Oliver invited us into their home once again to share their knowledge about how to eat more mindfully and healthfully. They focused on 5 areas of the world (blue zones), where people live longer, happier and healthier lives. Common themes across these cultures include physical activity (natural movement), purpose, wise eating with an emphasis on plant-based nutrition, and community. We shared a light meal and blue zone recipes and left inspired.
Advanced Enneagram Workshop - June 4, 2019
Sallie Suby-Long and Schawn Kellogg helped us gain a greater depth undertaking and application of the Enneagram . We learned about "wings" and our personal instinct preferences, which help to define further our individuality.
Practicing Compassion - April 24 - May 22, 2019
Jenita Rhodes and Sam Leahy led a five-week book study on Practicing Compassion by Frank Rogers Jr. "Compassion is more than a sympathetic feeling - it's the bond of human connection." - Frank Rogers, Jr.
On Purpose - April 12, 2019
Sallie Suby-Long and Renae Parra facilitated a day retreat at the Hideaway Conference Center assisting participants in identifying, discovering or celebrating purpose.
Deeply Rooted, January, 2019
Jenita Rhodes and Sam Leahy engaged a people in conversation based on the book Deeply Rooted, knowing self and growing in spirituality and connection.
Melinda's Conscious Cooking – January 19, 2019
Melinda Davidson invited us into her gracious kitchen to learn to prepare simple, nutritious meals. Her most recent class, One Sheet Pan Suppers, offered recipes for preparing a complete meal in a single sheet pan, minimizing time and cleanup for busy cooks. Her expert use of fresh herbs make the meals we prepare both savory and aromatic. The best part always is that we are able to connect with one another as we cook and sample our delicious meals.
Enneagram and You - Advanced Enneagram Workshop – January 13, 2019
Rev. Schawn Kellogg and Rev. Dr. Sallie Suby-Long offered a workshop for those who have a foundation with Enneagram and want deeper learning with this powerful tool! Look for future Enneagram offerings.
On Purpose - September 15 and October 26, 2019
Sallie Suby-Long and Renae Parra facilitated a day retreat at the Hideaway Conference Center in September and at Shadow Light Retreat House in October. The invigoration process assisted participants in identifying, discovering and celebrating purpose. The first retreat in October filled quickly so we added a second experience.
Yoga with Suzanne - Weekly in 2018 & 2019
Suzanne Alexandria led energizing and centering yoga classes each Thursday morning to inspire a sense of calm and gratitude.
Melinda's Conscious Cooking – October 6, 2018
Once again, Melinda Davidson invited us into her gracious kitchen to learn to prepare simple and easy one-cooking-pan dinners. She provided the recipes and how-tos for adjusting recipes to feed a family or just 1-2 people. We cooked together and shared a delicious lunch.
WHOLE: Eating for Mind, Body and Spirit
Taking the Next Step with Sharon and Bob Oliver – August 25, 2018
Sharon and Bob Oliver continue to to learn about and to share their knowledge of the benefits of whole plant-based eating. We savored whole plant-based snacks and shared recipe ideas. Sharon and Bob hold certificates in plant- based nutrition from the Center for Nutrition Studies.
Simple Truths & Sacred Spaces with Sam Leahy and Sallie Suby-Long – June 2018
We invited reflection on simple truths in beautiful outdoor spaces, June 13 we gathered at Highlands Ranch Mansion Lawn and June 20 at Hudson Gardens.
Spirituality 101 with Bryan Hutchinson – Wednesdays in April, 2018
We engaged in conversation about spirituality, what it means, and how it adds depth and meaning to your life. The class was based on Mike Singer's book, The Untethered Soul.
The Wisdom of You – March, 1, 8, 15, 29, April 5, 2018
Using the power of story and reflection, we listened to each other and shared our life experiences – affirming who we are and celebrating the wisdom of our journeys. Facilitated by Renae Parra and Sallie Suby-Long.
Conscious Cooking – March 10, 2018
Led by Melinda Davidson, participants learned how cooking and entertaining are rooted in gracious space and hospitality. Melinda shared her techniques and tips to inspire the group to create space for connection in their own homes.
Simple Truths – January 24 & 31, February 7 & 14, 2018
As we began the New Year, Sam Leahy and Sallie Suby-Long invited honest conversation about matters that evoke meaning – connection, authenticity, courage, and transformation. The conversations were inspired by the writing of Mark Nepo in The Book of Awakening.
