Personal Growth and Healing
Beyond the Emerald City: Praying with The Wizard of Oz
CINDY GARIS
Feb 24-26, 2012
Fri 6:30 dinner thru Sun lunch
Program $335
“Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas any more.”
– Dorothy, The Wizard of Oz
“The journey is essential to the dream.”
– St. Francis of Assisi
PLAY AND PRAY WITH OTHERS as we journey
beyond the Emerald City and go behind the
curtain, as we follow the yellow brick road of
our souls to draw personally closer to God. This
retreat time will draw on themes from L. Frank
Baum’s children’s classic, The Wonderful Wizard
of Oz and the 1939 iconic film it inspired, The
Wizard of Oz.
Participants will be invited to times of personal
and corporate prayer, and will take home personal
prayer exercises. Our time together will weave
scripture and practices (like guided imagery,
lectio divina, contemplative prayer, and Ignatian
prayer of daily examen) along with themes like:
“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” – praying our
dreams
“Now I know we are not in Kansas” – praying our
alienation
“Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!” – praying our
fears
“If I only had a Brain” – praying our needs
“Wicked witches and flying monkeys” – praying our
obstacles and adversaries
“Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.”
– praying our identity
“There’s No Place Like Home” – praying our belonging
In preparation, participants are invited to watch
the 1939 movie The Wizard of Oz and read the
original L. Frank Baum book, The Wonderful
Wizard of Oz (first published 1900, can be found
at many libraries or read on-line at http://www.
goodreads.com/)
Part of the Wild Goose Track at Kirkridge, with
its connection to the Iona Community and commitment
to living the Rule of Iona, this retreat
emphasizes the rule of growth in personal spirituality,
daily prayer and Bible reading.
Besides being a lover of The Wizard of Oz since
her childhood, Rev. Cindy Garis serves as the Executive
Director for Oasis Ministries for Spiritual
Development (www.oasismin.org). Through spiritual
direction, retreat leadership and her work
with Oasis, Cindy lives out her call to ministry,
encouraging all to a deepening spiritual life.
For more information please visit the website.