*I am open to requests.  I can be brief, but prefer 20-30 minute talks---longer for workshops.  Most times are flexible.  Rates are flexible.  I speak freely from notes, interacting with the audience.

        1.       WORKSHOP or LECTURE: Building a Sense of Community Within a Congregation

                A feeling of connection and belonging is a key ingredient in a healthy, functioning congregation.  What can we do to build  community and affection among congregants?  In the workshop we turn the theory into practice.

        2.        WORKSHOP or LECTURE: Conflict in the Church---How do we handle our disagreements?

                Did you know that there are several institutes devoted solely to resolution of conflict within churches?  A struggling church can hire a church conflict specialist to get them back on track.  How come conflict in churches is so prevalent?  What can we learn from these specialists that might help us deal with our disagreements and struggles?

        3.      WORKSHOP or LECTURE: Intimacy with God

                How would you describe your relationship with God?  Intimate?  Distant?  Reverential?  Close?

                Have you ever had an epiphany, or moment of deeply felt intimacy with the Lord?  Have you felt abandoned or forgotten?  Have you felt cursed?  In this lecture, (which can include a guided meditation) I explore the ways we can experience God in our lives, why we sometimes feel abandoned, and what we can do to find a greater intimacy with our Creator.

        4.      WORKSHOP or LECTURE: The Importance of Music in Worship

                Opinions abound about what music belongs in our worship services and what does not.  Changes in the liturgy tend to be highly controversial.  We hold our opinions close to our hearts and our feelings run deeply.  In this talk I discuss how music affects our spirit and contributes to worship.  I discuss why change in our worship music is so difficult, and how we can be gentler with each other in the struggle.  Did you know that there is an whole institute dedicated to the study of worship styles and healing conflict within congregations?  (Can include activities that build compassion and unity in a struggling congregation.)

        5.      WORKSHOP or LECTURE: "The Artist's Way" or "Finding the Creativity Within"

                If God is our Creator, and we are created in His image, then we are all creative.  How does your creativity manifest itself?  In my experience, when one is absorbed in a creative project, joy, timelessness and enthusiasm are a common by-product.  Creative expression can be a way to experience God in our lives.  (Can include a workshop period for guided creative expression.)

        6.      WORKSHOP or LECTURE:    Masks

                What are the Masks we wear?  What faces or identities do we hide behind?  What masks have been given to us, and which do we put on by choice?  This talk asks us to explore our "masks" and become more conscious about the choices we make in our lives.  It is compassionate, humourous, and revealing.  (Lecture Requires Projection Equipment and Screen) (Workshop requires some art supplies.)

Education

Graduated with honours.  Ran and directed a women's choir.  Received an "A" in Public Speaking.

Majored in Psychology and Religion, graduating Cum Laude.  Ran and directed a women’s choir, putting on a concert in June, 1983.

 Experience

     Discussion Facilitator for the Mother's Network,
        a support group for women in Toronto, Olivet Church, Etobicoke            1991 -1994

          Program Director for the Theta Alpha Guild, Kitchener                             1991 -1992

     Convener/Leader for "The Women's Network," Kitchener                         1994 -1998

      Spoke on "What is the Word? What is Truth?" at a women's retreat,
        Conestogo, Ontario                                                                                                 1994

      Mistress of ceremonies for Swedenborg Birthday Banquet, Kitchener           2000(?)

     Vice President of the Theta Alpha Guild, Kitchener                                    1997 -2002

     Speaker for the  Women's Christmas Tea at Gloria Dei Church,
        on the Subject, "A Conscious Christmas" or "Surviving the Season
        When You Have to Provide It"  Huntingdon Valley, PA,                        Dec. 2003

      Keynote Speaker for "The Women's Gathering"
        on the subject, "Masks," Bryn Athyn, PA                                                     Jan. 2004
 

 
Contact:  Alison Longstaff