Sanctuary for Sanity: First Fridays
The St. Martin's Sanctuary for Sanity is a series of events aimed at the downtown community and intended to lift up spiritual practices that transform lives amid everyday chaos.
First Friday of the Month from Noon-1:30 pm
Cost: $10 (payment accepted at the door)
RSVP: 476-6757 or email Yolanda Alvarez at yalvarez@saintmartins.org
First Friday of the Month from Noon-1:30 pm
Cost: $10 (payment accepted at the door)
RSVP: 476-6757 or email Yolanda Alvarez at yalvarez@saintmartins.org
Oct 2008: Values that Unite
Friday, October 3, 2008 from Noon-1:30 pm
Cost: $10 (payment accepted at the door)
RSVP by October 1: 476-6757 or email Yolanda Alvarez at yalvarez@saintmartins.org
Ben Barnes has built a successful public policy career after over five decades of service in government, politics and private sector business development. With offices in Washington, D.C., Austin and Chicago, the Ben Barnes Group represents a number of Fortune 500 companies and trade associations that advocate for both public and private interests. The Ben Barnes Group provides a range of consulting services including strategic planning and advocacy around state and federal legislation, regulatory matters and other public policy issues.
A protege of President Lyndon Johnson, Barnes won a seat in the Texas House of Representatives at the age of 22. By 1962, he was a top lieutenant and close ally of Texas Governor John Connally. Three years later, Barnes was elected Texas Speaker of the House. At 26, he was the youngest Speaker of the House in state history. In 1968, Barnes was elected lieutenant governor, again the youngest ever, garnering the most votes of any statewide candidate in Texas history.
Using the same energy that drove his political career, Barnes built a multi-million dollar real estate empire through the seventies and eighties. Barnes now focuses on public policy advocacy and invests in new companies. Since the early 1990s, Barnes has been an active player in Democratic politics, referred to by the Texas Monthly as "one of the chief financial and strategic architects of the Democratic resurgence in the Senate."
In 1995, he was named a Distinguished Alumnus of University of Texas, Austin, an honor also bestowed on such luminaries as Lady Bird Johnson and Walter Cronkite. Barnes sits on a number of corporate boards and supports several philanthropic organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club of America. He and his wife, Melanie, adopted two daughters from Romania and Russia, and give of their time and money to numerous charitable organizations.
Cost: $10 (payment accepted at the door)
RSVP by October 1: 476-6757 or email Yolanda Alvarez at yalvarez@saintmartins.org
Ben Barnes has built a successful public policy career after over five decades of service in government, politics and private sector business development. With offices in Washington, D.C., Austin and Chicago, the Ben Barnes Group represents a number of Fortune 500 companies and trade associations that advocate for both public and private interests. The Ben Barnes Group provides a range of consulting services including strategic planning and advocacy around state and federal legislation, regulatory matters and other public policy issues.
A protege of President Lyndon Johnson, Barnes won a seat in the Texas House of Representatives at the age of 22. By 1962, he was a top lieutenant and close ally of Texas Governor John Connally. Three years later, Barnes was elected Texas Speaker of the House. At 26, he was the youngest Speaker of the House in state history. In 1968, Barnes was elected lieutenant governor, again the youngest ever, garnering the most votes of any statewide candidate in Texas history.
Using the same energy that drove his political career, Barnes built a multi-million dollar real estate empire through the seventies and eighties. Barnes now focuses on public policy advocacy and invests in new companies. Since the early 1990s, Barnes has been an active player in Democratic politics, referred to by the Texas Monthly as "one of the chief financial and strategic architects of the Democratic resurgence in the Senate."
In 1995, he was named a Distinguished Alumnus of University of Texas, Austin, an honor also bestowed on such luminaries as Lady Bird Johnson and Walter Cronkite. Barnes sits on a number of corporate boards and supports several philanthropic organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club of America. He and his wife, Melanie, adopted two daughters from Romania and Russia, and give of their time and money to numerous charitable organizations.
Sept 2008: Exploring Spirituality in the 2nd Half of Life
Friday, September 5, 2008 from Noon-1:30 pm
Cost: $10 (payment accepted at the door)
RSVP by September 3: 476-6757 or email Yolanda Alvarez at yalvarez@saintmartins.org
Author Paula D'Arcy, who has written about spirituality and grief since surviving a drunk driving accident 30 years ago, will explore spirituality in the second half of life. A former psychotherapist, D'Arcy, has teamed with contemplative theologian Richard Rohr to present seminars on spirituality in the two halves of life.
