This Week's Classes

Grow the Soul Classes
Week of February 5, 2012

"Awaken To Ego/Discover Your Spirit" with Dr. David Mutchler
Level I Classes are a pre-requisite for Levels II, III, and IV.  

Participants have found that the Awaken To Ego class series has been very empowering on a personal level in many aspects of their lives.  They have also found it enriching their experience with other classes that they have participated in at FSC. 

The new program begins in January.  The 8-week class includes Level I, II, and III.  Pre-enrollment is required with a maximum of 22 participants, preferably with 11/class.

Those interested in attending the program must pre-register with Gigi Owen at either (616) 459-8386 ext. 214 or  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  by December 18th.  Reading the book, "Beyond the Ego" by David Mutchler, is a pre-requisite for the class and the book can be ordered on-line at www.beyondtheego.com or www.amazon.com for $15.99 plus shipping/handling.

Classes will begin in January and take place on Sunday mornings and Monday evenings on the following dates:

Sundays:  February 12, 19, 26, and March 4, 9:00-11:00 a.m.

Mondays:  February 6, 13, 20, and 27, 7:00-9:00 p.m.

The Graduate Group meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month, from January-June, in the Chapel, 7:00-9:00 p.m. 

"Beyond the Ego", written by Dr. David Mutchler, is based on the principle that we are spiritual beings by nature, which is a place of joy and peace of mind.  But ego tends to block the ability to access one's spirituality, much as storm clouds block the sun from shining through.  The goal, then, is to embrace and understand ego in order to get beyond it, where peace and happiness await us.  This Level I Class will be followed by Level II, Level III, and IV for those who wish to go deeper into the process.  

"Sunday Morning Book Discussion - Finding Inner Courage"
February 5, 12, 19, 26, and March 4, 9:45 a.m.
The Sunday morning Book Discussion continues!  Always open to new participants, the group will begin this season with "Finding Inner Courage", by Poet-Philosopher and recent FSC speaker, Mark Nepo.  Originally titled, "Facing the Lion, Being the Lion", this collection of remarkable stories from a variety of wisdom traditions offers insights and provokes honesty inquiry.  Mark Nepo invites us to encounter the stories of ordinary people, political activists, artists, and spiritual teachers - people who are summoning the best of who they are in all kinds of moments, great and small.  Copies of the book will be available in the FSC Common Quest Bookstore. 

"Entry Points:  Doorways to a Deeper Reality" with Robert Cole
February 5, 12, 19, and 26, 12:30 p.m.
This four-part series explores the nature of spiritual initiation:  universal, transformative experiences which introduce the individual to a deeper spiritual reality.  There are many entry points into this realm, ranging from the methodical to the spontaneous - traditional practices such as yoga and meditation, near-death experiences, transmission of enlightenment by an awakened teacher, ritual use of plant medicines, shamanic initiation, and more.  Drawing from both written accounts of individual journeys into cosmic awareness, and the course teacher's own history of spiritual encounters, "Entry Points" offers students a context in which these life-altering passages can be better understood and integrated into one's life. 

"Sisters in Circles" with Mary Standing Otter
February 1 and 8, 6:30 p.m.
This is an introduction to a different kind of women's group.  We will follow the teachings of the Medicine Wheel from its nature-based roots to form an understanding of how to create a Circle or Community of Women that is much more than a support group.  Each session will revolve around different elements, aspects of nature, aspects of humans and how they interact with each other, how they teach us and how they guide us.  When all of these aspects of creation are addressed and respected, women can access their own creative inner being in much deeper ways.  For additional information, please visit www.sistersincircles.com.

"Family Yoga" with Amber Kilpatrick
February 1, 8, 15, March 7, 14, 21, April 4, 11, 18, and May 2, 6:00 p.m.
This class is for children 6 years and older and their adult caregivers, (i.e. parents, grandparents, guardians, etc...we don't discriminate)!  Together we will explore asanas, (poses), meditative practices, and breathing techniques.  Each week will differ based on the needs, abilities, and curiosity of the group. Yoga Instructors will rotate on a regular basis and will include some of the best in Grand Rapids.  The environment will be playful, with an accessibility to all levels.  Bring your family, yoga mats, any props you may need, (i.e. yoga block, strap/tie/belt), and find new and fun ways to get centered together!  You do not have to be an FSC member to attend. 

