The Sacred Art of Storytelling

COURTESY
A workshop with Rev. Mellen Kennedy will be held on Saturday, Oct. 13, from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.  at the South Parish UU Church, 252 Main St, Charlestown, NH. As spiritual teachers and leaders, it’s our responsibility and privilege to preach, inspire, teach, help, challenge and heal. We can do this especially effectively through stories. In this workshop we’ll explore the differences between oral and written culture, the human propensity for stories (including some current research findings from psychology and neuroscience), the role of stories in religious traditions, and some fundamentals of engaging storytelling. The workshop will include worship, didactic presentations, examples of effective storytelling, and practical work in carefully structured small groups conducive for learning. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy, practice and be with colleagues. The workshop is designed for both those who are experienced and those who are newcomers to the practice of sacred storytelling. 

Rev. Dr. Mellen Kennedy is passionate about helping speakers find their authentic voice. She has practiced the art of speaking without a manuscript and storytelling for many years. She is co-founder of Preaching from the Heart preachingbyheart.org. Mellen is enthusiastic about and an expert in creating small group settings that are safe, fun and transformative. She is co-founder of the Small Group Ministry Network. Rev. Mellen is an ordained Sufi Cheraga and also a Unitarian Universalist minister. She has the honor of serving the Springfield Unitarian Universalist church in Vermont. Mellen serves as a member of the Board of the Inayati Order, a Sufi Path of Spiritual Liberty. 

The fee is $50 for those who are not members of the Springfield or Charlestown UU Congregations. Scholarships are available. Please bring your own sack lunch.To register, go to uuspringfieldvt.org/category/heartbeat/ or send a check  to Rev. Mellen Kennedy, PO Box 944, Springfield, VT 05156.