Mark Scandrette

PLAY: An experiment in child-like wonder. Each year for two months we explore and experiment with how to integrate the Maker’s story with the stories of our lives through creative practices. This year we are using PLAY as our theme. Jesus once made the compelling statement: “…unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

We were once full of wonder, curiosity, simple joy and innocent trust. How can we reclaim these qualities to enter more fully into God’s reality? We will also grapple with the statement, “Anyone who welcomes this child, welcomes me.” When we pay attention to and make space for children, we are welcoming God into our lives. In this learning lab we hope to integrate kids of all ages and take steps together to care for at-risk kids in our city. The whole project will culminate with a family friendly art event on Saturday October 30th.

Over the years we’ve discovered that creative exercises help us integrate the reality of God’s care into the details of our lives. Cultivating artistic expression also helps us communicate our hope through Jesus to a culture that explores and expresses meaning through the arts.

If you live in the Bay Area, consider participating. You can sign up and get more information here:

Dressing up is so much fun. If you live in the San Francisco Bay area, consider joining us for this fun interactive evening.

For more details and to R.S.V.P. click here.

September 7th, 2010 7-9 P.M.

Alamo Square (South entrance at Hayes & Pierce)

We are a community of people chasing down the question, “What does it mean for us to follow the way of Jesus in our time and place?” In this interactive event we explore core themes and moments from the life of Jesus that inspire our experiments, tribes and vows. Lead by various participants.

This evening is a kick-off for our 2010-11 offerings. If you are part of a ReIMAGINE Tribe or are curious about joining our upcoming experiments and community life, this is a great opportunity to engage our story and community.

At this event we are literally “entering the story.” Come dressed as your favorite character from the life of Jesus.

Please plan to arrive on-time and dress warm in a Galilean way.

Light 1st century refreshments provided.

We will meet just inside the South entrance of Alamo Square.

Tuesdays September 21-October 12 7-9 P.M.

(concluding art event on October 30th)

Register here.

“…unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

The master invites us to enter the kingdom of love like little children, and to welcome other kids with open arms. Living in a city where children are relatively scarce, it’s easy to forget what it is like to be a child: Innocence. Wonder. Imagination. Trust.Curiosity. Though easily lost, these qualities can awaken us to the care of our creator and empower us for creative action. In this four-week Learning Lab (including families with young children) we will explore the metaphor of child-like faith through creative exercises, group discussion and opportunities to serve at-risk kids. Each session will explore one of four core themes:

• Reclaiming a sense of wonder–experiencing God through your five senses.
• Living in your story– cultivating an imagination for how your life is God-bathed.
• Facing your fears and shadows– stepping into the light of destiny.
• Renewing your sense of risk and playfulness– embracing your role as a co-creator.

Many of us live with a certain degree of dissonance between our beliefs and our lived experiences. The goal of this Learning Lab is to help one other connect the divine story with the stories of our lives through shared practices, which will include:

• Daily journaling Keeping
• Reflections on scripture
• Group “play” activities (building, making, tasting, pretending, etc).
• Weekly “play” homework exercises, (including writing your own children’s story book).
• Opportunities to volunteer with at-risk kids in our city (on a Saturday)
• A fundraising public arts event (October 30th) to benefit organizations serving children.

Exploring the hidden story of your life
January 12-February 16, 7-9:00 P.M.
$60-$150 Sliding Scale (Scholarships available upon request)

Awakening Creativity, one of our most popular offerings, begins on January 12th. This is a great Learning Lab for people wanting to make a new start in 2010.

Every culture reflects a collective longing for God’s kingdom. In our region, many people express this through a desire to be more creative and to live more artfully.

In one of the exercises for Awakening Creativity we invite one another to explore the brokenness or “shadows” that keep each of us from living more fully as God’s beloved. We ask each person to come prepared to be photographed with props or a costume symbolizing their “shadow.” Last year Dave, a large burley man, came to the “photo shoot” wearing small shorts and a tiny t-shirt. He huddled under the camera looking like a scared little boy. When viewing the photograph later in group he explained, “Inside I feel small and afraid. Fear keeps me from living more fully into God’s dream for my life.” Laura arrived at the photo shoot wearing spectacles and toting a film projector. For her shadow portrait she posed as a film critic, chomping on a pencil and taking notes furiously. Later she explained, “I tend to look at myself with a very critical eye. I try so hard to avoid making mistakes that I’m afraid I’m not really living.”

Created to be creative. Come explore what this means.

Final public performance/art event, Friday February 19th 7-10 P.M.

Do you aspire to be more creative in 2010? Since ancient times spiritual seekers have expressed their questions and longings through poetry, art and song. Jesus invited his listeners to repent, reimagine or dream up their whole lives again. Many have observed the vital link between imagination, creativity and spiritual transformation. This six-week Learning Lab will help participants integrate creativity, personal narrative and theology through individual and group exercises. A final group show featuring the work of participants will occur on Friday February 19, 7-10 P.M. 

Participants will:

Learn to use daily journal keeping, a weekly walk and creative adventure as tools for transformation

Study the life and teachings of Christ as an archetype for creative living.

Explore personal narrative through artistic mediums (including poetry, dance, prose, music, sculpture, photography, drawing and painting).

Discuss process and discoveries through small group encounter.

Create a compilation book from weekly exercises for display at an art event called: SECRETS, STORIES & CURIOSITIES on February 19th, 2010.

COST: $60-$150 sliding scale (Includes curriculum, art materials, facility use and final reception costs) Scholarships available upon request. Contact info@reimagine.org.

Bay Area people,

If you have been curious about ReIMAGINE and how you can get involved, join us for a casual party with drinks and light faire next Thursday September 10th from 7-9 p.m. Meet some of the people involved and hear a bit about our approach to community and spiritual development.  Let us know you are coming by signing up at: http://enterthejesusdojo.eventbrite.com/