Gathering at the Spring

Wrapped within young leaves: the sound of water.

What might this observation by the Japanese poet Soseki have to do with this Sunday night's Gathering? What might it have to do with Palm Sunday, Holy Week, or a reading from Mark Nepo, which will be used in our time of reflecting on sacred text? Great questions! And with Teresa Rylander as co-leader for the evening, there's no doubt the conversation and reflections will be poetic, engaging and thought-provoking. So come:

- and hear Teresa's beautiful reading of Mark Nepo's words about our unencumbered spot of grace,
- come participate in the exploration and conversation,
- and come begin the Holy Week journey in a very unique way.

Come - this Sunday, March 28, 5:30 pm
618 Locust Street.


Sharing the Gathering... ...with Others and Ourselves

In recognition of the passing of historic health care overhaul, our offering on Sunday, March 28, will go to Remote Area Medical, an organization who saw the need for compassionate no cost health care for all Americans long before the US Congress found the courage to address the health care crisis. Founded in 1985, this non-profit, volunteer, airborne relief corps serves humankind by providing free health care, dental care, eye care, veterinary services, and technical and educational assistance to people in remote areas of the United States and the world. In the past few weeks, teams were in Virginia and Tennessee, and in the weeks ahead, residents of Los Angeles and Oklahoma City will receive RAM services. More information can be found at their website.

In addition, please remember our on-going offering of food for Project Dignidad. Any canned or boxed food is great.

And since we're celebrating health, or at least the possibilities, our pot luck will be "healthy". One piece of what makes The Gathering The Gathering is sharing our communal meals. We ALWAYS have plenty, and in fact, the abundance is one indicator of our delight in gathering around the table together. Please know that you DO NOT need to bring something in order to come to The Gathering, and also please know that whether you bring anything or not, there is ALWAYS enough for all who come to the table. You are welcome to come and receive; you are welcome to be nourished from the abundance. You are welcome to bring and share. You are welcome at The Gathering - however you are inclined to attend!


Easter Celebration

Come celebrate EASTER with The Gathering:
Sunday, April 4, 2010
618 Locust Street
5:30 pm


Diving Deep and Surfacing

On February 14, The Gathering dove deeply into a discussion about the idea of beliefs using the writings of Jiddu Krishnamurti, a renown spiritual teacher from India. Beliefs are an ever present and powerful part of all faith traditions, but they are also particular to conflict, war and separation from the Divine. You found the discussion invigorating, stimulating, life-giving - exactly what one would hope a Gathering discussion would be! On Sunday, April 11, we will continue and deepen the conversation as we explore more about beliefs and the paths we have traveled in our spiritual lives. If you would like to co-lead with Neil Snipes, please let him know, nsnipes1031@yahoo.com. If you have an idea for further sacred conversations, tell Karen, thegatheringsanangelo@yahoo.com.


Note of Appreciation....

Dear Friends of The Gathering,

Thank you for your kind remembrance of my father. Your gift to the Humane Society of Southeast Texas was greatly appreciated as my father was such a lover of animals and supporter of theirs.

Thank you again for you thoughtfulness.

With sincere thanks,
Ellen King


Kudos to Kate!

Kate Hutson, member and lay leader of United Congregational Church of Lubbock (standing here with Pat Hines, and behind Ann and Crockett Light), was approved for "licensed ministry pending a call" this past Saturday at the Spring Meeting of the North Texas Association of the South Central Conference of the United Church of Christ (say that mouthful 3 times fast!). Woo hoo, Kate!!! Besides being our friend and fellow West Texan, Kate is the editor of spectrum, the South Central Conference Open and Affirming newsletter. For more info about spectrum, or to send kudos to Kate, contact her at: kate.hutson@yahoo.com.

Speaking of UCC Lubbock and "small world" stories, on Saturday I met Rev. Paul Mohr, a retired UCC pastor. In 1926, Rev. Mohr was born in Rowena, TX when his father was pastoring the Zoar German Evangelical Church. This church later became one of the original "founding" churches of the UCC when the United Church of Christ was born in 1957. Rev. Mohr sends greetings to all of us in the Concho Valley.


