Retreats, Workshops & Adult Education Courses
The topics listed below are themes of retreats I have led and talks I have given for churches, writers’ groups, and academic groups, including Princeton Theological Seminary; Presbyterian Churches in Princeton, Santa Barbara, Sherman Oaks, Templeton, San Luis Obispo, Simi Valley, Ojai, Sacramento; the U.C.S.F./U.C. Berkeley Joint Medical Program; Sutter Memorial Hospital, Sacramento; Messiah College; Brigham Young University; Zephyr Point Presbyterian Conference Center; Westmont College. I am available to teach or facilitate conversation on any of these or related topics by arrangement. I may be contacted through this form, or at marilynmcentyre [at] mac [dot] com.
“Poetry and Prayer”
Reflections on how the work of poetry can prepare the ground for a richer prayer life, how the practices of poetry and prayer converge, what we can learn from poems that are prayers, how a thoughtful approach to language can enrich our lives of prayer.
“Writing to Heal”
A look at writing that has emerged from contexts of suffering and how writing may become an instrument of healing. Exercises in personal writing that may help in the work of healing.
“Caring for the Word: Stewardship of Language”
Based on a forthcoming book on this topic, these sessions will focus on what it means now to care for language, to preserve it as a precision instrument, and to use it in a life-giving way.
“Talking the Talk: Getting Beyond and Behind Christian Clichés”
Reflections on language use in churches and Christian communities; how language choices shape worship, prayer, denominational identity, approaches to scripture, the discourse of faith in the contexts of contemporary American political life.
“Remembering and Re-imagining: Approaches to Autobiography and Memoir”
Exercises in and reflection on ways to reexamine, reshape, and reclaim life experience in writing. Emphasis on alternatives to chronology.
“Eldering: An Active Verb”
Reflections on what it may mean to “be an elder” in contemporary American culture. How to embrace the role and responsibility of “eldering” in family, church, and community. How “eldering” involves deliberation, imagination, and resistance.
“Learning New Steps: Practicing Trust in Times of Transition”
Transitions can be both precarious and precious times of spiritual growth. Major (or minor) changes in life patterns can open up opportunities. Seizing those opportunities may be easier if we are deliberate and prayerful about doing so. Reflection on approaches to transition, and a sharing of materials that may be helpful at such times.
“An American Sermon: Why Read The Scarlet Letter at a Time Like This?”
Revisiting an American classic in light of its relevancy for our historical moment, considering particular ways in which it addresses the matter of how to read scripture.
“What Christians Consume”
A look at the processes by which what we buy is farmed, manufactured, transported, marketed, and disposed of. Consideration of how to be responsible stewards of resources, with reference to biblical guidelines and contemporary models.
“Who Cares: Insights from Stories of Caregiving”
Focus on what it means to claim “care” as an active verb, bringing examples from story and poetry that provide usable images of caregiving.
“Contemplative Reading”
Reflection on how the practice of lectio divina can inform not only our reading of scripture, but also our more general reading. Exercises in slow, thoughtful, playful reading.
“Imaging the Invisible God: Metaphors that Matter”
Reflections on the implications of particular metaphors and images from scripture and church tradition, and how they shape our understanding of relationship with God.
“Beginner’s Mind”–an Idea Worth Borrowing”
This phrase, borrowed from Buddhist practice, can remind us of a useful daily practice of claiming the gift of the new moment, releasing the past, and opening to what is, indeed, “new every morning.” 24 exercises that may help in cultivating “beginner’s mind.”
“Faith in Fiction”
A look at scenes from fiction that offer memorable portraits of faithfulness, caring, wisdom, hope, and spiritual maturity.
“Called to the Wild: Earth Stewardship and Faith Commitment”
Reflections on how and why Christians need to recognize environmental stewardship as a core faith commitment. Some practical reflection on strategies and habits that can make a difference in the health of our communities, watersheds, and planet.
Some of the above retreats and others offered for couples, families, or small groups, I have led with my husband, Rev. Dr. John McEntyre, an experienced pastor, group facilitator and retreat leader. We are available by arrangement to offer retreats and/or workshops together.