Bethlehem Centre’s 2020 Winter Solstice Celebration on Dec. 21
From darkness to light, from fear to hope is a theme that is resonating for many of us through the challenging times we are facing. To welcome back the light, Bethlehem Centre is hosting our 2020 Winter Solstice Celebration online on Dec. 21.
In years past, we’ve invited friends and neighbours to explore Bethlehem’s beautiful sacred space, while enjoying our in-person events.
Now, in the year of the pandemic, we are grateful that we can still gather together virtually.
Meditation, Music, Prayer, Drumming, Tibetan bowls and Storytelling
Online Auction Dec. 18-21
Mulled Cider Facebook live demo on Dec. 19th
Very Reverend
Gary Paterson
Sue Averill
Nanaimo Folk Singer
Quuia
Prayer Song
Ben Bollich
Tibetan Singing Bowls
Rachel Dunstan Muller
Storyteller
Jay Sutton Brown
Guided Meditation
Online Auction
Friday Dec 18 @ 10am – Monday Dec 21 @ 9pm
Winter Solstice Celebration Program
Monday December 21 | 7:00-8:30pm | Zoom
Support Bethlehem Centre in our fundraising efforts.
Tickets By Donation
Participants will receive an email confirmation with the Zoom link and further event details.
Right Reverend Gary Paterson
Program host
Sue Averill, Nanaimo Folk Singer
will share her gift of Solstice songs for us to sing along at home
Elder Greg (Quuiatsapulth) Charleson
offers First Nations drumming with a story
Ben Bollich with his Tibetan Singing Bowls
brings a meditative inner peace sound bath
Rachel Dunstan Muller, award winning storyteller and author
invites us to cozy up for a winter story
Jay Sutton Brown
leads us through a heart opening guided meditation, as we welcome the light of the Solstice as we collectively exhale 2020.
Mulled Cider Demo
Saturday December 19 | 7:00pm | Facebook Live
Joanne Cooper, Ayurveda Practitioner and Chef
Replenish your Spirit and nourish your body with our live mulled-cider demonstration. Learn how to make this warm & cozy traditional beverage for your family bubble this season.
Hot Mulled Apple Cider Recipe
Makes 2 or 3 mugs
This mulled apple cider recipe is a winter favourite at my home. It’s great for gatherings of all types as the aroma can lift the spirits of even the heaviest winter energy. The alchemy of the spices together with the warmth of the apple cider is so delicious and the smell is so inviting, it helps soothe and restore one’s sense of peace with the world.
The most important ingredient is the apple cider. What you will need is fresh apple cider that contains no added sugar or spices, or you can also use fresh unfiltered apple juice. A cloudy cider is the best clue you’re buying the right thing, and if you can find raw organic cider in the refrigerator section, or local, unpasteurized apple cider, grab it!
For the mulling spices, it is best to make your own if you can, using fresh spices makes for a more flavourful and satisfying drink. Use whole spices if you have them, otherwise a combination of whole and/or powdered will work fine, I offer measurement options for both. Rather than running out to pick up items you may not have on hand, why not try mix and matching from the following list to make your own? Trust the wisdom of the spices as you co-create this beautiful beverage together.
Ingredients:
1 litre fresh apple cider, or unfiltered apple juice
1 medium orange, peeled, then sliced
Spices:
Green Cardamom – 3-4 pods (or 1/4 tsp powder)
Allspice – crushed 10 berries (or 1/4-1/2 tsp powder)
Coriander – 18 seeds (or 1/4-1/2 tsp powder)
Cinnamon – 1 stick (or 1/8 -1/4 tsp powder)
Ginger – 1” fresh, sliced (or 1/8 -1/4 tsp powder)
Star Anise – 1 whole star (or 1/8 -1/4 tsp powder), or Fennel seed – (or 1/4 tsp)
Cloves – 4 – (or 1/8 -1/4 tsp powder)
Add the apple cider, orange slices and all spices to a heavy pot over medium heat. Bring to a boil, immediately reduce heat and allow to gently simmer for approximately 20 minutes until your house smells like a magical winter wonderland! Strain into mugs, add a twist of orange peel and serve hot. Enjoy!
Note: for a lower-sugar variation, add 1 cup of water to each 4 cups of apple cider, you’ll likely not notice the difference.
Zen Tree Yoga & Ayurveda Nanaimo, BC zentreeyoga@shaw.ca
Joanne Cooper – Ayurvedic Practitioner and Chef – Classes, Workshops, Yoga
