Community Events at Penn Forest

UPCOMING EVENTS

 

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Nature Walk & Talk – Evergreens & Early Risers – Saturday, March 16 at 10am

Join us on Saturday, March 16th at 10am for the first nature walk & talk of the year!

Scott Hill will lead us onto the Penn Forest hiking trail for an immersive and leisurely walk. Early March is a great time to find and identify evergreen plants as their year-round green stands out against the brown leaves. We’ll also be on the lookout for “early riser” plants, the first to pop up right before spring’s official start.

We will meet at the Penn Forest main parking lot and then head onto the trail from there. All ages are welcome. Be advised, there are some steeper hills along the way.

This is a free event, but please RSVP by emailing Maria at maria@pennforestcemetery.com so we know how many folks to be prepared for. Hope to see you there!

 

 

 

Wreath Making Workshop – Saturday, December 2 at 1pm

Join us and Megan Leisher from Understory on Saturday, December 2 at 1pm for an afternoon of wreath making at the cemetery.

In this 2 hour workshop we will be making fresh 18-20” wreaths using fresh evergreens, berries,bits of nature, and handmade fabric bows.

For anyone who is interested, we will meet at 12:30pm to go for a brief nature walk on the grounds to collect extra materials for the wreaths. 🤗 This workshop will be held outside on our office porch with patio heaters, so please dress accordingly.

Meet by the wooden building at 121 Colorado Street, Verona, PA 15147. Click here to register and claim your tickets.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2023 Winter Solstice Celebration – Thursday, December 21st 5pm-8pm

Honor memories of loved ones at a touching Winter Solstice ceremony sponsored by Spiritworks and Penn Forest. During these difficult times, the support of friends and neighbors offers comfort when it’s needed most.
Light a candle in memory of a deceased loved one. Join friends, family, and neighbors at sunset to walk along the path of 100 luminaries, enjoy music and an outdoor fire circle along with the burning of a Yule log to celebrate the longer days ahead! Warm up with a cup of hot chocolate or wassail.
 
*To contribute to good works in the new solar year, participants are asked to bring canned food that will be donated to the local food pantry.
 
**Please bring bells, if you have them, to ring in the Solstice New Year!
 
This free event is open to the public. Please register on Eventbrite here: https://www.eventbrite.com/…/2023-winter-solstice… or you can email Maria at maria@pennforestcemetery.com

 

 

 

 

Nature Walk & Talk – Putting Sunshine in the Bank
Saturday, November 11th at 10am

Scott Hill is at it again! We’ve planned another Nature Walk & Talk for November. The theme this time is putting sunshine in the bank. You’ll just have to join us to find out what that means! 😉

 

Early November can be a great time to experience the hiking trail and there are usually a few leaves still holding on (thank you, Pennsylvania, for your long fall foliage season!)

We’ll meet in the main cemetery parking lot and then head to the hiking trail. Our trail is about two thirds of a mile long with some steep hills along the way. All ages are welcome. To register, please email Maria at maria@pennforestcemetery.com

 

 

 

 

Update: We have decided to cancel this event due to tomorrow’s forecast 🌧️ We may reschedule the Trail Walk for some time in the spring or summer. Stay dry!
Tree Planting for Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day – Saturday, October 14th at 2pm

In collaboration with Spiritworks, Penn Forest is planning a remembrance tree planting event in honor of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day. The tree, a flowering dogwood, will be planted as part of our future Remembrance Garden project. Patricia Brown from Spiritworks is creating a service for the event, and there will be refreshments. We will join our intentions in a ceremony that will guide us through the process of remembrance, healing, and dedication as we celebrate the memory and the beauty that surrounds us of those we’ve lost. This event is open to anyone who would like to attend, especially those who have experienced this kind of loss. Please email maria@pennforestcemetery.com to register.

Be on the lookout for the next newsletter for further details!

If you would like to make a donation to the Remembrance Garden that will encompass this tree, please use the donate button on our website or click here.

 

 

 

 

Meet the Gardeners – Wednesday, August 23 10am – 12pmMay be an image of 1 person, collard greens, chard and Perilla

Have you wondered how to cut fresh flowers or want to learn about some of the herbs in the garden? Now is your time to stop by and ask! Come out and get to know the herb and flower gardens, and the gardeners themselves!
 
