WORSHIP PLAYGROUND
Join us Saturday, June 22 from 1:30pm - 4:30pm at Armour Heights Presbyterian Church as we re-engage a sense of wonder and embodiment in our congregations as we explore creativity and play! Admission is pay what you can and childcare is available. Click the button below to register!
About the workshops
Engaging Creation: Drawing on Nature for Rejuvenation and Renewal as Faith Leaders
We live in a fast-paced society characterized by busyness, anxiety, and often trauma. But God has created us as part of the wonder of creation. What if we learned to draw on (and with) nature for our own health and renewal in this world as we engage with others in ministry? What if we recognized our wonder and awe, so often inspired in the natural world, as elements of our worship? What if we brought creation into our spaces of worship?
This integrated workshop will help us envision new ways of loving the world around us and draw on nature to reinvigorate our worship of God our Creator. Join Konnie outdoors in taking part in activities that can draw us closer to God as we employ creative ways of bringing creation into our sanctuaries.
Engaging the Present: The Presence and Gifts of Spirited Active Listening
What does it feel like when we play with the spirit and engage in deep listening?
How does listening and responding animate our being and energize our interconnectedness?
What does is it feel like when we give and receive the gift of each other's presence as a present?
How does staying in the present moment with our presence, attention, accompaniment, and laughter animate our spirit?
How are we changed when we journey together and say, "Yes, AND!"?
Join Erin as she leads an energizing exploration of animated active listening!
about the worship playground TEAM
Rev. Dr. Sarah Travis
she/her/hers
Sarah is an ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church in Canada. Her primary areas of research and teaching are preaching, worship and the practice of ministry. From decolonizing worship practices to trauma-informed preaching, Sarah has published several books aimed at facilitating a conversation among Christians about topics that matter for the church today. She is a 2023 Calvin Institute of Christian Worship Teacher-Scholar Grant recipient, exploring how playful theologies can enhance the worship and self-identity of very small congregations. She currently serves as Associate Professor: Ewart Chair in the Practice of Ministry and Faith Formation at Knox College.
Rev. Konnie Vissers
she/her/hers
Rev. Konnie Vissers is the Theological Field Education Coordinator and Sessional Instructor at Knox College, where she teaches in practical theology and psychology. Konnie is also a minister in the Presbyterian Church in Canada finishing up her PhD in practical theology on the intersection of eco-anxiety, children's spirituality, and ecclesial practice. She lives in Hamilton, Ontario with her husband (also a PCC minister), three daughters (ages 6, 4, and 5 months), and labradoodle. Konnie runs an organization called "The Children's Garden Collective," which fosters the nurture and growth of children through the practice of urban gardening, spiritual engagement, and environmental education. You can normally find Konnie outdoors hiking with her family, visiting local waterfalls, or cooking straight from the garden.
Erin Stone
she/her/hers
One of the greatest surprises and transformative gifts Erin has ever received was joining Armour Heights as Administrator in 2016. Since her formative years at Armour Heights working part-time, Erin’s position has evolved and expanded to the full-time role of Administrator and Manager of Community Engagement. Along with her 16+ years of administrative/accounting experience and event planning, Erin brings spirited creativity and imagination to all aspects of her work. Erin holds a Master of Music in opera, and her passion for music is only surpassed by her passion for people. When she’s not singing in the choir, instructing yoga classes, or hanging out with her spouse, David, and their beloved cat/furbaby, Audrey, Erin is a part-time student at Emmanuel College pursuing a Master of Pastoral Studies in Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy.