Minnesota Recovery Connection
253 State Street, St. Paul, MN. 55107
p: 651-233-2080| f: 651-294-8949Events
If you have an event that you would like us to promote, please contact Julia Parnell at julia@minnesotarecovery.org.
THE JOURNEY OF FORGIVENESS: DESTINATION PEACE
"Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies." ~ Nelson Mandela
Are you holding on to resentment?
- Is there someone who owes you an apology?
- Is there someone who has treated you poorly who you are still angry at?
- Is there someone who still deserves punishment or justice?
- Are there situations that you still feel angry about?
- Do you have feelings of guilt or shame over something you’ve done?
Azim Khamisa became a peace activist after his 20-year-old son Tariq was senselessly murdered while delivering pizzas in January 1995 by Tony Hicks, a 14-year-old gang member. Out of unspeakable grief and despair, he was inspired to transform his loss through the miraculous power of forgiveness. Believing that there were “victims at both ends of the gun,” Azim forgave Tony and became a mentor and father figure to him, and has committing his life to halting the continuing cycle of violence among the youth.
Come experience the power of forgiveness and learn the process Azim used to heal his pain.
Date: Friday, May 17 (eve) through Sunday, May 19, 2013
Location: Private Home of Cheryl Kempton 1397 Lincoln Ave, St Paul, MN
FIND OUT MORE AT CherylKempton.com
Grilling, Games & AA Meetings
May 18, 2013
4:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Highland Park Pavilion
1220 Montreal Ave
St. Paul, MN 55116
Presented by Minnesota Young People in Alcoholics Anonymous
Grilling, games and marathon AA meetings begin at 4:30 pm. There will be a disc golf course, a playground area, a badminton tournament and MORE!AA Speaker Meeting begins at 7:30 pm
Rain or Shine! (The pavilion has closing doors and a full kitchen)Contact for more info:
Paul L. 504-251-0046
Katy C. 651-442-7813
saintpaul.mnypaa@live.com
$5 Suggested Donation to eat + play tourney
$2 Suggested Donation just to play tourney
MRC Recovery Book Club
The book we will be reading for our next Recovery Book Club meeting on May 28, is
F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel The Great Gatsby.
If you haven't met with us yet, please know you can join in at anytime!
Everyone is welcome!
"In 1922, F. Scott Fitzgerald announced his decision to write 'something new--something extraordinary and beautiful and simple + intricately patterned.' That extraordinary, beautiful, intricately patterned, and above all, simple novel becameThe Great Gatsby, arguably Fitzgerald's finest work and certainly the book for which he is best known. A portrait of the Jazz Age in all of its decadence and excess, Gatsbycaptured the spirit of the author's generation and earned itself a permanent place in American mythology. Self-made, self-invented millionaire Jay Gatsby embodies some of Fitzgerald's--and his country's--most abiding obsessions: money, ambition, greed, and the promise of new beginnings. 'Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgiastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that's no matter--tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther.... And one fine morning--' Gatsby's rise to glory and eventual fall from grace becomes a kind of cautionary tale about the American Dream."
Our next Recovery Book Club meeting, to discuss The Great Gatsby, will be on Tuesday, May 28, at 6:00 pm. Join us downstairs at Claddagh Coffee, which is located at 459 West 7th Street in St. Paul.
Please bring your suggestions to help choose our next book!
Happy reading!
For more information contact Julia Parnell 651-233-2080 or julia@minnesotarecovery.org
Financial Survival Seminar
Saturday, June 11:00 - 4:00 PM
Are you facing a financial crisis?Are you currently unemployed? You are not alone. This seminar is designed to help you navigate the many financial issues you may be facing
We will discuss how to:
- set priorities
- reduce expenses
- become proactive
- talk to your creditors about your debt
- obtain needed services such as medical or dental care
- find free or low cost product
- make your dollar stretch
This seminar is free, handicap accessible, near a bus route and offers free parking. Please RSVP by calling Deb at 651-291-1371, ext. 3,
or email: therecoverychurch@gmail.com
The Recovery Church, Minnesota Recovery Connection,
and Hazelden present:
Spring Recovery Speaker Series!
