Newsletter for December 23, 2010
Friday, December 24, 2010
Friday, December 17, 2010
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Friday, December 3, 2010
Friday, November 26, 2010
Friday, November 19, 2010
Friday, November 12, 2010
Friday, November 5, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
Friday, October 22, 2010
Friday, October 15, 2010
Friday, October 8, 2010
Friday, October 1, 2010
Friday, September 24, 2010
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Friday, September 10, 2010
Friday, September 3, 2010
Sacred Work & Being Peace
Gathering for Worship
Labor Day Weekend
Sacred Work
Labor Day was established to honor workers and commemorate their contributions and struggles, past and present, to bring justice and dignity to the workplace and to society. Since its founding 100+ years ago, the struggle for justice and dignity in the workplace continues. Currently, more than two million full-time, year round US workers live below the poverty line, struggling to pay for necessities such as food, housing, healthcare, transportation, and childcare. Since 1996, thousands of faith communities have focused Labor Day weekend services on injustices facing low-wage workers and the religious community's efforts to support workers' struggles for living wages and family-sustaining benefits.
The Gathering will join this effort Sunday night as well as reflect on what makes "work" - whether it's sweeping, teaching, painting, preaching, banking, gardening, or whatever else - sacred. Our monetary offering will be designated for an organization whose "work" is to end hunger and poverty and care for the earth by helping others work: Heifer Project. They stress that "by giving families a hand- up, not just a hand-out, we empower them to turn lives of hunger and poverty into self-reliance and hope."
In addition, you are invited to bring the classic healthy hardy budget meal: one pound bags of beans and one pound bags of rice for a special "September Beans and Rice" offering for Project Dignidad. (See below for further story.) Our potluck will be dishes containing beans and rice and anything that accompanies this delicacy.
Sunday, 5 September
5:30 PM, 618 Locust Street
We're Having An R & B Party
Rice and Beans, That Is
This pleasurable, simple combination is a healthy staple of many diets. As such, Pat Hines has come up with a great idea!
Part of our giving for the month of September will be to Gather 100 one pound bags of beans and 100 one pounds bags of rice to give to Project Dignidad. We will have a large basket for each at TG each Sunday to accept the offerings of beans and rice. This offering will be in addition to our regular offering.
Season of Peace
September 9-21, 2010
From The Peace Ambassadors:
The Peace Ambassadors of West Texas, an interfaith group of citizens working together to promote peace through understanding by education and building relationships, invite you to join with us during the 2010 "Peace Begins with Me" Season of Peace! This is our third year of bringing our community together offering interfaith dialogues, prayer services, and educational programs which break down the walls separating us one from another.
This year it is our intention to join our community in a 12 day 24/7 prayer vigil for inner peace which will manifest peace out into our community and the world. The vigil will begin at 8 a.m. on September 9th and continue until midnight on September 21, 2010. We are asking churches, groups and organizations to make a time commitment to sit in prayer, meditation and contemplation for peace: peace within ourselves, our community and our world and to be open to heal the wounds which separate us from our friends, our families, and our enemies.
Along with this prayer vigil, during the Season of Peace, we will offer:
* Sept. 9, 7 p.m. at Unity Church: Interfaith opening prayer service.
* Sept. 11, 9 a.m. at the 911 Memorial: An inter faith 9/11 Memorial program.
* Sept. 16, 6:30 p.m. at the San Angelo Convention Center: The Gathering is presenting the film "One Peace at a Time" by Turk Pipkin.
* Sept. 19 at Unity Church: Musical program with Dwaine Briggs singing uplifting and inspiring songs of peace.
* Sept. 21 at 6:30 at ASU Davidson Ballroom: A presentation hosted by ASU featuring Dr. Helen Rose Ebaugh, Professor of World Religions from the University of Houston. She will be speaking about the importance of inter faith dialogues and will also be focusing on the myths behind Islam and what we hear in the media.
Through prayer and meditation, we experience the inner peace promised by our Spiritual Guides. From this inner state of peace, we manifest peace in our community and in our world. We encourage you to take this time to open your heart to a deeper love and understanding between all people.
When people come together for the common good of all and live in the awareness that my neighbors and I are One, we will know peace.
Several Gatherers have already committed to participate in the prayer vigil. If you would like to be a pray-er, please let me know or sign up Sunday night at The Gathering. In addition, Teresa Rylander and I are participating in the opening ecumenical service Thursday, Sept 9, at Unity Church. Hope to see you there!
The Gathering Film Series:
Neighbors Known and Unknown
It's time for the first movie of the first annual Gathering Film Series! One Peace at a Time, written and directed by native San Angeloan Turk Pipkin, is the follow-up to his highly acclaimed movie Nobelity. The film, about "a messed up world and how we could save it", features the insights of Nobel Peace laureates Muhammad Yunus and Stephen Chu, Willie Nelson and many others. Music is by Ben Harper, Bob Dylan, Jack Johnson, Cat Stevens, Explosions in the Sky and more.
When: Thursday evening, September 16, 2010Light snacks will be provided and are needed - see article below
Where: The San Angelo Convention Center, North Meeting Room C
Time: 6:30 pm
Film Series Food Sign Up
If you are interested in helping provide finger-like foods for "One Peace At A Time" Thursday, Sept. 16 Contact Jessica...325-486-1494 or jesejane@gmail.com. I will also have a sign up sheet at this Sunday's Gathering.