Whole: Eating for Mind, Body and Spirit – January 24 & 31, 2018
Sharon and Bob Oliver facilitated conversation on a holistic way to view food in alignment with a person's spiritual values. Sharon holds certification in whole food plant-based nutrition through Cornell. Sharon and Bob shared their collective knowledge and practices.
Simple Truths – November, 2017
Sam Leahy and Tami Canaday invited honest conversation about matters that evoke meaning. The conversations were inspired by thought-provoking readings.
Whiteboarding Your Why: Couples Edition Retreat – September 17-19, 2017
Rev. Ryan and Tami Canaday led seven couples through an intensive process of discovering their “why” as a couple. Using their recently published book “Whiteboarding your Why” as a guide, they spent the weekend in a beautiful home in Breckenridge working with the couples to strengthen their relationships. The couples also developed new friendships with one another while enjoying food, coffee tasting, creating art, and even spotting a bear in the backyard.
Yoga on the Rocks at Red Rocks, Saturday – July 29, 2017
We enjoyed a yoga experience surrounded by the beauty of Red Rocks. Afterward we shared a tailgate breakfast.
Reiki Level 1 Training with Suzanne Rainey – July 9, 2017
Suzanne, an advanced Reiki Practitioner, demonstrated the benefits and practical uses of Reiki ("ray -key") healing energy, and how to share this gift with friends and family.
Rituals of Restoration Gargi Agarwala – June 28, 2017
Gargi Agarwala, author, yoga instructor, and certified life coach, shared with us how mindfulness practices and daily rituals can restore us and help us become better friends with ourselves. Our gracious partner and host, Capital Tea, provided teas and delicious desserts.
Summertime Effortless Entertaining with Melinda Davidson – June 24, 2017
Melinda provided gracious hospitality as she guided us to create a delicious multi-course dinner, perfect for summer entertaining. (You always get to eat what you prepare at Melinda’s.) We also learned how to create a nature-inspired “tablescape” for a gracious dining experience.
Book Conversation: Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water by Brian Luke Seward
– 4 weeks beginning January 29, 2017
Sallie Suby-Long and Julie Polikoff facilitated this discussion to explore spirituality, honor life experiences, connect personal stories and celebrate the restorative power of connection with all humanity.
Enneagram II Workshop – March 4, 2017
Rev. Schawn Kellogg and Shani Jones returned to provide a greater depth of understanding of Enneagram styles and how they work together, including "wings" and "complete type.”
Melinda’s Conscious Cooking: Winter Squashes – February 25, 2017.
Gracious Melinda showed us how to care for ourselves from the inside out with heart-healthy and heart-warming Winter Squashes, the new comfort food.
Group Lyfe Coaching: Level 1 – Jan. 12-March 16, 2017
Our certified Life Coach, Gargi Agarwala, lead this powerful 6-week experience in which we accessed our inner inner wisdom, honored our passions and gifts, and cleared paths to claim an authentic, purposeful and joy-filled life.
Enneagram I Class – Jan. 28, 2017
Rev. Schawn Kellogg and Shani Jones introduced the Enneagram, a time-tested model for understanding our unique way of being in the world. There is a follow-up class, Enneagram II in March that will provide a deeper exploration of Enneagram styles.
Healthy Relationships Class – Jan. 15 – Feb 19, 2017
On Sunday evenings Carl Cleveland facilitated interactive discussions about how understanding relationship systems can improve important personal and professional relationships.
Soul of a Pilgrim Class – January 18-March 8, 2017
Jenita Rhodes and Sam Leahy facilitated discussion of the book Soul of a Pilgrim by Christine Valters Paintner. The book provides intentional steps that can lead readers on a transformative journey within.
Melinda's Conscious Cooking: Superfoods – June 25, 2016 & September 10, 2016
Melinda taught us about Superfoods, as we prepared delicious recipes using Chia, Quinoa, Seaweed, Kale and Amaranth. Melinda provided tips on using kitchen tools, grocery shopping and meal prep. The morning ended with a feast of our healthy creations!
Morning Yoga with Gargi – Sept. 2015-May 2016
Thursday morning yoga classes with Gargi Agarwala provided sanctuary, healing, and blessings to those who attended regularly, as well as those who “dropped in” as their schedules allowed.
Mindful Travel: New Mexico – May 2016
We offered a Mindful Travel opportunity to explore the meaning of pilgrimage in beautiful Northern New Mexico. Travelers experienced the arts, music, architecture, food, and the stunning beauty of this lovely land, as they connected with one another and others they encountered along the way. Sacred Travel is our newest effort to provide the St. Luke’s community with opportunities to connect, to be inspired, and to experience transforming possibilities.
