Restoring the Soul Through Art and Community

Over the past few weeks, participants gathered both virtually and in person for Restored, an art group designed to help people connect with Jesus through creative expression, meditation, and reflection. Each gathering offered a gentle space to step away from daily busyness, make art based on specific themes, and share experiences in community.

Looking Back at Our August Gatherings

Aug 5 (Online) - Listening for Guidance:

Our evening online gathering focused on the theme of Guidance, exploring how God leads us both individually and as a collective group. Following a time of imaginative prayer and quiet reflection, participants used various artistic mediums, from colors and abstract symbols to written words—to capture what they sensed during their prayer time. We closed our time together by weaving phrases from everyone’s reflection into a collaborative group poem centered on peace, trust, and divine protection.

Aug 15 (In Person) - Simplicity and Solitude in Nature:

Set on the peaceful grounds of the FCJ Centre along the river in Calgary, this extended morning retreat invited attendees to immerse themselves in nature to practice Simplicity and Solitude.

1. Practicing Simplicity: Participants took intentional, contemplative walks around the property, noticing the vibrant berry trees, listening to birdsong, and engaging in ephemeral art, such as painting on rocks using river water, to practice receiving God's care as a gift and letting go of performance.

   
   

2. Cultivating Solitude: Drawing inspiration from Psalm 46:10 ("Be still, and know that I am God"), members sketched under large fir trees near the Grotto and spent quiet time reflecting on building a "portable sanctuary of the heart". Group sharing revealed how the unhurried space helped clear mental noise, ground busy minds, and restore a sense of depth and joy.

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Upcoming Fall Gatherings

Whether you are seeking a quiet space to rest, explore visual prayer, or connect with others, you are warmly invited to join our upcoming sessions:

• Visio Divina (Online): Sept 1

• Restored (Online): Aug 19, Oct 7, and Oct 21

• Restored (In Person): Oct 17

No prior artistic background or technical skill is needed, just bring an open heart, basic art supplies, and a willingness to explore. #