The Gathering Newsletter: 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 Weekly
1 Year of Gathering at Promenade Square
1 August 2010

Sunday, 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