Friday, May 28, 2010

No Gathering on Memorial Day


To Gather or Not To Gather...
That is One Question we Have Answered

Gatherers tend to be seekers, questioners, journeyers. We understand that there are many questions without answers and often, it is in the questioning itself, the journey itself that we experience the Holy. Mark this day (drum roll, please) - there is one question that does have a definitive answer - even for The Gathering: Due to the Memorial Day holiday weekend, we are NOT Gathering this Sunday, 30 May, 5:30 pm. at Promenade Square, 618 Locust Street. Because we moved our fifth Sunday of the month "Community Conversation Re: Our Priorities" aka "Gathering for Sacred Business Meeting" meeting to the fourth Sunday of the month (and what a very satisfying conversation/sacred business meeting it was), we are encouraging ourselves to live on the edge this holiday weekend - not by asking deep theological questions or by seeking deep spiritual truths - but by resting, playing, enjoying our families, visiting our neighbors, and most of all, by remembering the men and women who have died while serving in the US military.

The Spirit, of course, is still alive and well even though The Gathering is not officially gathering. Watch for her presence as you walk along the river. Listen for her voice as you enjoy the breeze at sunset. Feel her energy as you celebrate graduations. Know her comfort as you attend a Memorial Service.

We will gather for worship and community again the first Sunday of June. 6 June, 5:30 pm, Promenade Square, 618 Locust Street.

Shalom, Peace, Salaam,

Karen Schmeltekopf

thegatheringsanangelo.org

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Gathering the Spirit's Energy


The Gathering is Aflame with Energy and Spirit

Sunday, May 23, is Pentecost - an observance historically and symbolically related to the Jewish harvest festival of Shavuot, which commemorates God giving the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai fifty days after the Exodus. In Christian churches, Pentecost commemorates the descent of the Spirit upon the followers of Jesus as described in the New Testament book of Acts during these Jewish "fiftieth day" celebrations in Jerusalem. For this reason, Pentecost is sometimes described as the "Birthday of the Church".

On this day commemorating the Spirit's Presence experienced in a new way, we will celebrate and explore the Spirit's stirrings and wild activities among The Gathering - and in a curiously very appropriate way, we'll do that by having a "Community Conversation Regarding Our Priorities" - aka a Gathering-wide business meeting. This spring, the Community Connecting Workgroup and the Worship Planning Workgroup have put much prayer, energy and planning in to The Gathering, and they have much to share with the group as a whole - like the proposed summer schedule, the proposed fall schedule, a marketing effort, and the need to spend money to purchase things like a projector so we can watch movies again!

So the evening will be full of engaging with the Spirit 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 (see purpose below). 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.

Sunday, May 23, 5:30 pm, 618 Locust Street.


The Inclusive Still-Speaking Spirit

Isobelle Fox recently participated in a United Church of Christ first-of-its-kind weekend at the UCC "church house" in Cleveland, Ohio. Isobelle, who shared her enthusiasm, satisfaction, and sacred experience with The Gathering on Sunday night, May 16, writes:

On May 7-9, I had the honor of joining a group of 18 other individuals from UCC churches all around the country, in Cleveland, Ohio. We came together for the purpose of forming a representative body of transgender people to work with the UCC and the Coalition for LGBT Concerns in advancing the cause of education and advocacy on behalf of gender-variant people within the church.

The result of our efforts over those three days is perhaps best expressed by the mission statement that we developed during the meeting:

The UCC GenderFold Action Alliance empowers and supports transgender/gender-variant inclusion through education, leadership development and advocacy.

My time in Cleveland was very powerful and inspiring. I met a lot of wonderful and passionate people, and I look forward to participating in the work of the UCC GenderFold Action Alliance in any way I am able as it moves forward.

Izzie also expressed appreciation to The Gathering for its offering on March 7 designated for the scholarship fund of the UCC Transgender Caucus to help as many people as possible attend this event.

While Izzie was at the national church house, she met a group of young people and the pastor from Plymouth United Church of Christ, Houston. This group was there to learn more about the UCC. The pastor, Rev. Dr. Ginny Brown Daniel, is the pastor who was so helpful to Ellen in January when Ellen was stranded in Houston. What's that saying about a small world?


Wesley Daily Soup Kitchen

Thanks to Jessica Rios, plans are coming together for us to share a sacred meal while living our practices of service and compassion (and probably humor and joy, too) this coming Saturday. Jessica writes:

Hello Wesley Gatherers!

