Socially Distant Easter Dance: In the Bulb There Is a Flower

A angular sketch of
Tom Vetter's Flower in the Seed labyrinth
in prep for a large outdoor installation.

Early last week, I was starting to settle some ideas for the outdoor Easter Sunrise service the current congregation I serve has every year.  (Except last year, my first year with them.  Last year, we suspended it because it was the first month of pandemic life and we didn't know what we didn't know...)

One of the traditions I heard was the use of Natalie Sleeth's 1986 strophic text "In the Bulb There Is a Flower."  (New Century Hymnal #433)

Singing with other people during this respiratory pandemic honestly gives me the willies.  It's not quite rational and I'm sure some of it has to do with the ways that some of my ancestors have been tricked and hurt by oppressors.  Beside that, I'm interested in reducing paper waste and embodying our songs.  It didn't take long for the germ of an idea to bloom into something fully formed (ahem) that could be used for all verses ... and guide our social distancing.  :)

Here's the write-up: 

Spring 2021 BnR Update: Freeing Refrains

It's been a long time in coming, but it's here!  

After a long hibernation and germination process, Points of Light Music is excited to share the current stage of the Biracial & Rural project called Freeing Refrains!  

Freeing Refrains is a song circle and storytelling gathering, sharing one person’s mixed Asian story of growing up on the predominantly white rural plains of Minnesota before the internet.

This story launches Biracial & Rural (BnR), a community of care and storytelling space connecting rural-urban and BIPOC-white communities. Through Freeing Refrains, Points of Light Music is calling in other BIPOC folks to come together for support, encouragement, skill sharing, and connection.

In Summer 2021, we're planning to bring Freeing Refrains to Greater Minnesota in outdoor socially distant performances around the state. We would love your assistance in lots of ways!  Please visit the Freeing Refrains page for more details and then go to our Contact Us page and connect.  

Guide to Spirit of Peace Meditation Online

ORIGINS

The Spirit of Peace Meditation originated in Jan 2017 as a way to show up in divisive political space. A fellow dancer and I met at the MN State Capitol and adapted the dance into a walking meditation across the long mall, inviting the spirit of peace within us to lend our strength to the work at hand. When we arrived at the capital building steps, we moved our attention to recognizing the love and light in all as we turned to the four directions. Then we concluded with Joe Miller’s blessing, wrapping up the meditation with a joyous turn to spread the intention far and wide.


ONLINE ADAPTATIONS

For virtual space, we have made these adaptations. Please listen to what your space and body allow and make further adaptations for yourself.

Our zoom practice is seated.

Feb 5, 6, 20: Femme-Identified Voice Workshops

There's still a couple of spots remaining for the Expand Your Voice - Free Your Spirit Workshop. Send an email to emcucc@emcucc.org to claim your spot!

This is the series to attend for those who wish to be guided by femme-identified leader. We are excited that Dianne Baker will be co-leading this online series with Conie.

Here's the dates & times for the workshop.

• Friday, January 29, 7-8:30 p.m. Central
• Saturday, January 30, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
• AND 2-3 p.m. Central
• Saturday, February 13, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
• AND 2-3 p.m. Central

FEE: $40-50 suggested donation to secure registration. Supported and Supporting participants also welcome.

REGISTER: Email emcucc@emcucc.org to register. Maximum 14 participants per series.

More Details here.

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Dianne Baker is a therapist, song circle leader, retreat facilitator and Full Voice Coach in Sechelt, BC, Canada. 

Dianne takes joy in supporting people in their healing journeys and in their discovery of their full selves, and creates safe and trustworthy spaces for this to happen. She delights in nature, expressing this joy by eliciting garden beauty, having scuba adventures, taking forest and beach walks, going canoeing and camping, and singing as she goes.

Dianne shares life with Jim Hathery, her husband of nearly 40 years. They have 3 adult daughters.