“A Season for Nonviolence,” January 30 - April 4,
2008 is a national
64-day educational, media and grassroots campaign that was begun in 1998. Founded by the MK Gandhi Institute
for Nonviolence in conjunction with the
Association for Global New Thought, it is dedicated to demonstrating that
nonviolence is a powerful way to heal, transform, and empower our lives and
our communities. Originally inspired by the 50th and 30th memorial
anniversaries of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., this
international event honors their vision for an empowered, nonviolent world.
Download King's Principles
of Nonviolence and
Gandhi's Principles of Nonviolence.
During
the season, the Spiritual Enrichment Center will host numerous events to
promote world peace. Events include an opening Taize Service, Snowshoeing for
Peace, the Poetry for Peace contest, profiles and discussions about world
leaders in the movement for peace, and other forums and presentations.
The Center launched a
Season for Nonviolence Geocaching Travel Bug
in 2005
- you are invited to participate in the game, or simply watch the fun.
Click here to download the Peace Prayer written by
the founder of Science of Mind, Ernest Holmes.
Click here for the Daily Contemplations.
On Sunday, January 27, 2008, the Spiritual Enrichment Center of Redding adopted
the Congregational Pledge for Nonviolence for "A Season for
Nonviolence." This adoption was unanimously adopted by all members present. It
is a stand in consciousness for nonviolence and peace.
Click here to download a copy of the pledge.
2008 Events
Click to download the Calendar
of Events
with more details on these events.
*This Season for Nonviolence Event is Not Presented by the
Spiritual Enrichment Center. Some flyers posted in the "A Season for
Nonviolence" section of this website are presented by community organizations
that are not affiliated with the Spiritual Enrichment Center. However, the
flyers have been posted on this website as a convenience to those seeking
information about all the events on the Community Calendar for the season.
Therefore, the listing and display of the organization's flyers do not
necessarily mean that the event is endorsed or recommended by the Spiritual
Enrichment Center.
Opening Ceremony Taize
Chanting Service
January 30
7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Join in at “A Season for Nonviolence” Opening Ceremony Taize Chanting Service.
The public is invited to attend this service which is primarily meditative and
blends music, inspirational words and silence together to create an atmosphere
of peace. It is both a communal and individual activity.
This style of worship service was developed by the The Church of Reconciliation
at Taize, France, during World War II in an effort to create a place of peace
during the overwhelming global conflict. This type of service has spread
throughout the world and will be the opening ceremony of “A Season for
Nonviolence 2008.”
Presented by Rev. Ann Lougee, Pilgrim Congregational Church at 2850
Foothill Drive, Redding, CA 96001. 243-3121
Download the Taize flyer.
Prayers for Peace Vigil to follow from 8 p.m. to Midnight at the
Spiritual Enrichment Center at 1905 Hartnell Avenue. Prayers for
Peace Vigil flyer.
Snow Shoe
For Peace Walk
Saturday, February 23
9:00 a.m.
We are coming together again this year to journey to snowshoe trails for an
adventure in knowing peace during the Season for Nonviolence. We will meet at
the Spiritual Enrichment Center for a brief ceremony and setting of intention.
We will then car pool up to our destination. There is a park trail fee of $15.00
and you are required to bring your equipment with you. You can rent from Hermits
Hut or Sports LTD in Redding. Layered clothing, a sack lunch, water, sunscreen,
sunglasses and dry socks are some suggestions for what to bring with you. Please
join us in the serenity and beauty of the mountains as we walk in peace with one
another. Call Rev. Sue MillerBorn at 221-7350 if you have any questions.
Take Back the
Night
Thursday, April 24
5:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Join the Spiritual Enrichment Center as it participates and has a booth in the
13th "Take Back the Day" events promoting awareness and prevention of family
violence. Hosted by the Shasta Women's Refuge, Victims' Rights Assistance
Center, and the Domestic Violence Coordinating Council.
Download the flyer here.
Dances of
Universal Peace
Friday, May 16
7:30 p.m.
The Dances of Universal Peace are simple, meditative, joyous, multi-cultural
circle dances that use sacred phrases, chants, music and movements from the many
traditions of the Earth to touch the spiritual essence within ourselves and
others.
Based on work begun in the late 1960s by Samuel L. Lewis, they promote peace and
integration within individuals and groups worldwide. There are no performers nor
is there an audience – new arrivals and old hands form the circle together. No
prior experience is necessary! Donations invited to cover expenses.
This event will be led by Raphael Birney and ZM Suzanna Nadler, founders and
co-directors of the Self Soul Center. (http://www.selfsoulcenter.org) Raphael
has pursued a life long interest is mindbody medicine, alternative therapies and
meditation. ZM Suzanna has been awarded Level 1 Certification as a Dances of
Universal Peace leader.
Download the flyer here.
Rumi: Love & the Spiritual Path
Saturday, May 17
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Join us for a day of exploring the mysteries of the human heart and the
path of love. We will share Sufi teachings, spiritual
practices and the poetry of Jelaluddin Rumi, a 12th century Sufi mystic and
the most widely read poet in America today! Cost: $60 in Advance/$75 Regular.
Led by Ya Ya Ali Suzanna Nadler, Med, LPC: a counselor, group leader and
minister. For the past 15 years her counseling and group practice has blended
psychology and spirituality. She is a teacher and longtime student of two
Universalist Sufi paths: the Mevlevi Order of America (the Whirling Dervishes)
and the Sufi Ruhaniat International. She is also a certified teacher of the
Dances of Universal Peace. Raphael Rod Birney, MD: has a practice in
psychotherapy, meditation instruction, mindbody medicine, and spiritual
guidance. As a spiritual guide he is a minister, student and teacher of
Universal Sufism, the path of the heart, an interfaith approach to spiritual
development. He is the author of Cities of the Soul, a teaching story
of the spiritual journey. Download
the flyer here.
Vaisakhi
Festival
April 12
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
The public is invited to Vaisakhi Festival - the First Anniversary of the
Sikh Center - for a Nonviolence Day on April 12th, 11 AM - 3 PM. This event is
free and welcomes all to meals and to experiencing many facets of the Sikh
culture. The Spiritual Enrichment Center of Redding is a co-sponsor of this
event. We encourage all to attend! See the
letter of
invitation and the event flyer.
Please share with others!
Floating of the Lanterns
Sunday, June 1
8:30 p.m.
Fashioned after the Buddhist Peace Practice of Hawaii held each Memorial
Day Weekend in Honolulu, this mindfulness practice focuses our attention and
energies on connecting our inner wisdom with daily living and creating a
nonviolent, peaceful world. Join as the candle lit peace lanterns are floated
onto Park Marina Pond at dusk in a ceremony of reverence for peace.Each
lantern carries a quote or prayer of peace from one of eight different faith
paths or one inspirational quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Download the event flyer
or the lantern
sponsorship form.
To learn more about the season of
nonviolence, please visit the Association for
Global New Thought and click on the link for Season for Nonviolence.
Additional resources for peace:
Religious Science
Peace Centers
One Minute Peace Maker
