Welcoming, Inclusive, Refreshing, Vibrant

Gathering at the Well for Worship

What a tremendous gift and respite was the recent rain in the midst of the continuing critical drought. In West Texas, and across the world, we are increasingly aware of the significance and value of water - not only for our literal survival, but also for our emotional and spiritual health.

During this week's Gathering, we will explore the story (John 4) and example of a long-ago woman from Samaria who encountered Divine Presence in one named Jesus while getting water from a community well. Our ears and spirits will be "watered" by the keyboard accompaniment of Valerie Tedford Queen. Our souls will be "drenched" as we draw from the deep wells of Sacred Wisdom and Truth. Our compassion will "flow" as we share the gift of life-sustaining water through our offering to Humane Borders. And our bodies will be refreshed as we share a pot-luck meal following the worship service.

In addition to our offering for Humane Borders, we also continue to collect canned and dry goods for Project Dignidad. Join us!

Sunday, August 21, 2011
5:30 pm, 618 Locust Street

Gathering for Retreat: Going Back to the Well

You are invited to "Go Back to the Well" - a day of communal and individual spiritual renewal and care.

Sunday, 28 August 2011, 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
San Saba River Ranch outside of Menard, TX (approximately 80 miles from San Angelo).

Those interested will carpool together: meet and park at 9:00 am at Mosaic Redwine Childcare Center, 5191 S. Bryant Blvd. (just off 87 South at Ben Ficklin Exit; in between Word of Life Assembly of God and Unity Church of Christianity).

We will return to San Angelo refreshed and renewed by about 5:30. Morning snack, lunch, coffee, tea, and water provided by Side Oats Cafe and Bakery, Menard, TX.

Suggested donation is $15/person for food, with scholarships available to cover the cost for anyone who's hesitant to attend because of cost. While there's no set fee to use the lodge and property, we'll also collect an offering to contribute to the upkeep of the retreat facilities.

The day will include times of community gathering, as well as individual and small group time. The planning team anticipates the day including fun, meal sharing, meditation, silence, soul exploring, walking, sitting, being by and in the river, worship, and possibly a drum circle.

Things to bring: yourself; something to write on (pad of paper, tablet, journal, etc); writing utensils; a vessel of some sort that has meaning to you that will hold water; drumming instrument if you're interested; light snacks for the afternoon; drinks if you'd like something other than coffee, tea, or water; money for meal and offering.

Attire is casual - we have access to the lodge (called Selah, A Place to Pause and Reflect), which is air conditioned and comfortable, as well as the outside patios, walking paths, river, and acreage. Be comfortable for a day of retreat.

Please e-mail me at thegatheringsanangelo@yahoo.com by Friday, August 26, if you plan on attending so I can give some kind of food guess-timate to our hosts and we can make some kind of arrangements for carpooling. If, for some reason you won't know until Sunday morning, August 28, that you can come, that's OK - COME.

For more information, to tell me you're attending, to share your anticipation about the retreat, call 325-374-1566 or email me.

No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome at The Gathering's Retreat!

Who We Say We Are and Strive to Be

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

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.

God is Still Speaking

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 at the Gathering!

Introducing the 2011/12 Gathering Series: God is Still Speaking

Hiding and Seeking: Faith and Tolerance After the Holocaust, is scheduled to coincide with the Peace Ambassadors' Season of Peace emphasis (Sept 8-21). Reserve the date now, and invite others to join you!

When: Tuesday, September 13, 2011, 6:00 PM
Where: The Tom Green County Public Library: Community Room

For More Information about The Gathering UCC

Visit Us Online:

thegatheringsanangelo.org
Our blog
On Meet Up.

Contact Rev. Karen Schmeltekopf by e-mail: thegatheringsanangelo@yahoo.com or phone: 325-374-1566