Feel free to come any time during the time frame (10am-12pm) and take some herbs/flowers home with you. We have plenty! 

 

 

 

 

Flower Essences Workshop – Saturday, August 5 11am – 12pm

Flowers can be a potent part of our practice for well-being. A flower essence is a type of herbal preparation that works with the energetic essence of the plant and can offer great support for matters of the heart, our emotions, and our inner worlds. Essences are another way that we can work with and connect to plants.
In this workshop, you’ll learn about the history and uses of flower essences and get to make your own using the flowers cut from our flower garden. Be sure to wear sun protection, as we will spend some time in the garden with little shade.
Bring your own:
-A small glass bowl
-2 small mason jars with lids
-A preservative such as brandy or apple cider vinegar
There is no charge for the class, but donations are welcome. Click here to register.
 

 

 

 

 

Lunch and Learn about Green Burial at Penn Forest – Saturdays – June 24, July 15, and August 19 at 11am

If you’ve been curious about green burial, or you just enjoy chatting with like-minded people, these Lunch & Learns at Penn Forest are for you!

Hosted by Kristin the Mortician, you’ll learn about green burial and the history/future of deathcare. Light lunch will be provided and an optional tour of the cemetery is available afterwards.

RSVP to kristin@naturalfuneralcompany.com or 412-545-7500.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nature Walk & Talk – Survival of the Friendliest? – Saturday, July 8th at 10am

We are so excited for our second nature walk & talk of the year, and this will be an interesting one!
 
Local naturalist, Scott Hill will lead us onto the Penn Forest hiking trail to talk about how what we learned in school about nature being “eat or be eaten” tends to miss the bigger reality that most things in nature survive through a web of cooperative relationships and interconnectedness, with a touch on native vs. non-native species.
 
All ages are welcome for this free community event. The Penn Forest hiking trail is about two thirds of a mile long and there are some steep hills along the way. Please email Maria at maria@pennforestcemetery.com to register and let us know how many people will be in your group. We will be capping the walk at 25 people. Hope to see you on the trails!

 

 

 

 

 

Flower Picking Garden Volunteer Planting Day – Sunday, May 14th 2023, 1pm-4pm

Attention all garden enthusiasts! On May 14th 2023 from 1-4pm (Mother’s Day) we could

May be an image of cold frame, seedlings and grass

 use 6 volunteers to help Laura Ramie, who tends to our flower picking garden, transplant and direct sow some seeds into the flower beds. We have some great plans for this year’s garden blooms. Our flower picking garden is located next to the cemetery’s main parking lot just down the hill (to the left of the big white house near the parking lot). Laura will provide guidance and instructions for planting the seeds – no garden experience needed!
 
Be sure to bring a pair of gloves, a bottle of water, a sun hat (the garden is VERY sunny) and a hand trowel if you have them. We will have some spare trowels and gloves here if you need them. Light snacks like pizza will be provided.
If you’re interested, please contact Laura Ramie at 510-921-9910 or by email at lramieart@gmail.com. We’ll plan to cap this volunteer event at around 6 people. Hope to see you in the garden! 

 

 
 
 
 
 
Mindful Tea Sip – Saturday, June 3rd 2023, 11am-12pm
 
Get to know a garden herb through tuning into your senses and yourself. Take time to practice mindfulness and connecting to plants through this guided experience that will include:

 
– Gentle movement to help ground us
– A guided plant sip using one of the herbs grown in the Penn Forest herb garden
– Community discussion about what we noticed
– A small bag of herbs to take home with you to continue your practice
 
At the end of the class, enjoy an optional tour of the Penn Forest Natural Burial Park grounds.
Cost: $20
Please reach out to Carrie at carrie@moonsetandco.com if you would like to attend and cost is a barrier.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Penn Forest Office Warming Party – Saturday, June 17th 2023, 2-5pm

 

As you may know, the Penn Forest office moved in January of this year to the wooden cottage that has been in the process of being restored for the past two years. We’ve been very patient waiting for the new space to be ready and it 

was well worth our wait. We love our new space and want to show it off! So, we are hosting an office warming party for all of our Penn Forest community to come and gather, bring a picnic, enjoy some refreshments, dance to music by the Hawthornes, and check out our new space.

