Lucid flashes

In the spring of 1998, the Church of Today community experienced a spiritual rebirth. When internationally acclaimed lecturer and No. 1 New York Times best-selling author Marianne Williamson became minister, she inspired everyone there with a heightened sense of awareness, responsibility and consideration for mankind. With this attitude in heart and mind, visitors to the church learned that faith is not only about believing in God. Faith is what unifies everyone and (as Williamson puts it) is found in anything that "... can touch the soul ... and bring on that great cosmic ‘aha!’ ..." So it will be a good day this Friday when Church of Today celebrates the official grand opening of Mystic Grounds: an art gallery, bookstore and Café Pronto! located within the spiritual complex at 11200 E. 11 Mile Rd. in Warren. Heeding Williamson’s mantras of unity and soul enlightenment, it seems only natural that the gallery would open its doors for the first time (July 9, 8-11 p.m.) with an exhibit entitled "Tibetan Portraits." The photographic series by Phil Borges features 40 sepia-toned color portraits of Tibetans in India, Nepal and Tibet. Through the expressive eyes of the young (as pictured here) and the elderly, Borges displays one culture’s commitment to compassion and peaceful communication. In addition to events at the art gallery, the café will host live music, a weekly poetry night and an open-mic night for budding speakers. All of this occurs in addition to the church’s regular schedule of events – frequent book signings, support groups and educational workshops. That’s commitment. Call 810-758-3050 to learn more.

Rebecca Mazzei is Metro Times arts and culture editor. Send comments to [email protected]