Holy Yoga 

Tricia Chester, Certified Holy Yoga Instructor

Holy Yoga is the intentional practice of connecting our entire being— body, mind, and spirit— with God: the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Suggested donation: $5 per class.

If you are interested in trying a gentle, Scripture-based yoga practice, please email tricia@umcstmarks.org.

See past sessions on website: https://tinyurl.com/justbreatheyoga

Open Minds One-Session Book Discussion

Leaders: Celeste Pardee and Ann Reaban

• Nov. 19: Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents, by Isabel Wilkerson (2020). Wilkerson describes an invisible phenomenon in America as she explores, through researched narrative and stories about real people, how America today and throughout its history has been shaped by a caste system, a rigid hierarchy of human rankings. Beyond race, class or other factors, caste influences our behavior as well as our nation’s direction. Wilkerson’s book is an eye-opening examination of what lies beneath the surface of American life today.

• Dec. 17: Becoming, by Michelle Obama (2018). This intimate and inspiring memoir by the former First Lady begins with her childhood on the south side of Chicago, where she was influenced by members of her extended family. Other experiences that shaped her include her years as a student at Princeton, her position as an executive balancing the demands of work, marriage and motherhood, and finally her role as the wife of a president. With honesty and wit, she describes her triumphs and disappointments, both public and private, and challenges us with these questions: Who are we, and who will we become?

Monday Bible Study 

Led by Roger Pierce

Start the week the right way! Scripture selections are read during the week and then discussed in a group.

Wednesday Bible Study 

Led by Marcia Rostad

A six-week study began Oct. 20 on Chaos & the Kingdom by Nathanael Vissia & Michael T. Bush (2015). The class will get to join a conversation with one of the book authors, the Rev. Michael Bush, at one of the sessions.

The various interpretations of Biblical stories can lead to disagreements, frustrations, confusion and, well, chaos. A group can strong-arm its singular interpretation of these stories over those they most influence and the good news Jesus proclaimed can be leveraged by self-serving entities out to fulfill their agendas. It is no wonder living our lives following Jesus can sometimes be perplexing and full of turmoil. This study uses and encourages dialogue to help clear the chaos to better hear the good news.