webmaster@lavistaelc.org

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.

AWAKENING to the POWERS of the UNIVERSE:

Eleven Evening Sessions starting in August

Mondays from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

These sessions involve an interactive viewing of Brian Swimme’s series, Powers of the Universe. In these 11 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 11 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.

Cost: $5.00 per session

“Exploring the Heartland Prairie, Expanding Your Sense of Self”

A yearlong journey into the seasons of the prairie

 and your own heart.

This series follows the changing faces of the prairie and allows you an opportunity to examine your own journey through the phases of your life.

Summer Sunrise at the Heartland Prairie in its Full Flowering

Saturday, July 24, 2010, 6:00 am - 9:30 am

At sunrise we’ll meet with local experts who will deepen your appreciation of the prairie as an ecosystem, explain its ancient presence in the middle of this continent, and enchant you with its flowering beauty in the early morning hours. Discover what it means to “become native to your place.”  This session includes preparatory readings, local experts, time for exploration, and a return to La Vista for personal reflection, integration, and seasonal refreshment.

Faces of the Heartland Prairie

Continuing the series, you’ll walk through phases of the prairie while exploring its changes through science, meditation, literature, art and music. Following each visit, we’ll travel to La Vista for seasonal refreshment and discussion/activity. Between sessions, readings will be suggested to deepen your understanding and to maintain the continuity of this journey.

Autumnal Beauty ~  Saturday, October 30

Depths of Winter ~ Saturday, January 29, 2011

Burned:  A Terrible Beauty ~ Saturday, March 26, 2011

Renewal in Springtime ~ Saturday, May 7, 2011

     ~ all sessions 9:00 am - 12:00 noon ~

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.

Saturday, October 2, 1:00 - 3:00 pm

Join us and learn everything you need to know to enhance your well-being with herbs! We will get tips on soil preparation, planting and harvesting as well as on how to make tinctures, salves, and teas with the herbs you grow.  Hands-on demonstrations will follow the presentation.

Handcrafted medicinal herb blends (tinctures, salves, balms and teas) will be available for purchase as well.

Crystal Moore-Stevens is an herbalist who teams up with her husband, Eric Stevens, head farmer at La Vista, to present this informational workshop.

Cost:  $15

Saturday, October 23, 1:00 - 4:00 pm

Come, enjoy the contemplative art of basket-making.  Woven into the schedule will be time for personal reflection and communal ritual. No experience necessary.  Materials furnished.  Participants will take home a bread basket, cloth basket liner, and a loaf of homemade bread.

Mary Jo Jacobs is a crafter, an educator, former school principal and administrative assistant at La Vista Ecological Learning Center. She has been making baskets of all kinds for many years.

Cost:  $25

“Food as Gift of the Season: A GOURMET Weekend Retreat”

Friday, December 3 - Sunday, December 5

Held at and co-sponsored with King’s House Retreat and Renewal Center, Belleville, IL

During this weekend retreat we’ll explore together the Advent and Christmas Seasons through the holiday foods we eat.  Jack will lead us in becoming aware of the gift of food:  Where does it come from?  How is it grown? How does it nourish our bodies and balance with other foods?

This hands-on retreat will bring about a conscious awareness of God’s living presence in the balanced human being: body, mind and soul. That is the mystery of the Incarnation, the ongoing gift of Christmas.

Weekend retreat includes:

• Presentations by “Chef Jacques”
• Specially prepared holiday meals, snacks and recipes
• Group involvement in meal preparation
• Prayer services and celebration of Eucharist
• Chocolate!

Jack Lau, OMI, is currently the Director of Spiritual Services at Galilee Centre in Arnprior, Ontario, Canada. He is a graduate of both the Culinary Institute of America and the Oblate School of Theology and is a registered yoga teacher RYT200. Jack is the principal chef at the Oblate Ecological Initiative’s Earth Literacy Program each August.

Registration opens at 4:00 pm. An optional light buffet supper is available from 5:00 - 6:30 pm for early arrivals.  The program begins at 7:00 pm and concludes on Sunday with noon lunch.

To register, call Colette at 800-779-7909 or 618-397-0584, Ext. 10 or email ctaylor@kingsretreatcenter.org.

Overnight: $175.00   Commuter: $135.00

Monday, December 6, 7:00 - 8:30 pm

What do I do with kohlrabi?  Do you have good recipes for kale and collards?  What are some whole grains I can fix besides rice and barley?

If any of these questions have been on your mind, then join us and hear Chef Jacques address them and others. Jack will bring his good humor, bottomless creativity and gentle spirit to the evening’s sharing. A healthful and delicious dessert will be included.

Cost:  $10.00