We will need:
Cookies
Assorted Cubes of Cheese
Crackers
Fresh Fruit(grapes, strawberries)
Soft Drinks
Tea
Bottles of Water
Paper Goods.
One of the strengths of The Gathering is our hospitable table welcome. Let's live that practice with our movie guests.
Gathering Opportunities in September
Sunday, September 5 - Oneness Blessing 1:30 pm Unity Church
Sunday, September 5 - Gathering for Worship, 5:30 pm, 618 Locust Street
Monday, September 6- Meeting for silent Quaker worship, 6:30 pm, 1305 St. Andrews.
Sunday, September 12- Gathering for Reflection and Conversation. Teresa Rylander and Karen co-leading. 5:30 pm, 618 Locust.
Thursday, September 16- The Gathering Film Series: One Peace at a Time. 6:30 pm, San Angelo Convention Center
Sunday, September 19- Gathering for Worship. I am seeking help in co-planning and leading worship.
Thursday, September 24 - West Texas Organizing Strategy meeting. 7 pm, St. Paul Baptist Church.
Sunday, September 26- Gathering to receive a blessing via the Oneness Blessing. 5:30 pm, 618 Locust Street.
Holding in the Light of Prayer
During this Season of Peace, let us remember the Mid-East peace talks currently underway.
Let us remember all those living without peace - from war, domestic abuse, mental chaos, substance abuse, unemployment, and bullying.
Contact Us
By email: Rev. Karen Schmeltekopf
By phone: 325-374-1566
Meet Up with Us:
Meetup.com
Or Visit Us Online:
www.thegatheringsanangelo.org
Friday, August 27, 2010
Doing Sacred Business
Community Conversation Regarding Our Priorities
We've got a lot going on in The Gathering and much to share with each other, so this evening will be full of engaging with the Spirit and discussing and deciding things that shape who we are. You are encouraged to participate. The Gathering is a collaborative community where, just as our bell banner symbolizes, each voice is unique and important in making up the whole chorus. We say we welcome all into the "full life and ministry of The Gathering" and that doesn't just mean others - it means us, too!
Recognizing the time issue, we will not have a regular pot-luck; feel free, however, to bring a sack supper if you'd like. Our monetary offering will be designated for The Gathering; you are also invited to bring school supplies which will be donated to Austin Elementary, the school zone in which Promenade Square (618 Locust) resides.
Sunday, August 29
5:30 pm, 618 Locust Street
Eating for a Better Future
Kids Eat! Program a Body and Soul Success!
Woohoo! Tom Green County children are back in school with healthy brains - because of summer break. Or, at least because of what happened during lunch throughout the summer. According to Carol Rigby-Hiebert, coordinator of the Kids Eat! summer feeding program, Tom Green County kids (and some of their parents) did, in fact, eat healthy lunches this summer, which makes a huge difference in their physical and mental school-readiness now.
She states:
Nearly 14,000 meals were served to children;
Nearly 2,400 meals were served to parents/caregivers;
Nearly 18,000 total meals were served;
Over 550 take home bags were distributed at 3 sites;
Additionally, the Boys and Girls Club served approximately 7,100 meals to children.
The Gathering contributed $245 to the effort. For media coverage, check out the Standard-Times article.
Season of Peace
The Peace Ambassadors of West Texas, an interfaith group of citizens working together to promote peace through understanding by education and building relationships, announce the 2010 "Peace Begins with Me" Season of Peace! This is the third year of bringing our community together by offering interfaith dialogues, prayer services, and educational programs which break down the walls separating us one from another.
The Season of Peace will include:
Sept. 9, 7 p.m. Unity Church: Interfaith opening prayer service.Through prayer and meditation, we experience the inner peace promised by God. From this inner state of peace, we manifest peace in our community and in our world.
Sept. 11, 9 a.m. at the 911 Memorial: An inter faith 9/11 Memorial program.
Sept 16, 6:30 p.m. at San Angelo Convention Center, North Meeting Room C: The Gathering is hosting Turk Pipkin's film One Peace at a Time.
Sept. 19, at Unity Church: Musical program with Dwaine Briggs singing uplifting and inspiring songs of peace.
Sept. 21, at 6:30 at ASU Davidson Ballroom: A presentation hosted by ASU featuring Dr. Helen Rose Ebaugh, Professor of World Religions from the University of Houston. She will be speaking about the importance of inter faith dialogues and will also be focusing on the myths behind Islam and what we hear in the media.
Reasons & Opportunities to Gather in September
Sunday, August 29 - Gathering for Sacred Business, 5:30 pm, 618 Locust Street.
Thursday, September 2 - ASU HERO meeting (Helping Educate Regarding Orientation).
Sunday, September 5 -Oneness Blessing , 1:30 pm, Unity Church.
Sunday, September 5 - Gathering for Worship, 5:30 pm, 618 Locust Street. I am seeking help in co-planning and leading worship.
Monday, September 6 - Meeting for silent Quaker worship, 6:30 pm, 1305 St. Andrews
Sunday, September 12 - Gathering for Reflection and Conversation. Teresa Rylander and Karen co-leading. 5:30 pm, 618 Locust.