The party is free and open to anyone in our Penn Forest community. The office warming will be in lieu of the annual picnic and summer solstice events. Bring a chair or blanket and BYOB. Please RSVP to let us know that you are coming! You can RSVP to Maria by email at maria@pennforestcemetery.com or by phone at 412-736-2056.

 

 

 

 

Green Burial Council’s Peer to Peer Forum – Connecting the Cemetery to the Community – Thursday, April 13th, 2023, 7-8pm

Our very own Laura Faessel will be speaking for the Green Burial Council‘s Peer to Peer Forum – Connecting the Cemetery to the Community – on Thursday, April 13th from 7-8pm. This is an online event.
Laura will talk about some of the community events we’ve had at Penn Forest, networking groups we’ve been a part of, green burial presentations, and more. Learn the many possibilities of involving the cemetery with the community, learn the benefits and importance of making the cemetery a beloved place for all to treasure and enjoy, and how to make that happen!
Click here to register, it’s free!

 

 

 

Nature Walk & Talk – Saturday, April 15th, 2023, at 1:30pm

Join us on April 15th at 1:30pm for our first nature walk and talk of the year! Local naturalist, Scott Hill, will be joining us again to lead another magnificent walk. We’re calling this one “Early Risers and Evergreens”. We will meet at the main parking lot and head over to the hiking trail from there. Early spring is a great time to catch wildflowers blooming before the tree canopy fills in, as well as evergreen plants that stick out amongst the brown.

Our hiking trail is about two thirds of a mile long and there are some steep hills along the way. This event is great for kids, adults, and everyone in between.

Please email Maria at maria@pennforestcemetery.com to register and let us know how many people will be in your group. We will be capping the walk at 25 people. Hope to see you there! 

 

 

 

 

Haunted Museum Event. Friday, October 21, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. ages 21+ Celebrate Halloween at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History! Learn about some of our creepiest and most mysterious specimens, enjoy a drink with friends, and show off your costume as you explore the museum. Laura and Maria will be tabling during this event, come say hi!

Activities include:

  • Seasonal songs performed by The Pitt Pendulums, Pitt’s oldest a cappella group, at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m
  • Murder ballads performed by acoustic grunge band ilyAIMY at 8:00 p.m.
  • Put together a vampire protection kit to help you stay safe this scary season.
  • Experience Haunted Pittsburgh’s best ghost stories at 9:00 p.m.
  • Make your own spell book to store your magical knowledge.
  • Decorate mini pumpkins from Sperdute Farms.
  • Learn about cursed minerals and meet Fred the Crystal Skull.
  • Take a flashlight tour of Art of the Diorama to look for creatures that lurk in the shadows.
  • Pick up a treat (no tricks!) for wearing a costume.

 

 

Green Burial Council Conference 2022. Laura and Maria from Penn Forest and Mary Ann from The Forest Conservation Burial Ground in Oregon are again presenting at the Green Burial Council Conference this year! Their presentation, Creating Secular Ceremonies: Personal Stories and Guidance, takes place virtually on Saturday, October 22, at 1:30 p.m.May be an image of 3 people, outdoors and text that says 'CREATING SECULAR CEREMONIES green LIFE, DEATH &FUTURE OCTOBER2 23 022VIRTUALCFERE Mary Ann Perry Laura Laura Faessel Maria St. Clair'
This session will begin with a brief introduction on what is meant by ‘secular’ and the role of secular traditions in our current funeral culture. Personal sharings by green cemetery operators and families will shine a light on various secular funeral traditions and practices from around the country. These stories will give attendees an awareness of what’s possible as we plan a funeral for ourselves and our loved ones. This session will also get attendees involved by having them participate in a workshop where they will plan a simple secular service for themselves or someone else.

If you would like to watch their and anyone else’s presentation, please register by clicking here.

