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In this conversation, David Cassian shares his journey into Celtic spirituality, detailing his early experiences and the accidental yet transformative encounters that shaped his spiritual path. He discusses the founding of Waymark Ministries, which focuses on sharing insights from Celtic Christianity and mysticism. The conversation also delves into the significance of Celtic Advent, its unique structure which includes three sets of 40 days, and the reception of Cassian's book on the subject. Additionally, the role of women in Celtic leadership is highlighted, along with practical advice for celebrating Celtic Advent amidst the busyness of the season.

Takeaways

• David's journey into Celtic spirituality began with a mystical experience.
• Celtic Christianity emphasizes a unique rhythm of three sets of 40 days.
• Celtic Advent offers a sacred space before the commercial rush of Christmas.
• The book 'Celtic Advent' has been well received and is popular among readers.
• Celtic Christianity had a strong emphasis on women in leadership and connection with nature.
• Rather than being church-based, Celtic Christianity developed in the context of monastic life.
• Celtic Christians viewed the coming of Christ as a repetitive event in life.
• Intentionality is key in celebrating Advent amidst busyness.

​David Cassian Cole is the Founder and Executive Director of Waymark Ministries; he is an international Spiritual Teacher and Retreat Leader; he has lectured in Christian & Bible Colleges; has appeared in numerous television programs; is an award winning author of 8 books, including 'Celtic Advent', as well as being part of collaborative published writings; and was Deputy Guardian of The Community of Aidan & Hilda, a Celtic-inspired New Monastic Order that he was a member of for 20 years.

He has been a full time Church Minister and Teaching Pastor in different churches and is qualified in 'Spiritual Care' (holistic care and pastoral counselling); as well as being a certified Reiki practitioner; he holds a Masters' degree in 'Christian Spirituality', specializing in the Christian mystics, and writing his thesis on how historic Celtic Christianity can inform New Monastic ideas of Discipleship.

More about David Cassian's work can be found at Waymark Ministries

Purchase a copy of Christine Sines book Celtic Advent: Following An Unfamiliar Path

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In this conversation, Christine Sine interviews Mary Fleeson, an artist inspired by Celtic spirituality and the natural beauty of Lindisfarne. Mary shares her artistic journey, the influence of ancient manuscripts, and how her faith shapes her work. The discussion also explores the meditative process of creating art, the evolution of materials used in her craft, and the inspiration she draws from music and nature. Mary highlights her current projects and aspirations, emphasizing the importance of making art accessible and meaningful.

Takeaways

• Mary's artistic journey began with a fascination for Celtic knotwork.
• The beauty of Lindisfarne deeply influences Mary's artwork.
• Mary's art aims to draw viewers into prayer and meditation.
• The process of creating art is meditative and requires focus.
• Ancient manuscripts like the Book of Kells inspire Mary's style.
• Music and poetry significantly influence Mary's artwork.
• Mary's current projects include prayer spaces and new art pieces.
  
  Mary Fleeson has lived on Holy Island, just off the coast of Northumberland, UK since 1997. She studied textiles at college then gained an honours degree in Three-Dimensional Design in 1992. About her work Mary thinks that her style originates from doodling in lessons at school (!) combined with opportunities during her education to experiment with many different types of media and techniques.
  
  Together with her Christian faith, living on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne and being surrounded by its natural beauty and visible history, is the greatest inspiration for Mary's work; a feeling of being part of a rich cycle of life which began in pre-history and encompasses extremes of peace and violence, poverty and prosperity. She also studies early manuscripts and ancient calligraphy from around the world to gain an insight into how calligraphy and illumination have enhanced works, both religious and secular, throughout the ages.
  
  Over the last 25 years Mary has created over 120 pieces of artwork that sell as prints and greeting cards and has written and designed over 75 books including devotional, prayer, poetry and colouring books. Alongside creating illuminated art and writing Mary creates meditational weaving made from found scraps and yarn and enjoys teaching people how to create celtic knots.

Mary Fleeson and her work can be found on the Lindisfarne Scriptorium facebook page and website.

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Christine Valters Paintner shares her journey through life, which she describes as reminiscent of the Celtic saints. She discusses her experiences living in different places, including Ireland, and the challenges and joys of following a pilgrimage-like path. Christine also talks about her love for Benedictine and Celtic spirituality, the importance of nature in her spiritual practice, and the significance of circles and circling prayers. She describes herself as a monk in the world and discusses the Abbey of the Arts, her online monastery. Christine also shares about her upcoming book, 'A Midwinter God,' which explores encountering the divine in seasons of darkness.

Christine Valters Paintner is a Benedictine oblate and the online Abbess at Abbey of the Arts, a virtual monastery integrating contemplative practice and creative expression. She is a poet and the author of more than 20 books on the spiritual life. Her newest book is A Midwinter God: Encountering the Divine in Seasons of Darkness. Christine lives on the wild edges of Ireland with her husband John and dog Sourney, where they lead online programs for a global community.

• Following a pilgrimage-like path can lead to a life reminiscent of the Celtic saints
• Nature is an important aspect of spiritual practice, and the Celtic tradition sees it as the original sacred text
• Circles and circling prayers are powerful symbols of wholeness and can be used in prayer and meditation
• Living with chronic illness can be a teacher and lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and the divine
• The Abbey of the Arts offers resources and community for those seeking a contemplative and creative path
  
  You can find more about Christine Valters Paintner and her work at AbbeyoftheArts.com Transformative Living through Contemplative and Expressive Arts

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John Philip Newell discusses his interest in Celtic spirituality and the sacredness of Earth. He shares his background growing up in a conservative evangelical tradition and how his experiences in nature led him to explore Celtic wisdom. Newell talks about the significance of the island of Iona in the Celtic tradition and its role as a thin place where heaven and earth meet. He also emphasizes the importance of recognizing the sacredness of all things and the divine essence within every human being. Newell discusses the power of poetry and prayers in Celtic spirituality and the need to embrace wisdom from various religious traditions.

Takeaways

• Celtic spirituality emphasizes the sacredness of Earth and the divine essence within all beings.
• The island of Iona is a thin place where heaven and earth meet, and it has been a sacred site in the Celtic tradition for centuries.
• Celtic prayers and poetry express a deep connection to nature and the cycles of life.
• Recognizing the sacredness of all things challenges how we relate to Earth and every human being.
• Embracing religious diversity allows us to access wisdom from different traditions and deepen our spiritual understanding.

John Philip Newell is a Celtic teacher and author of spirituality who calls the modern world to reawaken to the sacredness of Earth and every human being.

Canadian by birth, and a citizen also of Scotland, he resides with his family in Edinburgh and works on both sides of the Atlantic. In 2016 he began the Earth & Soul initiative and teaches regularly in the United States and Canada as well as leading international pilgrimage weeks on Iona in the Western Isles of Scotland.

His PhD is from the University of Edinburgh and he has authored over fifteen books, including his award-winning publication, Sacred Earth Sacred Soul. His new book, also with HarperOne, is The Great Search (August 2024), in which he looks at the great spiritual yearnings of humanity today in the context of the decline of religion as we have known it. 

Newell speaks of himself as ‘a wandering teacher’ following the ancient path of many lone teachers before him in the Celtic tradition, seeking the wellbeing of the world. He has been described as having ‘the heart of a Celtic bard and the mind of a Celtic scholar’, combining in his teachings the poetic and the intellectual, the head as well as the heart, and spiritual awareness as well as political and ecological concern.

More about John Philip Newell can be found on his website https://www.earthandsoul.org

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Jeff Johnson, a musician known for his Celtic-influenced music, shares his journey in music and how he was drawn to the Celtic Christian expression. He talks about his collaborations with other artists, including Phil Keaggy, and their latest album 'Spinning on a Cosmic Dime'. Jeff also reflects on the importance of wonder and the need to define oneself beyond creative achievements.

Jeff Johnson’s music spans forty years of over fifty solo and collaborative releases featuring Progressive/Rock, Jazz/New Age, Contemporary Celtic and Contemplative Worship stylizations. He has collaborated with such diverse artists as Irish flutist, Brian Dunning, Jazz bassist, David Friesen, Classical vocalist, Janet Marie Chvatal and guitar virtuoso, Phil Keaggy. Most of his recordings – all self-produced and recorded – have been released on his own Ark Records/ArkMusic label which he began in 1977. He regularly leads a contemplative worship service featuring readings from the Psalms, music and silent prayer called the Selah Service at churches and retreats . He lives on Camano Island in the Pacific Northwest with his wife, Susie.

Jeff's website is: https://www.arkmusic.com

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In this conversation, Christine and Tom Sine discuss their passion for Celtic spirituality and its impact on their lives. They share their personal experiences with the Celtic tradition, including visits to Holy Island and Iona, and their love for the presence of God in all aspects of life. They highlight the importance of hospitality, community, and living lightly on the earth, as well as the challenges they faced in building a Celtic-style retreat site. They emphasize the need for a more radical and whole-life faith that transcends cultural boundaries and engages with the protection and celebration of the natural world.

Takeaways

• Celtic spirituality is characterized by an intense sense of the presence of God in all aspects of life.
• Hospitality is a central aspect of Celtic spirituality, seen as opening a door to the kingdom and welcoming Jesus into their midst.
• The Celtic tradition emphasizes community living and a new way of relating to one another, rooted in a commitment to Jesus Christ.
• Living lightly on the earth and caring for the natural world is an important aspect of Celtic spirituality.
• A more radical and whole-life faith is needed, one that transcends cultural boundaries and engages with the protection and celebration of the natural world.

Circlewood can be found here. 

You can e-mail Tom Sine at gmail; his address is twsine

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In this episode of Liturgical Rebels Brian Edgar explores the concept of a playful attitude towards God and the world, emphasizing the importance of enjoying life as part of having a relationship with God. Edgar highlights the need to integrate work and play, challenging the Protestant work ethic that prioritizes productivity over creativity and imagination. He reminds us that the biblical images of the eternal kingdom of God emphasize childlike play and joy. Edgar's book, 'The God Who Plays,' offers a refreshing perspective on Christian faith and spirituality. In this conversation, Brian Edgar and Christine Sine discuss the concept of play and its significance in various aspects of life, including work and worship. They explore the idea that play is not separate from work but can be integrated into it, bringing joy and creativity. They also delve into the notion of worship as a form of play, highlighting the importance of interaction and enjoyment in our relationship with God. Additionally, they examine the idea of suffering as an opportunity for growth and the role of pain in the development of character. Overall, the conversation challenges traditional perspectives and invites listeners to embrace playfulness in all areas of life.

Takeaways

• Brian Edgar's career has spanned both Australia and the United States, with teaching positions and work in theology and public theology.
• A playful attitude towards God and the world is at the heart of Christian faith, emphasizing the enjoyment of life and a relationship with God.
• The Protestant work ethic, which prioritizes productivity, has often overshadowed the importance of play, creativity, and imagination.
• The biblical images of the eternal kingdom of God focus on childlike play and joy, challenging the notion that suffering and sacrifice are the ultimate goals of the Christian journey. Play can be integrated into work, bringing joy and creativity.
• Worship is a form of play, involving interaction and enjoyment in our relationship with God.
• Suffering can provide an opportunity for growth and character development.
• The concept of play challenges traditional perspectives and invites us to embrace playfulness in all areas of life.

Brian Edgar is married to Barbara and they have two adult daughters, a son-in-law and two grandchildren. They live in Melbourne, Australia, and Brian is now retired. He is Professor Emeritus of Asbury Theological Seminary where he taught theology for fifteen years. Prior to that he was Director of Public Theology for the Australian Evangelical Alliance and Dean and lecturer at the Melbourne School of Theology. Amongst other writing Brian is author of a short series of three books which indicate what became his primary theological and spiritual interest:  God is Friendship: A Theology of Spirituality, Community and Society (Seedbed, 2013),  The God Who Plays: A Playful Approach to Theology and Spirituality (Wipf and Stock, 2017) which received a Merit Award in Christianity Today's Book of the Year and Laughter and the Grace of God: Restoring Laughter to its central Role in Christian Spirituality and Theology  (Wipf and Stock, 2019). 

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Martin Poole, author of 'Church Beyond Walls,' discusses his journey of taking spirituality out to public spaces. He shares his background as an actor and priest, and how he became dissatisfied with traditional church settings. Poole talks about his organization, Beyond, which focuses on creating public art events that provoke people to think about God. He highlights some of their projects, such as the Beach Hut Advent Calendar and the Blessing of the Surf service. Poole also offers advice for those interested in engaging in creative worship outside of traditional church settings.

Takeaways

• Taking spirituality out of traditional church settings can lead to meaningful and creative worship experiences.
• Engaging in public art events can provoke people to think about God in new and unexpected ways.
• Collaborating with people from different backgrounds and perspectives can enrich worship experiences and lead to new insights.
• Creating art installations and events in public spaces can be done with limited resources and the support of a dedicated team.
• Engaging in creative worship outside of traditional church settings can deepen one's faith and provide opportunities for spiritual growth.

Martin Poole is currently the parish priest of St. Luke’s Prestonville in Brighton and founder of Beyond Church, an arts organisation dedicated to creating innovative arts and spirituality events and conferences www.beyondchurch.co.uk.  For most of his working life he’s been a creative TV producer, travelling around the world creating brand identities and promotion campaigns for TV channels. He worked with a wide variety of clients including the BBC, SKY, ITV and Disney eventually becoming a communications strategist specialising in branding, marketing and promotion for media.  He’s also been an actor, butler, construction worker, receptionist, cleaner, youth volunteer and chaplain as well as a husband and father.  As the founder of Beyond he has initiated and curated hundreds of public art events on the seafront, in parks, in pubs and theatres and is the inventor of the Beach Hut Advent Calendar which ran for 11 years along Hove promenade.

He recently authored a book, Church Beyond Walls which is a description of the creation and production of some of these art events and the personal stories of those who became involved in them and their experiences of the divine through the wonders of art.

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In this conversation, Christine Sine interviews Kathy Escobar, the author of 'Faith Shift,' about her book and the impact it has had on readers. They discuss the process of faith deconstruction and reconstruction, as well as Kathy's own journey of reimagining her faith. They talk about the unique community and church experience at The Refuge, which Kathy cofounded. She shares how the community has evolved and the challenges and joys of maintaining a diverse and growing community. They also touch on Kathy's involvement in Community Heals and the work they do in creating spaces for transformation. Kathy Escobar discusses the importance of accessibility and community in healing, as well as her experience walking the Camino de Santiago. She opens up about the devastating loss of her son and the lessons she has learned about grief and making meaning. Kathy emphasizes the need to talk openly about death. She concludes by mentioning her upcoming book, 'Turning Over Tables: Lent, Power, and a Weary World.'

Takeaways

• 'Faith Shift' is a book that explores the process of faith deconstruction and reconstruction, providing language and support for those going through this journey.
• Reimagining faith is an ongoing process of unraveling and reimagination, with core values of freedom, mystery, and diversity.
• The Refuge is a unique community and church experience that focuses on healing, social action, and creative collaboration, with shared values rather than shared beliefs.
• Maintaining a diverse and growing community requires ongoing commitment to growth, health, and resourcing.
• Community Heals cofounded by Kathy is a nonprofit organization that creates spaces for transformation, including Beauty Heals, a property for rest and renewal, and Presence Heals, offering spiritual direction and holding space for individuals. Healing should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their resources or background.
• Grief has no rules, and it is important to honor the rhythms of grief and make meaning out of loss.
• Talking openly about death is crucial for healing and supporting those who have experienced loss.
• Kathy Escobar has a new book coming out called 'Turning Over Tables: Lent, Power, and a Weary World.

Kathy Escobar is Co-Founder and Community Cultivator at The Refuge, a hub for healing community, social action, and creative collaboration in North Denver. She’s a pastor, spiritual director, speaker, advocate, and author of several books including Practicing: Changing Yourself to Change the World and Faith Shift: Finding Your Way Forward When Everything You Believe is Coming Apart. She’s also Co-Founder of #communityheals, a non-profit organization dedicated to creating accessible experiences on the water and in the mountains for all ages. More at kathyescobar.com.

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Kelly Latimore, an iconographer, discusses his approach to iconography and the power of using art to address uncomfortable subjects. He combines classic Orthodox iconography with figures representing the marginalized and oppressed and believes icons to be windows to God and reflections of the image of God within us. Kelly and Christine discuss how his spirituality shifted from transcendence to engagement and embodiment through his experiences on a farm and working with the homeless. Latimore also discusses the response he has received from traditional iconographers and the importance of creating art that challenges and creates dialogue.

Takeaways

• Art, specifically icons, can be a powerful tool for addressing uncomfortable subjects and representing the marginalized and oppressed.
• Icons serve as windows to God and reflections of the image of God within us.
• Creating art that challenges traditional norms and creates dialogue is important for fostering change.
• Observing and contemplating artwork in community can lead to profound experiences and new ways of seeing God.
• The purpose of church art is to teach us how to observe and be still, fostering a deeper connection with God.

Find out more on his website: https://kellylatimoreicons.com/
Or join him on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kellylatimoreicons/

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