Once again we will get together at Wesley Soup Kitchen, Saturday, May 22nd. Just a little note to sync everyone for Saturday. With everyone's effort it will be a lovely day. I'm looking forward to it! Some of you will be helping serve and some with the food part. Thanks to you we will have enough to serve meatball subs, soup and salad for 150 people! Items can be dropped off by 9:30 at Wesley, 301 W. 18th St. Or they can be dropped off at Pavia the day before (in the Cactus Hotel.) The sandwiches are very filling and can be easily prepared. If you would be interested in helping with the food, serving or cleaning up after lunch let me know. It's always nice just having us all together, so any way you would like to participate will be great! My cell is 325-340-2720. Alex has already signed up to serve, and this is his first time so he's looking forward to it!

Those of us who've served at Wesley know it's a great experience - spiritual, humbling, fun - and tasty! Hope you all can join the effort.

Prayers for Others and Ourselves

* Trudy's son and family live and work in Bangkok, Thailand, which is a dangerous place to be right now.

* Bob Ballentine is in the hospital in Waco.

* Ellen is heading back to Phoenix Friday-Monday for a "candidate weekend" with Encanto Community Church.

* Larry and Irene's daughter is getting married Saturday.

* Larry has seriously injured his back - which is going to make walking his daughter down the aisle quite a painful challenge!

* The Gulf Coast eco-system continues to be awash, literally, in oil and chemicals.

* Clean-up and recovery continue for the survivors of the floods in Tennessee and Kentucky and also for those impacted by the earthquakes in Haiti and Chile.

* The differences of race and culture continue to cause strife and conflict among the people of North America.

The Gathering received $211 Sunday, May 9; $161 will go to the Children's Miracle Network and $50 was given to The Gathering. On Sunday, May 16, $223 was given: $95 for The Gathering and $118 to help complete our ministry project of personal hygiene kits for Back Bay Mission.


Upcoming Events

5/22/2010: Wesley Daily Soup Kitchen, Saturday, May 22, 10-1:30-ish.

5/23/2010: The Gathering "Community Conversation Regarding Our Priorities", Sunday, May 23, 5:30 pm, 618 Locust.

5/30/2010: No Gathering on Sunday, May 30, due to Memorial Day Weekend.

6/4-6/2010: South Central Conference Annual Meeting, New Orleans, Louisiana. I'll be there!

6/6/2010: The Gathering Worship, Sunday, June 6, 5:30 pm, 618 Locust. Nancy is coordinating worship as I'll be returning from the South Central Conference Annual Meeting.

6/7/2010: Quaker Sitting, Monday, June 7, 6:30 pm, 2701 Briargrove Lane. Contact Nancy for more info.


Contact Information

Karen Schmeltekopf
thegatheringsanangelo.org
thegatheringsanangelo@yahoo.com
325-374-1566


About Us

We are a sanctuary for those on a liberal religious path and a beacon of progressive thought and action in San Angelo.

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.


Links of Interest

UCC

Speaking of Faith

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Serving Others


Sunday, 16 May 2010 5:30 pm
618 Locust Street


We will participate in the South Central Conference 2010 Annual Meeting mission project by making personal hygiene kits for the Back Bay Mission Homeless Ministry. Back Bay Mission, located in Biloxi, Mississippi, is a ministry of the United Church of Christ, and its mission in part states it: "serves...by faithful witness for social justice and compassionate service to the poor and marginalized." They advocate for justice and also provide direct services for those who experience injustice daily. I will take the kits to the Annual Meeting in June. Kit items still needed: 10 hand towels (approximately 16x28 inches), 8 washcloths, 24 wide tooth combs, 9 toothbrushes, 10 toothpastes, 26 plastic soap containers (to hold a bath size bar of soap), and 23 deodorants (solid or roll-on). Nancy York is coordinating the evening. nly1@verizon.net.

We will also hear about Isobelle Fox's experiences of the Transgender Caucus trip.

Because we will be putting the kits together, our "pot-luck" is snack food.

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Blooming in the Desert


Celebration of the Feminine

I look forward to the sharing we will do Sunday, May 9th in Celebration of the Feminine. I look forward to the readings, poetry, art, music, scriptures and stories. If you would like to give me a heads up prior to Sunday on what you plan to share, please feel free to email me.

Our offering May 9th will go to the Children's Miracle Network. This is a non-profit organization that raises funds for more than 170 children's hospitals, of which Shannon Hospital is a member. CMN hospitals help sick and injured kids in the local communities. CMN funds are kept in the community in which they are generated to provide life saving pediatric care, education, research and equipment.

Bring for our pot luck anything that reminds you of your mom, grandmother, or another special woman that has provided spiritual nourishment for you.

Pat


Serving Others Next Sunday, May 16

We will participate in the South Central Conference 2010 Annual Meeting mission project by making personal hygiene kits for the Back Bay Mission Homeless Ministry. Back Bay Mission, located in Biloxi, Mississippi, is a ministry of the United Church of Christ, and its mission in part states it: "serves...by faithful witness for social justice and compassionate service to the poor and marginalized." They advocate for justice and also provide direct services for those who experience injustice daily. I will take the kits to the Annual Meeting in June.