Ballroom Dancing Class – February 2016
Many thanks to Steve and Cathy Collins for their fun, often hilarious, and always elegant instruction in the basics of the Waltz, Foxtrot, Swing/Jitterbug, Rumba and the Cha Cha. We hope to offer more dancing options in the future, and we invite your ideas and engagement.
"Your Story" Retreat – Oct. 23-24, 2015
We traveled to the beautiful and peaceful Hideaway Inn and Conference Center for the “Your Story Retreat” facilitated by Julie Polikoff and Sallie Suby-Long. We spent our time engaging in individual reflection and sharing our stories as well as building relationships and authentic community. It was a time of renewal and inspiration!
Living a Wholehearted Life – Sept. 16-Oct. 14, 2015
This 5-week class, facilitated by Julie Polikoff and Sallie Suby-Long, engaged in discussions of authenticity, worthiness, being enough, and the power of living a wholehearted life, using Brené Brown’s book, The Gifts of Imperfection.
Energy Yoga with Gargi Agarwala – Summer 2015
We welcomed members of the St. Luke’s community as well as participants from the greater Denver area to this summer yoga series. Gargi’s wonderful leadership helped us to achieve a deep sense of self-connection, internal calm, and balance through these sessions.
Women’s Spirituality and Wellness Retreat – August 7-8, 2015
During this two-day, one night retreat we experienced deep connections and spiritual renewal in the lovely, tranquil Franciscan Retreat Center. Available activities included walking the labyrinth, creating blessing jars, yoga and mindfulness, learning to write Haiku, hiking, reading and communing with nature and ourselves.
Journaling Experience – August 2015
Jenita Rhodes facilitated three journaling sessions in August. In St. Luke’s gazebo, against the backdrop of the Labyrinth and our steadfast Colorado mountains, we focused on Air, Water, and Earth as we opened our senses, reflected quietly, recorded our thoughts, enjoyed readings and scripture, and shared our experiences. We also talked about how to carry our experiences into the coming week.
World Labyrinth Day – May 2, 2015
On this lovely spring day we joined others around the world in walking the St. Luke’s labyrinth. We were encouraged to pay attention to our journey, with its twists and turns, as they mirror our personal spiritual walk, and we reflected on how we can create peace in our troubled world.
The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown – March/April 2015
A book conversation facilitated by Rev. Sallie and Julie Polikoff. We had deep and lively conversations about authenticity, shame, being good enough, and Brené’s powerful “Guideposts” for living a wholehearted life.
Women's Spirituality & Wellness Adventure – February 2015
Eighteen women from St. Luke’s traveled to Devil’s Thumb Ranch near Tabernash to enjoy the beauty of the Rocky Mountains, and renew their spirits. Facilitated by Sallie Suby-Long, Renae Parra, Jane Staller and Jenita Rhodes, participants were invited to choose from a variety of activities, including snowshoeing, cross country skiing, yoga, spiritual direction, group and individual reflection, and journaling, in order to pursue their unique goals for this experience. Group activities created opportunities for authentic connection and communication.
Embracing Spirituality – September-November 2014
A continuation of the Engaging Spirituality class using the book A Faithful Heart; A Daily Guide for Joyful Living by Sally Dyck. During this 8-week journey, we will strengthen our spiritual center and experience God in powerful new ways. Will explore the faith of Mary, mother of Jesus.
Contemplative Writing – September-November 2014
Learn to create a story from a life experience. Class emphasizes individual instructor coaching and will help you develop the significance in your experience with texture and nuance.
Contemplative Writing - Creating Story From a Life Event – January-February, 2014
This course enables participants to take an autobiographically based event and write it in short story form. It emphasizes individualized instructor interaction and coaching and includes personal coaching sessions via telephone.
Daring Greatly: Authenticity, Vulnerability, and Courage – February-March, 2013
Rev. Sallie Suby-Long facilitated a series of brown bag conversations about vulnerability, authenticity, and courage, using the text of Brené Brown’s book, Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead.
Engaging Spirituality - September 2012 - May 2013
This weekly video and study series was led by Jenita Rhodes, Sam Leahy, and Renae Parra. The focus was on transformation of life by hearing the stories of others and sharing one's own story in a welcoming setting. The class provided a small group spiritual journey that explored the connection between prayerful presence and social action.
Daring Greatly: Wholehearted Parenting
Inspired by Brené Brown’s book, Daring Greatly, this class stimulated conversations that focused on how we can enhance our parenting through modeling authenticity, courage, and faith.