Thursday, September 16 - The Gathering Film Series begins! 6:30 pm, San Angelo Convention Center.
Sunday, September 19 - Gathering for Worship. I am seeking help in co-planning and leading worship.
Sunday, September 24 - Gathering to Receive a Blessing via the Oneness Blessing, 5:30 pm, 618 Locust Street.
Sharing Our Resources
Sunday, 15 August:
Total - $612.27
West Texas Organizing Strategy - $215
The Gathering - $350
In-Kind Donation - $47.27
Sunday, 22 August:
Total - $360
Church World Service (for Pakistan aid) - $210
The Gathering - $110
In-Kind Donation - $40
Words of Appreciation
The Gathering,
You're the greatest! We appreciate your support of our Center's programs! Your efforts enable us to make a difference in the lives of the individuals we serve and other community stakeholders.
An Education in Religious Freedom
War on Prayer
When the student is ready, the master appears.
Buddhist Proverb
Contact Us:
Our Webpage
Our Blog
325-374-1566
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Cultivating Life
We're growing a faith community where life is cultivated
Dinner and a Movie
Sunday August 22, 5:30 pm
We'll watch Academy Award Nominee The Garden, and discussion will be lead by Maurice Toliver.
Synopsis: The fourteen-acre community garden at 41st and Alameda in South Central Los Angeles is the largest of its kind in the United States. Started as a form of healing after the devastating L.A. riots in 1992, the South Central Farmers have since created a miracle in one of the country's most blighted neighborhoods. Growing their own food. Feeding their families. Creating a community.
But now, bulldozers are poised to level their 14-acre oasis.... The powers-that-be have the same response: "The garden is wonderful, but there is nothing more we can do." If everyone told you nothing more could be done, would you give up?
We'll share garden fresh vegetables and other treats while we watch the movie, so easy-to-eat-on-your-lap garden-fresh kinds of things are suggested for our potluck. In observance of Ramadan, and in response to the devastating floods in Pakistan, our offering will be designated to help Pakistani flood victims.
Seeking to Faithfully & Responsibly Live Our Practices
West Texas Organizing Strategy
Thursday, August 26, St. Paul Presbyterian Church, 6:30 pm.
You are invited to the upcoming "General Find-Out-What-WTOS-Is-About and Find-Out-How-WTOS-Is-Changing-San-Angelo" Dinner and Meeting
We begin our Open and Affirming statement with the sentence:
The Gathering affirms the inherent dignity and sacredness of all human beings and the value of all life in the universe.
Our Purpose states:
Our dynamic community offers you an inclusive spiritual home. We gather as works-in-progress in a chorus of Divine Mystery, committed to the possibilities in all God's creation through authentic relationship.
Because we believe in the inherent dignity and sacredness of all, and because we are committed to the possibilities in all God's creation, and because one of our Practices is, we are members and participants of West Texas Organizing Strategy, a coalition of 60 regional churches and schools who have joined together seeking a living wage, equity in education, affordable housing, access to quality health care, and other issues of justice for all people in the Concho Valley. WTOS has and is making a HUGE positive difference in the lives of many Concho Valley residents.
Thursday, August 26, 6:30 pm, St. Paul Presbyterian will host the monthly WTOS meeting, but at this meeting, 4 representatives from the city will be present to discuss WTOS' concrete impact in San Angelo, we will learn about WTOS' general efforts for the next few months, and we'll also be treated to a barbeque dinner. Craig Meyers says if we want to bring a dessert, that's ok, and if we don't want to bring a dessert - that's ok, too, because other desserts will be there. This is a great and important opportunity to learn more about WTOS and more about how we can make a real difference in the lives of so many of our neighbors. Truly, politics IS local and also a faith issue, and YOU are invited to be a part of this short evening.
Introducing The 2010/2011 Gathering Film Series:
Neighbors Known and Unknown
Thanks to The Gathering's Community Connecting Workgroup and the United Church of Christ's Media with a Mission Grant, The Gathering is offering a film series to provide a place of authentic and respectful relationship and conversation re: contemporary justice issues. Our goal is two-fold: 1) the social justice aspect - educate and expand people's knowledge about and compassion for others; and 2) help The Gathering get more known in the community.
Our first movie, One Peace at a Time, is scheduled to coincide with the Peace Ambassadors' Season of Peace emphasis (formerly known as The 11 Days of Peace). Reserve the date now, and invite others to join you!
One Peace at a Time was written and directed by Turk Pipkin and is the follow-up to his movie Nobelity.
One Peace at a Time
When: Thursday evening, September 16, 2010
Where: The San Angelo Convention Center, North Meeting Room C (Please note, this is a change from last week's e-newsletter.)
Time: 6:30 pm.
Light snacks will be provided.
Reasons to Gather In the Days Ahead...
Thursday, August 26 - West Texas Organizing Strategy meeting, 6:30 pm, St. Paul Presbyterian Church. Barbeque dinner will be provided.
Saturday, August 28 - West Texas Organizing Strategy trip to Austin to learn about upcoming legislative issues.
Sunday, August 29 - Gathering for Conversation Re: Our Priorities, 5:30 pm, 618 Locust Street.
Sunday, September 5 - Oneness Blessing, 1:30 pm, Unity Church.
