{"id":17099,"date":"2026-05-19T22:33:34","date_gmt":"2026-05-19T22:33:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iamsignificant.ca\/?page_id=17099"},"modified":"2026-07-22T21:31:37","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T21:31:37","slug":"workshops-events-2","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/iamsignificant.ca\/home\/workshops-events-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Workshops & Events"},"content":{"rendered":"
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I occasionally offer and participate in workshops, retreats, online conversations, and reflective gatherings exploring grief, thoughtful faith, spiritual care, compassion, healing, and the deeper work of becoming more fully human.<\/p>\n

These spaces are intended to encourage honest reflection, meaningful conversation, spiritual curiosity, and compassionate connection in a grounded and welcoming environment.<\/p>\n

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Adventures in Prayer<\/h1>\n

An invitation to explore simple, ancient, and creative practices that help us notice God’s presence in everyday life.
September 2026 – May 2027<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Prayer is more than words. Throughout Christian history, people have discovered many different ways of becoming attentive to the Divine who is always present. Some pray in silence. Some walk in nature. Some pray with Scripture, music, art, or simple rhythms of daily life.<\/p>\n

Each month, Michael will host Adventures in Prayer<\/strong> an opportunity to experience one of these practices in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Every gathering includes a brief introduction, guided practice, quiet reflection, and conversation. No previous experience is necessary\u2014just curiosity and a willingness to explore.<\/p>\n

Join us one Saturday morning per month (September through May 2027) in Lethbridge, Alberta, as we discover together how prayer can become less about saying the right words and more about living with an awareness of the Divine’s loving presence.

Contact Michael for details<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Living After Loss<\/h1>\n

Learning to carry grief with courage, compassion, and hope.<\/em><\/span><\/h3>\n

Grief changes us. Whether your loss is recent or many years ago, it can leave us feeling isolated, uncertain, or simply longing for a place where we don’t have to explain ourselves.<\/p>\n

Living After Loss<\/strong> is a small four-week circle where participants are invited to share their stories, better understand the experience of grief, and discover practices that nurture healing and hope. There is no pressure to speak, no expectation to “move on,” and no timeline for grief.<\/p>\n

Together we will explore how grief affects our hearts, minds, bodies, relationships, and spirituality while discovering hope, resilience, and the quiet strength that grows through compassionate community.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Everyone’s grief is unique. You are welcome exactly as you are.
Contact Michael for details<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Fall Circle<\/h3>\n

Tuesdays in October 2026<\/strong>
Four consecutive weeks<\/p>\n

Winter Circle<\/h3>\n

Tuesdays in February 2027<\/strong>
Four consecutive weeks<\/p>\n

Time:<\/strong> 7:00\u20138:30 pm (or your preferred time)<\/em><\/p>\n

Location:<\/strong> McKillop United Church, Lethbridge, Alberta<\/p>\n

Cost:<\/strong> Suggested Donation $25<\/p>\n

Registration is necessary, as space is limited to help create a safe and supportive environment.<\/p>\n

Contact Michael for details<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Compassionate Presence<\/h1>\n

Learning to care with confidence, kindness, and compassion.<\/em><\/h3>\n

Being present with someone who is hurting is one of the most meaningful gifts we can offer\u2014but it isn’t always easy. Many of us worry about saying the wrong thing, not knowing what to do, or feeling helpless in the face of another person’s pain.<\/p>\n

Compassionate Presence<\/strong> is a practical, encouraging workshop that explores simple ways to accompany people through illness, grief, loneliness, aging, and life’s many transitions. Together we will learn how listening, empathy, and genuine presence can become powerful expressions of care.<\/p>\n

Whether you support family members, friends, neighbours, or members of your community, this workshop will help you become more comfortable and confident offering compassionate care.<\/p>\n

No previous experience is necessary\u2014only a willingness to learn and care well.<\/p>\n

Saturday Morning Workshop<\/strong>
November 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

Time:<\/strong> 10:00 am \u2013 12:00 pm<\/p>\n

Location:<\/strong> McKillop United Church, Lethbridge, Alberta<\/p>\n

Cost:<\/strong> Free<\/p>\n

Registration is appreciated.
Contact Michael for details<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Between Stories<\/h1>\n

