The Stories Workshop
Churches

	What is it all about? The Stories Workshop is a fun, entertaining and practical program to enhance the way congregations and ministry groups listen to each other and care for each other's needs. It uses the medium of life-stories and the story-songs of Michael Kelly Blanchard. Many times, people within the same congregation or parish don't really know each other. At other times, groups of ministry professionals simply need a time of refreshment. We all have stories to tell. Within "story-pods" Christian community happens naturally as participants share the memories and feelings of real life. The Stories Workshop is a flexible and proven vehicle to help unite your congregation or ministry group in closer Christian community. About the leaders Michael Kelly Blanchard is a singer/songwriter/storyteller who travels nationally. His signature song, "Be Ye Glad", as well as many other songs, has been recorded by other artists, including Noel Paul Stookey of Peter, Paul and Mary. David Blauw, MS, M.Div., is a Board Certified Chaplain and involved in teaching group dynamics and listening skills. Together, they use story, music and group facilitation to help groups come to see the power of being real and supportive of one another. Churches and church leaders tell us that The Stories Workshop has been a great community building tool, increasing sense of belonging and commitment to the work and mission of the church.		Who benefits? The Stories Workshop can become your program for a church retreat or seminar. It can become part of a larger self-study process or be a stand alone community event. The Stories Workshop can be of benefit in: Parish-wide Presentations Men's or Women's Programming Young Adult Ministries Diocesan Gatherings orTraining Programs Church Leadership Training Campus Chaplaincy Programming Seminary Staff or Student Body Group-building Military Chaplains Programming State, Regional orNational Chaplain's Meetings Parish Nurse Training Other Educational or Group-building Programming Is it cost-effective? Our scheduling approach means we often conduct multiple presentations in a given geographic region. This cuts travel costs. Sometimes a "benefactor" helps with expenses or matches registration fees. A public concert by Michael Kelly Blanchard could produce revenue through ticket sales and help support the workshop. There are many options to help The Stories Workshop become affordable and do-able, even in small congregations or groups with limited budgets. Can it be customized? Yes. The Stories Workshop has been presented in a wide variety of settings. We are committed to working closely with you to meet your programming needs. Our desire is to exceed your expectations!
	What people are saying about The Stories Workshop
	"Michael Blanchard is that rare kind of singer/songwriter who is brilliant at both. His songs are full of poetry and insight, gentle humor and profound theological wisdom, compassion and truth. And he performs them with a humble, self-effacing warmth, as well as effortless mastery of piano and guitar, that lets the songs go straight to the heart.    In concert, his music gave me a powerful vision of the beauty of God's love, and made me wish even more people from the community had been present to share it and be won over by it. In the context of The Stories Workshop, along with David Blauw's well-planned and graceful leadership, Michael's songs became even more meaningful by helping us open our hearts to each other, and to God in each other. Altogether, the workshop gave our church not just tools for helping relationships and an experience of fellowship, but a real way forward in life together through moment-by-moment listening for the Holy Spirit in our lives." Curtis Gruenler, Assistant Professor of English, Hope College		"At last God's love expressed thoughtfully with both joy and tender concern. Michael Blanchard is a writer/singer/spokesman for the Christian faith in such a way that it conjures up an image of C.S. Lewis with a guitar and a virtuoso at that!" Noel Paul Stookey, Peter, Paul and Mary "The Stories Workshop was absolutely wonderful. We came away with new skills for listening and caring. We realized a new appreciation for the life stories of people in our faith community, and we had a lot of fun. What more could you ask of a Saturday morning!" Loretta Smith, Holland, MI
	The Stories Workshop ...Because we all have a story to tell.
	How do we get started? We'd love to hear from you! To obtain more information about The Stories Workshop call our number below to speak with us directly. Your email inquiry is also always welcomed. We look forward to exploring options and learning how we can be of service to your group or organization!		Contact us! The Stories Workshop 121 West Avon Road Unionville, CT 06085 Phone & Fax: (860) 673-5100 Email: michaelkellyblanchard@comcast.net

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