Sunday, September 5 - Gathering for Worship, 5:30 pm, 618 Locust Street. I am looking for help in co-planning and leading worship.
Monday, September 6 - Meeting for silent Quaker worship, 6:30 pm, Karen and Neil's house, 1305 St. Andrews.
Sunday, September 12 - Gathering for Reflection and Conversation using Sharon Salzberg's book Faith: Trusting Your Own Deepest Experience as starting point. Teresa Rylander and Karen co-leading. 5:30 pm, 618 Locust.
Thursday, September 16 - The Gathering Film Series kicks off!! One Peace at a Time. 6:30 pm, San Angelo Convention Center.
Sunday, September 19 - Gathering for Worship, 5:30 pm, 618 Locust. I am looking for help in co-planning and leading worship.
Sunday, September 24 - Gathering to receive a blessing via the Oneness Blessing, 5:30 pm, 618 Locust Street.
Free Trip to
Got your attention, didn't I? It'd be great fun if the trip included a stopover at Austin City Limits music venue, but alas, it's not to be - it's actually for something much more important to the majority of Texans: a day exploring the limits and possibilities in upcoming state legislative issues and how we can be a voice and advocate for voiceless Texans. With the upcoming serious budget deficits, things like mental health care, food stamps, early childhood education programs, etc, are all threatened. West Texas Organizing Strategy is sponsoring a one-day trip to our state capitol to learn about all the issues facing our state and how we can be involved in advocating for justice for "the least of these." It should be a very informative and interesting day, and it'd be great if we had a couple of Gatherers go! For more info, contact me.
Holding in Our Hearts
In all our joys and in all our concerns, may we be ever mindful of the presentness of God among us, and to see new possibilities of the now:
Larry and Irene Luvaul's new email address is: luvaul.l@comcast.net.
United States combat troops have left Iraq. 50,000 troops remain.
Crockett Light has begun cancer treatment in Houston. Contact info: annlight@zipnet.us.
Dusty's plea bargain fell through, and she is incarcerated at Tom Green County Jail awaiting a mental competency hearing.
Russia is on fire and Pakistan is under water.
Children across the world are playing with wild abandon, and youth are dreaming of the future.
Trudy Darling Ballentine donated a keyboard to The Gathering.
UCC leaders denounce fear-mongering of Muslims and Manhattan Cordoba House.
United States combat troops remain in Afghanistan.
No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here...
Inching along, planting seeds, holding you close,
Karen Schmeltekopf
thegatheringsanangelo@yahoo.com
325-374-1566
1305 St. Andrews
San Angelo, Texas 76904
Inching along, planting seeds, holding you close,
Karen Schmeltekopf
thegatheringsanangelo@yahoo.com
325-374-1566
1305 St. Andrews
San Angelo, Texas 76904
Friday, August 13, 2010
A Cool & Refreshing Slice of Community
Service of Song & Prayer in Manner of Taize
Sunday, August 15th at 5:30 pm
618 Locust
The Taizé community, based in Taize, France, is an ecumenical monastic order with a strong devotion to peace and justice through prayer and meditation. Prayer and silence are at the heart of the Taizé experience.
The 100-strong community of Catholic and Protestant monks is drawn from 30 countries across the world. The community has become one of the world's most important sites of Christian pilgrimage. Over 100,000 young people from around the world pilgrim to Taizé each year for prayer, Bible study, sharing, and communal work. Through the community's ecumenical outlook, they are encouraged to live in the spirit of kindness, simplicity and reconciliation.
The community seeks to include people and traditions worldwide. They demonstrate this in music and prayers where songs are sung in many languages, and include chants and icons from the Eastern Orthodox or other pieces of scripture, repeated and sometimes also sung in canon.
Sunday's Gathering worship experience will be a Taize service of prayer and meditation. Our offering will honor our own ecumenical effort devoted to peace and justice - West Texas Organizing Strategy. Our potluck theme is, of course, simple French fare.
2010/2011 Gathering Film Series: Neighbors Known and Unknown
Thanks to The Gathering's Community Connecting Workgroup and the United Church of Christ's Media with a Mission grant, The Gathering is offering a film series to provide a place of authentic and respectful relationship and conversation re: contemporary justice issues. Our goal is two-fold: 1) the social justice aspect - educate and expand people's knowledge about and compassion for others; and 2) help The Gathering get more known in the community.
Our first movie, One Peace at a Time, is scheduled to coincide with the Peace Ambassadors' Season of Peace emphasis (formerly known as The 11 Days of Peace). Reserve the date now, and invite others to join you!
Thursday evening, September 16, 2010Plan now to attend, and watch for more information!
San Angelo Health Foundation/San Angelo Visitor Center's River View room
The Collection Basket
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Total Received: $265
Mental Health Mental Retardation Workshop: $150
The Gathering: $115
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Total Received: $347
The Gathering: $347
Paper Goods for Concho Valley Food Bank
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Total Received: $288.54
Bread For The Journey: $178.54
The Gathering: $110
Calendar Highlights
Dinner and a Movie: Sunday, August 22- 5:30 pm, 618 Locust Street
Academy Award Nominee The Garden; discussion lead by Maurice Toliver. The fourteen-acre community garden at 41st and Alameda in South Central Los Angeles is the largest of its kind in the United States. Started as a form of healing after the devastating L.A. riots in 1992, the South Central Farmers have since created a miracle in one of the country's most blighted neighborhoods. Growing their own food. Feeding their families. Creating a community.
