Advent Program The United Church of Strafford is excited to host a five-part series entitled “Transforming Fear Into Trust: A Contemplative Journey Through Advent” led by Mark and Lisa Kutolowski. The series will be engaging with five traditional figures from the Advent readings, discovering what spiritual lessons they teach us, and learning corresponding contemplative prayer practices. The figures include John the Baptist, Zechariah (John’s father) and Mary the mother of Jesus. The contemplative practices include guided exercises from the tradition of Christian mindfulness and meditation. The program is designed to help us find a way to live in hope and trust in our personal lives and in a world that often feels unjust and endangered.
All are welcome to this series, no experience or church affiliation necessary! All sessions will last around an hour and will be designed to accommodate arriving a few minutes late. We will hold the introductory session after worship on Sunday, Nov. 26th at 11:30 AM. The second session will be at the parsonage, 227 Main Street in South Strafford, on Wednesday Nov. 29 starting from 5:30-6:30 PM. The other sessions will be in the church on successive Wednesdays, Dec. 6, 13 and 20, starting at 5:30 PM.
Mark and Lisa Kutolowski are the co-founders of Metanoia of Vermont, an organization that supports all people to know and enter into divine life. They facilitate contemplative wilderness trips, retreats, and cultivate spiritual friendship. Metanoia’s work focuses on recovering the Christian contemplative tradition and engaging with nature as a path of deeper union with God. As part of this work, Mark and Lisa guided the River of Life Pilgrimage this past summer, a 40 day spiritual journey down the Connecticut River, in partnership with Kairos Earth and the New England Diocese of the Episcopal Church.
Mark and Lisa moved to Strafford in July 2017 where they have been busy creating a homestead that embodies their spiritual life and work. They are deeply grateful for the warm welcome they’ve received from the Strafford community and look forward to making their life here! Learn more about Metanoia of Vermont and this series at www.metanoiavt.com.
United Church of Strafford, Vermont 