Calendar
“Christ wears two shoes in the world: Scripture and nature.â€Â (John Scotus Eriugena, Irish theologian, died 877)
You are invited to a 24-hour getaway in the beauty of God’s good creation at the Two Shoes Retreat. Join the Interfaith Environmental Network of Houston (IENoH) at Cramer Retreat Center in Spring to celebrate Earth month, beginning Saturday morning, Apr. 14 and ending Sunday morning, Apr. 15. This retreat explores both scripture and nature as the “two shoes†revealing the Christ.  We ask: What does scripture teach?; What does our scientific understanding of nature teach?; How do these two support and reinforce one another and deepen our understanding of the divine?. In addition to the study, this retreat includes time for recreation, reflection, and service. Note that this event is specifically Christian; thus those of others faiths may disregard.
Retreat cost is $60 (+ ticketing fees), which covers meals and overnight lodging. To attend Saturday only, cost is $40 (+ ticketing fees). Space is limited, so please register early. The retreat is open to adults of all ages, and to youth 10+, when accompanied by an adult. For more information, contact Lisa Brenskelle at gcs.lrc@gmail.com.
On May 10, 2018, Houston Audubon will host a presentation by artist Doug Hiser entitled “Bird Artistry in the Wild” at the United Way, 50 Waugh Drive. Hiser will discuss his artistic process during safaris in Africa, Australia, South America, Nepal, and the Galapagos Islands. The event is free and open to the public. Refreshment social begins at 7 p.m., and the presentation begins at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit houstonaudubon.org.
Pollinators help plants complete their life cycle by moving pollen from one plant to another. This is a very important process if you like any of the following things – chocolate, fruits, ice cream, and even tequila!
Celebrate these miracle workers during Pollinator Palooza. Learn about the different types of pollinators, pair pollinators with what they help produce, and learn how you can save pollinators in the wild!
This event is included in your Zoo admission and is free for Zoo Members. Buy your tickets via the link above, or upon arrival at the Houston Zoo.
Schedule of Events
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Games and activities at the Reflection Pool.
10:00 a.m. Pollinator Puppet Show in the Front Plaza.
10:00 a.m. Ladybug release at Pollinator Garden near South America Exhibit
10:30 a.m. Meet the Keeper Talk at the Bug House
11:00 a.m. Pollinator Puppet Show in the Front Plaza.
12:00 p.m. Meet the Keeper Talk at the Lemur Habitat in the Wortham World of Primates.
12:00 p.m. Pollinator Puppet Show in the Front Plaza.
1:00 p.m. Meet the Keeper Talk at the Bat Cave in the Natural Encounters Building (Sunday Only).
1:00 p.m. Pollinator Puppet Show in the Front Plaza.
1:30 p.m. Meet the Keeper Talk at the Bat Cave in the John P. McGovern Children’s Zoo.
2:00 p.m. Meet the Keeper Talk at the Bat Cave in the Natural Encounters Building (Saturday Only).
3:30 p.m. Meet the Keeper Talk at the Lemur Habitat in the Wortham World of Primates.
Join us for a wild night at the Zoo and get the buzz on the fascinating world of pollinators! From seed dispersal to forest gardener, we could not live without them. We’ll learn about the unique life of bugs as we explore the new BIG BUGS exhibit and find out about other pollinators that may surprise you. Celebrate these miracle workers and discover how you can help them right in your own backyard!
Evening snack, a light breakfast, and next-day admission are included. We will be camping indoors in our Brown Education Center!
Pollinators help plants complete their life cycle by moving pollen from one plant to another. This is a very important process if you like any of the following things – chocolate, fruits, ice cream, and even tequila!
Celebrate these miracle workers during Pollinator Palooza. Learn about the different types of pollinators, pair pollinators with what they help produce, and learn how you can save pollinators in the wild!
This event is included in your Zoo admission and is free for Zoo Members. Buy your tickets via the link above, or upon arrival at the Houston Zoo.
Schedule of Events
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Games and activities at the Reflection Pool.
10:00 a.m. Pollinator Puppet Show in the Front Plaza.
10:00 a.m. Ladybug release at Pollinator Garden near South America Exhibit
10:30 a.m. Meet the Keeper Talk at the Bug House
11:00 a.m. Pollinator Puppet Show in the Front Plaza.
12:00 p.m. Meet the Keeper Talk at the Lemur Habitat in the Wortham World of Primates.
12:00 p.m. Pollinator Puppet Show in the Front Plaza.
1:00 p.m. Meet the Keeper Talk at the Bat Cave in the Natural Encounters Building (Sunday Only).
1:00 p.m. Pollinator Puppet Show in the Front Plaza.