A Covenantal Gift from the North Texas Community

On Saturday, 20 March, the North Texas Association voted to give The Gathering $250 as a way to show their on-going support and encouragement of who we are and what we're doing in San Angelo. While each congregation in the UCC is independent and autonomous, we join together in covenantal relationship believing that together we can offer more ministries to our world, together more fully reflect the diversity and inclusivity of "the image of God" and can more fully know the Divine than if we were each an individual entity. One way we live in covenant relationship is by participating in the North Texas Association (NTA). One way the NTA is living in covenant with us is by giving this tangible monetary support. THANK YOU, NTA!!!


Quaker Follow Up

Quaker Sitting is scheduled for Monday, April 5, 6:30 pm, at Nancy York's house: 2701 Briargrove Lane. Contact Lisa Dale, edenhermit@gmail.com or Nancy at nly1@verizon.net for more information.


Closing

We continue to live out our understanding that God is still speaking and that The Gathering is a collaborative work-in-progress: thanks to Ann, Lisa and Izzie, we've recently gathered for beautiful evenings of soul-searching, meditation and peace-making; thanks to Neil, we've gathered for intellectually invigorating and provocative conversation; thanks to Richard, Pat, Howard, and others, we've gathered to serve lunch to those needing a hot and healthy meal; thanks to Trudy we've had live music at worship; thanks to Nancy, worship has been richer; thanks to Alan, we have a relevant, timely blog; thanks to all of us, we continue to invite and welcome people who are looking for Something that ends up being found at The Gathering. It's an exciting and satisfying time as we seek to create an inclusive spiritual community where all of us, ALL of us, no matter who we are or where we are on life's journey are welcome. I'm inspired and humbled to be in partnership with you, the Divine Spirit, and the UCC as we co-create The Gathering.

Karen
thegatheringsanangelo@yahoo.com
374-1566

The Practice of Peace

Gathering to Practice Peace
Sunday, March 21, 5:30 pm, 618 Locust Street

"To be at one with God is to be at peace... peace is to be found only within, and unless one finds it there he will never find it at all. Peace lies not in the external world. It lies within one's own soul." Ralph Waldo Trine

Peace of the spirit is a priceless treasure, sought, practiced, and cultivated by people around the world throughout history. Among its benefits are a happier and healthier life, a greater sense of clarity and purpose, and a closer connection to the divine and to the life that surrounds us all.

In an increasingly complex, stressful, and fast-paced world, we often find that this "inner peace" is elusive. In seeking it and the renewal it brings, we must first try to understand it. What forms can it take for us? How can we experience it? What practices best facilitate its discovery? What are the obstacles in our lives that prevent us from attaining and sustaining it?

This Sunday, March 21st, Isobelle Fox will lead The Gathering as we explore these questions, share our answers, and seek through reflection and meditation to experience a few moments of peace of the spirit together.

Our offering will be designated for the Samaritan Pastoral Counseling Center because of their work helping individuals, couples, and families searching for inner peace. Our potluck theme: food that contributes to peaceful co-existence among the earth community.


Gathered with Friends

Deep thanks go to Lisa Dale for leading us in a Quaker Meeting experience this past Sunday. It was both educational and "experimental" (to use a newly learned Quaker term, although I'm not sure I'm using it correctly).

One of the handouts Lisa shared says, "Quaker worship service (known as meeting for worship) is based on silence, a silence of expectation, waiting upon the Light and the power of the Eternal Spirit." This is certainly congruent with the contemplative aspect of The Gathering, and several who were present Sunday night indicated an interest in regularly participating in silent meetings in the manner of Friends. Lisa is delighted to get this organized! It looks like there may be 2 meetings a month, one Wednesday and one Monday. For more information about when and where, feel free to contact her at elisadale@yahoo.com.

Our offering Sunday night, designated for the American Friends Service Committee, was $181. We also gave $225 to The Gathering.


Communing through Grilled Cheese

"We believe that Communion is made as we sit down at a table together to share food and share ourselves. Our meal is a sacred way of tying us together and tying us to God." St. Lydia's Episcopal Church, NYC, webpage.

