Mark and Renée have the unique ability to create a community of warmth and curiosity in a Zoom room. Their spirit and enthusiasm lead you to wander to your inner self and find the spirit deep inside. They help you find your creative, intuitive self in an environment of a warm and supportive community. They are caring and passionate guides that help you look deep inside and find your own inner storyteller. David B. – Hospital Chaplain

Workshop Leaders: Renée Brachfeld and Mark Novak (co-founders MFSI)
Monday April 27 and Thursday April 30
​Time: 9:30am-12:30pm
Tuition: $100
Where: In Our Zoom Room (where else would it be?)

​Our Mission
To provide professional development in the use of storytelling.
To teach spiritual leaders, chaplains, storytellers, teachers,
lay leaders, and students to tell stories more effectively,
all in a sacred setting.

This 2 day retreat – geared towards clergy, spiritual leaders, and interested lay people – will provide a safe and supportive atmosphere in which to explore the creative process of learning and telling stories. You will come away with increased confidence and skills to lift a story off the written page and make it your own, as well as how to identify, craft, and tell personal stories. The art of compassionate listening​ is an important aspect of the day.
​Each day will begin with a short session of ecumenical prayer

Schedule for the retreat
April 27
9:30 – 12:30
Lifting a folk tale from the page and making it your own – a fun-filled, fast paced, collaborative session geared towards freeing you from the written page and unleashing your creative power.

April 30
9:30 – 12:30
​Personal storytelling – how to identify stories from our personal lives, and crafting them to tell to to others. Also, a discussion about when it might be appropriate and powerful to tell a personal story in sermons, chaplaincy, pastoral work, or spiritual direction.

Full payment ($100) is due with registration
Class size is limited to 10
Questions? Call us at 202-362-3270