But now, bulldozers are poised to level their 14-acre oasis.... The powers-that-be have the same response: "The garden is wonderful, but there is nothing more we can do." If everyone told you nothing more could be done, would you give up?
Gathering for Sacred Business- Sunday, August 29- 5:30 pm, 618 Locust Street
Community Conversation Regarding Our Priorities We've got a lot going on in The Gathering and much to share with each other, so this evening will be full of engaging with the Spirit and discussing and deciding things that shape who we are. You are encouraged to participate. The Gathering is a collaborative community where, just as our bell banner symbolizes, each voice is unique and important in making up the whole chorus. We say we welcome all into the "full life and ministry of The Gathering" and that doesn't just mean others - it means us, too!
Recognizing the time issue, we will not have a regular pot-luck; feel free, however, to bring a sack supper if you'd like.
Support Our Sidewalk Musician
Trudy Darling Ballentine will be the star of Mar-Tiques' sidewalk Thursday evening, August 19, during the downtown Artwalk celebration. Sing along and dance to the tunes as she plays the old piano outside of Mar-Tiques Downtown, 129 S. Chadbourne St (formerly Nathan's Jewelers). For more info, contact Trudy.
Revealing Ramadan
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, which is based on the moon. The Qur'an was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad during the month of Ramadan. The month is a special time of worship, Qur'an reading, charitable acts, and individual reflection and purification. For Ramadan stories, poems, music, traditions, and more, explore Speaking of Faith's website and podcast.
Holding in the Light....
Crockett Light and family as he begins radiation in Houston;
Bonnie's grandfather and family;
My father and family as he recuperates from surgery in Dallas;
Pakistani lives devastated by flood;
Gulf residents and ecosystem mired in oil disaster and also observing the 5th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina;
Chinese lives and ecosystem struggling due to an oil disaster;
Those whose lives are impacted and determined by war and violence;
Those whose lives are limited and painful due to prejudice, injustice, hatred, misunderstanding;
Those living with the complexities of chronic illness and pain;
Those imprisoned physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally.
Never place a period where God has placed a comma,
Salaam, Shalom, Peace,
Karen Schmeltekopf
thegatheringsanangelo@yahoo.com
Friday, August 6, 2010
The Light of Love
Gathering for Exploration and Discussion
This Sunday we will gather for exploration, reflection and conversation concerning the notion of unconditional love. Teresa Rylander and Howard Green will facilitate the conversation, and they use as their foundation an interesting collection of writings from the Tao te Ching, John Shelby Spong, and Dale Allen Hoffman.
The offering will be designated for Bread for the Journey and the potluck theme is Light and Easy. Join us 8 August 2010 at 5:30 pm, 618 Locust.
Celebrations All Around!
I celebrate our recent anniversary celebration and am very appreciative of many who helped make sure the evening was meaningful. I will write more about this when my 11 y.o. niece is no longer visiting from Houston and I have recovered my life. :)
I also celebrate the recent ruling by Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker declaring the California law defining marriage as a union only between a man and a woman unconstitutional. Below is the statement written by Rev. Jo Hudson, Ph.D., Senior Pastor at Cathedral of Hope United Church of Christ in Dallas. I am delighted and proud that one of The Gathering's sister congregations in both the UCC and the North Texas Association of the South Central Conference is Cathedral of Hope.
A Pastoral Response to Proposition 8 Ruling
August 4, 2010 – Today, Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker declared the California state law that defines marriage as a union of one man and one woman unconstitutional. I applaud this ruling and believe that Judge Walker has issued a just and fair ruling that pleases God. The journey to full marriage equality for all Americans is still before us. But I have faith that the God who created each of us and called it good is with us in this journey and will see it through.
As the world’s largest predominantly lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender congregation, we stand with the 18,000 same-sex couples who have already been married in California and with the hundreds that have been married here at the Cathedral of Hope in our 40 years of ministry. We also stand with every gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender person who has courageously made covenant with someone they love despite the laws in our nation. This is a day of celebration and joy and we have seen the realm of God come closer to the earth and for that I give God thanks. Rev. Jo Hudson, Ph.D., Senior Pastor, Cathedral of Hope, Dallas, Texas
We seek to be a community of compassion and welcome. We bring all that we are and all that we yet can be, to the safe and holy place.
Namaste,
Karen Schmeltekopf
Friday, July 30, 2010
More than a Church, We're a Gathering
One Great Celebration
You are Cordially Invited to a Celebration of 1's:
1 Year of Gathering WeeklySunday, 1 August 2010
1 Year of Gathering at Promenade Square
1 August 2010
5:30 pm, 618 Locust Street
In September 2006, a group began gathering monthly to share and deepen their souls. Over the next few years, enlivened and prompted by the Spirit, this eclectic spiritual group gradually evolved into The Gathering, a new church start of the United Church of Christ. Today we are still committed to spiritual growth; we still seek to know God through the practice of spiritual disciplines, compassionate service and prophetic action; and we are still evolving. We believe that authentic relationship with the Divine means authentic relationship with the world, and we seek to be agents of healing and hope. We are an ecumenical faith community, drawing from and enriched by a variety of traditions, and we choose to affiliate with the United Church of Christ.
