| Sacred
and Creative

The Sacred and Creative function within ELC, exists to promote a greater
awareness and appreciation of the spiritual dimensions of life. The emphasis
on creativity corresponds, in that such an awareness is only deepened by
participation.
Hence we host a quarterly Poets Corner, hold meditation workshops, run an
Artist in Residence program each year and regularly have forums where a guest
speaker will share from both a knowledgeable and experiential back ground.
There is no expected nor imposed belief system associated with Sacred and
Creative events. We seek to honour where people are at and to jointly learn
from that perspective.
Poets’ Corner
Poets’ Corner is a vibrant, creative and fulfilling program of
ELC.
The group was formed in 2003, following the visit of Professor Mark Burrows.
He inspired us by skilfully enabling us to experience the power, beauty and life-enriching
qualities of poetry. He introduced many poets, including the American Mary Oliver,
whose poetry many of us now treasure.
At first, we looked at the work of a particular poet, e.g. Les Murray, or poetry
with a particular theme. At other meetings, we invited someone to share poetry
which was special to them. There has always been time for participants to read
their own poetry.
The next phase was to invite local poets to share their poetry with us. This
has been a very enriching experience for both the group and the poets. Although
poets have opportunities to read their poetry, they have relished the chance
to talk about their life experiences, sources of inspiration and creative process.
Inspired by their stories and their work, many of our group, who have never written
poetry before, are now writing wonderful poems. Guest poets have included Jude
Aquilina, Louise Nicholas, David Ades, Mike Ladd and Jules Koch. One poet has
described Poets’ Corner as “the best gig in town”!
Poets’ Corner continues to be a very innovative ELC program, and we are
now meeting 6 times a year, on the fourth Monday of alternate months, that is,
January, March, May, July, September and November. The next meeting will be on
Monday 22 March. Please mark the dates in your diary.
A poetry anthology
will be published in 2010. Our editors are eagerly awaiting contributions. If
you wish to submit a poem for this anthology, please forward to John Pfitzner.
His email is johnpfitzner@bigpond.com Submissions are not restricted to
members of Poets’ Corner.
In 2010 we
hope to put a poem by a Poets’ Corner participant in each newsletter. Russ
Talbot is the first contributor. His poem follows.
When did the Tide turn?
Inspired by reflecting on
the sculpture “Woman with a Laundry
Basket” by Duane Hanson
An unguarded moment.
‘Oh, you’ve caught me with my slip showing’.
Who would’ve thought?
You were once so lithe and leggy
Dancing down the street
men turned their heads
and fantasised
about what they couldn’t have.
Hopes and dreams
and definite plans
You knew what you wanted.
Determined to be happy
even if it made you unhappy.
When did the Tide turn?
When did life become
‘now’ instead of ‘one day’?
When did your wants change
from what you haven’t
to what you have?
And when did you become
what you already were? (Beautiful)
‘Away with you!
I’ve got this washing to do
And after that, the irony.
Tsk! A woman’s work is never done.’
Russ Talbot
Where Words Take Us
As a companion event to the much loved Poets’ Corner,
ELC is hosting an evening with the acclaimed Melbourne poet Peter Bakowski
(see photo) and the Adelaide-based story teller, Dennis Wild.
On the night, the two contemporary wordsmiths will unfold and illuminate
stories and images – taking their audience to places where words,
memory and imagination reign. Come to be taken somewhere new and
enchanting.
Where Words Take Us will be on 28 April at 7.30pm ($12 or $10
conc.) at ELC. Bookings essential.
A Very Welcome Return
ELC,
in partnership with Christ Church Uniting and the Mission Resourcing
Network of the SA Synod, is proud to announce the return of our great
friend and mentor, Professor Mark Burrows.
The week
of July 4-11 Mark will explore the rich theme of Spirit
and Mind. Pressing issues of life and faith are often presented using
simplistic ideas and solutions. Mark invites us to broaden our perspective
and think more deeply, leading to a more considered, thus redemptive, expressions
of personal being and community.
More detailed
information will be given in the next edition of the newsletter.

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