 

 

 

 

Oakmont Fall Festival. The Oakmont Chamber of Commerce is holding its annual fall festival on Saturday, October 29, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Oakmont Fall Festival kicks off with a Halloween parade. Afterward, kids can trick or treat at the stores and vendors. There will be music at the clocktower, lots of vendors, train rides, a pie eating contest, a pumpkin hunt for the young ones, a scarecrow contest, a 50/50 raffle, a costume contest, kids games, face painting, pumpkin painting, yummy food & treats, and much more!
Laura and Maria will set up a table at the event, so come visit us!

 

 

Winter Solstice Celebration. Join Penn Forest, together with sponsors Spiritworks and Highmark Caring Place for a Winter Solstice Time of Remembrance and Light.

When: Wednesday, December 21, 2022, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. 
Location: Penn Forest Natural Burial Park, 121 Colorado Street, Verona, PA 15147


Honor the legacy and memories of loved ones who are no longer in your life at a touching winter solstice ceremony sponsored by Penn Forest Natural Burial Park, Spiritworks, and Highmark Caring Place. During these difficult times, the support of friends and neighbors offers comfort when it’s needed most. Lighting the way to the future acknowledges your loss and ensures that your loved one will remain forever in your heart.
Light a candle in memory of a deceased loved one. Join friends, family, and neighbors at sunset to walk along the path of 100 luminaries and enjoy music, an outdoor fire circle, and the burning of a Yule log to celebrate the longer days ahead. Warm up with a cup of hot chocolate or wassail and live music provided by the talented Deborah Byrum and David McLaughlin.

*To contribute to good works in the new solar year, participants are asked to bring canned food
that will be donated to the local food pantry.*

**Please bring bells, if you have them, to ring in the Solstice New Year!**

***Be sure to dress for the weather.***

This free event is open to the public. CDC Guidelines will be followed. 
  
RSVP to Maria at maria@pennforestcemetery.com or 412.265.4606 or click here to register.
 

 

 

Nature Walk & Talk – Saturday, August 6th, 2022, at 10am

Join us on August 6th at 10am for another walk & talk with local naturalist, Scott Hill! We will meet at the main parking lot and head over to the hiking trail from there. See what our woods have to offer during the summer months including edible plants and (hopefully) interesting fungi. There will also be a small focus on smells – like spicebush and hay-scented ferns. Our hiking trail is about two thirds of a mile long and there are some steep hills along the way. This event is great for kids, adults, and everyone in between.

Please email Maria at maria@pennforestcemetery.com to register and let us know how many people will be in your group. We will be capping the walk at 25 people. We hope to see you there! 

 

 

 

Yoga with Goats – Saturday, May 14th, 2022, at 3pm
 
The goats request your forgiveness for a shaky start to the season. However, due to a scheduling snafu, the goats won’t be able to come out and play with you until 3pm Saturday May 14, 2022. Our wonderful Shepherdess and amazing Yoga Teacher are in agreement that the goats are in charge, and we’ll do our best to accommodate the little rascals. After all, what’s Yoga With Goats without the goats? We’ll do our best to make this class extra special for you
If you can’t make it at 3pm this Saturday, please choose another class to attend at www.returninghomefarm.org. Be sure to check often as we’ll be adding classes all summer and into the fall. Be sure to tell your friends.
 
-The Crew at Returning Home Farm

 

 

 

 

 

2022 Summer Solstice Festival – Tuesday, June 21, 2022, 3-8pm – The Meadow at Penn Forest Natural Burial Park (Remembrance Ceremony at 3pm)

**While this event is free, we do ask that everyone please register on eventbrite, details listed below**
 
A great day for the young and young at heart, families, and children!
Join us during our 2022 Summer Solstice Festival, hosted by Spiritworks and Penn Forest. Enjoy the sun that shines on each being on planet earth. Join with people of centuries past in this midsummer celebration. Solstice (Latin: “solstitium”) means “sun-stopping,” because it is the point where the sun appears to rise and set – and stops moving northward and starts moving southward. It is the longest day of the year.
 
The Remembrance Ceremony sponsored by VITAS Healthcare begins promptly at 3:00 p.m. honoring those who have died due to COVID-19 and other causes. We will unite in meaningful rituals and the music of Eucalyptus. Come write and fly a white flag of remembrance in honor of your loved ones and those we’ve lost to COVID-19. Rich Fitzgerald, county executive, will be our keynote speaker offering words of comfort and compassion.
 
