Bake and Pray

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Bake & Pray is a unique approach to bread baking that emphasizes the integration of prayer into the process—viewing it as a liturgy rather than focusing solely on producing a perfect loaf. Through this practice, participants are invited to deepen their faith, enrich their prayer lives, and experience God’s beauty in the tangible and delicious gift of bread.

The workshop method was developed by Kendall Vanderslice, a renowned baker, theologian, and author of We Will Feast, By Bread Alone, and Bake and Pray.

Participants will shape and bake pre-made dough, then mix their own dough to take home, rest, and bake later! This workshop also includes 30 minutes of sabbath time for reflection and rest.

The workshop is limited to 25 participants. There is a minimal cost is $15.

The Facilitator

Maria Niechwiadowicz has built a career at the intersection of church ministry and professional baking. She has developed food equity outreach programs, taught cooking classes, launched multiple bakeries, and managed commercial kitchens. Maria currently works part-time at First Christian Church, Lynchburg (Disciples of Christ) as the Director of Education, serves as a Business Advisor with the Small Business Development Center (Lynchburg Region), and spends a lot of time being a mom. Bake & Pray is a way for Maria to share her love of baking with others, create spaces that promote rest as resistance, and nurture community. 

Schedule

4:00         Gathering Time
4:15         Setting the Stage: Introductions and Welcome
4:40         Dough Shaping, Reflect on Transformation
5:00         Introduce Ingredients, Dough Mixing, Reflect on Rest
5:30         Sabbath Time – Undirected time for rest and reflection. 

Option to attend Evening Prayer & Holy Eucharist beginning at 5:30 p.m.

6:00         Folding dough
6:30         Eat Dinner & Q&A