Michigan Friends Center (MFC) in Chelsea, Michigan

Current Program Schedule

To register for any of our events, go to our Registration Page

Winter 2010

For More Information

Dates TBA
One-Day Meditation Retreats
Suggested donation $30 or as able; pre-registration requested.

A one-day retreat is a great opportunity to learn and/or practice deep meditation in a supportive environment. The day includes meditation instructions, sitting and walking meditation, a talk, and a time for questions. This day is appropriate for anyone interested in meditation: beginners have morning break-out instruction; experienced meditators can be in silence all day; those in between can practice and have their questions answered. These retreats are fundraisers for the benefit of Michigan Friends Center and Deep Spring Center, both non-profit organizations, led by Carol Blotter. More information at www.ChelseaMeditation.com. Contact Carol at 734-475-0942 or cb.meditate@gmail.com to register.

Second Sunday of every month / 10am
Meeting for Worship in the manner of Friends
no cost

Under the auspices of Ann Arbor Friends meeting, this group has been meeting for 3 years for silent worship in the Quaker tradition in our peaceful wooded setting.

First Thursday of every month / 7-9pm
Knitting and Crafting with Friends
 $4 suggested donation; no registration required.

Share creativity and good conversation in Michigan Friends Center’s idyllic setting. Bring your own project and snacks to share. We’ll provide tea, and space to spread out your project. There is no meeting in July.

Last Friday of every month / 7:30pm
Friends of the Planet Video Series
$5 suggested donation; no registration required.

Local Lands and Food - Join us for programming exploring our own 'backyards' through stewardship, supporting local agriculture, and
appreciating what Michigan nature has to offer. Gatherings take place on the last Fridays of the month this winter to watch videos, share reflections, and make connections. Hot tea provided; feel free to bring a snack or dessert to share.

January 29, 2010 Bioneers Plenary Presentations
Jason McLennan: Living Buildings-The Future of Architecture
Annie Leonard: The Story of Stuff

February 26, 2010 Bioneers Plenary Presentations
Joanna Macy: The Hidden Promise of Our Dark Age: Discovering Our Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty in the Midst of Crisis
Lily Yeh:  The Rwanda Healing Project: Bringing Hope through Art and Creative Action

March 26, 2010 Chris Bedford’s new film called "Coming Home: E.F. Schumacher and the Reinvention of the Local Economy". As an award-winning film maker Bedford has honed his craft to capture both the pivotal work of the late E.F. Schumacher’s book Small is Beautiful and subsequent endeavors of the E.F. Schumacher Society and the creation of a local economy in Great Barrington, Massachusetts.

 

Dates TBA
Living Lightly

Pre-registration

Continuation of the Living Lightly series

Understanding nature is essential to a sustainable future for human civilization.

We are grateful to the James A. and Faith Knight Foundation for their generous contribution to this program.

Sunday, Feb 7, 2010, 1:00
WINTERFEST WITH GEMINI

$10 for individuals; $25 for families
Please register early- Space is limited !

The well-known and popular duo Gemini, composed of Laz and San Slomovits, bring a musical celebration for children and families. We are delighted to have them back for another Winterfest concert to benefit Michigan Friends Center. Beautiful voices, a stage full of instruments, rousing songs, hand-motion tunes, folk tales, and music from around the world. Awarded, lauded and over 30 years performing nationwide in schools, concert halls and festivals!

Gemini’s music is enjoyed by audiences of all ages, and is especially suitable for families with children ages K-2.

Family activities begin at 1:00 pm, for a fun wintry day in the forest:

1:00 Snowman building (snow permitting)
2:00 Mulled cider and treats
3:00 Concert with Gemini

To register, and for information, call (734) 475-1892 or email manager@michiganfriendscenter.org

We'd love your help advertising! For printable posters, CLICK HERE

Seasonal Celebrations March 20, June 21, September 22, December 21, 2010

Donations appreciated, please register in advance if possible


Vernal Equinox Celebration—a multi-generational celebration of balance and rebirth
Saturday March 20, potluck 5 – 6 pm; circle of celebration 6-8:30 pm—join us for any part

We will celebrate the balance of light and dark with a potluck dinner followed by sharing thoughts, poems, stories, songs, knowledge. All ages welcome. Bring food to share. We will provide water, tea, plates and silverware.

Bring something to share for after dinner as well-- a verse, story or song you like, seasonal lore, a readiness to partake in what others have brought. What does this season mean to you?

Summer Solstice—a multi-generational celebration of the light
Monday, June 21, potluck 5:30 – 6:30 pm; games 6:30 – 7:30; bonfire 7:30 – 9:30—join us for any part

We will celebrate the longest day with a potluck dinner followed by outdoor games and a bonfire around which to share thoughts, stories, and songs. All ages welcome. Bring food to share. We will provide iced tea and plates and silverware.

Bring something to share for after dinner as well--a favorite outdoor game, a story or song for the bonfire, some Solstice lore, or just your readiness to partake in what others have brought. Does your family have any Solstice traditions? Do you know the traditions of the culture(s) your family comes from? This will be a time to explore various ways of celebrating the light.

We welcome your spark. Bring flashlights, and long sleeves for after dark.

Autumnal Equinox Celebration—a multi-generational celebration of balance and letting go
Wednesday, September 22, potluck 6 – 7 pm; bonfire 7 – 9 ; join us for any part

We will celebrate the balance of day and night with a potluck dinner followed by a bonfire around which to share thoughts, poems, stories, songs, knowledge. All ages welcome. Bring food to share. We will provide water, tea, plates and silverware.

Bring something to share for after dinner as well-- a verse, story or song you like, seasonal lore, a readiness to partake in what others have brought. What does this season mean to you?

Bring flashlights, and long sleeves.

Winter Solstice Sing—a reflection of the season in sound and silence
Tuesday, December 21, 7 – 9 pm

We sit quietly in a circle and teach each other rounds, songs, and chants of the season as they occur to us. The woods around us, our sheltered circle focused on inner light, and our voices are the only elements of this simple celebration of the longest night. Anyone who enjoys singing and sitting quietly is welcome. You don’t need to be a singer, or even able to sing--some just enjoy humming or listening. However most young children do not enjoy this event, and while we encourage family participation in many of our events, this is one for older children and adults.