In 1975 Paula D'Arcy survived a drunk driving accident, which took the lives of her husband and 21-month-old daughter. Pregnant at the time, D'Arcy later gave birth to a second daughter.
In 1979 she wrote Song for Sarah, a collection of letters written before and after her daughter's death. In it she explored the transforming power of grief and loss. As a psychotherapist she ministered to those suffering loss. As a consultant, she worked for the Peale Foundation established by Normal Vincent Peale.
D'Arcy has written more than a half dozen books and a play about grief and the healing power of love. Gift of the Red Bird was a Spiritual Book Associates Selection and Red Fire was named Best Spiritual Book by Spirituality and Health Awards.
D'Arcy also lectures for Hospice and leads workshops for women around the world.
In 2001, she founded the Red Bird Foundation, which supports the growth and spiritual development of those in need, such as prison inmates and third world residents.
In 2007 Red Bird Foundation sponsored WOMENSPEAK 2007, a highly successful international gathering of women held in San Antonio. It will sponsor WOMENSPEAK 2010 in Mobile, AL (March 12-14, 2010).
Cost: $10 (payment accepted at the door)
RSVP by September 3: 476-6757 or email Yolanda Alvarez at yalvarez@saintmartins.org
Author Paula D'Arcy, who has written about spirituality and grief since surviving a drunk driving accident 30 years ago, will explore spirituality in the second half of life. A former psychotherapist, D'Arcy, has teamed with contemplative theologian Richard Rohr to present seminars on spirituality in the two halves of life.
In 1975 Paula D'Arcy survived a drunk driving accident, which took the lives of her husband and 21-month-old daughter. Pregnant at the time, D'Arcy later gave birth to a second daughter.
In 1979 she wrote Song for Sarah, a collection of letters written before and after her daughter's death. In it she explored the transforming power of grief and loss. As a psychotherapist she ministered to those suffering loss. As a consultant, she worked for the Peale Foundation established by Normal Vincent Peale.
D'Arcy has written more than a half dozen books and a play about grief and the healing power of love. Gift of the Red Bird was a Spiritual Book Associates Selection and Red Fire was named Best Spiritual Book by Spirituality and Health Awards.
D'Arcy also lectures for Hospice and leads workshops for women around the world.
In 2001, she founded the Red Bird Foundation, which supports the growth and spiritual development of those in need, such as prison inmates and third world residents.
In 2007 Red Bird Foundation sponsored WOMENSPEAK 2007, a highly successful international gathering of women held in San Antonio. It will sponsor WOMENSPEAK 2010 in Mobile, AL (March 12-14, 2010).
May 2008: Ed Shirley
On Friday, May 2, Professor Ed Shirley explored the contemplative life as continual mindfulness of the here and now. A professor of religious studies at St. Edward's University, Dr. Shirley believes that contemplation contains the seed of action and vice versa.
Dr. Shirley talked about a contemplative model that he calls "contemplative action." This draws inspiration from the Zen saying that "Zen is chopping wood and carrying water," indicating that meditation is not limited to the meditation cushion, but is a life of mindfulness of the here and now.
Contemplation and action are two distinct poles of the human spiritual life, but there have been many models for understanding their relationship. One view sees them as contrasting lifestyles (analogized as Martha and Mary: Martha being busy, and Mary choosing "the better part," sitting at the feet of Jesus). A second approach sees contemplation as merely the prelude to the "true Christian life" of action (like getting a good night's sleep before a busy day). A third approach has been to talk about "contemplation in action," almost superimposing contemplation onto an already-self-subsisting life of action.
Dr. Shirley maintains that contemplation and action, while distinct poles are never separate realms. Rather, they mutually indwell each other: contemplation contains the seed of action, and action always contains a seed of contemplation. This relationship of mutual indwelling mirrors (even participates in) the relationship among the "Persons" of the Trinity, and thus give some idea of what it means to be created in the Image of God.
Dr. Shirley talked about a contemplative model that he calls "contemplative action." This draws inspiration from the Zen saying that "Zen is chopping wood and carrying water," indicating that meditation is not limited to the meditation cushion, but is a life of mindfulness of the here and now.
