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    • Rev. Deshna Charron Shine
    • Deshna is the former Executive Director of ProgressiveChristianity.org & Progressing Spirit where she worked 2006 -2020. She is an ordained Interfaith Minister and Chaplain (2019), Certified Healing Ritual Facilitator (2020), Certified Yoga Instructor (2000) published author, and International speaker. She has presented at conferences in Canada, Australia, Hawaii, Seattle, Portland and elsewhere. She is a Lead Author, Project Director, and Editor on the Children’s Curriculum: A Joyful Path, Spiritual Curriculum.

      Deshna is the visionary and Executive Producer of Embrace Festival, a 3 day in-city festival in Portland, OR that focuses on Sacred Community, Social Transformation and the Arts.

      Deshna grew up in an amazing Progressive Christian church, IUCC, in Irvine California as a PK (pastor's kid) and so was blessed to be involved in a community that was open, educated, innovative, and inclusive. She was involved in the church at many different levels, as a representative for youth at National UCC Conferences, as a youth group leader, and a camp counselor for many years. She went to the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she graduated with honors as a Religious Studies major and a Global Peace and Security minor. This led her to be a part of the Global Reconciliation Service in New York doing some work with the United Nations.

      She has worked in Administration for the UC Education Abroad Program, as an Infant Specialist for a non-profit organization, as a Spanish Teacher for elementary children, and as a Yoga Instructor. Deshna co-wrote a book, Missing Mothers with her mom. During her free time, she continues to write, do yoga, dance, hike, and enjoy her life in Portland with her wonderful community, her partner Jessica and her daughter, Kaila.

Lessons in Chaplaincy…Part 1~ Divine Synchronicity

Life is full of these kinds of sacred signs, when we are open to them. They are like the sign posts pointing us down the paths of our dreams. They are like the nudges our loving mothers give us to move forward in spite of our fears. They are the reminders of what we already know but have mostly forgotten, like the dreams that fade when awakening. I know I am on the right path, when things easily fall into place and magical moments occur.

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The Chaplaincy Institute offers education programs for those with a unique calling to spiritual service

About our Seminary Programs At The Chaplaincy Institute, we believe that the world is in need of the gifts and talents of every individual called to service. Our Interfaith seminary is dedicated to supporting the unique call …

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NANNA FULL ALBUM – Xavier Rudd & the United Nations

Mixed by Errol Brown at Tuff Gong Studios, Nanna is Xavier’s ninth studio album, but his first with Xavier Rudd And The United Nations… finding one of the great solo artists our time fronting a full band with impeccable results. Once again diving into new musical waters, while still holding true to the music in his heart, Xavier Rudd has added another remarkable milestone to his already epic journey; solidifying his place as one of Australia’s greatest artists, activists and spirits.

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Seeking Transformational Leaders – Boston University Doctor of Ministry

Boston University School of Theology’s Doctor of Ministry in Transformational Leadership seeks leaders who are called to transform their communities, their churches, their ministries, and their world.   Boston University School of Theology has designed its Doctor …

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Interfaith Curriculum for Peacemaking

Interfaith peacemaking cannot be limited to a religious “program.” Rather, it is integral to the well-being of all humankind. This vision encompasses both ethical practice as well as public policy-making in our local communities. It challenges faith communities to develop spiritual grounding for people that enables them to hold their own religious truths, while at the same time respecting the religious truths of their neighbors.

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Confronting Our Shadow Side

I truly don’t understand racism or violence. But I do understand that the path toward confronting it must begin at the deep levels of vast cultural and socio-political change. When 1% rules the world and owns the media, the government, and the health and energy systems, that leaves a lot of room for angry and disheartened people. When people are angry or scared they look toward that which frightens them to place blame.

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It is Time for Us to Do Our Part

Personal transformation occurs every time you enter into nature and stop to delight in its inherent divinity. World transformation occurs when we serve and protect our earth home. And, my friends, this CAN be done one person at a time. Our earth heroes and heroines have been showing us the way- it is time for us follow their lead, or become the new leaders for our future generations.

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Loving Kindness as a Practice

Loving kindness is the cultivation of benevolence toward all living beings, love without clinging, and a strong wish for the happiness of others. It is the kind of love that often bubbles up freely in the heart of a mother for her child. It is a love that is independent of expecting or needing anything in return.

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Come Together and Act

Every living being on this planet and indeed this universe is interconnected in a deep and meaningful way. We are literally made of the stars, we breathe the air that the trees cleanse for us, and we are in a symbiotic relationship with every creature in this web of life.

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Why Does Food Peace and Justice Matter?

All across the world, people are transforming the food system. As we gain more insight into the industrial food complex, people are turning away from industrial agriculture toward sustainable and local alternatives. Why is this an issue that matters to progressive Christians? There are many reasons.

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ABC Radio Interview with Deshna Ubeda on Spiritual Curriculum for Children

Interview at the Common Dreams Conference in Melbourne, Australia

Click here: Deshna Ubeda on Progressive Christian Spirituality for Children  

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Excerpts, Activity, Affirmation

“We begin to live a sacred life when we start to become a source of blessing through our actions. As we apply the dynamic power of the alchemy of the seed, we set in motion the wheels of a better life.” ~Emory J. Michael

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Will The Real Progressive Christians Please Speak Up?

We began with determining what we aren’t. We are not fundamentals, we are not exclusive, we are not dogmatic, we are not bible thumpers, we are not ignorant, we are not brainwashed, we are not afraid, we are not haters, we are not closed minded. Slowly, we are letting go of the comparison and becoming, birthing, and re-birthing who we are separate from that negative association. We are compassionate, we are inclusive, we are educated, we are open, we are searchers, we are peaceful, we are earth friendly, we are social justice supporters, we are Jesus’ students, we are walkers…but NOT, at least not yet, talkers.

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