Margaret D. McGee
 "What a gift Margaret McGee is to St.Paul's! Her preaching and teaching has deepened and stretched many spiritual journeys in this community. Margaret's presentations are profoundly honest, penetrating, unfailingly sound, and filled with her insight into the funniness and yearning of us all." -- The Reverend Elizabeth A. Bloch, Rector, St. Paul's Episcopal Parish, Port Townsend "Margaret McGee is articulate, wise, and often funny. She tells the Story of God's passionate love for humankind in all of her work with a grace and originality that we don't often encounter." -- The Very Reverend William F. Maxwell "Your book showed the women how to talk about themselves and tell their stories. It has been the perfect beginning for our group, and provided a non-threatening way for us to engage some very deep issues. A roaring success!" -- The Reverend Vickie Dogaru, St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Vancouver WA From workshop and program participants: "It was a challenge for me to experience the moments of silence ... a first step to contemplative prayer, a new thing for me, the concept to listen and not just 'talk' to God in prayer, but to listen. I got better at it as you led us through." "[This Lenten program] has been something I look forward to, partly because it's surprising and unexpected.... I have been particularly surprised at how you have melded our secular and church lives and interests." "Spiritual and mystical in the finest sense of both words." "I thought writing haiku in response to scripture would restrict my expression. But my haiku kept changing, almost as if it had a life of its own. Boy, is haiku neat." "Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being willing to spend the weekend with us and for sharing your journey with us. I will be waiting for your next book." "This is fun!" |
ContactTo contact Margaret, discuss topic ideas, or to query about bringing her to your community, email margaret (.at.) inthecourtyard (.dot.) com or call 360.385.3489. Speaker at events; workshop, seminar, or retreat leader. See below for topic ideas. (Click here to watch an excerpt of Margaret speaking at a Unitarian fellowship.) Guest author to a book group, by phone or in person, or reading and book signing for Haiku - A Sacred Art and Sacred Attention: A Spiritual Practice for Finding God in the Moment. Guest preacher. A licensed Preacher and Worship Leader in the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia, Margaret has served as guest preacher at Episcopal, Presbyterian, and Unitarian churches, as well as preaching regularly at her home parish of St. Paul’s, Port Townsend. Choose or help develop a speaking topic: Haiku - The Sacred Art: A Spiritual Practice in 3 Lines. Writing haiku as a way of practicing attention and mindfulness. A haiku is a brief poem that expresses the heart of a moment. Unlike the traditional 5-7-5 syllable-count poems that developed from early translations of Japanese haiku, today’s English haiku can be as short as one line, with the emphasis on images that evoke deep, shared feelings. With humor and encouragement, Margaret takes the mystery and intimidation out of writing this short form, using step-by-step exercises for paying attention to the world around you, tapping into the feeling of the moment, and writing haiku as part of your spiritual life. Sacred Attention: Finding God in the Moment. Why does paying attention matter? Because it changes both you and what you’re paying attention to. Just one moment of close attention is a prayer to God. Stumbling Toward God. The spiritual journey as a series of stumbles and falls into relationship with the Divine. Imagining Wholeness. How the creative imagination can bring the fragments of life together, healing wounds, springing traps, and freeing new energy. Especially for church communities: Stewardship: Make 'Em Laugh. For pastors and stewardship committees who want to lift their communities up from the spiritual (and financial) doldrums. Living an Authentic Spiritual Life. God calls us each by name, and God also calls us to live in communion with each other. What does it take to be true to God's individual call as a member of a church community? Advent to Ordinary Time: God's Presence in the Seasons of the Church Calendar. Themes of the liturgical seasons come to life in personal and scriptural stories. The Roles of Prophet, Ruler, and Servant in God’s Kingdom. A role-playing weekend retreat, especially appropriate to usher in the season of Lent. For writing and publishing professionals: Tell the Truth: Finding the Universal Story in Your Story. Developing Your Authentic Voice. The Breath of Life: Writing with Spirit. Writing Effective Questions for Reflection and Discussion. Your First Publication. |
|