1:30 p.m. Meet the Keeper Talk at the Bat Cave in the John P. McGovern Children’s Zoo.
2:00 p.m. Meet the Keeper Talk at the Bat Cave in the Natural Encounters Building (Saturday Only).
3:30 p.m. Meet the Keeper Talk at the Lemur Habitat in the Wortham World of Primates.
Have you ever been curious about where animals live and build their homes? Join us as we hike around the Zoo looking for their construction zones! We’ll explore how native wildlife thrive by observing structures such as nests, ant colonies, and spider webs and discover how Zoo architects create special habitats for each of our animals. Use these ideas to create your own animal architecture or bio-inspired designs!
Evening snack, a light breakfast, and next-day admission are included. We will be camping indoors in our Brown Education Center!
Escape from the frenzy of the start of the “Christmas shopping season†on an intimate, 24-hour retreat in the beauty of God’s good creation at the Cramer Retreat Center in Spring. This retreat invites you to get ready for the coming of Christ by exploring familiar Advent themes: hope, preparation, joy and peace, with the reconciliation of heaven and earth in mind. Consider how all creation longs for the coming of Christ, and how we are called to witness the Incarnation in our care of all God’s created world and all God’s creatures. Enjoy a time of renewal, reflection, recreation, and restoration on this retreat. The retreat is open to adults, and to youth 10+, when accompanied by an adult. For more information, contact Lisa Brenskelle at gcs.lrc@gmail.com.
Thank you for your interest in the “All aboard! There’s a place for you in the maritime community!â€Â Art Contest sponsored by the North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA), the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and the Inter-American Committee on Ports of the Organization of the American States (CIP-OAS). We welcome submissions from students enrolled in grades K-12 living in the Americas (North America, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean). Students living outside the Americas are welcome to apply, provided they have one or more parents on active duty with the U. S. Coast Guard. Submissions will be accepted from January 2, 2019 – March 31, 2019 at 11:59 p.m. (En Español:  www.namepa.net/concurso-de-arte)
Students are asked to submit an original poster that creatively depicts ways to embrace diversity and inclusion in the maritime community and highlight the broad range of opportunities the industry has to offer. The theme reflects the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 2019 World Maritime Day Theme. Students should submit an original artwork that based on the contest theme description below:
Seaborn transportation is one of the oldest industries—and the most exciting! More than 90% of the world’s goods and energy travel by ship! The diversity of opportunities in the maritime industry is as diverse as the ocean itself. Seafaring is an exciting career that allows you to travel the world and absorb different cultures. You can also become a successful member of the marine industry without ever getting your feet wet! An opportunity to be a maritime lawyer, accountant, engineer, medical professional, or scientist, could be in your future!
The marine industry is evolving. Now, more than ever, there are technical training and education programs available to people of all backgrounds to ensure a rewarding career in the maritime sector. Today, many people are finding more opportunities in leadership, administrative, and decision-making roles in addition to seafaring jobs.
Successful members of the marine industry can come from any educational, geographic, or cultural background. Can you think of a way to embrace diversity in the marine industry, either on a ship or in a shore-side role? Or, if you’ve ever thought about pursuing a career in the marine industry, can you artistically show us how? Students are asked to submit an original poster depicting creative and imaginative ideas about how to make shipping more inclusive, or how they can chart a future in the maritime industry.
THE SUBMISSION DEADLINE ISÂ MARCH 31, 2019, WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED BY MAY 15, 2019. Full rules are posted below.
To enter, click the button below or go to:Â Â https://maritimeartcontest.submittable.com/submit.
Gallery Hours:
Thursday thru Saturday
Noon to 5pm
Or by Appointment
Isabelle Scurry Chapman
“The Wonder of Birds”
Feb. 1 – Feb. 29 2020
Opening Reception at Redbud Gallery:
Saturday, Feb. 1, 6pm – 9pm
Experience forest bathing, led by a certified guide, followed by practice of the Christian spiritual discipline of the Earth Examen. Forest bathing, a practice that originated in Japan, involves taking in, in all of one’s senses, the forest atmosphere. Not simply a walk in the woods, it is the conscious and contemplative practice of being immersed in the sights, sounds and smells of the forest. Forest bathing has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood and focus, enhance creativity, and lead to an increased sense of calm and altruistic behavior, in addition to other benefits such as boosting the immune system and lowering blood pressure. As Christians, we understand that God is present in God’s creation, and after our guided forest bath, we’ll spend some time considering the Earth Examen as we reflect both on our time spent forest bathing and on our relationship with all creation. This activity is for a small group and space is limited. Please register at www.eventbrite.com at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/forest-bathing-earth-examen-tickets-291848535827. Contact Lisa Brenskelle at gcs.lrc@gmail.com with any questions.