The Recovery Church
253 State St
St. Paul, MN 55107
June 4, 2013
Fred Holmquist, Director The Lodge at Hazelden
"We React to the Present as Though it's the Past: A Key to Understanding Sober Suffering"
". . . defective relations with other human beings have nearly always been the immediate cause of our woes, including
our alcoholism . . ." This quote from Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions takes on deeper meaning the more we pay
attention to our emotional reactions day to day. Join Fred for an in-depth discussion of the connection between our
early stories and the over-reliance on self we face even in sobriety.
The Recovery Speaker Series is a free event.
For more information, please contact
Julia Parnell at 651-233-2080 or julia@minnesotarecovery.org.
XWINOS Minn MC TURKEY ROAST 35th Annual
June7-9 2013 at Serenity Shores
20060 Maxwill Ave N
Marine on the St Croix MN 55047
A Summer Book Signing Event
With Mary Hayes Grieco
A beloved perennial book returns as The New Kitchen Mystic is released just in time to be your favorite summer read! Join us for a delightful evening with Mary Hayes Grieco as Mary reads from her new collection of essays and leads us in a lively discussion and the sharing of uplifting fel-lowship. Her books will be available for purchase and signing.
Date: Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Time: 7—8 PM Presentation
8—9 PM Book signing
Location: The Retreat
1221 Wayzata Blvd. E., Wayzata, MN
Fee: Free
Sponsor: The Retreat
A WORKSHOP ON Nutrition in Recovery
Are you working your recovery program, but often feel irritable andlow energy without your morning muffin or afternoon cookie?
Do you have mood swings and cravings that override your desire to eat
a healthy diet in recovery?
Are you looking for simple and easy ways to incorporate recovery nutrition in your life?
We get it! Come find out:
JULY 18: Part 1
- All about the addiction-nutrition connection and how eating certain foods can either power you into sustained, healthy recovery or make your recovery life a drag!
- Key health issues lurking that you need to address to heal your brain and body
- Top foods and supplements for balanced moods and energy, and easy, delicious ways to get them into your diet
- Understand why you are so attracted to foods like sugar and caffeine, and how to lessen their hold on you
- How to satisfy your sweet tooth with delicious natural foods and sweeteners that won’t sabotage your moods and energy
- What your cravings might REALLY be trying to tell you, and tips for reducing them naturally
In both classes we will prepare (and sample!) foods for healing your brain and body, keeping your energy up and your cravings down. Participants will also receive recipes and handouts packed with recovery nutrition information to take home each evening.
There is no fee, but RSVP is required.
To RSVP, contact Julia Parnell at MRC at
651-233-2080 or email julia@minnesotarecovery.org
“Forgiveness: Pathway to Freedom and Fulfillment”
Weekend Retreat with Mary Hayes Grieco
Friday, July 26 – Sunday, July 28, 2013
(Check-In 4:00 p.m. Friday – Check-Out 2:00 p.m. Sunday)
Forgiveness is one of the central tasks of recovery. It provides a vibrant spiritual journey to personal freedom and fulfillment. But how do we let go of the pain from the past or disappointment about certain things in the present? There is a simple, step-by-step way of healing our wounds and disappointments through the experience of forgiveness. This method is based in wholistic psychology and universal spiritual principles. It is compatible with the Twelve Steps and with different faith traditions, as well as for spiritual people who are not affiliated with any specific church or program. Everyone who attends will get a chance to forgive themselves and someone else, in a confidential environment.
Ongoing Events
A Call to Artists
clean IV: the landscape of recovery
This September, Your Art’s Desire Gallery of Art and Framing marks their fourth year of celebrating National Recovery Month with yet another reprise of their clean show. This year’s theme will be “the landscape of recovery.”
We are looking for artists who have been affected by drug or alcohol addiction, who are connected with the recovery community, how ever they define it, and are actively working towards recovery in their life. This is a juried show and we are asking interested artists to create and submit for review, work(s) that specifically explores this year’s theme of
“the landscape of recovery.” (This is not limited to the addicts’ experience; people who love someone who has struggled with addiction are also encouraged to submit work.)