This Sunday, we will gather to celebrate our stories - those that ground us in our faith traditions, those we are currently creating together, and those particular Gathering stories yet to be made.
Our offering will be two-fold: because it is our anniversary, we will receive an offering for The Gathering; and because it's a first anniversary of sorts, we will honor the occasion by receiving a traditional "first anniversary" gift - paper goods. The recipient for this special offering will be the Concho Valley Regional Food Bank. They need paper goods of all kinds - paper towels, napkins, toilet paper, cups, plates, etc. For our shared potluck meal, you're invited to bring something that reflects your experience of The Gathering. (I know it's an old joke, and I'm trying hard to resist, but it would be so easy to say "mixed nuts" or "fruit salad" here - and you have to admit, both actually fit.)
Come celebrate this day - and bring your stories with you!
Coming Attractions
Sunday, August 1: The Gathering Anniversary Worship. 5:30 pm. 618 Locust Street.
Sunday, August 1: Oneness Blessing, 1:30 pm, Unity Church.
Monday, August 2: Quaker Sitting, 6:30 pm, 2701 Briargrove Lane, Hosted by Nancy York.
Sunday, August 8: The Gathering. Co-led by Teresa Rylander and Howard Green, the evening will build on the love conversation started a few weeks ago. John Shelby Spong, Dale Allen Hoffman, and the Tao Te Ching will all be represented. Offering designee: Bread for the Journey. Potluck theme: Light & Easy. 5:30 pm. 618 Locust Street.
Sunday, August 15: The Gathering. A Taize Service of Song and Prayer. 5:30 pm. 618 Locust Street
Sunday, August 22: The Gathering. Dinner and a Movie. The Garden. Discussion led by Maurice Toliver. 5:30 pm. 618 Locust Street.
Thursday, August 26: West Texas Organizing Strategy. 7:00 pm. Location tbd.
Sunday, August 29: The Gathering. Community Conversation Regarding Our Priorities (aka Gathering for Sacred Business). 5:30 pm. 618 Locust Street.
September preview-- The Gathering Film Series: Neighbors Known and Unknown begins.
News and Notes from Gatherers:
Sunday night, July 25, The Gathering blessed and sent on their way Irene and Larry Luvaul who have moved to Tenino, Washington, just outside Olympia. Irene begins her new job as Office Manager for a major Olympia law firm Monday, August 2, while Larry will be unpacking and helping their grandson settle into living in the Northwest. As they said good-bye and expressed their regret in leaving The Gathering, they invited us all to visit and watch the eagles nesting in their trees. To keep in touch, contact Irene at: luvaul@suddenlink.net
In a note received 7/26/10, Ellen King wrote: Dear Gathering Friends, I miss you guys! As I think over the past several months I am reminded of your friendship and your generosity. The $300 was a life saver as I had not received funding yet to drive to South Dakota. I was able to do that stress-free. Time and again you extended care to me, and I will forever be grateful for your kindness and love. I do miss you and think of you often! With my love, Ellen
Ellen's email address: Ellen.king@ymail.com
Returning to Las Vegas... Having left it 3 years ago, Leia Morrison has now returned "home" with the help of her sister. Leia's transition was eased by Ann, Becky, Howard, and others. It was a sacred privilege to know Leia and share part of her time in San Angelo. We wish her all the best in the next phase of her life's journey. Leia's email address: msleiam@msn.com
Kid's Eat Update: From Carol Rigby-Heibert:
We are 3+ weeks into our Kids Eat! summer meals initiative and we want to share with you about our effort so far. During the week ending July 23:
Over 2,200 meals were served to children, over 2,800 total meals were served. The 8 church walk-in sites provided lunch for an average of 38 children, 9 adult family members, and 6 volunteers per day.
Three church sites distributed an average of 40 take home bags of food. One church site provided sack lunches for the City Recreation Centers - an average of 78 children per day.
Activities and supervised play are being provided at each site. In addition to the children served by the church sites, the Boys and Girls Club sites served an average of 225 children per day.
Interesting and Useful Links
Speaking of Faith
Tikkun
The Center for Progressive Christianity
Process and Faith
The Gathering's Blog
The Gathering's Webpage
Charter for Compassion
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Looking forward to many more Gathering opportunities,
Karen
Rev. Karen Schmeltekopf
Rev. Karen Schmeltekopf
The Gathering UCC San Angelo
thegatheringsanangelo@yahoo.com325-374-1566
Friday, July 16, 2010
A Cool Place to Be
Sunday's Sundaes
Inspired by the writings of John Shelby Spong, Ann will lead us in exploring the questions:
"If God is not a being (entity), what does it mean to love God?" and "If God is not a being (entity,) how does God love us?"
Homemade ice cream and trimmings will help cool and soothe our hot discussion. Ann and Crockett are bringing vanilla, and she invites someone else to bring an additional flavor. Of course, we also need the appropriate "condiments" - like cookies, cake, toppings, gooey stuff, etc. Ann suggests:
"If no one has the energy to make homemade, store bought ice cream will be just as good. Bring your bowls, spoons and plan to dive in for a fun evening."
Contact Ann for more info. The offering recipient will be The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies, an organization helping wildlife impacted by the Gulf oil spill.