Performers on the Main Stage include:
Steel City Ukeleles
Aspinwall Drum Circle with Special Guests
Eucalyptus’ eclectic music
The Hawthornes
Listen to the vocal offerings of Ted Brown with his guitar
 
Purchase a bite to eat from Revival Chili Food Truck, with a variety of beverages to please the whole family, and top it off with Millie’s Ice Cream Truck.
 
-Create your own flower crown to wear
-Paint a Kindness Rock to take and plant in your own neighborhood
-Face painting and dress up costumes
-Write and fly your summer wishes and intentions into the wind
-Walk the 40-foot labyrinth
-Make a beaded creation
-Get your picture taken with one of the chickens!
-Join in meditation and yoga
-Visit the Farm’s sheep, goats, chickens, ducks, and donkey
-Create a unique photo image with Memories into More
-Hike the trail or walk the peaceful grounds
 
For more information: pdbrown@spiritworks.org
 
Volunteer help wanted!
Want to be part of the event? All of our performers and helpers are VOLUNTEERS. This is how this community endeavour can be offered FREE. Are you able to lend a hand for 2 hours or more? Are you able to sponsor one of the arts or crafts? Email Tricia: pdbrown@spiritworks.org.
 
While this event is free to everyone, we will accept donations.
For Donations, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/…/spiritworks-center-for… and search “Summer Solstice” or visit https://spiritworks.eventbrite.com and search “Summer Solstice” to register. 

 

 

 

 

Nature Walk & Talk – Saturday, April 30th, 2022, at 2:00pm

Join us for our second nature walk & talk of the season!
 
Join us at Penn Forest on Saturday, April 30th at 2:00pm to learn about what our local forests have to offer. Naturalist Scott Hill will be leading the walk again. We will keep our eyes out for more native spring wildflowers, edible plants, and fungi. Our hiking trails are about two thirds of a mile long and there are some steep hills along the way. 
 
If you’d like to join us, please email Maria at maria@pennforestcemetery.com to register. We will be capping this event at 25 people. Hope to see you there!

 

 

 

 

 

Nature Walk & Talk – Saturday, April 2, 2022 at 10:00am

Penn Forest Natural Burial Park is hosting our first nature walk & talk of the season!
 
Join us at Penn Forest on Saturday, April 2nd at 10:00am to learn about what our local forests have to offer. Our first walk will be focused mainly on spring wildflower identification, as well as foraging for edible in-season plants and mushrooms.
People of all ages and experience levels are welcome to join. Our hiking trails are about two thirds of a mile long and there are some steep hills along the way. If you are interested, or have any questions, please contact Samantha Jocuns at 724-900-3872 or by email at samanthajocuns@gmail.com.
 
(If the weather is less than ideal, we plan to have the backup date be Sunday, April 3rd at 2:30pm. Keep an eye out on our Events page on our website and also our Facebook page for any updates!

 

 

 

 

2021 Winter Solstice Illumination Remembrance – at Penn Forest Natural Burial Park (121 Colorado St. Verona, PA 15147) on December 21st from 5:00-8:00pm

Honor the legacy and memories of loved ones who are no longer in your life at a touching winter solstice ceremony sponsored by VITAS, a Greater Pittsburgh hospice care provider, Spiritworks, and Penn Forest Natural Burial Park.

Light a candle in memory of a loved one who died. Join fellow mourners at sunset to walk along the path of 100 luminaries and enjoy music and an outdoor fire circle to honor those who have gone on before us with the burning of a Yule log. Warm up with a cup of hot chocolate or wassail and live music by the acoustic guitars of The Hawthorns.

During these difficult times, lighting the way to the future acknowledges your loss. Even through the toughest times, the support of friends and neighbors can offer comfort when it’s needed most. 

This free event is open to the public. CDC Guidelines will be followed.

RSVP to Tricia at patricia.brown@vitas.com or 412-799-2123 or by clicking here.

 

 

 

 

Green Burial Talk – with Sunday Assembly Pittsburgh at Community Forge in Wilkinsburg (1256 Franklin Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15221) 

UPDATE – This talk was originally scheduled for October 17th at 6pm but was canceled due to poor weather. The talk will be rescheduled for a different date. Once we know the new date and time, we’ll update it here. 

