Spirituality, arts retreat planned

As part of a community arts project sponsored by the Columbia Orchestra, Thomas Kight, founder of the Zen Community of Columbia, will present "Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives: A Spirituality & Arts Retreat" from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. tomorrow at the Bon Secours Spiritual Center in Marriottsville.

The retreat, which will focus on the vision of universal brotherhood expressed in Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 (Choral), will include meditation and a chance to participate in making and responding to photographs, poetry and music, and singing a choral piece in harmony.

The cost is $40, and includes lunch and materials. The Bon Secours center is at 1525 Marriottsville Road. Information or to register: 443-283-1155.

The community arts project, titled Embracing the Millions, will continue with performances of the famous symphony at 7:30 p.m. April 5 and 3 p.m. April 6 by the Columbia Orchestra, the McDaniel College Choir, the Masterworks Chorale of Carroll County, the Peabody Children's Chorus and members of the Central Maryland Chorale.

Performances will be at the Jim Rouse Theater at Wilde Lake High School, 5460 Trumpeter Road, Columbia. Members of the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company will also perform.

Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and $10 for students.

Information: 410-465-8777 or www.columbia orchestra.org.

Labyrinth walk at Bon Secours

The Bon Secours Spiritual Center will offer "Welcoming the New Life of Spring: An Easter Labyrinth Walk," from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. April 6. Joy Aker, a trained labyrinth facilitator, will lead the walk. The cost is $50 and includes lunch.

Information: 410-442-1320.

Women's meeting to be held April 5

Women ages 16 and older are invited to Calvary Community Church in Columbia from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 5 for its fifth annual "Women of Faith Audio Visual Conference: Amazing Freedom." The presentation features a presentation of the 2007 Women of Faith conference.

Registration is to begin at 8:30 a.m. (Registration in advance is preferred.) Lunch will be served from noon to 1 p.m.

Tickets cost $15 and may be ordered by calling 410-381-5200 or 410-707-8825, or e-mail becky@calvarycommunitychurch.com.

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