For consideration please email no more than 3 images (jpegs) to: mail@yourartsdesiremtka.com or if you prefer you may submit a CD of images to: Your Art’s Desire 12928 Minnetonka Blvd, Minnetonka, MN 55305. Please be sure to include contact information, dimensions of the artwork and medium.
Show runs September 1 - September 30, 2013
- Opening Reception is scheduled for Sat. September 7, 2013 6:30 – 10pm
- All submissions must be to us by Sat. July 27, 2013 (be sure to include name and contact information)
- The selected artists will be notified by Sat. Aug 3, 2013
**All artwork must be completed and in the gallery by noon on Monday, August 19, 2013
Any questions? Email at mail@yourartsdesiremtka.com
or phone 952-988-9772
Open AA Meeting & Sober Dance
First Friday of the month:
| February 1 | June 7 | October 4 |
| March 1 | July 5 | November 1 |
| April 5 | August 2 | December 6 |
| May 3 | September 6 |
You are invited to join the Windriders Group for this Open AA meeting from 7:30 – 8:30 PM, followed by a Sober Dance from 8:30 – 11:30 PM featuring a live band.
Cost is $6 per person (volunteer scholarships available if requested in advance). Food and beverages will be available.
Proceeds will be donated to the Recovery Church.
Contact Deborah S. at 651-226-8973 or metoyoufriend@gmail.com;
or Karla M. at 651-285-7195 for further information.
Exploring 12 Step Spirituality
2nd Saturday of each month
October 2012 - May 2013
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Colonial Church of Edina
6200 Colonial Way
Edina, MN 55436
This new workshop series is for those active in 12 Step programs and those wanting to explore and deepen their spirituality through meditation.
Held on the second Saturday morning of each month from 9 am - noon at the Colonial Church of Edina, Gathering Room 2.
Each workshop includes:
- Centering Prayer Meditation Instruction
- Two 20-Minute Sessions of Silence
- Readings from the Big Book
- Teaching on 12 Step Spirituality and Impediments to It
- Testimonials
- Group Discussions
Please visit please visit http://12StepSpirituality.org for more information about their workshops and for directions to the church.
"Recovery Yoga - 12 Steps on the Mat" with Amanda Whisner
Sundays 5:30-7:00pm
Donation only
River Garden Yoga Center
455 W. 7th St. Saint Paul, Mn. 55102
www.rivergardenyoga.com
Learn to embody your recovery through yoga. Addictions, co-dependency, and disordered eating can rob us of our creativity, our freedom, and our loved ones. Yoga can help us reclaim our bodies and our lives. By helping us cultivate greater self-awareness and compassion for ourselves and others, yoga can help us heal.
Recovery Yoga classes will incorporate an hour of gently flowing hatha yoga including pranayama (breath work) and a series of asanas (poses) to build strength, flexibility and awareness. Each class will focus on a theme or topic based in the 12 Steps and may include readings, partner work, chanting and discussion. Finally, Recovery Yoga classes will end with a half an hour of calming the mind and relaxing the body with restorative yoga and meditation. Come prepared to open your mind and open your heart as we explore the twelve steps on the mat and learn to take our yoga practice and recovery into our every day lives.
Recovery Yoga at River Garden Yoga Center
Life Beyond Addiction with Caitlin C.
Sundays, 5:30-6:45pm
12 Step Recovery Yoga with Suzula B.
Fridays, 3:00-4:00pm
Recovery is more than just abstinence. Recovery is a lifelong process of healing, transformation, and growth. Regardless of how addiction manifested in our lives, we were trapped in a cycle of spiritual disconnection, mental obsession, and physical compulsion. We emerged from active addiction beaten, wounded, and unwell, only to discover that the problem wasn't outside; it is inside ourselves.
Yoga and meditation can be powerful tools in any recovery program. The instructors invite you to come by the studio and see what we have to offer. Everyone is welcome, and classes are accessible to first-time yogis and advanced practitioners alike.
