Finding common ground again

Sarah Shofstall will lead a Nov. 19 workshop on healing relationships at St. Barnabas in Bay Village.

St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Bay Village is hosting a series of workshops on reflecting, learning and experiencing different ways to interact with God. Each program will focus on a different way to connect.

The next workshop, “Finding Common Ground Again," will be held Nov. 19, from 10 a.m. to noon. This workshop will offer a faith-based approach to dealing with disagreement, offering both practical strategies and theological underpinnings for the healing of relationships and the bridging of divides. Within a family or neighborhood, in the workplace, within our nation, we can have respectful, meaningful conversations that move our understanding forward and “turn down the heat” in conflicts.

Sarah Shofstall has been helping people find common ground for more than 35 years. As a trial attorney, helping to work toward amicable settlements, she was the drafter of "A Mediation Handbook for Nebraska Judges" and helped to establish a non-profit mediation center. As an Episcopal priest she has helped to plan and present two national reconciliation workshops, to help people with differing theological views find ways to move forward together. Sarah is currently the Rector of St. Barnabas.

The December workshop will feature Bay Village landscape architect Julia Shutt sharing information about creating a garden haven. It will be held Saturday, Dec. 3, 10 a.m. to noon.

All are welcome to attend the workshops. A suggested $10 donation is appreciated but not required. Please register by phoning the church, 440-871-6200.