Grounded in ideas of rest and connection, Erin Burns leads us through an hour of creative contemplation: grounding, listening, connecting and reflecting with the exhibit and our own creative spirits.

In our busy lives, making time for creativity, connection and contemplation can seem impossible. As we near exam season, we set aside this time for some spiritual practice that pulls us out of the rush of everyday life and gives us time and space for rest. We will gather together, surrounded by the softness of Rihab Essayh’s of longing and songbirds, listening for inspiration.

Erin Burns

Erin is delighted for her return to Queen’s in the role of Director, Faith and Spiritual Life, and Interfaith Chaplain. Erin was a student in Religious Studies and then Theology at Queen’s before she was Ordained and began her work in Congregational Ministry with the United Church of Canada. Over the past 15 years Erin’s ministry has shifted from rural and small church settings to suburban congregations with a focus on intergenerational connections, exploring Progressive Theology, and programming for Spiritual But Not Religious members. Her more recent work also included education for herself and her congregation on issues of settler colonialism and anti-black racism, and the role the church and other institutions have played in creating harm and harmful systems.

In her ministry, Erin has always focused on community and connection. She enjoys working with people to explore how Faith and Spirituality adapt and change, and wrestling with how traditions and practices with ancient roots can hold relevance and importance in modern times.

Erin is an enthusiastic vegetable gardener. She enjoys reading cozy mysteries and books with dragons in them. She is very creative and can often be found drawing, sewing, or knitting warm, wooly things for her spouse and two children.

Queen’s Faith and Spiritual Life

Faith and Spiritual Life offers multi-faith, non-judgmental support for religious, spiritual, personal, and financial problems, concerns or crises. As part of Student Affairs, Faith and Spiritual Life strives to facilitate a welcoming, peaceful, and safe space. Chaplains can also provide support, ceremonial services, interfaith community development and spiritual support to students, faculty, and staff.

We are faith-positive, spirituality-positive, and queer-positive. We respect and advocate for both freedom of, and freedom from, religion.

Student life at university is full of opportunities for personal growth both inside and outside the classroom. But there are times when students feel the need for support:

• In times of loneliness or personal need, perhaps due to anxiety, depression or financial problems
• In times of change, as you prepare for marriage or decide a career
• In times of crisis, such as death, accident or serious illness