Contemplation and action are two distinct poles of the human spiritual life, but there have been many models for understanding their relationship. One view sees them as contrasting lifestyles (analogized as Martha and Mary: Martha being busy, and Mary choosing "the better part," sitting at the feet of Jesus). A second approach sees contemplation as merely the prelude to the "true Christian life" of action (like getting a good night's sleep before a busy day). A third approach has been to talk about "contemplation in action," almost superimposing contemplation onto an already-self-subsisting life of action.
Dr. Shirley maintains that contemplation and action, while distinct poles are never separate realms. Rather, they mutually indwell each other: contemplation contains the seed of action, and action always contains a seed of contemplation. This relationship of mutual indwelling mirrors (even participates in) the relationship among the "Persons" of the Trinity, and thus give some idea of what it means to be created in the Image of God.
April 2008: Cynthia Clawson
--CANCELLED--Friday, April 4 from Noon-1:30 pm
Gospel singer Cynthia Clawson will show how she uses music and theatrical arts to communicate eternal truths when St. Martin's hosts its fourth Sanctuary for Sanity Luncheon on April 4. Called "the most awesome voice in gospel music" by Billboard Magazine, Clawson has received a GRAMMY and five Dove Awards for her work.
Clawson was three years old when her father first asked her to sing in the small church where he served as pastor. Since then, she has reached millions of people throughout the world with her music, including London's Wembley Stadium.
While never considered a southern gospel singer by critics and fans, Clawson has been a frequent guest on Bill and Gloria Gaither's Homecoming series.
Throughout her career, Cynthia has continued to push beyond the boundaries of traditional gospel music. Her rendition of Softly and Tenderly set the evocative tone for the soundtrack of the Academy Award winning movie The Trip to Bountiful. In 1998, she recorded a cast album of gospel songs for a revival of the musical Smoke on the Mountain, which opened at the Lambs Theatre in New York City.
For over a decade, Cynthia has been a guest artist for Conspirare, a group recognized as the preeminent a cappella choral ensemble in the country. She has performed with this professional choir, under the direction of Craig Hella Johnson, in their annual Christmas at the Carillon event to full-house audiences each year.
Gospel singer Cynthia Clawson will show how she uses music and theatrical arts to communicate eternal truths when St. Martin's hosts its fourth Sanctuary for Sanity Luncheon on April 4. Called "the most awesome voice in gospel music" by Billboard Magazine, Clawson has received a GRAMMY and five Dove Awards for her work.
Clawson was three years old when her father first asked her to sing in the small church where he served as pastor. Since then, she has reached millions of people throughout the world with her music, including London's Wembley Stadium.
While never considered a southern gospel singer by critics and fans, Clawson has been a frequent guest on Bill and Gloria Gaither's Homecoming series.
Throughout her career, Cynthia has continued to push beyond the boundaries of traditional gospel music. Her rendition of Softly and Tenderly set the evocative tone for the soundtrack of the Academy Award winning movie The Trip to Bountiful. In 1998, she recorded a cast album of gospel songs for a revival of the musical Smoke on the Mountain, which opened at the Lambs Theatre in New York City.
For over a decade, Cynthia has been a guest artist for Conspirare, a group recognized as the preeminent a cappella choral ensemble in the country. She has performed with this professional choir, under the direction of Craig Hella Johnson, in their annual Christmas at the Carillon event to full-house audiences each year.
March 2008: Starting the Journey from Success to Significance
Friday, March 7. Former chip designer Chas Studor will talk about why he gave up globe-trotting travel to stay at home with his twin sons and work in the nonprofit sector. Studor was a design manager at Freescale before deciding in 2005 to dramatically change the direction of his career.
After a couple of years of mentoring by Dick Rathgeber, Studor decided in 2005 to leave his job at Freescale, the 4th largest semiconductor maker in the U.S. He was the global chip design manager of a $1 billion division, responsible for eight design centers around the world and frequently traveling internationally. He wanted to become more significant in the lives of his then 7-year-old sons and in the community-at-large.
Over the past two years as board president, Studor has helped turn around St. Martin's Lutheran School, a preschool and kindergarten that serves 160 children.
As a member of the board of Austin Helps Honduras, he worked out an agreement with the Honduran Red Cross to build an elementary school in Honduras. After raising the money needed, Studor managed the construction, and the school now serves more than 200 children in central Honduras.
In 2005 Studor joined the board of directors of the Austin Children's Shelter, and in 2007 was elected chairman. The shelter will hold a ground-breaking ceremony for its new $13 million campus at the Rathgeber Village at the east end of the Mueller Airport redevelopment community.