"Brain Gym" with Rebecca Kirk
February 29, March 28, and April 25, 6:00 p.m.
Take your brain out to play in this fun, experiential Brain Gym class!  Easy movements synchronize body, mind, and spirit, optimizing how we learn, think, and act in all areas of our lives.  These whole body movements activate the whole brain, promoting integrated, joyful learning and living,  Parents and children will be invited to play together with these simple activities in a safe, carefree setting.  Clear your mind of the day's tensions and learn how to integrate these into your daily lives.  

"Silent Retreat Weekend" with Matthew Cockrum
May 11-13 - Pre-registration is required
Join the Rev. Matthew Cockrum at The Hermitage Retreat Center, for a weekend of silence for reflection, restoration, and renewal.  We will enter in silence over dinner on Friday night and return to shared conversation over lunch on Sunday.  The Hermitage invites you not to "do" anything, but to simply "be".  This could look like a long leisurely walk to notice what catches your attention along the way, taking a nap when you feel sleepy, sitting still without having to go anywhere or be on time for anything, reading, eating intentionally, (we eat in silence so that we can be more attentive to nourishing the body instead of eating mindlessly), practicing contemplative forms of prayer, journaling, creating beauty by coloring, watercolor or other expressions of visual arts, and more.  The cost/person for Friday evening through Sunday afternoon is $135.00 with a minimum of 13 participants.  This includes meeting space, overnight lodging and 6 meals.  The buildings reserved are St. Joseph's Barn and Ken Hanby Center.  Private and shared accommodations.  Spiritual Direction optional.  Bedding and towels are provided.  Guests need only bring their personal care items.  For further information or to register, please contact Gigi Owen at either (616) 459-8386 ext. 214 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

On-Going Events

Open Grief Support Group
This group will be an open group and will offer support on a variety of topics and will be held every other Wednesday evening.  This group is facilitated by Kathleen Ribbens.  If you should have further questions, please contact Gigi Owen in the Church Office at either (616) 459-8386 ext. 214 or  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . Every other Wednesday, beginning January 18, 6:15-7:45 p.m.

A Course in Miracles Study Group
Explore the miracle of forgiveness and the peace in stillness as we study this life changing book together.  Come and see if this is the path for you.  The ACIM book is helpful, but not required.  This group is facilitated by Lin Anderson.  Every Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.  

Exploring Beliefs and Questions
An ongoing group-directed open discussion of beliefs and questions. Free expression of ideas is encouraged. Topics vary. For further information, please contact either Tim Creamer at (616) 249-8206 or Rich Russell at (616) 734-9693. Every Sunday, 9:45–10:45 a.m.

Friday Morning Poetry Group
Reading and discussion of various poets in a small group setting. For further information, please contact Louisa Nally at (616) 874-8150. Every Friday, 10:00 a.m.

Eckhart Tolle Meditation Group
The current format is 20 minutes of silent meditation followed by 30 minutes of one of Eckhart Tolle's DVD's.  It is a small group, usually 4-6 people, and very informal.  Newcomers are always welcome!  This group is facilitated by Patrick Duiven.  Every Wednesday, 12:00-1:00 p.m. in the Chapel.

“Connections”
“Connections” is Fountain Street’s Ministry of small group engagement launched in March 2007. Each small group, (6-10 people), meets at the Church or in someone’s home a couple of times a month for nine sessions. Each group creates its own behavioral Covenant and service Covenant to the Church and the larger community. All groups share a common format and the values an Open Mind, Loving Heart, and Welcoming and Helping Hands. Please contact the Rev. Matthew Cockrum for further information on how to connect with a group at either (616) 459-8386 ext. 215 or  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

For more description on classes, please stop by and see us at our Grow the Soul Ministries Table in the Social Hall on Sundays after the Worship Service.  If you are interested in volunteering for, or joining our exciting and inspiring Grow the Soul Ministries, please let us know!

We are now accepting class ideas for Fall 2011!  Please fill out a green idea form and place it in the Grow the Soul Ministries box outside the Church Office.  For more information, please contact Mark Walstrom at  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .