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Spiritual Life
Conscious Aging Small Groups
Thursdays at 1:00 until 2:30 pm
(Location: mostly Zest, with some exceptions; see schedule)
When we find ourselves in the final third of life, we are presented with the opportunity to grow spiritually, emotionally, and psychologically...or not. We get to choose. This is living consciously and aging consciously.
We invite you to Conscious Aging Workshops 2.0!
Conscious Aging is a yearlong, interactive program based on the work of the Institute of Noetic Science that offers guidance, meaning, connection, and community to those seeking to grow old gracefully. This approach aims to shift consciousness away from self-limitation, isolation, anxiety, and fear towards expansiveness, wholeness, connection, and compassion. We will explore key aspects of conscious aging, gain insight from our inner personal and collective wisdom, and integrate inspirational ideas. There is a one-time $30 fee (if we get 35 participants) to offset the cost of our Conscious Aging facilitator, Mabeth Hudson. Note that the cost of this program might be slightly more if less than 35 participants sign up. This program is limited to 35 participants as to better facilitate small group conversation and collaboration. Signup required, and payment is due by the first course
(see schedule and sign up below):
Click here to register!
Schedule:
January 18 - Going Deeper with Key Conscious Aging Principles:
We will revisit the major tenets of Conscious Aging, go over the gathering rhythm, and create community among the group.
*February 15 - Conversation Circles: Reframing
March 7 -
Life Review: Reflecting on Times of Growth and Transformation Life (Location: TBD)
*April 18 - Conversation Circles: Growth Mapping
May 9 - Surrender & Letting Go - Learning Center
*June 13 - Conversation Circles - Creating a Legacy - Learning Center July 18 - Facing Mortality
*August 15 - Conversation Circles: Movie: Death Makes Life Possible
September 19 - Forgiveness
*October 17 - Conversation Circles: Forgiveness (continued)
November 21 - Becoming a Wise Elder
*December 12 - Conversation Circles: Going forward Learning Center
BOLD gatherings where Mabeth will be present.
*Conversation Circles will be facilitated by Chaplain Chasity
Click here to sign up!
“Exploring Spirituality”
Wednesday, January 17 at 3:00 pm - Learning Center
The Buddhist make it an intentional spiritual practice to think about their death at least once a day. This practice reframes death as a normal process of living, thus also guiding how we are to live each day intentionally, because death is what gives life meaning. Chaplain Chasity will lead a discussion called, “Morbid Curiosity,” where we will lean into our mortality in gentle ways. We will talk about the myths and misunderstandings of death and dying and integrate tangible ways to be a steward of conscious death in order to increase the beauty, pleasure, and contentment of death. Chaplain Chasity will also share her (new!) expansion/extension of her chaplaincy work to become a certified end-of-life doula. While people (rightfully) hold heavy feelings around death and often would rather NOT contemplate death, this conversation will feel like slipping into the comforts of a warm bath. All are invited!
(Exploring Spirituality occurs the third Wednesday of each month, with a different theme)
Outreach: Donate Items to Help those in Need
Second Chance Church
All residents are invited to participate in this outreach ministry to those in need in our community. We call this “church” because our “religion” is LOVE and we are the hands and feet that serve others in the community, bringing light and love anywhere there is a need! It is an awesome experience!
On Campus Outreach Opportunities
For the month of January, we will be preparing sandwiches and putting together 50 bag lunches for Grassroots Crisis Intervention, on Friday, January 26, 2024 in the Multi-Purpose Room, beginning at 10:00 am
Please join us!
In addition, we are asking for contributions of 8 oz. bottles of water, bags of small Clementine oranges, and homemade cookies as a special touch for the lunch. Contributions of water and oranges may be placed in the labeled box in the living room at any time. If you are baking cookies for the lunch, please deliver to the Multi Purpose room by 10:30 AM on January 26th or call 240-841-3763 and make arrangements to deliver to Maria Heyssel at 135 C, at a time that is more convenient for you.
Questions: Contact Maria Heyssel, Linda Yergey, Sue Mills or Chaplain Chasity.
Items will be blessed and commissioned to Grassroots that same day.
