webmaster@lavistaelc.org

Calendar of Events

La Vista Ecological Learning Center
offers the following programs to the public.
For information about any of the Center’s activities and
 to register, please call 618-466-5004.

All programs are held at La Vista Ecological Learning Center, unless indicated otherwise.


FILM NIGHT:  “Food, Inc.”

Friday, February 19th , 7:00 – 9:00 pm

We’re teaming up with the Sierra Club to co-host a vie wing of Robert Kenner’s 2009 film Food, Inc. Join us and discover how our nation’s food supply is nowcontrolled by a handful of corporations that often put profit ahead of consumer health, the livelihood of the American farmer, the safety of workers and our own environment. After the viewing there will be time for a lively discussion. $5 optional donation

Please register by calling 618-466-5004.


AWAKENING to the POWERS of the UNIVERSE:

Ten Afternoon Sessions from February – November

    Saturdays from 1:00 – 3:30 pm

      Feb. 13, Mar. 13, Apr. 17,

      May 15, June 12, July 17,

      Aug. 14, Sept. 18, Oct. 16, Nov. 13

These sessions involve an interactive viewing of Brian Swimme’s series, Powers of the Universe. In these 10 presentations, participants will journey from the vast reaches of the ancient cosmos down into the most infinitesimal elementary particles and discover that no matter where we look, even into the human heart, the Powers of the Universe are present.

Each session will consist of interactive viewing of one of Swimme’s DVD presentations, reflection questions, quiet time, dialogue, and closing ritual. In order to participate it is suggested that participants have some familiarity with the new cosmology and the Universe story.

Registration: Participants are encouraged to commit to all ten sessions, creating a community of learners. If you are unable to attend a session, you can arrange to borrow a DVD and participate on your own.

Co-sponsored with the Mission Effectiveness Office of the School Sisters of Notre Dame

Place: SSND Motherhouse Ecology Resource Room, 320 East Ripa Avenue, St. Louis, MO

Cost: $5.00 per session


DISCUSSION COURSE: “Voluntary Simplicity”

Tuesdays, February 23, March 2, 9, 16, 23, 2010, 7:00 – 9:00 pm

This five session discussion course is a special opportunity during Lent to:

  • explore the meaning of voluntary simplicity in a consumer culture
  • consider the material and psychological distractions preventing us from caring for Earth
  • discuss how life might be enriched through the practice of simplicity

Participants will receive a book of readings to discuss with others in an informal setting.

Cost: $25 for discussion guidebook


SEASONAL CELEBRATION:  “Spring Equinox”

Saturday, March 20, 2010, 4:00 pm

After a long, cold Winter, Earth is balanced once again at this equinox, time of equal darkness and light. To ring in Spring, come spend a meaningful afternoon at La Vista. We’ll ponder the promise of new life in the Garden as we plant potatoes; then, we’ll enjoy a legend telling how Winter gives way to Spring. Please bring a covered dish to share at our pot luck dinner. $5 donation.


WEEKEND RETREAT: “Living In Between Stories”

Friday, April 9 - Sunday, April 11, 2010

In The Dream of the Earth, Thomas Berry opens his essay “The New Story” by observing: “We are in between stories.” The old story shaped our emotional attitudes, provided us with life purpose, and energized action. However, this context of meaning provided by the old story is no longer operative. Today we find ourselves as a planetary people living in between stories: the end of the Cenozoic Era and the emergence of the Ecozoic Era. What does this mean? What are the issues facing us and who are our companions as we journey in this unfamiliar territory guided by the dream of the earth?

Join Norman Comtois, OMI as he reflects on the meaning of living in between stories and invites us to discover fire for the second time as we approach the season of Pentecost. This weekend retreat will include presentations, dialogue, ritual and a time for personal reflection.

Friday, April. 9, 7:00 pm - Sunday, April 11, midday brunch

Overnight (with meals) $150; Commute (with meals) $110


LECTURE and LIGHT SUPPER:  “Down to Earth Spirituality”

Sunday, April 11, 2010

In Thomas Berry’s vision, human beings are called not only to appreciate Earth, but also to recognize the planet itself as graced with innate sacredness, endowed with a spiritual mode of being.