We tied ourselves together with God and those who dined at Wesley Daily Soup Kitchen Saturday as we prepared, served, and shared lunch with over 150 adults. We met interesting people, ate delicious grilled cheese and ham sandwiches, and lived our Practices. Thanks for the meaningful ways you engaged in this ministry. Our next Wesley service day is Saturday, May 22, so plan now to help.


Future Gatherings

Sunday, March 28
Reflecting on Sacred Text; 5:30 pm,
618 Locust Street

Sunday, April 4
Easter; 5:30 pm,
618 Locust Street

One of The Gathering's aspects that makes it so great is our collaborative nature. We are like the Society of Friends in that we share responsibility for the community. If you are interested in helping co-plan and/or co-lead The Gathering on March 28, April 4, or any Sunday after, please let me know, thegatheringsanangelo@yahoo.com or 374-1566.


Survey Says....

Thanks to everyone who participated in our recent survey. I've compiled the results and they are available for perusal. For all your comments: THANK YOU! It's great to have so much investment and interest in The Gathering. You are what makes the community like none other in San Angelo.

One thing you said is important to you is more opportunity for contemplative meditation. What a great thing of which to want more! Per your request, we have Quaker silent meeting opportunities and also Zen sitting. For Quaker sittings, contact Lisa Dale at elisadale@yahoo.com. For Zen sitting, contact Jon Blann at info@sanangelozen.com or 512-636-8708. For the rest of the survey results, go to our blog.


Paying Attention, Pondering and Prayer

Please Remember:

*Those served by the San Angelo AIDS Foundation as it ceased services 3/12

*Meeting Space Workgroup as we continue seeking the next Gathering space

*The Glanzer Family

*The Geen Family

*Len Zachidniak and Family following the death of his mother

*National Health Care Conversation

*Those impacted by the violence in Juarez, Mexico

*The Middle East conflict

West Texas Organizing Strategy Meeting
Thursday, March 25, 7:00 pm, Nazareth Presbyterian Church

"Women's Rights"
Documentary examines how women in many countries are still fighting to attain basic civil liberties. It also compares women's rights in the US with the status of women in China, Afghanistan, and Kenya. Hosted by Angelo State University's Multicultural Center, Thursday, March 25, 6:00 pm, Room 110/111 Houston Harte University Center

Spring Meeting of the North Texas Association of the South Central Conference of the United Church of Christ
Saturday, March 20
Waco area

Annual Meeting of the South Central Conference of the United Church of Christ
June 4-6, 2010
New Orleans

God makes room for quantum mechanics (and regular ones, too).

The Gathering:

Our 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.

Our Practices:

Service, Integrity, Inclusiveness, Love, Compassion, Humor, Joy

Open and Affirming (ONA) 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.


Note:

The picture is the Peace Begins with Me Mandala by Kathy Abromeit. Click on this link to view her other mandalas.

Shaking, Quaking in the Holy Spirit

Together in the Light: Quaking in the UCC

Quakers have a distinct way of worship, doing business and living in the world. But the "Quaker way" can inform and enliven any and maybe all organized groups of spiritual seekers. Elisa Dale, the "Lone Quaker of Eden, Texas," will share with us a brief history of the Society of Friends, Friends' testimonies and the divergent paths taken by unprogrammed (silent meeting) Friends today. Friends define their worship as "expectant listening." Elisa will share how this is understood by Conservative Friends, "christo-centric" Friends, universalist Friends and "nontheist" Friends. A Quaker writer recently wrote that "We are held together by the way in which we are a religious group, what I have called a 'behavioral creed: the way we worship and do business and areas of testimony". This unity, the glue that holds Friends together, is derived from a commitment to each other and our shared goals, rather than agreement on Friends' notions about it all.

The Society of Friends is a religious tradition that appeared to have done away with the clergy but Friends say that the opposite is true: Friends have done away with the laity. How do things get done or problems dealt with in a religious society when each member is a pastor, a bishop? Why should one be a Quaker today or be "Quakerish" within one's own faith tradition or denomination? What do Quakers have to offer the UCC? Elisa will lead us in discussion of these issues and we will close in silence, in the manner of Friends.