A WEEKLY MEETING FOR KIDS AGE 7—12 YEARS OLD GROWING UP IN ADDICTED FAMILIES HAPPENING EACH SUNDAY AT THE RETREAT!
KIDS CAN EXPECT TO:
- Learn about addiction and its effects on them.
- Experience that they are not alone.
- Learn that it’s not their fault, and that there is help.
- Have some time to just be a kid!
Date: Every Sunday in the Men’s Chapel at The Retreat
Time: 1:00—2:00 PM
Ages: 7—12 Years Old
Location: The Retreat
1221 Wayzata Blvd. E., Wayzata, MN 55439
Fee: FREE!
Hazelden's Second Sunday Retreats
Every second Sunday of the month everyone in recovery is invited to come to Hazelden in Center City, MN for an inspirational day of workshops, fellowship, sharing and fun.
Second Sunday is open to anyone 18 years or older involved in a Twelve Step program.
Cost to attend is $20 per person and the day includes a buffet lunch and information packet.
- 9 a.m. -- Register at the Cork Center
- 9 a.m. -- Introductions and orientation to the day
- 10-11 a.m. -- Lecture at Bigelow Auditorium (the lecture will be the theme for group discussions.)
- 10:30 - 12:45 -- Small group discussions
- 12:45 - 1:30 p.m. -- Sunday buffet
- 1:45 p.m. -- Small group discussions or Meditation group
- 2:55 p.m. -- Relaxation group, Room 117 of the Cork Center
- The day wraps up at 3:30 p.m.
View the calender of presenters here:
Yoga for Addiction Recovery (Colleen Dooley)
Leaning into yoga as a way to enhance addiction recovery, Colleen will guide you in learning to embrace yogic strategies of asana (physical postures), pranayama (breathing practices) and meditation to support participants growing emotional stability, physical vibrancy and mental insight.
While ridding ourselves of the substance or addictive behavior is the first step, we are often left struggling with the question of how do we get the most out of our experiences and learn to enjoy the richness and emotional vibrancy, uncertainty, and change that life has to offer. As recovering addicts, we don't want to miss a moment of it.
Each month we will focus a particular theme and set of practices to deepen our understanding of what it means to be in recovery. The class is intended to be a positive addition to the participant's recovery program.
Tuesdays 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
*Donations only
www.rivergardenyoga.com
Connecting Resources Together
Job Club At: Woodland Hills Church, Maplewood, MNThe format of this job club is to address a specific topic each night that will help job seekers fine-tune their strategies for finding their next job.
Steps-to-Success Employment Readiness Program
You will receive:
- A Job-Search Workbook
- Updated Job Search Strategies
- Interview Assistance
- Advice from Guest Speakers
- A Professional Resume
- Assistance with Tracking Down Job Leads
- Network of Professional Contacts and Fellow Job Seekers
- One-on-One Attention, Small Class Sizes
- Access to Other Job Search Workshops!
Upcoming SPRING Courses in 2013:
MARCH SESSION INFORMATION
Every Monday and Wednesday March 11 - 20
For 2 weeks from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
(Class Dates: March 11, 13, 18, 20)
APRIL SESSION INFORMATION
Every Tuesday and Wednesday April 9 – 17
For 2 weeks from 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
(Class Dates: April 9, 10, 16, 17)
MAY SESSION INFORMATION
Every Wednesday and Thursday May 8 – 16
For 2 weeks from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
(Class Dates: May 8, 9, 15, 16)
Location: Amherst H. Wilder Foundation
451 Lexington Parkway N, St. Paul, MN 55104
Courses will fill up fast! First come, first serve basis. If you
are interested, you must reserve a spot. And once you do,
we expect you to be there.
Take advantage of this free opportunity by calling
Laura Birdsong (651) 280-2375 to sign up today!
learn more
Support the work of Minnesota Recovery Connection.
For additional recovery-related events in the Twin Cities Metro Area visit InRecovery.co's event listings
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