Washington Friends Conference on Religion and Psychology
Thirty-fifth Annual Conference
Claggett Center · Buckeystown, MD · February 24–26, 2012
Interest Groups
1. Your Memories, Dreams and Reflections—Walter Brown
Friends have been famous over the years for writing journals about their lives and experiences of God. We will take a short look at what has been going on in Quakerism over the past 100 years or so—the time frame that covers Jung first developing his theories and FCRP from its beginnings to today. This will be an opportunity for you to consider your spiritual life in the context of this frame. There will be time for meditation, writing and discussion.
Walter Brown is a LCSW who has been doing therapy for about 35 years. He is a Birthright Friend attending Langley Hill in McLean, VA. He has done workshops on Quakerism and Jung at FCRP and Baltimore Yearly Meeting. He has also been active with Friends General Conference in doing Quaker Quest and other Outreach projects, and Intervisitation with BYM. Walter is a member of the FCRP Planning Committee.
2. Create a Journal—Dana Gayner
We will create an artistic journal using handmade papers and talismans. We will then record our experiences, thoughts, and/or feelings at the conference. We may address the question of how we recognize that of God within us.
Dana Gayner attended the University of the Arts and attended four summers of Artist/Teacher Institute studying the art of book making. She currently is teaching art at a small private school in New Jersey, completing her 22nd year. She has given workshops throughout the region encouraging people to find the artist within themselves. Dana is a member of the FCRP and WFCRP Planning Committees.
3. How Do I Begin To Write My Spiritual Autobiography?—Mary R. Hopkins
Gentle questions to guide your outline will help you discover what your Spiritual Autobiography can teach you about your spiritual growth. Supportive questions will begin supportive discussion, which will help your memory recall the high points.
Mary R. Hopkins is a social worker, Quaker, and a 50-year attender at FCRP. She has led many Interest groups in which many participants have felt safe enough to dig deep and laugh long and hard. Mary will be nominated to join the FCRP Planning Committee in May 2012.
4. If This Were My Dream—Gary Soulsman
Dreams call us to attend to thoughts and feelings we may have neglected in waking life. In this way dreams often act as a course correction for the soul’s journey. And they’ve been an important part of this conference for the mystery, beauty, and spiritual guidance they’ve provided attendees. In this group we’ll tell dreams and use a process pioneered by Jeremy Taylor and Montague Ullman relating to each dream as if it were ours. It’s a process that is easy to learn and elegant to use. Bring your empathy and your dreams and a willingness to be amazed.
Gary Soulsman is a journalist in Delaware who often writes about religion. He has facilitated a Newark, DE, dream group for 20 years. Gary is a longtime FCRP Member and a Resource Person to the FCRP Planning Committee.
5. W-FCRP Through Poetry’s Lens—Doris M. Tennyson
Focusing on the primary topics of the conference—Memories, Reflections, and Dreams—we will use poems as catalysts for learning more about ourselves and our feelings about our experiences of the conference. Modes will include reading, writing, meditating, guided imagery, and movement.
Doris M. Tennyson, a member of the National Association of Poetry Therapy, is training to become a Certified Applied Poetry Facilitator. She retired in 2008 from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) after 39 years service in a variety of positions involving publishing. She was a part-time massage therapist for 23 years and has been a student of dance therapy. Doris is a member of the FCRP and WFCRP Planning Committees, and has led Interest Groups at both conferences.