Our offering will go to American Friends Service Committee which provides humanitarian assistance to peoples all over the world and has worked tirelessly for American Friends Service Committee carries out service, development, social justice and peace programs throughout the world. Founded in 1917 to provide conscientious objectors with opportunity to aid civilian war victims, AFSC's work attracts the support and partnership of people of many races, religions and cultures." An "eclectic" potluck meal will reflect Quaker diversity.

Spring Abundance

Offering Totals for 28 February 2010
The Gathering: $417
Wesley Soup Kitchen: $25
Project Dignidad: $25
Total: $467

Offering Totals for 7 March 2010
UCC Transgender Coalition for Travel Scholarships: $330
The Gathering: $125
Total: $455

Serving Those Wesley Serves
THIS Saturday, 13 March 2010

We have the privilege of preparing and serving lunch to those who dine at the Wesley Daily Soup Kitchen this Saturday morning. The Nontraditional Students Organization from Angelo State is planning the effort, and they have a menu of grilled cheese sandwiches, soup, and salad already in place - which means it'll be a pretty easy day for us. We need to provide bagged salad, carrots and tomatoes for the salad, salad dressing (Ranch and Italian are the favorites), and physical bodies to help work on Saturday, the 13th. Since we aren't opening up, though, we don't need to be there until 10-ish and after. Several of you have committed to bringing the salad fixings (thanks!), and we're still accepting willing bodies to help prepare and serve. Contact me (thegatheringsanangelo@yahoo.com) for more information and/or to let me know that you'll be there, that you'll get your supplies there, or that you need to bring the groceries to me on Friday. Muchas gracias!

Important Things to Know:

National Week of Prayer for Healing of AIDS is March 7-13; for more info check out ucc.org.

International Women's Day was March 8. It is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. In some countries, like China, Russia, Vietnam and Bulgaria, IWD is a national holiday.

Spring Meeting of the North Texas Association (South Central Conference United Church of Christ)is Saturday, March 20. Master's Workshop Camp, outside of Waco, Texas. ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND. If you're interested, talk to me (Karen).

The Alaskan 2010 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is currently underway.

Sunday, March 21 is Contemplative Meditation Sunday.

Easter is Sunday, April 4, 2010

Last Sunday's Sermon

Karen's homily concerning judgment theology (Sunday, 7 March) is available on our blog. Thanks to Alan Prest for continuing to make our blog relevant and engaging.

Quote Worth Pondering

The desire for security can cause religious beliefs to become oppressive, especially when they do not allow for and encourage fresh, imaginative envisioning of a still better future.--Don Cupitt

Death Dealing Judgment

First Sunday of the Month Worship
Sunday, March 7, 5:30 pm, 618 Locust Street

Within the last few weeks, both Haiti and Chile have experienced major earthquakes, and various "judgment theologies" have been offered for these natural occurrences that became tragedies. "Judgment theology" is all too familiar and recognizable; it sounds something like: "God sent the earthquake because some of the Haitian people practice voodoo" or "Chile had an earthquake because some of the citizens are drug users" or "God sent that devastating disease to get her attention."

This Sunday, our worship service will engage and reevaluate the death-dealing way of judgment theology and invite us to turn toward a life-giving way of joining God and each other in the work of healing and wholeness.


Sunday's Offering

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered people are familiar with judgment theology as they are often the focus of it. The Gathering, however, believes all people are reflections of God. We proclaim:

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.

On January 30, 2010 the Transgender Caucus of the United Church of Christ (UCC) held a conference call with 44 people to discuss opportunities for further connection within the UCC.

Historically the transgender community has not been adequately represented in the life of the church, also transgender persons have not had a place at the national level to connect with other transgender persons around their issues and concerns.

