What we’re about
Are you craving deeper connections in life? Not only with other people, but within yourself, the environment around you, the physical world you live in, the infinite universe, or The Divine itself? Our hope is to create opportunities for you to experience the connections that will allow you to find more satisfaction and wholeness in your life.
Whether you feel it through your mind, your body, or inner being, deep connection eludes many of us, in part due to the noise of the distractions around us every day, like technology, social media, cultural expectations, schedules too busy to manage, and more, that can all dampen our ability to make the very connections we're craving for in our everyday lives.
Through mindful, meaningful, and spiritual conversations, we hope to create a better world for all of us, one small step at a time, and our Nurturing Spirit Retreats provide an opportunity for meditation, gentle yoga, deep relaxation, spiritual conversations, and learning.
We are inclusive and value each person and living being on the planet. For more information or to find a group near you, please contact Debra@CreatingConnection.ca
We look forward to meeting you!
P.S. Would you like to be a guest on An Afternoon of Nurturing Spirit? Do you have a talent you could teach in an introductory session that would nurture our spirits ? One that you think fits with our Afternoon of Nurturing Spirit group?
Please email [Debra@CreatingConnection.ca](mailto:Debra@CreatingConnection.ca) with the following:
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Brief description on what you would like to do on An Afternoon of Nurturing Spirit
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Short Bio
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Links to your website and social media.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Debra, Rhonda, and Barbara.
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CREATING CONNECTION CANADA is a network of welcoming and inclusive communities committed to sharing authentic conversation, nurturing meaningful activities, promoting holistic wellness practices, and fostering compassionate action. We are LGBTQ+ affirming.
As a REGISTERED NON-PROFIT charity working to bring community together through like-minded interests, we welcome and gratefully appreciate any financial support. Tax receipts are provided.
- MAKE A CREDIT CARD DONATION
- SEND AN E-TRANSFER *to donations@creatingconnection.ca*
You can also visit our PRODUCTS 4 PURPOSE online store and make a purchase that benefits our meaningful partner organizations, gifted artisans and local operations.
Or support us when you shop on Amazon with this link**.
Thank you for your kind generosity.
Website | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram | Twitter | Retreats
**Creating Connection Canada is a grass-roots initiative sponsored by Community of Christ Canada, a welcoming, supportive and loving, worldwide faith community that values the worth and purpose of all persons.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Network event7 attendees from 7 groups hostingMen's Retreat $170 - September 19 - 21st Hills of Peace Campground, AlbertaHills of Peace Campground, Provost No. 52, AB
“Hope Into Action - Where do we go from here?”
To register go to Hope in Action Western Canada Men's Retreat 2025 — Canada West Mission (CWM)
$170 per person includes all meals, accommodation, and class supplies.Guest Facilitator – Chris Phelps
I am husband of Erica, father of Amelia and Katelyn. For years, and years, and years I was the pastor or co-pastor of the Vancouver Congregation of Community of Christ. I recently finished a 15 year terms as the director of CWM Reunion at Samish Island Campground and Retreat Center (in Washington State) and am currently the President of the Board of Directors of the Samish Island Campground Association. I did my time at Graceland College (not University as I’m too old for that particular change) and graduated in 1994. I’ve completed the Spiritual Formation and Companioning Program, and am therefore a registered good listener.
I am a guitar player, pianist, singer, and lover of music in most forms. I am an avid golfer and skier, although not very good at either. I love interesting discussion, deep conversation, and sharing ideas of how to make the world a more joyful and hopeful place.
I’ve never been to Hills of Peace, but have heard many a tale. I look forward to sharing with everyone at the Men’s Retreat - and enjoying a slice of pie or three.
Schedule
“Hope Into Action - Where do we go from here?”
Sept 19
7:00 pm Arrive and Get Settled
8:00 pm Ice-breaker -Jae Senga
9:00 pm Snack
Sept 20
8:30 am Breakfast
9:45 am Hope in Listening and Learning
10:45 am Break
11:10 am Hope in Community Discernment
12:15 pm Lunch
2:00 pm Making Hope Real in Action
3:00 pm Hang out and perform camp close-up activities.