About Us
Purpose:
Our dynamic community offers you an inclusive spiritual home. We gather as works-in-progress in a chorus of Divine Mystery, committed to the possibilities in all God's creation through authentic relationship.
Practices:
Service, Integrity, Inclusiveness, Love, Compassion, Humor, Joy
ONA (Open and Affirming) Statement:
The Gathering affirms the inherent dignity and sacredness of human beings and the value of all life in the universe. We welcome and celebrate persons of all racial and ethnic heritages, all gender identities and sexual orientations, and all faith perspectives into the full life and ministry of The Gathering.
Holding in Healing Light
* Tasha Nowell, Crockett Light's daughter and Tee Jay Nowell's mother;
* Crockett, Ann, Tee Jay and Becky;
* The Gulf Coast ecosystem;
* Haitians;
* The families of the 10,000 San Angelo children who do not have enough to eat each day;
* Irene and Larry Luvaul;
* Those living in war - US troops and their families, people in Darfur, Iraqis, those living in Afghanistan, those impacted by the Israel/Palestinian conflict.
Contact Us
For more information about The Gathering, find us on the web: The Gathering's webpage; our blog;
; meetup. Or contact Rev. Karen Schmeltekopf, Pastor, 325-374-1566 or by email.
Friday, July 9, 2010
From the Heart
"Only from the heart can you touch the sky." - Rumi
July Gatherings:
Gathering for Spiritual Growth, Service, Community, and Intellectual and Philosophical Conversations
July 11 - The Gathering: Neil will lead a discussion on the contemplation of origin, meaning and humanity from a perspective few have gazed. 5:30 pm, 618 Locust. Pot-luck theme: Summer Delights. Offering recipient will be Our Church's Wider Mission, described as "the lifeblood of ministry and mission in the United Church of Christ."
July 18 - The Gathering: Ann will lead the conversation as we explore the questions "If God is not a being (entity), what does it mean to love God?" and "If God is not a being (entity,) how does God love us?" 5:30 pm, 618 Locust. Pot-luck theme: Homemade Ice Cream Social and all that goes with it. Offering recipient will be The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies, an organization helping wildlife impacted by the Gulf oil spill.
July 22 - West Texas Organizing Strategy Meeting.
July 25 - The Gathering: Trudy will lead us in exploring and experiencing a prayerful meditation. 5:30 pm, 618 Locust. Pot-luck theme: Regular potluck. Offering recipient will be the local MHMR Workshop.
Living the Presence of Love
A sister UCC church, First Congregational Church, Hendersonville, NC, was the subject of Episcopalian Bishop John Shelby Spong's July 1 essay. The write-up is about a church choosing to live their values and challenge the prevailing community prejudices - and in the process, living the good news of Holy Welcome. This community is, as Ann Light says, "a breath of fresh air in the mountains of North Carolina," and a powerful example for The Gathering about living our Purpose and Practices. The write-up is too good not to share, but too long to post here. For the whole post, check out our blog - thegatheringsanangelo.blogspot.com. If, for some reason, the link doesn't work for you, let me know, and I'll email the article to you.
August Gatherings
Co-Planning Requested and Needed
We believe in the power of collaboration, in the power of a team, in the unique gifts, talents and strengths of all participants of The Gathering. We know that the vision for The Gathering and The Gathering community itself are bigger than any one person. We believe the Divine Presence is more fully represented and known when more voices are represented and included. Which is why your help in co-visioning, co-planning, and co-creating our August Gathering times is so important.
In August we begin our new Gathering schedule, with worship scheduled for the first and third Sundays of the month, education/movies/conversation/meditations on the second and fourth Sundays of each month, and the fifth Sunday still being our Community Conversation Regarding Our Priorities (aka Gathering for Sacred Business). Sunday, August 15, has already been designated a Taize service, and Sunday, the 29th, is our Community Conversation Regarding Our Priorities - which means I'd love to have your help with worship planning for August 1, the Taize service on the 15th, and/or The Gatherings on August 8 and 22.
You don't have to have any experience with this! It's a creative conversation between us and the Spirit as we brainstorm, vision, and see where the Spirit's leading takes us. Anyone is welcome to participate. Interested in watching a movie? Interested in discussing a particular verse or reading or want to sing or hear a particular song? Interested in a particular offering recipient? Then come help co-plan a Gathering! To let me know that you're interested, email or call me, 374-1566. The community and our Gatherings are absolutely richer and more interesting because of the collaborative contributions of all of us!
As we engage nationally in conversation and argument about immigration, our Jewish ancestors offer us a word for reflection:
Befriend the foreigner, for you were once foreigners... Deuteronomy 10:19
Sharing Our Resources
Generosity is revolutionary, counter-instinctual. Our survival instinct is to care only for ourselves and our loved ones. But we can transform our relationship to that survival instinct by constantly asking ourselves, 'How can I use my life's energy to benefit all living beings?'
-Noah Levine, "Generosity (and Greed) Introduction" (Spring 2010)
Offering for July 4: $347
$202 given for The People/Plant Connection
$145 given for The Gathering
Who do you say that we are?
