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splash Pamela's workshops are characterized by her personal warmth, her love of teaching, and her passion for study. The workshops offer music, stories, a light touch of history, and guided discussion. Each workshop can be adjusted for the time you have available and the size of your group.

Some recent workshop venues - the Network of Biblical Storytellers Festival Gatherings (2006, 2008), the Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis Under One Roof Gathering (2007, 2009), First Christian Church (Disciples), Bloomington, Indiana (2007) and the Indiana-Kentucky ELCA Women's Gathering (2007).

NEW WORKSHOP! Re-Storying the People of God
We are part of a culture that prizes control and consumerism and places its faith in management and technology. This is part of what we bring when we come into the church - the beloved community. Can stories set us free? Disrupt our expectations? Help us hear each other again? This workshop was first presented to the Fresh Start group of the Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis in October of 2010.

Here's a page of workshop-related links: Re-Storying Resources

Workshop Topics

Let's take a moment to remember the power of collective imagination! A workshop isn't a lecture - and it doesn't end with a quiz. A workshop is a precious chance to imagine together, dream together, reflect together.

Shepherd, Dancer, Poet, King - Teaching and Telling the Stories of King David
The Year B Revised Common Lectionary takes us through the stories of King David. When was the last time you tackled those? Something about a slingshot... and taking a bath on the roof? This workshop explores David's stories and introduces related books, songs and other resources for adults and children. This workshop was first presented at the Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis' 2009 Under One Roof conference by Jennie Kiffmeyer and Pamela Grenfell Smith

Workshop materials - all are downloadable PDFs:
Synopsis of 1 and 2 Samuel
Bibliography - includes suggestions from participants
Audio and Video resource list
King David Stories for children
Teaching and Telling King David Stories to Children
Isaiah 55 set up to experiment with dance & Psalm 47 with clapping and hollering

This Present Occasion! Exploring America's Shaker Traditions
'Tis a gift to be simple, 'tis a gift to be free..." Simple Gifts grew out of a distinctive faith community, the Shakers, who flourished in nineteenth-century America. Scientific gardeners, skilled carpenters, they worshiped by dancing and singing and their leader was (of all things!) a woman, Mother Ann Lee. In this workshop Pamela presents the music, dance and traditions of American Shakers - and, if there's a kitchen available, we'll make a Shaker lemon pie.

Creating A Storied Easter Vigil
Rejoice and sing now, all the round earth! Stories are central to the meaning, power, and consolation of the Easter Vigil. The ninety-minute version of this workshop goes over the structure of the liturgy and considers presentation of its stories and its physical expressiveness. With more time, the workshop can include individual coaching of readers and reviewing music ideas.

How To Learn and Tell A Bible Story
Telling a Bible story, like telling a family story, has not so much to do with memorization and everything to do with love, remembrance, and heart. This ninety-minute workshop works best with eight to twenty people. Participants will go home ready to share a story from the Gospels.

Individual Coaching
If you'd like to be a better storyteller, Pamela would be delighted to have a coaching session with you. Possible topics include story choice, how to develop an oral presentation from a written text, vocal production, and resources for further study.

Contact Information

Email:narthex (at) baba-yaga.org       Web site: baba-yaga.org

Phone: 812-323-1817 (Because Pamela is often on the road, phone messages can take a while to reach her. If you don't hear from her, please try e-mail or call again. She's not ignoring you!)

Address: Pamela Grenfell Smith
3680 East Tamarron Drive 
Bloomington, Indiana 47408

I donate my storytelling income to organizations that support the Millenium Development Goals. I'd still appreciate some help with my transportation expenses, if your organization is able to help. Apart from that - let's see what we can raise together for the MDGs! ~ Pamela