Experiential Liturgy

[Karen Carnabucci]

Hello all, 
 
 
I just saw my name here and thought I will add my two cents.
 
First of all, Cynthia Gayle's program sounds fascinating. I would like
to know more about this myself, and hope something may be written or
filmed.
 
>From a marketing standpoint, it's true that sometimes people see outside
"experts" as having more value than the locals. But there are also
advantages to locals -- we can offer programs that are series,
follow-ups and/or offer more depth and reasonance because we are
familiar with the dynamics, needs and issues of the community. These are
real plusses that can be mentioned when pitching.
 
I also find myself curious about how it happened that this orthodox
congregation happened to bring in this out-of-town troupe? Did someone
in the congregation have a personal connection with the troupe or one of
the troupe members? (Sociometry is very important.) Was the troupe
publicized in a newsletter or magazine that is popular reading within
this group? Did the group pitch to the congregation and have the kind of
reasonance that appealed to the decisionmakers there? Or something else?
This might be interesting to investigate. Or, now that the synagogue is
now warmed up to this idea of experiential worship, how about inviting
the people next door to visit and show what you are doing.
 
Karen Carnabucci, MSS, LCSW, TEP
Companions In Healing
 
Lake House Health &  Learning Center
932 Lake Ave.
Racine, WI 53403
 
(262) 633-2645
karen at companionsinhealing.com
<blocked::javascript:parent.ComposeTo('karen at companionsinhealing.com');>

 
www.lakehousecenter.com <blocked::http://www.lakehousecenter.com/> 
http://LakeHouseRacine.blogspot.com
<blocked::http://lakehouseracine.blogspot.com/> 
www.companionsinhealing.com
<blocked::http://www.companionsinhealing.com/> 
 
 

________________________________

From: list-bounces at grouptalkweb.org
[mailto:list-bounces at grouptalkweb.org] On Behalf Of Adam Blatner
Sent: Sunday, December 10, 2006 12:11 PM
To: list at grouptalkweb.org
Subject: Re: Experiential Liturgy


Dear Cynthia and group, 
 
     This anecdote also speaks to us about the need to market ourselves
more consciously, intentionally, and persistently. Karen Carnabucci has
written on this topic, given workshops at conferences. It's not easy,
but Cynthia's point is that it may not be so that we'll be recognized
for what we do unless we really push it with clarity. 
         (That's part of why I promote writing in journals, posting
articles on websites, creating websites, etc.)
  
    I am also supportive of the approach to take Morenian methods and
ideas into fields beyond therapy. I think what you're doing is great,
Cynthia! 
 
        Warmly, Adam

	----- Original Message ----- 
	From: CGayle <mailto:cgayle at zipcon.com>  
	To: list at grouptalkweb.org 
	Sent: Sunday, December 10, 2006 11:29 AM
	Subject: Experiential Liturgy

	I saw a troupe called "storahtelling" (storahtelling.org)
yesterday at a conservative synagogue here in Seattle.  They are a
troupe coming out of New York City.  I found it odd, humorous and now
more than inspirational that we have been doing their type of "new and
radical" performance theatre in our alternative congregation for
probably 20 years. The conservative congregation paid money for the
troupe to come, when all they had to do is come next door (we meet
literally in the building next door).  Yet people there have been so
resistant to what we do...they have not thought or wanted to come next
door.  Maybe it only counts if you pay for it and it comes out of New
York City!?   
	 
	I started bringing in experiential (out of the chairs)
bibliodrama 8 years ago.  We have two dancer/actress/performance artists
who have created new pieces on the Torah readings every year for most of
20 years for High Holidays, often with a troupe from the congregation
that they create and direct.  Singers, dancers and muscians have created
liturgy as well, "performing" instead of usual prayers or Torah
readings.  There has always been interactive psycho-spiritual exercises
with the "audience" related to the intention of the service or
scripture.  Although I have created new experiential liturgy (haven't
repeated things), where there are often 25 people on the alter stage in
services, or 60 people in the room in role, there were some other forms
of experiential work going on before me.  
	 
	I have created other experiential rituals as well, eg, for a
memorial service, and now I am asked to help facilitate a community
visioning meeting. Although I was asked b/c of my new role with
spiritual direction work, I am going to be using some sociometric warm
up exercises as well for the community to see themselves some and build
connections.
	 
	I am stunned in seeing a mirror of what we have been doing in
this little corner of the world.  It has churned up a lot for me.
Although we have all greatly appreciated it, perhaps we took it for
granted and certainly did not realize maybe the great uniqueness of what
we have been doing.  
	 
	If a conservative congregation brought in the storahtelling
troupe, perhaps "the times they are a changin".  Although, the worlds
could have connected by simply walking across the street.  Going to the
other end of the country to find what is right next door may speak more
about where things are.
	 
	Cynthia Gayle
	Seattle
	 

	
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