Classes ~ Workshops

Classes can be taught live in your community, for your church members, in a back yard or remotely on the zoom platform. 

Gather the people, and contact Calm in the Chaos Interfaith Center to schedule.

 

After I'm Gone
ONE HOUR workshop, virtual or in person    

Having all legal documents, passwords, account numbers and other important life information in one large binder will greatly improve the quality of life for the people who will settle your estate after you die. It is one of the                  greatest gifts you can give  them. Empowered with your completed workbook, they can share more time with one another, telling stories, looking through old photos and allowing grief its proper time. Attorneys, funeral directors, bank officials, landlords and all utility and credit card          companies will be grateful your loved ones have details so handy. Participants in the class receive a workbook and clear advice on completing it.             




              Drumming                     ONE HOUR, optional several sessions 


Drumming is the extension of our own heartbeats. In recent years, drumming has made its way into western culture as a spiritual practice and as a fun way to share something new!  You need NO musical or drumming experience to fully participate in this class. Instruction begins at the very beginning.  We will learn simple rhythm patterns that allow us to rise above the mundane plane of daily life.  I bring several drums, but if you own a drum, please bring it.




         Labyrinths, Walking                          Meditation                      ONE AND A HALF HOURS


Walking a labyrinth is meditation in motion.  For some of us, sitting still just doesn’t do it, so we walk our meditations. Labyrinths have been built and used for centuries. In this class, you will learn the history of labs, view different kinds – from tiny finger labs to giant labyrinths in fields, and create your own take-away finger labyrinth. We will lay out, construct and walk a floor lab!




Praying with Color                    TWO SESSIONS

EACH ONE HOUR


There are so many ways to pray and so many names for the Holy Divine! Whatever your understanding of God, however you pray (or don't pray), you might find it interesting to not fold your hands, bow your head and close your eyes. If you can hold a pencil, you can enjoy this new way to interact with the Sacred One in prayer. Come with an open mind and open heart. All materials provided. 
  



Seven Female Mystics           ONE-TWO HOURS


What is a mystic? Are there mystics among us today?  And how do you become one?  Join me in an introduction to seven female mystics spanning from 600 AD to the present.  Each woman made a significant contribution to the spiritual lives of others, some continue to do so.  The class is an introduction, with the hope that you will be curious enough to read more about one of these interesting women. Discussion of personal mysticism following the seven women's introductions.




Faith Buffet of World Religions 

THREE SESSIONS                                      ONE HOUR EACH WEEK



Judaism, Taoism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Christianity – we examine the characteristics of each faith tradition and notice how concepts, ideas and doctrine intersect and sometimes overlap.  Understanding faith traditions other than one’s own helps us appreciate and deepen our own spiritual growth.




Sacred Geometry

ONE HOUR


Topics from the musical Pentatonic scale to the swirl of a Fibonacci in a sunflower are included in this look at how God is the great Scientist Creator.   We’ll play hand chimes and speak of ratios; we’ll discuss frequencies and how they are related to vibrations in the body.  We will look at artwork that represents Sacred Geometry and draw patterns such as the Circle of Life.




Celtic Spirituality overview

ONE HOUR


Celtic Spirituality grew from honoring the feminine, respecting all of  nature as God, and connecting everyone directly to God, without need of a hierarchy of intercessory people.  Meet St. Brigid, Alexander John Scott, John Muir and other significant spiritual leaders in the evolution of Celtic Christianity.   Because the class will leave you wanting to read more, a reading list is distributed.




Christmas in the Four Gospel Homes  Book Study   ONE HOUR EACH SUNDAY IN ADVENT


From the Amazon blurb:  What would we find if we visited the homes of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John during the Christmas season?  How might their homes look, based on what we learn from reading their gospels?  We study this little volume with a Bible at hand to read the scriptural references.  This way of thinking may shed a new light on our Christmas narrative.  Part scriptural, part fantasy, but always a delight.  Participants should purchase a copy of the book prior to the first gathering.




EARTH: Our Original Monastery Book Study   ONE HOUR EACH WEEK for SEVEN WEEKS


God meets us everywhere, but sometimes we're not paying attention. Share with me how living contemplatively with an appreciation for the natural world can make us more aware of the presence of God in every aspect of our lives. We will explore monks, mystics and saints who have connected with the Infinite Divine through nature.  We will get outside!  Maybe during class, maybe as a solitary during the week.  Let's dig deeper into our connection with God's creation ... all of it.  Participants should obtain a book before the first gathering.




Circling     

ONE HOUR EACH WEEK for NINE WEEKS 

Minimum enrollment: 4; maximum enrollment 8       $95/person  


Circling is a program formed by mystic and religious scholar Jan Phillips to raise each of us to a new level of creativity, even for those who believe they don’t have a creative cell in their body!  Through activities in a community of like-minded others, your heart may open and you might let go of a burden you’ve been carrying.  We build a community of support and new-found insights over the nine weeks.  Because the program depends on the energy formed by the group, we ask that participants commit to all nine weeks of the workshop.  Each group member receives a notebook, with poems, guided activities and blank pages for notes, journaling and projects.  




Balancing     

ONE HOUR EACH WEEK - SIX WEEKS 

Minimum enrollment: 8; maximum enrollment 12       $60/person  


Balancing is a six-week program to find and create balance in your life. Only you know what your soul needs, and we will explore some new ways to feed your soul! Setting intentions, fitting self-care into your life ... it's all about what your soul needs. Balance is the third leg of the stool on which a good life rests, joining Respect and Responsibility. Because the program depends on the energy formed by the group, we will hold the program only if there are at least eight people. Open yourself to new possibilities! Create your own finger labyrinth, collectively drum your way into the heartbeat of the earth, learn how to focus on what you need. Each group member receives a notebook with poems, guided activities and blank pages for notes and journaling. 




I Pronounce You                      

TWO HOURS  $85/person


I Pronounce You is a training course to become a wedding officiant. There is so much more than to it than having a certificate and advice from the net! Here is your Wedding Fairy Godmother to come to your rescue. Rev. Darla was the New York State Director for the National Association of Certified Wedding Consultants, and now will help you to be a confident, knowledgeable Officiant. Upon completion, you will become an ordained member of the Calm in the Chaos Interfaith Center.




What's in a Name?  ONE HOUR
We know Elizabeth and Mary Magdalene, Eve, and Ruth, Esther and Delilah, Rachel and Martha. But did you realize there are over one hundred Bible women who are nameless? The writes chose to note include the names of the women, only that they were integral to the story as someone's sister, wife, mistress or accidental acquaintance. They are all a part of our history, or should we call it HERstory? Join us to get to know and honor several of these nameless women.  


Payment for Classes

Most classes are taught by Darla Bair, Interfaith Elder. Fees vary with each program.

Call, text or email to reserve dates for your church, spiritual group, prayer gathering, women's group, book club or potluck night. 

585.494.1795   revdarlabair@gmail.com