Love Notes

Join us as we encounter Divine Love,
as we engage
poverty, education, and peace
this Valentine's Sunday

February 14, 2010
5:30 pm, 618 Locust Street

Beth and Harold Peterson will lead us as we "Gather for Education". The Petersons recently heard Greg Mortenson, author of THREE CUPS of TEA and STONES INTO SCHOOLS, speak in Dallas. They will share his philosophy and what he is doing in Afghanistan and Pakistan to educate students, reduce poverty and promote peace. The "Pennies for Peace" program, introduced by the San Angelo Peace Ambassadors, is connected to Greg's efforts.

Offering Recipient: Pennies for Peace
Food Theme: Something you "love" - after all, this is Valentine's Day

Sharing the Love

Thanks goes to Howard Green for making sure all turned out great for our turn at feeding ASU students this past Wednesday at United Campus Ministries' Food For Thought. We fed 58 students!! Howard made sure we had plenty of chili, fixings, and of course, cookies. He also stayed from 10:30 until after 2 managing the effort.

We've received a $100 check St. John's United Church of Christ, Robinson, TX, and a letter saying they've added us to their 2010 budget. We'll receive a $100 check every other month for this year. In addition to the financial contribution, what an incredible gift of affirmation and support! Thank you, St. John's!

Please Remember

Friday, February 19, Sweethearts and Jazz - a United Campus Ministries Fundraiser with Concho Jazz. 7-9 pm, The Venue, 4611 S. Jackson. Suggested donation: $15 for adults, $5 for students and military with ID. Great music, delicious desserts, coffee, door prizes, a raffle, and fun. I have tickets.

Saturday, February 27, Wesley Daily Bread Soup Kitchen.We will seek to share nourishment and alleviate hunger when we prepare and serve lunch at Wesley Daily Bread Soup Kitchen. We'll be serving casseroles and soup. For more information, please contact me, Karen Schmeltekopf, thegatheringsanangelo.org.

Be on the lookout for our new home!

The space we need is:

- somewhere between 3000-6000 square feet
- has a large room that will comfortably manage up to 75 people (so we don't have to move again when 50 people are regularly coming)
- has a second smaller room that will be used for children's learning and also the Zen sitting
- has kitchen or kitchen-esque facilities
- has accessible bathrooms
- is ours to rent so we can leave our supplies there
- is available for approximately $650 + utilities per month.

Please pass on all the possibilities to a member of the Meeting Space Workgroup: Larry Luvaul, Pat Hines, Nancy York, Tim McTaggart, Neil Snipes, Karen Schmeltekopf.

Survey Responses

Thanks to you all for sharing your perspectives about The Gathering via our recent on-line feedback opportunity. Some of the responses and comments follow:

We're enjoying our Sunday night Gatherings and want more: 61.5% of respondents would like more opportunities for Contemplation and Meditation, and 61.5% of respondents would like more opportunities for Education. In addition, 30.8% would like more worship opportunities; 30.8% are interested in more opportunities for service/ministry; and 30.8% would like more opportunities for reflection on sacred readings.

Comments:

"I love the people that attend and I love that the primary purpose of the tithing is to give to others."

"I am spiritually nourished; I have found a community; I am intellectually engaged."

"The Gathering provides me with a place and a time to connect to my spirituality and to learn and explore new ideas and beliefs. It also provides me with a much needed sense of community with warm and friendly people and a place where I feel safe and accepted as I am. The Gathering has been a genuine blessing in my life and has helped to restore and heal my faith both in people and in the divine."