Red Thread Circles
The Red Thread Circle is a series of online book exploration gatherings inspired by the global symbol of the red thread, which embodies connection, protection, and blessing. These book exploration offerings provide a space for transformation, connection, and education through deep listening and relevant discussions.
Rooted in the belief that we are all connected by an invisible red thread from birth, this gathering invites participants to read and explore wisdom literature in a shared circle of spiritual seekers.
Facilitated by Chris Flynn (bio below), we dive into a selection of books throughout the year. Each offering includes both morning and evening group options to accommodate different schedules, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to participate.
Open to all, these sessions foster a welcoming environment for exploration, discussion, and connection as we journey through each book together.
Upcoming Book Studies & Offerings
The Holy Mysteries of Advent ~ Listen as the Stillness Calls
Tune into Nature as all Creation Waits for the Coming of the Light
Four Sundays: December 1 / 8 / 15 / 22
Time: 10:00 to 11:30 AM
Cost: $55 for the series
You are warmly invited to join us for the four Sundays of Advent, leading us towards the Birth of Light. We will explore the insights and gifts from the Natural World as we light a candle each Sunday. Our Advent wreath symbolizes our personal waiting experience from the darkness to the Light. Week by week, the candles remind us that fear and hopelessness recede as more warmth enters the world. The flame of each new candle reminds us that more is yet to come.
Each week will consist of a Candle lighting meditation, a Wisdom story from our forest friends, a time to write, and a time to share our insights.
Suggestion: bring a pen and paper, create your own Advent wreath.
Inspiration for this series is from the book “All Creation Waits – The Advent Mystery of New Beginnings” by Gayle Boss.
A Midwinter God: Encountering the Divine in Seasons of Darkness
Thursdays, beginning January 9th (8 weeks)
Two groups: 11am-12:30pm and 6:30-8pm
Cost: $109 for the series
Autumn and winter hold essential rhythms for both the natural world and our own well-being. These seasons invite us to release and surrender, to embrace the deepening darkness and slow our pace. Though the darkness may feel unsettling, it is also a time of quiet transformation, where wisdom is slowly born from within. Guided by Paintner, we can approach this midwinter journey with tender courage, finding in it the path to a wholeness filled with hope.
She invites us to move beyond fear of the darkness and instead befriend the unknown, trusting in ourselves and the assurance that we are never alone. In doing so, we deepen our connection with our truest selves, with God, and with one another. Each chapter offers a thematic focus along with a biblical scripture reflection, a meditation, options for creative expression, and journaling prompts. For those using the material in small groups, additional poetic reflections are provided at the end of each chapter.
It’s Never too Late to Begin Again
Mondays beginning January 13th (12 weeks)
Two groups: 11am-12:30pm and 6:30-8pm
Cost: $145 for the series
Are you ready to embark on your Second Act? This 12-week course, adapted from The Artist’s Way for those over 60, is designed for retirees and seniors seeking to reignite old dreams and explore new possibilities. It provides a reflective space to look back on your life, uncover what you want to do next, and guide you through the process of reinvention with fresh perspective and wisdom.
The course offers hands-on tools such as memoir writing to honor past experiences, morning pages to focus your thoughts, artist dates to spark fun and spontaneity, and solo walks to clear the mind and ease anxieties. With each step, you’ll find clarity, creativity, and renewed purpose. Whether you’re newly retired or just thinking about what’s next, this course reminds you that it’s never too late to begin again.
Chris Flynn
Chris has been facilitating heart-centered groups for over 50 years. She creates Sacred Spaces where folks feel safe and comfortable expressing and sharing what’s in their hearts and minds.
Chris was ordained with a Master in Ministry of Spiritual Counseling and is a certified grief counselor. She formed and facilitated Conscious Connections Community, a singles ministry, for 20 years. She went on to work with both Hospice and Suicide Prevention, facilitating groups and trainings. Currently she loves facilitating book study groups for the Christine Center.
Chris lives in the California Redwoods with her husband. Eight years ago, while visiting her Wisconsin relatives, she discovered the Christine Center and immediately found her spiritual home. She has attended many of the Christine Center’s virtual classes, the weekly Tao group, plus, last year she attended in person, The Tao in the Summer. Through ‘Quantum Connecting via Zoom’ (thank you Sr. Gabe), Chris enjoys her deep connection with the Christine Center community.