An online conversation for those exploring faith, doubt, and what comes next.<\/em><\/h3>\n

Sometimes the stories that once gave meaning to our lives no longer seem large enough to hold our questions, experiences, or growing understanding of the world. That can be unsettling\u2014and often lonely.<\/p>\n

Between Stories<\/strong> is a four-week online conversation for anyone navigating change in their faith or worldview. Whether you’re questioning long-held beliefs, reimagining Christianity, exploring a different spiritual path, or simply wondering what comes next, you’ll find a welcoming community of fellow travellers.<\/p>\n

Together we’ll share our stories, ask honest questions, and explore what a thoughtful, compassionate, and life-giving spirituality might look like today. You don’t have to defend your beliefs or arrive at anyone else’s conclusions. The invitation is simply to be curious, respectful, and open to learning from one another.<\/p>\n

You don’t need to have everything figured out. You simply need a willingness to explore.<\/p>\n

Four-Week Zoom Conversation Group<\/strong><\/p>\n

January 2027<\/strong> – Four consecutive Wednesday evenings<\/p>\n

Time:<\/strong> 7:00\u20138:30 pm (Mountain Time)<\/p>\n

Location:<\/strong> Online via Zoom<\/p>\n

Cost:<\/strong> Free<\/p>\n

Registration is required. Zoom details will be sent before the first gathering.
Contact Michael for details<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Parents of LGBTQ+ Children<\/h1>\n

A place for honest conversation, thoughtful faith, and compassionate community.<\/em><\/h3>\n

Many parents find themselves asking difficult questions when a child or grandchild comes out. How do I love my child well? What does my faith have to say? How do I navigate family relationships, church, and my own questions?<\/p>\n

This four-week conversation circle offers a safe, respectful space for parents and grandparents to explore these questions together. There is no pressure to arrive with answers. Instead, we create room for listening, learning, and discovering a faith rooted in the love and compassion of Christ.<\/p>\n

Together we will explore Scripture, share our experiences, ask honest questions, and encourage one another as we seek to love our children with wisdom, grace, and hope.<\/p>\n

Everyone is welcome, wherever you find yourself on the journey.<\/p>\n

Four-Week Conversation Circle<\/strong><\/p>\n

March 2027
Four consecutive Tuesday evenings<\/p>\n

Time:<\/strong> 7:00\u20138:30 pm<\/p>\n

Location:<\/strong> McKillop United Church, Lethbridge, Alberta<\/p>\n

Cost:<\/strong> Free<\/p>\n

Registration is appreciated, as space is intentionally limited to encourage conversation and trust.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Contact Michael for details<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Past Events:<\/h2>\n

Process Pop-Up Conversation<\/span><\/p>\n

I\u2019m looking forward to joining this free online Process Pop-Up conversation hosted by Process & Faith around my upcoming book, Made by Love, For Love<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Together we\u2019ll explore Open & Relational Theology, evolving faith, relentless love, and the possibility that love may be far more central to reality than many of us were taught.<\/p>\n

If you are reimagining faith, questioning inherited stories, or longing for a more spacious and compassionate vision of spirituality, I would love to have you join us.<\/p>\n

\u2192 Free Event Details & Registration<\/a><\/h3>\n
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June 29 \u2013 July 3, 2026<\/h2>\n

ORTcon26<\/h1>\n

I\u2019m honoured to be presenting at ORTcon26 this summer through the Center for Open & Relational Theology.<\/p>\n

The Shape of Love at the Heart of Everything<\/h2>\n

A reimagining of God, power, and faith in light of relentless love.<\/em><\/p>\n

What if love is not merely something God does, but the very pulse of reality itself?<\/p>\n

This presentation explores a renewed vision of faith shaped by Open & Relational Theology, the evolutionary spirituality of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, and the possibility that uncontrolling love may be the deepest truth at the heart of existence.<\/p>\n

For those wrestling with inherited beliefs, exploring spiritual transition, or longing for a more spacious and life-giving vision of God and faith.<\/p>\n

\u2192 ORTcon26 Information & Registration<\/a><\/h3>\n
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