We will meet in the lot west of the building, and you can park in the lot east of the building. Please be sure to wear a mask. 

 

 

 

 

2021 Green Burial Council Conference: Green Life, Death, and Future – October 25th at 7:30pm via Zoom 

Laura, Maria, and Mary Ann (from The Forest Conservation Burial Ground in Oregon who apprenticed with us last year) will be presenting at the Green Burial Council’s annual conference this year. 

Our presentation is titled Green Future: The Next Generation of Deathcare Workers. We will explore the changing face of after-deathcare with an influx of young professionals who have diverse identities and backgrounds. We will share our personal experiences and national demographics that will lead to discussions on strategies for inclusion, the importance of mentoring, and managing for change.  If you’d like to watch our presentation, you can register on the Green Burial Council’s website by clicking here.

 

 

 

 

Oakmont Fall Festival – October 30th 10am – 3pm

Oakmont is having their Fall Festival on October 30th from 10am – 3pm. There will be fun activities, delicious food, and several vendors set up. We will have a booth set up where you can get your picture taken in our coffin and with our skeleton mascot, Jasper!

 

 

 

 

Green Burial Talk – Mt. Lebanon Public Library on December 1st from 7:00-8:30pm

This will likely be a virtual Zoom presentation. If you are interested in joining us, please contact Laura at laura@pennforestcemetery.com or by phone at 724-612-2492. 

 

 

 

 

Summer Solstice Festival – June 20, 2021, 4-7 pm

About this Event

It’s the beginning of summer and the longest day of the year. A time for revelry steeped in local culture and history. Come enjoy the sun that shines within each being on planet Earth and join with people of centuries past in this midsummer celebration for the young and young at heart, families and children. Join Spiritworks and Penn Forest in celebrating the solstice at Penn Forest on Sunday, June 20th from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. for this free community event.

For more information: www.spiritworks.org, or to register (which will help with our planning) go to: https://spiritworks.eventbrite.com

(This is an outdoor event and will take place rain or shine. All attendees are required to follow present COVID state and county guidelines at the time of the event such as wearing masks and keeping proper social distancing from other unrelated parties).

 

 

 

 

Winter Solstice Illumination Remembrance Gathering – December 21, 2020, 5:00 pm

Amid music and drums at the outdoor yule log circle, we will raise our candles for love, hope and healing.

About this Event

Join with VITAS Healthcare, Spiritworks, and Penn Forest for a Winter Solstice Time of Remembrance and Light

Winter Solstice has been celebrated in cultures the world over for thousands of years. This start of the solar year is a time to remember what has passed and celebrate the light to come. In old Europe, it was known as Yule, from

 the Norse, Jul, meaning wheel. Begin the observance at 5:00 p.m., by following the path of 100 luminaries.  Amid music and drums we will enjoy the outdoor fire circle, bringing to mind those who have moved on to the unseen realm, and burning a Yule log to mark the day. Then, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate or wassail.

**To contribute to good works in the new solar year participants are asked to bring canned food that will be contributed to the local food pantry.

(This is an outdoor event and will take place rain or shine. All attendees are required to follow present COVID state and county guidelines at the time of the event such as wearing masks and keeping proper social distancing from other unrelated parties. The number of attendees is limited, so pre-registration on eventbrite is required. Please check back the week of the event in case of cancelation).

 

 

 

 

 

Funeral, Burial, Memorial Officiant Certification Program. March 27, 28, & 29

Fewer and fewer people have a religious affiliation nor a pastor, rabbi, imam or other
faith-based professional to help them in their grief and officiate at end-of-life events.
 This is why those who feel called to the work are now being invited to step forward to fill
this needed compassionate service.