Join us this evening as Norman Comtois, O.M.I., invites us to consider the sacredness of our planet and suggests ways of practicing a “down to Earth” spirituality.

Light dinner buffet available: 5:30 – 6:30 pm

Presentation and discussion: 6:30 – 8:00 pm

Cost: $15

Held at King’s House Retreat and Renewal Center, 700 N. 66th, Belleville, Illinois

Norm Comtois is on the staff at Berakah, a renewal program for women religious and a center for summer retreats.  He serves as a priest, teacher of the new Cosmology, and retreat director. He is also a team member of the Earth Literacy Program at La Vista Ecological Learning Center.


EARTH DAY ACTIVITIES on Saturday, April 23, 2010

 

~ Environmental Art Workshop ~

   1:30 pm - 6:00 pm

 

Create your own “Spirit Stick” which represents a item of honor and spiritual potency. You’ll craft your Spirit Stick in a prayerful manner using found objects, color, beads and feathers. Spirit Sticks can be held and used in prayer, storytelling, and song.

 

Cost: $30.00 - includes materials and 5:00 pm supper

 

~ Coffeehouse with Poetry and Music ~

   7:00 – 9:00 pm

Bring your Earth-themed poetry and music to share with an enthusiastic audience at our second annual Earth Day Coffeehouse!

Please bring a springtime dessert to share; we’ll provide Fair Trade coffee and tea.

Optional donation appreciated


SYMPOSIUM: “Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream”

Saturday, June 5, 2010, 9:30 am – 3:30 pm

Join us and experience this inspiring exploration into the links among humanity’s most critical concerns: environmental sustainability, social justice, and spiritual fulfillment. Together, we’ll:

  • go on a journey of inquiry into the current state of planet Earth and what’s possible for the future
  • grapple with assumptions underlying how we see ourselves in the world today
  • gain new and deeper levels of awareness and readiness for effective action
  • leave with a profound sense of potential, hope, and purpose

Held at Maria Center, located on the campus of the School Sisters of Notre Dame Motherhouse, 320 East Ripa Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63125

Co-sponsored with Rockhaven Ecozoic Center, St. Joseph’s Woods, and the Mission Effectiveness Office of the School Sisters of Notre Dame.

Please bring a no-waste lunch; coffee and tea provided.

Cost:  $25 per person


SEASONAL CELEBRATION:  “Summer Solstice”

Saturday, June 20, 2010, 7:00 pm

Don’t you just love the early mornings and spacious evenings of Summer?  This fruitful season begins with the longest day of the year on the Solstice. Plan on spending a refreshing and fun evening at La Vista! Please bring a summertime dessert or drink to share.


EARTH LITERACY PROGRAM 2010

“The dream drives the action.” Make your summer plans now so you don’t miss this opportunity to broaden your vision and dream a viable future for the whole Earth community.

“Exploring the Sacred Universe” Earth Literacy Program

Tuesday, August 3 – Tuesday, August 10, 2010 - $550

Come, explore Creation’s integrity for a week along the bluffs with a community of learners. Join us as we ponder the profound shift in understanding evoked by the story of an evolutionary universe. As we sit with the wonder, awe and newness of the Universe Story, we’ll also critically examine the perceptions that currently fashion our cultural worldview.

In addition to the guided activities and instruction, you will also experience a strong emphasis on immersion in the natural world. Together we’ll deepen our embededness in Earth’s web of life so we can discover how to shape an ecologically viable future for the good of the whole Earth community.

You will have time for reflection and contemplation as you integrate the content in your prayer life. You’ll also have the opportunity to develop practical skills for a more ecologically-conscious lifestyle as we garden and cook together. Registration information will be sent to you upon request by calling 618-466-5004.

All overnight programs must be pre-registered. Overnight retreats must be paid in full with registration due 14 days prior to the retreat. If you are unable to attend, 75% of the cost is refundable up to two weeks prior to the beginning of the retreat.