5:30 pm Supper
7:00 pm Hope is our Story!
8:00 pm Campfire
9:00 pm Fun and food in the dining hall
Sept 21
8:30 am Breakfast
9:30 am Cleanup
10:30 am Worship – Ryan Levitt, Speaker - Chris Phelps
11:30 am Head Out with sack lunch“Hope Into Action - Where do we go from here?”
To register go to Hope in Action Western Canada Men's Retreat 2025 — Canada West Mission (CWM)
$170 per person includes all meals, accommodation, and class supplies. - Release Your Inner Writer - Monday's at 4pm pacific, 5pm mountain, 6pm centralLink visible for attendees
Release Your Inner Writer
Release Your Inner Writer is for anyone who feels they are a writer, wants to be a writer, or those who want to explore writing in a comfortable and supportive setting. We’ll set the stage for you to write creatively with opportunities to share with the group, or not, whatever you’re comfortable with.Have you ever thought: “I have an interesting story, but I don’t know how to start sharing it with people”? Have you ever thought of writing a book? Do you simply want to start journaling? Every person has a story to share, and all of them are transformational for us and sometimes for others. When we write our thoughts and ideas down, we move internal content to an external device like a notebook or a laptop. By doing this we’re able to clear our heads and uncover one layer after another.
Hosted by Kathy Nutt
Kathy Nutt is a creative who uses many media and styles to convey a glimpse into her mysterious, whimsical world. Although mainly focused on the visual arts, she dabbles in the written word and is endeavoring to cultivate a consistent practice of writing, whether it be poetry, essays, short stories, or journaling.Kathy believes a writing practice (along with any creative practice) is a beneficial way to break through the mundane and view our worlds through fresh new eyes. We may discover a breakthrough, change a pattern, or just experience catharsis. Or we may simply arrive in a place of joy. She believes the creative process is more important than the finished product and that creativity is for everyone, not just the gifted few.
CREATING CONNECTION CANADA is a network of welcoming and inclusive communities committed to sharing authentic conversation, nurturing meaningful activities, promoting holistic wellness practices, and fostering compassionate action. We are LGBTQ+ affirming. People of every walk of life, culture, faith, or tradition, participate in a myriad of connection groups, forming meaningful community within this diversity. As a result, these communities are multi-faceted - expressing the inspirations, aspirations, wisdom, practices, and blessing of all. While we encourage you to share openly, we ask that you do so in a kind and considerate manner.
As a REGISTERED NON-PROFIT charity working to bring community together through like-minded interests, we welcome and gratefully appreciate any financial support. Tax receipts are provided.
CREDIT CARD: http://donations.creatingconnection.ca
E-TRANSFER: donations@creatingconnection.ca - Network event1 attendee from 5 groups hosting☕ Coffee & Conversation: "Follow Your Gut" | Thu @ 11:00 AM ET (ON/CAN)Link visible for attendees
This Week's Topic: "Family and Growing Up"
From the comfort of your own space, you are warmly invited into dialogue with others and to discussing this week's topic while exploring some deeper questions along the way.
New to Coffee & Conversation? Watch our video
or Listen to our CBC Radio InterviewQuestions to help with the discussion:
- Who is your favorite family member outside of your immediate family (like your cousins or grandparents? Can you share a fond memory about them?
- For those who have pets, do they feel like family to you? What is it about them that makes them feel that way?
- What's something that you admire about or learned from your siblings?
- How has your relationship changed with your siblings as you've grown up?
- Are there any keepsakes from your childhood? What memories are saved with that object?
- Do you have some friends that you consider to be part of your family? What is it about them that caused them to become a part of your "found family"?
In this safe, inclusive, casual, and accepting environment, dialogue is encouraged over debate as each person has opportunity to share from their own diverse perspectives and experiences.
Folks in this group enjoy going beyond small talk, reflecting both inward and outward, helping build pathways for more peace and understanding in the world... and your voice matters!
No particular set of beliefs (or creed) is required to be a part of this community-building activity. Diverse perspectives are welcome.
Whether to discover yourself amidst a community on a common journey or to find meaning among new friends, there is room at the table for you.
DATE/TIME: Thursdays @ 11:00 AM Eastern Time (ON, CAN)
This is a weekly discussion group with regular attending members.
ZOOM ONLINE: From the comfort of your own space, click the link under "Online event" to the right (after you've RSVP'd) to join the video meeting on your tablet or PC.
CLOSED CAPTIONING: Live Transcription will be available for this meeting. Learn more here.
NOTE: For the best experience, please be sure you have the latest version of ZOOM by checking here.
DIAL-IN AUDIO: Device audio issues? Just dial-in from your home/cell phone and punch in the meeting ID number 81804247343.
Find your local number here
(*long distance charges may apply).NOTE: The RSVPs here represent only some who may attend (mostly new folks) however this is a weekly discussion group with regular attending members.
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CREATING CONNECTION CANADA is a network of welcoming and inclusive communities committed to sharing authentic conversation, nurturing meaningful activities, promoting holistic wellness practices, and fostering compassionate action. We are LGBTQ+ affirming.
As a REGISTERED NON-PROFIT charity working to bring community together through like-minded interests, we welcome and gratefully appreciate any financial support. Tax receipts are provided.
- MAKE A CREDIT CARD DONATION
- SEND AN E-TRANSFER to donations@creatingconnection.ca
You can also visit our PRODUCTS 4 PURPOSE online store and make a purchase that benefits our meaningful partner organizations, gifted artisans and local operations.
Or support us when you shop on Amazon with this link
Thank you for your kind generosity.
Website | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram | Twitter | Retreats
*Creating Connection is a grass roots initiative, sponsored by Community of Christ, a welcoming, supportive, and loving, world wide faith community that values the worth and purpose of all persons.
- Network event7 attendees from 7 groups hostingNurturing Silence Retreat: Connect. Renew. RestoreSamish Island Retreat Centre, Bow , WA
Nurturing Silence Retreat: Connect. Renew. Restore.
October 17-19, 2025
For more information and to register go to: Nurturing Silence Retreat: Connect. Renew. Restore. — Nurturing Spirit (CDN)Registration is open until October 3rd.
To find out more about Samish Island Retreat Centre go to:
Samish Island Retreat Centre, WashingtonYou are invited to a two-day meditation retreat at the peaceful Samish Island Community of Christ Campground and Retreat Centre.
This predominantly silent retreat offers an opportunity to step away from the noise of everyday life and settle into stillness. Through silence and guided mindfulness practices, you’ll be supported in slowing down, listening inward, and reconnecting with your inner clarity and calm.
Mindfulness offerings include:
- Labyrinth and Walking Meditation
- Gentle Hatha & Yin Yoga
- Pranayama Breathwork
- Neurographic Drawing
- Sound Bathing
- Yoga Nidra (guided deep relaxation)
- Bonfire under the stars (weather permitting)
Whether you're new to meditation or returning to deepen your practice, this retreat provides a nurturing space to connect, renew and restore.
*Cost:
$225 Cdn/person
$170 Cdn/person for students and under 25 years*includes Friday dinner, Saturday meals, Sunday breakfast, coffee/tea bar and light snacks; programming, final camp clean, and cabin accommodation with shared bath.
Please note: If registration exceeds 20 people, overflow lodging will be in renovated rustic cabins with shared bath house.
Register by October 3rd to ensure we have enough people to cover costs.
Susan Watkins Biography:
With a calm, heart-led presence, Susan Watkins creates safe, inclusive spaces where each person is encouraged to move at their own pace and honor their unique path. Susan is a trauma-informed E-CYT 500 yoga and meditation teacher, sound healing practitioner, with over 10 years of experience and 3,000+ hours of teaching and training. Her background is rooted in Hatha Yoga, Yin, and Yoga Nidra. Susan weaves together mindful movement, breathwork, meditation, and immersive sound journeys to support retreat guests in deep rest, and returning to a sense of peace, clarity and inner connection.What to bring:
Personal items, including towels and bedding, a yoga mat (mats will also be provided), indoor slippers or shoes, warm and waterproof outwear, flashlight, journal, a warm blanket, etc.