Kit items still needed: 10 hand towels (approximately 16x28 inches), 8 washcloths, 24 wide tooth combs, 9 toothbrushes, 10 toothpastes, 26 plastic soap containers (to hold a bath size bar of soap), and 23 deodorants (solid or roll-on). Nancy York is coordinating the evening. nly1@verizon.net.

We will also hear about Isobelle Fox's experiences of the Transgender Caucus trip.

Because we will be putting the kits together, our "pot-luck" is snack food.


Appreciation Shared

I received the following email from Kristin Stanley, The Gathering's webpage designer and administrator for the past year. She also helped get our newspaper advertising effort put together in April 2009. Because of her increased load at Angelo State, both as teacher and pupil, she relinquished her Gathering responsibilities earlier this year.

Thank you and the Gathering so much for your generous contribution to the Humane Society of Tom Green County in my honor. I am truly honored and grateful.

Please thank everyone at the Gathering for me.

Love, Kristin

Cookie Dough Raised Dough for United Campus Ministries

>Many thanks to you all for providing cookie dough for UCM's fundraiser at the San Angelo Children's Fair. I lost count of the dozens we provided after 25! And a special thanks goes to Howard Green for stepping in at the last minute to help serve lunch for Food 4 Thought Wednesday, May 5. Eldra Sanford, the wife of UCM's Chaplain, Gary Sanford, had emergency surgery, so Gary was unavailable on Wednesday. A plea went out, and Howard volunteered. He said the experience was "absolutely great" and they served about 55. Yoohoo, Howard!


Zen: San Angelo Style

We received an email from Jon Blann with the following information about the
San Angelo Zen Center

New Sitting Times:

Wednesday Nights- 5:30PM-6:00PM
(25min sit, 5min walking)

Saturday Mornings- 9:00AM-10:00AM (25min sit, 5min walking,
drinks/eats/conversation)

New Location:
Jon's backyard- 1410 Mackenzie

Reminders:
Please come 10-15min early so we can begin sitting on time.
-Please observe noble silence (only quiet necessary talking, like whispering "where's the restroom?") prior to sitting.
-If you have interest in doing weekly or monthly discussions or maybe relaxed game night please let him know.

Beginning in June he will most likely add another weekly evening sit and maybe lengthen the weekend sit. Feel free to email or call Jon (512-636-8708) with any questions.


Prayers for Others and Ourselves


Maurice is graduating from Angelo State May 15! Yoohoo, Maurice!!

Our offering last Sunday was $200 for UCC Strengthen the Churches, and $100 for strengthening The Gathering. Thanks!

Please hold Ellen in your prayers and hearts as she visits a church in Phoenix, Arizona this weekend.

Also traveling this weekend is Isobelle - to the UCC Transgender Caucus in Cleveland, Ohio. Many prayers for safe travels and a satisfying weekend.

We remember and honor those who have mothered us into life and spirit.

Hold in Divine Light the Gulf Coast eco-system and those impacted by
flooding in Tennessee and Kentucky.

We remember Arizona and all those who are living with the complexity of immigration.

We remember all those whose lives are impacted by war and violence.

Continue to hold in Divine healing light John Geen and family and Eldra Sanford and family (see story about UCM).


Serving at Wesley Daily Soup Kitchen Saturday, May 22

Jessica Rios is managing the leadership role.
Yoohoo Jessica!

Menu: Meatball subs, soup, and salad.

Contact Jessica to let her know how you can help.


Season of Creation
A Poem
By: Bruce Sanguin

Scatter us, O Holy One,
like seed into fertile soil.
Bury us, in the loam
of what is yet to come.
Give us the wisdom, Sower of Life
to learn the delicate art of dying,
again and again,
until we know the difference
between the shell and the seed,
the persona and the soul,
the role and the real.

Crack open our hard shells
and release the thin filament within,
that knows to reach for the sun,
soul's fragile ambassador
heralding the universe of life
waiting to emerge.

Draw our greening souls upward,
in love with light,
And drive our roots deep,
allured by sacred darkness.
Grow us.
We consent to your evolutionary grace.
Amen.

Renewal in Body, Mind, and Spirit

Neil and I will be spending time next week fishing and hiking in the beautiful state of Arkansas. We look forward to returning rested and rejuvenated. Thanks to all of you for continuing the evolutionary sacred work of The Gathering while we are gone. Because I will be away, there will not be an e-newsletter.

Namaste,
Karen


Contact Information


Karen Schmeltekopf
thegatheringsanangelo.org
thegatheringsanangelo@yahoo.com
325-374-1566