If you wish to donate money to purchase these items, you can write a check payable to LVMG with “Second Chance Church” in the memo line (and we can do the shopping for you!). The check can be given directly to Chaplain Chasity, placed in the Wednesday chapel offering, or given to the main desk concierge to place in Chaplain Chasity’s secure mailbox. Questions: Contact Sue Mills, Linda Yergey or Chaplain Chasity
Outreach: Kitchen Items (part 2) for Home of our Own
(through Second Chance Church)
In the month of January (in addition to Grassroots), we are collecting specific kitchen items for Home of Our Own (HOOO). HOOO is a household pantry that provides home furnishings to people who have acquired housing but can’t afford any household items needed to make that house a home. These people are usually veterans, formerly homeless, refugees, just released from prison, etc. HOOO meets with the client to see what they need and would like, then from the HOOO warehouse, HOOO staff are able to deliver what the client needs, providing dignity and helping to rebuild their life. We are collecting the following kitchen items because these items are regularly in high-demand. Items can be new or gently used, but must be in good condition:
- Cookie Sheets
- Muffin tins and loaf pans
- Round cake pans
- Cooling Racks
- Broiler pans
- Dish Drying Racks
- Paper towel holders
- Kitchen Knives
- Steak Knives
- Kitchen Shears
- Ice Cream Scoops
- Serving Utensils
- Serving Platters
- Salt and Pepper Shakers
Off Campus Outreach Opportunities
Outreach: Donate Your Time to Help those in Need
Columbia Community Care
Friday, January 12 - Meet in the Main Lobby at 9:30 am
(return 11:45 am)
We will organize items for distribution and restocking the pantry (location to be determined) but not giving them to clients.
Food distribution at the Miller Library
Saturday, January 20 at 9:30 am (Note the time change)
In partnership with the Indian Cultural Association
Be sure to watch for additional service dates in partnership with the Indian Cultural Association.
Howard County Food Bank
Friday, January 26
Meet in Main Lobby at 9:30 am
(Return 12:15 pm)
Weekly Wednesday Worship at Miller’s Grant
Wednesday at 11:00 am - Learning Center
It is said that “[w]e are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings have a human experience.” There is a vibrant community that gathers each week so that you might tend to your spirit! We welcome all—the curious, the doubting, the faithful, the seeking, the relapsed, the unsure, and everyone else in between!
Ways you can watch Weekly Worship:
- Watch (live) on channel 970.
- Anytime Post-Worship. Once worship has ended, you can view services on Touchtown (click on "videos"). It may take up to 24 hours before the recording appears.
Praying the Rosary
Tuesday, January 2 at 2:30 pm - Learning Center
First Tuesday of the Month led by residents.
Spiritual Life Committee
Wednesday, January 10 at 1:00 pm -
Main Street Multi-Purpose Room
(meeting occurs the second Wednesday of each month)
We welcome new members to our committee and we’d like more people around our table, as we ensure the diversity of our faiths are represented at LVMG. “Come and see!” is the invitation! In this meeting, we work to ensure that we offer vibrant and robust ministries, seminars, and other activities that nurture your faith.
Reopening a Dedicated, Quiet Space
Terrace Level of the Health Care Center
Friday, January 12, with light refreshments following.
Located on the terrace level of the Healthcare Center is a meditation/conference room shared with the healthcare team. All residents are welcome to utilize that space as a quiet space for self-reflection, meditation, and deeper connection with themselves or a power greater than themselves. It is also welcoming to families of residents looking for a place to grieve together. To create an inviting space, the room has been outfitted with many amenities for your comfort and care. Reading materials to help personal reflection and meditation are provided. They can be borrowed as long as they are returned in a timely manner. Important note: this space is available for resident use except Tuesdays from 1:15 pm to 2:00 pm and Wednesdays from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Please join us to (re)dedicate and bless this space!
Caring Connections Meeting
Monday, January 15 at 2:00 pm - Private Dining Room
If you are a Stephen Minister/Compassionate Listener, please mark your calendars for our monthly support session. We will begin with an opening ritual/prayer, host a brief educational session/video and discussion for our refining our skills in compassionate care; share the joys, concerns, challenges regarding your ministry; and end in closing prayer. If you have any questions, please contact Chaplain Chasity Wiener.
