Workshops
Explore. Engage. Empower.
My workshops are designed for people who desire to deepen their biblical knowledge and personal relationship with God. Themes that pervade my work are discovery, worship, sharing stories, and fun. Decades of facilitating groups and an MA in biblical studies undergird my work.
The workshops are ideal for small and large Christian groups and retreats. Shorter workshops are available virtually.
Discovering the Power of Spiritual Story—Even Your Own!
When God defeated the enemies of Israel with a raucous display of thunder, the prophet Samuel set up a stone memorial, called an ebenezer. When the Israelites crossed the Jordan River to enter the promised land, Joshua instructed a man from each of the twelve tribes to each contribute a stone to build a memorial.
Constructing such memorials was a pattern in the Israelites’ walk of faith. They were stones of remembrance, meant to be physical reminders of God’s acts for current and future generations.
Join me to explore the relevance of this biblical pattern for our lives. We remember corporately when we celebrate Christmas and the Lord’s Supper, but most of us fall short when remembering and sharing the stories of how God’s grace has intervened in our own lives.
What would a practice of personal spiritual remembrance look like for you?
What would such a practice change in your life and your community?
Come and explore!
- Explore the biblical practice of intentional remembering.
- Discover how rehearsing God’s act brings resilience to your faith
- Take home prompts to access your own ebenezer stories
Workshop length: 60 to 90 minutes
Available in-person and virtually
Finding God’s Footprints:
The Spiritual Practice of Remembrance
“I will tell of the kindnesses of the LORD, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the LORD has done for us— yes…according to his compassion and many kindnesses.” Isaiah 63:7
PRESENTATION: (1 to 2 hours)
DISCOVER THE GIFT OF REMEMBRANCE
For groups that want to discover a missing spiritual practice and celebrate the grace of God.
- Explore the biblical practice of intentional remembering
- Learn how rehearsing God’s acts brings resilience to your faith
- Take home prompts to access your own ebenezer stories
WORKSHOP: (4 to 6 hours)
UNEARTH YOUR SPIRITUAL STORIES
For groups that want to begin uncovering their own spiritual stories and begin a practice of remembrance.
- Engage in creative exercises to unearth your spiritual stories
- Be encouraged as others share their stories
- Enjoy a no-pressure, no-judgement zone that’s full of fun, surprises, and growth
But first, we have to become attuned to God’s ongoing presence and intervention in our lives. We have to practice intentional remembrance. This is a spiritual practice largely missing in the church today.
RETREAT: (1 to 2-1/2 days)
STEEP IN STORY AS SPIRITUAL PRACTICE
For groups that want an in-depth experience in practicing remembrance and sharing their stories.
- Share the stories you remember and discover stories you forgot.
- Add shape and structure to your memories
- Build supportive relationships around spiritual remembrance
VIRTUAL BOOK CLUB
Enjoy six two-hour, on-line sessions exploring the themes of Ebenezer Chronicles with a group facilitated by Bonnie and filled with her stories.
Craft Your Blessing for Those Who Follow
Shortly before he died, Moses gathered the Israelites, wrote down God’s law, and composed a prophetic song for the people. He said to them, “Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. They are not just idle words for you—they are your life.”
In his near-death address, Moses was following the tradition of Israel’s patriarchs, especially Issac and Jacob.
Imagine what it would mean to your loved ones to have a document that shares your deepest wisdom, personal guidance, and blessing when you are gone.
What life-affirming words do you wish to impress upon each of them?
We’ll explore ways to make the process manageable rather than intimidating. Don’t let age hold you back. You don’t need to be anywhere near death to prepare and share a blessing.
- Explore biblical examples of near-death messages
- Learn organizational patterns and shortcuts
- Receive the blessing of your own life-giving words
Workshop length: 1-3 hours
Available in-person and virtually
Dig Deeper with Our Virtual Book Club
Are you seeking a deeper connection with God?
- Discover the biblical practice of remembrance
- Hear one woman’s stories of God’s grace and redemption
- Find unexpected grace in your own stories
Each two-hour session includes presentation, discussion, story prompts, and space to share our emerging stories.
The prophet Samuel erected ebenezer, a stone memorial, when God defeated the enemies of Israel. Jacob, Moses, and others erected memorials too. The psalmists and prophets rehearsed the acts of God in Israel’s history. Why? The practice of remembrance grounds us in God’s faithfulness, even when life looks dark.
Ebenezer Chronicles digs deep into the practice of remembrance while offering reflections on faith, perspective, and prayer. Join Bonnie, an expert facilitator with an MA in biblical studies, for an engaging and interactive experience. Her stories of heartbreak and triumph, tears, and deep belly laughter will draw you in, helping you discover God’s grace in your own stories.
Session 1: Climbing Jacobs Ladder
The biblical practice of remembrance is rich and diverse. We will explore the practice and consider what a discipline of intentional remembrance could mean for our lives.
Session 2: Anchoring in Remembrance
Throughout generations, God’s people returned to his introduction of himself in Exodus 34:6-7. We will discover the importance of this passage for your own life.
Session 3: Engaging in Prayer, Praise and Complaint
God’s people reminded God of his character and promises as they prayed, especially in times of distress. We will consider how remembrance can enrich our prayer lives.
Session 4: Seeking God When Life Puts You on the Sidelines
While we long to live with meaning, our lives seem consumed by mundane responsibilities. We’ll explore this experience from God’s “upside down kingdom” perspective.
Session 5: Finding Joy in the Lion and the Lamb
Christian joy can seem elusive and even hard to define. We’ll explore biblical metaphors for joy and seek to reconcile joy with the suffering that characterizes our lives on earth.
Session 6: Concluding with Themes and Stories
After a rich experience together, we will wrap up what we’ve learned, share reflections, and encourage each other with stories that have emerged as we’ve worked together.