As a result of this conference call, a gathering has been scheduled for Cleveland for transgender people affiliated with the UCC. The meeting has been called to address various areas of inclusion and ways of affirming transgender people in the life of the church. To facilitate this gathering the Transgender Caucus is raising funds to provide scholarships for transgender people who want to participate in the meeting. The estimated cost per person for travel, lodging, and food is $570.00. Izzie was one of the conference call participants and has been invited to participate in the May 5-7 gathering. Sunday's offering will go towards the scholarship fund for the Cleveland event. It will be our way of joining with the Transgender Caucus of the UCC in recognizing and affirming the Divine Image in all of us.

Wesley Daily Soup Kitchen
Saturday, March 13, 2010

People who are homeless and those who don't earn enough to adequately feed their families also experience the sting of judgment theologies. We have the privilege of preparing and serving lunch to these who dine at the Wesley Daily Soup Kitchen. This time we will partner with the Nontraditional Students Organization from Angelo State, and they have a plan and menu already in place - which means it'll be a pretty easy day for us. We need to provide bagged salad, carrots and tomatoes for the salad, salad dressing (Ranch and Italian are the favorites), and bodies to help work on Saturday, the 13th. Since we aren't opening up, though, we don't need to be there until 10-ish and after. Please let me know (thegatheringsanangelo@yahoo.com) if you can participate by bringing salad fixins' or being a worker-bee. Thanks, y'all!


Upcoming Gathering - Sunday, March 14, 5:30 pm
Together in the Light: Quaking in the UCC

Quakers have a distinct way of worship, doing business and living in the world. But the "Quaker way" can inform and enliven any and maybe all organized groups of spiritual seekers. Elisa Dale, the "Lone Quaker of Eden, Texas," will share with us a brief history of the Society of Friends, Friends' testimonies and the divergent paths taken by unprogrammed (silent meeting) Friends today. Friends define their worship as "expectant listening."

Elisa will share how this is understood by Conservative Friends, "christo-centric" Friends, universalist Friends and "nontheist" Friends. A Quaker writer recently wrote that "We are held together by the way in which we are a religious group, what I have called a 'behavioral creed: the way we worship and do business and areas of testimony". This unity, the glue that holds Friends together, is derived from a commitment to each other and our shared goals, rather than agreement on Friends' notions about it all.

The Society of Friends is a religious tradition that appeared to have done away with the clergy but Friends say that the opposite is true: Friends have done away with the laity. How do things get done or problems dealt with in a religious society when each member is a pastor, a bishop? Why should one be a Quaker today or be "Quakerish" within one's own faith tradition or denomination? What do Quakers have to offer the UCC? Elisa will lead us in discussion of these issues and we will close in silence, in the manner of Friends.

National Week of Prayer for Healing of AIDS
March 7 to March 13

The National Week of Prayer for Healing of Aids brings together people of faith to unite with purpose, compassion and hope. Through the power of God's love we will educate every American about HIV prevention, encourage and support HIV testing, advocate for the availability of compassionate treatment and care of those living with the disease in every American community and love unconditionally all persons living and affected by HIV/AIDS. The United Church of Christ General Minister and President, the Rev. Geoffrey Black, serves as a national spokesperson for the National Week of Prayer for the Healing of Aids. You can find his statement of support of this week of prayer on the UCC website, ucc.org.

Our 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.

Our Practices:
Service, Integrity, Inclusiveness, Love, Compassion, Humor, Joy

Holding in Divine Light

We celebrate spring!
We celebrate Becky and TeeJay's square dance graduation.

We hold in our souls:
Those living in Chile, Haiti, Darfur, Iraq, Afghanistan, Mexico.
God's children and creatures without adequate home and refuge.
Sharon and her broken arm.
The Geen family.
Those traveling near and far.
Those living in pain - physical, emotional, spiritual, mental.
Our city, state, and country and the hostile and violent ways we are debating and demonizing people of other perspectives.
The people served by the San Angelo AIDS Foundation.

Closing Inspiration

It is a delight and privilege to explore and share our faith journeys together. If ever there was a time to partner with the Divine and each other to bring healing to the Universe, it is now. So let us continue seeking Divine Guidance for the trip, keep recognizing Sacred Presence along the way, and keep taking turns Shining the Light for each other.

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