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March 17, 2004New healing center makes debut in Traverse CityHealing through spirituality is the goal of churchByRecord-Eagle staff writer TRAVERSE CITY - Marti Copplestone and Laurie Gonda aren't doctors or physical therapists; they can't knit bones together or cure cancer. What they can do is help others heal through the creative arts and spiritual awareness, Gonda said. The women are founders of Just Imagine Creative Arts Healing Center, an interfaith church that opened for introductory events in January. The 4,800-square-feet, two-story building at the corner of 14th and Pine streets in Traverse City formerly was the home of Traverse City Christian Church. Besides weekly interfaith services that will feature a mix of affirmations, discussion, music and other creative expression, Gonda, 34, said the center will offer year-round classes, courses, workshops and special events devoted to mind, body and spirit. Activities will focus on the expressive arts, spirituality, grief counseling and healing, health and health concerns, children, dance and movement, music and the culinary arts and cuisine. Eventually Gonda hopes the facility will become a community center open seven days a week, where people of all ages and faiths can come to heal whatever ails them. "At any given time in our life, we're going through the healing process," she said. "Life is growth, unless your life is stagnant. And if you're going through a growth process, you're healing from something, small or large." Whether it's divorce, the loss of a loved one or the loss of a job, "We want to create a place where it feels really, really safe for people to come in," she added. The center will officially open Saturday with a "grand opening" and dedication celebration from 6:30 to 11 p.m. The open house will feature entertainment, a live and silent auction and a raffle for a trip to California's Napa Valley. Other upcoming events include an Arts and Crafts Show from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 3 and a Women's Spa Day and Fashion Show from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 8. For more information or a complete calendar of events, call 932-9808 or visit www.justimaginecahc.com.
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