Retreat to teach centering prayer

Religion scene

The Rev. Arlyn Macdonald

By Phil Anderson
The Capital-Journal

Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 3601 S.W. 17th, will be the site of a "Centering Prayer" mini-retreat from 2 to 5 p.m. today.

Sister Mary Pat Johnson of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth will lead the retreat, which will explore the nature of centering prayer and provide opportunities to experience it.

"The intent of centering prayer is quite simple," Johnson said. "It gives God's spirit within permission to not only draw us closer to God, but also to change us from within so daily we become more like Christ."

Johnson said that centering prayer comes from the treasury of Christian prayer forms built and practiced over the centuries. It is common practice to pray in this manner for 20 minutes twice a day.

The retreat is open to all adults and is free of charge. Baby-sitting is provided, but pre-registration is required.

For more information, call Michelle at 478-0362 or the church at 272-5590.

The Rev. Arlyn Macdonald, a certified Huna counselor and teacher, will present her "Huna Workshop" at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at the Unity Church of Christianity, 125 S.W. Gage.

Participants will learn how the sacred wisdom of the ancient Hawaiians can change their lives. A freewill offering will be received.

Call the Unity church office at 272-6407 for more information.

The regular monthly worship service of the local Baha'i communities will be held at 7 p.m. today at the Topeka Friends Meetinghouse, 603 S.W. 8th.

The meeting topic will be the recent Baha'i conference, which several members of both the Topeka and Shawnee County Baha'i communities attended.

The conference addressed Baha'i efforts to build the kingdom of God. The current plan will last five years, according to Duane Herrmann of the local Baha'i community. In that time, he said, there will be local, national and international goals to be achieved.

Tonight's discussion also will address local Baha'i goals for building the Kingdom of God in Topeka and Shawnee County.

True Light Baptist Church will present "Kickin' It With My Jesus," its first youth conference and concert, to be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at the Antioch Family Life Center, 1921 S.E. Indiana.

Featured musical guests will include KoBruh, the True Light choir, Tsion, Lil Cheezie, Dark Complexion and the Community Workshop choir, as well as other rappers, singers, soloists, praise-and-motion groups and bands.

A conference from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 28 will be open to youths and young adults ages 3 through 18, with age-appropriate activities provided. Registration will be from 8 to 9 a.m., with a continental breakfast served. Lunch and snacks also will be provided.

Speakers will include Minister Robert McClish of Kansas City, Minister Micah Ross of Lawrence, Curtis Lee of Kansas City, Jasmine Carter of Atchison, Jemaire Gilkey of Topeka and the Rev. Gregory Durant of Topeka.

All activities are free. For more information, call 233-3298.

A satellite broadcast commemorating Pioneer Day will be shown at 7 p.m. Sunday in the Topeka Stake Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2401 S.W. Kingsrow, and in the LDS meetinghouse, 3611 S.W. Jewell.

The program, which will be broadcast live from Salt Lake City, will focus on the legacy of faith left by Mormon pioneers. Church president Gordon B. Hinckley will give a devotional message, with music provided by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Orchestra at Temple Square.

The program is in conjunction with Pioneer Day, to be observed officially on Tuesday. The special day commemorates the coming of the first Mormon pioneers into the Salt Lake Valley of Utah in 1847.

The program also will be broadcast at 9 p.m. Sunday and 7 p.m. Tuesday on BYUTV, seen on the Dish Network on channel 9403.

The 95th annual Pentecostal Grace Campmeeting will be held July 31 to Aug. 5 at the Forest Park Camp and Retreat Center, 3158 S.E. 10th.

Seven services will be offered daily, including at 10 a.m. "Kids' Kingdom," 10 a.m. Bible studies, 2:30 p.m. Bible study, 6:30 p.m. Kids' Korner, 6:30 p.m. Teen Time, 6:30 p.m. Questionnaire and 7:30 p.m. evangelistic service.

Speakers will include: the Rev. Maurice Hart on July 31 and Aug. 1; the Rev. Michael Borjon on Aug. 2; the Rev. James Wells on Aug. 3; the Rev. Kent Duncan on Aug. 4; and the Rev. Victor E. Foster on Aug. 5.

Music will be furnished by: Ann Stuberman on July 31; Pete Whitebird on Aug. 1; Ric and Marta Barron of 1 of 2 Ministries on Aug. 2; Dennis Terry and White Harvest on Aug. 3; the Jefferson Assembly Singers on Aug. 4; and the Victory Tabernacle Choir on Aug. 5.

All camp expenses are paid by freewill offerings. Lodging and meals will be available.

For more information, call 235-1748.

Dr. Roy Lacoursiere, a Menninger-trained psychiatrist, will lead a four-part discussion series on "Violence Unveiled" from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 29, Aug. 5 and Aug. 12 in the Formation Room of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 3601 S.W. 17th.

"Violence Unveiled," by Gil Baille, which is available in book and video formats, presents a biblically oriented view of violence. The videos feature former Topekan the Rev. Richard Rohr.

The discussion series is designed for those who are interested in the subject of violence and its various manifestations.

Lacoursiere is a member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Church.

Individuals planning to attend are asked to call 267-0150 in advance.

The programs are being sponsored by the Most Pure Heart of Mary Church Social Justice Committee.

Phil Anderson can be reached at (785) 295-1195 or panderson@cjonline.com.

See SCENE, page 2E