The Fall 2017 Word and Life series focused on Richard Rohr’s latest book, The Divine Dance: The Trinity and Your Transformation (Sept. 7 – Nov. 9, 2017). The registration fee ($95) included a copy of the book and admission to all Thursday morning sessions. Here is a description of the book selected:
| What if changing our perception of God has the potential to change everything? God is not what you think! Visions of an angry, distant, moral scorekeeper or a supernatural Santa Claus handing out cosmic lottery tickets to those who attend the right church or say the right prayer dominate our culture. For many others, God has become irrelevant or simply unbelievable. In The Divine Dance, Fr. Richard Rohr (with Mike Morrell) points readers to an unlikely opening beyond this divinity impasse: the at-times forgotten, ancient mystery of the Trinity-God as utterly one, yet three. Drawing from Scripture, theology, and the deepest insights of mystics, philosophers, and sages throughout history, Fr. Rohr presents a compelling alternative to aloof and fairytale versions of God: One God, belovedly in communion, as All-Vulnerable, All-Embracing, and All-Given to you and me. The Divine Dance makes accessible and practicable the Christian tradition’s most surprising gift. God as Community — as Friendship — as Dance. Are you ready to join in? |
A good book, good lectures and honest discussions make up the core of the Word and Life experience. Some financial aid is available for those with limited income. Please talk to our coordinator or another member of the Steering Committee about reduced tuition.
Kindly remember that Word and Life is a non-profit organization. We could not “pay the rent,” let alone our distinguished presenters, without meaningful help from donors who can contribute something extra to keep us afloat. Thank you for your support.
| DATE | PAGES – GENERAL TOPICS | PRESENTER |
|---|---|---|
| Sep. 7 | pp. 19-34 – The Trinity in Iconography and the Visual Arts Farewell, John Michal Introduction of Anne Heck Anne’s comments on Trinity Concluding remarks, Q & A | Anne Heck, M.A., Word & Life Steeering Committee Slides used in this presentation |
| Sep. 14 | pp. 35-56 – Relationships, paradigm shifts Admin announcements Introduction of Cindy Y. Cindy’s Divine Dance Concluding remarks, Q & A | Rev. Cindy Yoshitomi, St. Anthony Community |
| Sep. 21 | pp. 57-77 – Diversity, cosmic insights Introduction of Alice MacDonald Alice’s comments on Trinity Discussion, group dance(!) | Alice MacDonald, M.A., Word & Life Coordinator Emerita |
| Sep. 28 | pp. 78-97 – Emptiness, the “Law of Three, circles Introduction of Gary Hall Rev. Hall’s remarks on the Trinity Discussion, Q & A | Rev. Gary Hall, Trinity Episcopal Church |
| Oct. 5 | pp. 98-120 – Feeling the Trinity, Many belong in the One Introduction of Dawn George Dr. George’s remarks on the Trinity Discussion, Q & A | Dawn George, Word & Life |
| Oct. 12 | pp. 121-140 – Recovery, atonement, suffering Introduction of Paul Collins Rev. Collins’ remarks on places of prayer Discussion, Q & A | Rev. Paul Collins, All Saints by the Sea |
| Oct. 19 | pp. 140-150 – the Father, the Christ, the Holy Spirit Introduction of Presenters Jerry Yoshitomi & friends Discussion, Q & A | Jerry Yoshitomi, Word & Life, with Rev’s Keith Forster, & John Hydar, & Cynthia Yoshitomi, St. Anthony Community |
| Oct. 26 | pp. 151-164 – Inside-out prayer, Being there, “transcendence deficit disorder” Introduction of Dr. Jacobsen Dr. Jacobsen’s reflections Discussion, Q & A | Rev. Steve Jacobsen, La Casa de Maria |
| Nov. 2 | pp. 164-184 – Trinity, Being and Becoming, the great attractor Introduction of Fr. Larry Fr. Larry’s reflections Discussion, Q & A | Fr. Larry Gosselin, St. Barbara Parish |
| Nov. 9 | pp.185-219 – Everything is holy now, Divine energy, etc. Introduction of Fr. Jim Fr. Jim’s reflections Discussion, Q & A | Fr. Jim Clarke, L. A. Archdiocese |