Some Descriptors of The Gathering:
Liberal, progressive, inclusive, fun, United Church of Christ, eclectic, Christian, thought provoking, intellectually engaging, LGBT, Interdenominational, multi-cultural, theologically stimulating, compassionate, spiritually nourishing, open & affirming, welcoming & accessible to all, different, philosophical, social justice and nontraditional.
We are a sanctuary for those on a liberal religious path and a beacon of progressive thought and action in San Angelo.
No Matter Who You Are or Where You Are on Life's Journey, You Are Welcome Here.
Gatherers in Our Prayers
Larry Luvaul's on-going recovery
Larry and Irene Luvaul as they prepare to move
Lucy Hines (Pat's Cocker Spaniel) as she undergoes delicate surgery in Dallas on Friday, July 9
Sending you love
And more love. Pass love around. Your loving presence is contagious. The fish and oil-soaked egrets in the Gulf of Mexico need your love. So do the black-maned lions of Africa and bright yellow Gerber daisies of tropical Asia. The Haitians living in tents, the San Angelo children receiving free lunches, and the families of American, Afghani, and Iraqi soldiers all need our love. Partnering with Divine Loving Presence can transform the world.
In Love,
KarenPastor
The Gathering
325-374-1566
thegatheringsanangelo@yahoo.com
thegatheringsanangelo.org
Purpose:
Our dynamic community offers you an inclusive spiritual home. We gather as works-in-progress in a chorus of Divine Mystery, committed to the possibilities in all God's creation through authentic relationship.
Practices:
Service, Integrity, Inclusiveness, Love, Compassion, Humor, Joy
ONA (Open and Affirming) Statement:
The Gathering affirms the inherent dignity and sacredness of human beings and the value of all life in the universe. We welcome and celebrate persons of all racial and ethnic heritages, all gender identities and sexual orientations, and all faith perspectives into the full life and ministry of The Gathering.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Freely Gathering & Gathering Freely
Conversations and a Cook-Out
Sunday, July 4, 2010 5:30 pm, 618 Locust Street
Come join us in relational delight as we acknowledge our national heritage this Sunday, July 4th by Gathering for celebration and connection. "Nothing formal just fun" is the phrase of the day. Crockett and Neil will provide grills for hamburgers and such, so bring your preference of dogs or burgers and whatever else you like cooked on the grill as we celebrate independence in good company. Communal offerings so far include: hummus, pineapple and fresh-from-the-garden corn on the cob for grilling, potato salad, potato chips, tea, lettuce, tomatoes, Ball Park franks, buns, relish, mustard, onions, chili and sauerkraut, hamburger buns, and pickles.
Our offering will be designated for The People/Plant Connection - a new local organization promoting health and wholeness in individuals and San Angelo via community gardening and other horticultural endeavors.
July Gatherings
Gathering for Spiritual Growth, Service, Community, and Intellectual and Philosophical Conversations
July 4 - The Oneness Blessing, 1:30 pm, Harvest Room, Unity Church.
July 4 - The Gathering: Conversations and Cook-Out, 5:30 pm, 618 Locust.
July 5 - Quaker Sitting, 6:30 pm, 2701 Briargrove Lane. Contact Nancy for more info.
July 11 - The Gathering: Neil will lead a discussion on the contemplation of origin, meaning and humanity from a perspective few have gazed. 5:30 pm, 618 Locust.
July 18 - The Gathering: Ann will lead the conversation as we explore the questions "If God is not a being (entity), what does it mean to love God? How does God love us?" 5:30 pm, 618 Locust.
July 22 - West Texas Organizing Strategy Meeting.
July 25 - The Gathering: Trudy will lead us in exploring and experiencing a prayerful meditation. 5:30 pm, 618 Locust.
Yippee! Yahoo!! Way to Go!!!
The San Angelo Health Foundation today announced that the Kids Eat! summer meal program has been awarded up to $37,385 to supplement the funding already raised collectively as Tom Green County Hunger Initiative and individually by the churches and organizations directly providing lunches to children in July and August. The Gathering contributed $245 to this effort.) The award was made to the Wesley Daily Bread Soup Kitchen, which sponsored the collective application. An article should be in the newspaper Friday or Saturday; a post is already on the newspaper website.
All eleven Kids Eat! summer meals sites will be operating by next Tuesday, July 6. According to Carol Rigby-Heibert, director of the effort:
"We are ready to feed the children of Tom Green County, thanks to the efforts of so many who took that leap of faith!"
Gathering & Seeking
The Gathering is seeking to build a loving, safe, inclusive faith community that is intellectually challenging, emotionally supportive and filled with the strength, integrity and social responsibility that spirituality inspires.
As such, in all our joys, in all our concerns, and in all our actions, we seek to be mindful of the presentness of God among and between us.
We celebrate and are grateful for the on-going recovery of Mr. Morrison, John Geen, and Aretta and Larry Greer's great grand-daughter.
We continue to hold in our prayers the Luvauls, the Geens' son, those whose families are separated and stressed because of war, those who are living in violence and danger, and those who search for yet cannot find humane, safe and satisfying employment.
Even as we give thanks, we dream of further healing and hope.
Contact Us:
Rev. Karen Schmeltekopf
Delighted and Grateful that she gets to be the Pastor of
The Gathering, a United Church of Christ New Church Start
thegatheringsanangelo.org
thegatheringsanangelo@yahoo.com
325-374-1566
Check us out on Meetup.
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