The curriculum covers:  

  • Articulating the Value of the Funeral
  • YOU as the Facilitator
  • Listening Skills
  • Family Meetings
  • Making it Personal
  • Service Planning
  • Creating Sacred Space
  • Writing the Service
  • Being Mindful of Many Traditions
  • Music and Readings Resources
  • Composing the Service in Printed Form
  • Closing Ceremonies
  • Creating and Facilitating Rituals and Ceremonies
  • Encouraging Participation
  • Presentation Skills
  • Reflections on the Occasion or Meditation 
  • Biography, Life Story, Slide Show, or Video
  • Remembrances from Family and Friends
  • Closing Words, Prayer, Blessing, Benediction

CLASS LOCATIONS:

Friday and Saturday:  Beacon Hill Community Room, Beacon Hill Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15221 

Sunday: Penn Forest Natural Burial Park, Verona, PA

CLASS SCHEDULE:

Friday:  5:30PM – 8:30PM

Saturday: 9:00AM – 5:00PM

Sunday:  9:00AM – 1:00PM

To complete the certification process:

  • Co-facilitate as an officiant from start to completion. 
  • Demonstrate proficiency by officiating at two services as primary facilitator while under observation. 
  • Meet for a final one-on-one to discern readiness.  
  • Compose and submit photo and article for Spiritworks Officiant Listing 

REGISTRATION:

To register submit:  

  • Resume containing your complete contact information.
  • Written statement as to why you wish to be certified as an Officiant.
  • Registration commitment fee of $50.00.

The event URL is https://www.eventbrite.com/e/funeral-burial-memorial-officiant-certification-program-with-spiritworks-inc-tickets-90721013995

or send check directly to Spiritworks, INC.

  • The remaining $200 is due 2 weeks before class.
  • Total for the Class: $250  

Submit Materials to:

Patricia D. Brown, Director of Spiritworks, Inc. 

pdbrown@spiritworks.org

412-999-1912

7282 Beacon Hill Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15221

 

 

 

Winter Solstice Celebration. Come join us at sunset on Winter Solstice on Saturday, December 21, at 4:55 p.m.

Winter Solstice has been celebrated in cultures the world over for thousands of years.  This start of the solar year is a celebration of Light.  In old Europe, it was known as Yule, from the Norse, Jul, meaning wheel.

We’ll begin the observance at 4:55 p.m. by following the path of lights to our circle of light.  Amid music and drums, enjoy the outdoor fire circle, burning a Yule log to mark the day and to remember those who have gone on before us.  It will be a time of both remembrance and celebration.

To begin the new solar year with a good work, participants are asked to bring canned food that will be contributed to the local food pantry.

 

 

 

 

Forest Bathing and QiGong.  Saturday November 2, 2019, 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm.

We will be hosting a forest bathing and qigong worksop on November 2, 2019, with Moshe Sherman.  Forest bathing is a meditative practice that was developed in Japan as a way to balance the stress of modern urban life by immersing ourselves in the forest environment.

In Japanese, the name for this practice us Shin-rin Yoku, which translates as “bringing in the forest energy.”  To help assist the process of “bringing in the energy,” we will practice simple movement and breathing exercises known as Qigong (Chee-Gong).

Moshe will also provide individual Qigong sessions to those interested at a cost of $10-$20 on a sliding scale.

Moshe Sherman has lived in Pittsburgh for over 20 years.  Since 2016, he has been a practicing Medical Qigong Therapist at Cloud Gate Pittsburgh in Edgewood.  He has been teaching Qigong and forest bathing in Frick Park for over three years and looks forward to the event in November.

 

 

 

 

Fall Memorial Tree and Shrub Planting 2019.  Saturday October 19, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm.

Our annual tree and shrub planting is fast approaching.  If you would like to plant a tree or shrub in someone’s memory or just because, this is a great time to do it!  This is a wonderful way to help us reforest the land here at Penn Forest.  We have a great selection of trees and shrubs from our local nursery.  Email or call Laura to get the order form: laura@pennforestcemetery.com and 724 612 2492.  Orders due by 10/11/2019.

 

 

 

 

Death Café at Penn Forest.  Sunday July 21, 2:00 pm.

A Death Café is a group directed discussion of death with no agenda, objectives
or themes. It is a discussion group rather than a grief support or counselling
session. 

Please bring a chair and a hand-held dessert or snack to share if you wish. We
will start gathering at 1:30 and start the event promptly at 2:00 pm.
Afterwards, from about 3:30 to 4:30 for those interested in staying, there will be
a meditation labyrinth walk using Penn Forest’s 40’ x 40’ outdoor labyrinth.
Rain date is the following Sunday, July 28, same times.