(occurs the third Monday of each month)
Roman Catholic Mass
with Father John Dietzenbach
Tuesday, January 23 at 2:30 pm - Learning Center
Private confession available immediately following worship.
Mass is the fourth Tuesday of every month.
Second Chance Church Outreach Planning Meeting
Thursday, January 25 at 12:30 - Learning Center
We will meet to plan our On-Campus outreach activities for the year. Our goal is to find outreach activities that involve our community working together in a project. Past examples include assembling birthday party kits or collecting baby items and then having a “shower” to celebrate. We will also discuss how we can help Home Of Our Own. Everyone is invited to attend this meeting. If you can’t attend, please give us your ideas and please consider being the point person for your project ideas.
Contacts: Linda Yergey, Sue Mills, Chaplain Chasity
Prayer Share Meeting
Thursday, January 25 at 2:00 pm - Main Street Multi-Purpose Room
Join us in a circle of prayer! All are welcome!
Prayer Share is the fourth Thursday of the month. A seated circle of participants will softly share from their hearts informal prayers for the needy. For more information, please contact Andrea Gruhl.
Community Prayer with the focus of “Peace.”
Dear Lord,
Let us find peace in the New Year as we walk through, listen to, and look at the wonders of nature You have given us. We pray for personal peace and security as well as peace in this world where hate and conflict are raging. Amen.
“Faith Seeking Understanding: A Spiritual Book Study”
Every Thursday at 11:00 am - Main Street Multi-Purpose Room
All are welcome! Discussion is lively. Contact Rebecca Ross or Chaplain Chasity and we will get you caught up on our most recent read (or let you know when the next book begins).
Individual Holy Communion Available
If you would like to receive Holy Communion but feel most comfortable in your own home, Chaplain Chasity can bring the sacrament safely to you.
Please contact Chasity and make your request at (410) 696-6763.
Printed Quarterly Devotions
Word and Season Quarterly Devotions are still available.
You will find devotional material displayed around campus.
Please pick up your copy today! If you need additional copies, please let Bill Nelson or Chaplain Chasity know and we will try to accommodate.
Are you a “Caring Listener?” We need you!
We are all woven together in this rich fabric of humanity. And, we all have gifts to share. We are looking for residents who would like to use their gifts of compassionate listening and conversation to connect with residents who need a little extra “TLC” in their loneliness or while going through tough times. This could be in the form of 1:1 visits or it could be helping to lead a discussion group with assisted living residents. If you would like to know more, please contact Chaplain Chasity Wiener. Caring Listeners is an extension of the Stephen Ministers at LVMG.
Chaplaincy Support Committee
Thursday, February 7 at 1:30 pm - Main Street Multi-Purpose Room
Friendly reminder that the Chaplaincy Support Committee will meet this month.
Volunteer Opportunity with Community Partner,
Home of Our Own
A Note from Margaret Alford, LVMG resident, and volunteer at HOOO
LVMG’s outreach ministry, called Second Chance Church, has a partnership with a local organization Home of Our Own (HOOO).
With an all-volunteer workforce, HOOO collects donated furniture and household goods and delivers them to individuals and families transitioning from homelessness to intermediate or permanent housing. HOOO receives client referrals through partnership with Howard County agencies including Grassroots, Department of Social Services, and the Howard County Public School System, etc.
Individual dignity is of great importance, and HOOO ensures all items issued to clients are in excellent condition. That is where you come in.
Volunteers examine, sort and inventory household items suitable for distribution to clients. Lights, electrical appliances and TV’s need to be tested. Furniture needs to be cleaned out, vacuumed and dusted. For items being delivered to a client, household items need to be gathered together for the delivery team.
A monthly volunteer opportunity begins in March. Look for it in Flourish and TouchTown. Hope to see you there!
BTW I am answering voice messages and information request emails for HOOO. It really is no more than 15 minutes a day and days can be skipped so it is really not much. Monica Fortner and I are on their volunteer schedule occasionally. Hopefully at least monthly until we can get the monthly volunteering off the ground. It is a great organization!
For any additional spiritual life information, questions, or concerns contact Chaplain Chasity Wiener (410) 696-6763.
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