In addition, he is an active member of the advisory board of The Salvation Army.
Most importantly, he has the time to become more significant with his family, and is grateful for the support of his wife, Robin Melvin.
After a couple of years of mentoring by Dick Rathgeber, Studor decided in 2005 to leave his job at Freescale, the 4th largest semiconductor maker in the U.S. He was the global chip design manager of a $1 billion division, responsible for eight design centers around the world and frequently traveling internationally. He wanted to become more significant in the lives of his then 7-year-old sons and in the community-at-large.
Over the past two years as board president, Studor has helped turn around St. Martin's Lutheran School, a preschool and kindergarten that serves 160 children.
As a member of the board of Austin Helps Honduras, he worked out an agreement with the Honduran Red Cross to build an elementary school in Honduras. After raising the money needed, Studor managed the construction, and the school now serves more than 200 children in central Honduras.
In 2005 Studor joined the board of directors of the Austin Children's Shelter, and in 2007 was elected chairman. The shelter will hold a ground-breaking ceremony for its new $13 million campus at the Rathgeber Village at the east end of the Mueller Airport redevelopment community.
In addition, he is an active member of the advisory board of The Salvation Army.
Most importantly, he has the time to become more significant with his family, and is grateful for the support of his wife, Robin Melvin.
February 2008: Maximizing Philanthropic ROI
Friday, February 1. Prominent philanthropist and real estate developer Dick Rathgeber talked about "Maximizing Philanthropic ROI" (return on investment). Rathgeber is writing a book about how he links his business endeavors to charitable projects.
Rathgeber is the son of a Lutheran minister and an outspoken individual who believes philanthropy benefits from entrepreneurial spirit. He has donated millions of dollars to the Austin Children's Shelter, Salvation Army, People's Community Clinic, Boy Scouts, Meals on Wheels, Seton League House and other groups in Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Louisiana.
Rathgeber believes that "people spend the first half of their life trying to be successful, and the second half trying to be significant." He expounded on that view at the luncheon.
Dick Rathgeber is one of the most generous philanthropists in Central Texas; he and his wife, Sara, were named "Outstanding Philanthropists of the Year" for 2007 by the Association of Fundraising Professionals
Rathgeber is the son of a Lutheran minister and an outspoken individual who believes philanthropy benefits from entrepreneurial spirit. He has donated millions of dollars to the Austin Children's Shelter, Salvation Army, People's Community Clinic, Boy Scouts, Meals on Wheels, Seton League House and other groups in Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Louisiana.
Rathgeber believes that "people spend the first half of their life trying to be successful, and the second half trying to be significant." He expounded on that view at the luncheon.
Dick Rathgeber is one of the most generous philanthropists in Central Texas; he and his wife, Sara, were named "Outstanding Philanthropists of the Year" for 2007 by the Association of Fundraising Professionals
December 2007: Finance to Philanthropy
At St. Martin's "first" First Friday on December 7, civic leader, prominent businessman, and book author Earl Maxwell talked about his move to the philanthropic world from the largest independent accounting firm in Austin. In November, Maxwell took over as CEO of St. David's Community Health Foundation, a nonprofit that works to increase access to health care for all Central Texans. Before that, Maxwell was leading partner at Maxwell Locke & Ritter.
Maxwell shared the story of his transition from the for-profit sector to the not-for-profit sector. St. David's Community Health Foundation invests millions of dollars a year in care for the uninsured in St. David's hospitals; in grants and programs for primary, mental and dental health care; and in programs serving the elderly.
Maxwell has served as chairman of the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and on various community boards, including the International Center of Austin, Seton Cove, and St. David's Community Health Foundation.
Maxwell urged accounting and other firms to open their books to employees as a way of flattening hierarchical management in his book "Service, Prosperity and Sanity; Positioning the Professional Service Firm for the Future."
Maxwell shared the story of his transition from the for-profit sector to the not-for-profit sector. St. David's Community Health Foundation invests millions of dollars a year in care for the uninsured in St. David's hospitals; in grants and programs for primary, mental and dental health care; and in programs serving the elderly.
Maxwell has served as chairman of the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and on various community boards, including the International Center of Austin, Seton Cove, and St. David's Community Health Foundation.
Maxwell urged accounting and other firms to open their books to employees as a way of flattening hierarchical management in his book "Service, Prosperity and Sanity; Positioning the Professional Service Firm for the Future."
