Reflections from a Past Minister
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July 16th, 2017 was Rev. Alan's last day with us as our interim minister. We wish him the very best as he moves to his next adventure. |
Alan delivers his final Sunday sermon at CCC,
behind Tim's creative flower arrangement. |
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July 14, 2017 ~ Two conversations and a bowl of Stone Soup are just what I needed to help me say goodbye to Community Congregational Church. The first conversation was with two members of the Board with whom we shared the closing ritual known as the "Exit Interview." The second conversation was with my Spiritual Director. These two conversations gave me a greater appreciation for what you and I have shared in this past year, which has been amazing. These two conversations also enabled me to accept that the gifts that I thought I was bringing to CCC, as I have to eleven other churches, are no longer the gifts that I want to be using in my life. There is no one to blame and no shame in that. There is only gratitude for what we have experienced and what we have learned.
Community Congregational Church has always seen itself as a place that supports each individual's spiritual journey. Well, my oh my, that can even happen to the minister! What is calling me now are the gifts that come from spaciousness, contemplation, and music, and not so much the gifts of organizing. I am sorry for the disruption in the force that I have caused by leaving early. I believe that your creative strengths as a congregation are greater now than when I arrived. I trust that the new minister(s) will bring new energy to this holy hill, and all will be well, eventually. And Stone Soup? We did it again this morning. We made a rich broth with the right seasonings of body, mind, and spirit. We got to feast on listening to one another share what moved us in the poems and scriptures that we read, and the things that we have seen or experienced in the past week. We got to hear stories from a beloved, "Cloud-ologist." We got to sing a song, "Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on us. Melt us, mold us, fill us, move us." And we were moved. So, as Jesus said to his disciples, "Let us be up and moving." There are more stories to be lived, shared and told through you all, CCC. Community Conversational Church. Share your story. I am happy to say that the story of my life now includes you. |
July 7, 2017 ~ Ministry is a humbling experience, even in the best of times. The gap between what we ministers imagine we can do, what people hope we can do, and what we can actually achieve would take a bridge as beautiful as the Golden Gate to span. At the same time, when we don't focus on measuring our accomplishments, we can experience the simple grace-filled blessing of meeting incredible people and walking the path with them. I cherish those memories that I have of walking the path with you..
As I enter into this last leg of my journey with you at CCC, I am grateful for what we shared together. I regret that I could not accompany you all the way until you call your next minister. I trust that your next interim minister will have the gifts that you need at this stage in your journey. Remember, a minister cannot do it on his or her own, but will need you all to share your gifts, your patience, and your love.
Fare forward, voyagers. May you find your way. Degaje´!
Much love, Alan
As I enter into this last leg of my journey with you at CCC, I am grateful for what we shared together. I regret that I could not accompany you all the way until you call your next minister. I trust that your next interim minister will have the gifts that you need at this stage in your journey. Remember, a minister cannot do it on his or her own, but will need you all to share your gifts, your patience, and your love.
Fare forward, voyagers. May you find your way. Degaje´!
Much love, Alan
June 30, 2017 ~ In last Sunday’s sermon I celebrated the 60th Anniversary of the founding of the United Church of Christ. As a denomination that is based on the belief that there is “yet more light to break forth on God’s Holy Word,” we are always moving, growing and changing. One way in which the UCC is changing is with the creation of a new purpose, vision, and mission statement, as well as a new logo.
The purpose statement:
To love God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength and our neighbor as ourselves.
The vision:
United in Christ's love, a just world for all.
And the Mission statement:
United in Spirit and inspired by God's grace, we welcome all, love all, and seek justice for all.
May the United Church of Christ, through its many ministries, congregations, and people live into this purpose, vision, and mission so that we can continue to be a source of light, healing, and kindness in the world that we can touch.
The purpose statement:
To love God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength and our neighbor as ourselves.
The vision:
United in Christ's love, a just world for all.
And the Mission statement:
United in Spirit and inspired by God's grace, we welcome all, love all, and seek justice for all.
May the United Church of Christ, through its many ministries, congregations, and people live into this purpose, vision, and mission so that we can continue to be a source of light, healing, and kindness in the world that we can touch.
June 2, 2017 ~ “Whether we and our politicians know it or not, Nature is party to all our deals and decisions, and she has more votes, a longer memory, and a sterner sense of justice than we do.”
~Wendell Berry
It is difficult to know where to begin in responding to D. Trump’s decision to pull the United States out of the Paris Climate Agreement. Over 10 years in the making, with 200 nations signing on, and the earth groaning, D. Trump and his D. Tritus entourage raise the banner of jobs for coal workers; as if they care about workers.
We can add to the old saying, “Don’t mess with Mother Nature” don’t mess with people around the world who are intimately connected with the delicate balance of nature. Everyone is connected with Gaia, whether they know it or not. Though it is time to lament, it is also time to engage, educate, and be a clean source of energy.
I will give the last word to Wendell Berry: “If you can change yourself, if you can make certain requirements of yourself that you are then able to fulfill, you have a reason for hope.”
~Wendell Berry
It is difficult to know where to begin in responding to D. Trump’s decision to pull the United States out of the Paris Climate Agreement. Over 10 years in the making, with 200 nations signing on, and the earth groaning, D. Trump and his D. Tritus entourage raise the banner of jobs for coal workers; as if they care about workers.
We can add to the old saying, “Don’t mess with Mother Nature” don’t mess with people around the world who are intimately connected with the delicate balance of nature. Everyone is connected with Gaia, whether they know it or not. Though it is time to lament, it is also time to engage, educate, and be a clean source of energy.
I will give the last word to Wendell Berry: “If you can change yourself, if you can make certain requirements of yourself that you are then able to fulfill, you have a reason for hope.”
May 26, 2017 ~ Dear Friends. Carolyn Long forwarded the announcement below to me. It comes to us from the Minnesota Council of Churches. I offer it to you as an opportunity for us all to be witnesses for peace, tolerance and love. Here is the invitation:
With another horror of extremism in our midst, we are also coming up on the blessed season of Ramadan, the holiest time for our Muslim neighbors. Extremism is on the rise both globally and in our own human family as people use the acts of the few to target the many. Hate crimes and distrust of our Muslim allies and neighbors have increased over 1000%.
We need to show that not all of us hate. We need to offer support to our Muslim neighbors, even those unknown to us personally. Therefore we are sharing some of the work of our state ecumenical ally, the Minnesota Council of Churches who give us a simple way
to do this.
Ramadan begins at sunset this Friday night, May 26 and continues until June 25th. Never was there a better moment to put love ahead of hate. Here is the link to where you can get a sign for your home:
http://mnchurches.org/respectfulcommunities/interfaithprogramming/BlessedRamadanSigns.html
En shallah. Allah willing.
With another horror of extremism in our midst, we are also coming up on the blessed season of Ramadan, the holiest time for our Muslim neighbors. Extremism is on the rise both globally and in our own human family as people use the acts of the few to target the many. Hate crimes and distrust of our Muslim allies and neighbors have increased over 1000%.
We need to show that not all of us hate. We need to offer support to our Muslim neighbors, even those unknown to us personally. Therefore we are sharing some of the work of our state ecumenical ally, the Minnesota Council of Churches who give us a simple way
to do this.
Ramadan begins at sunset this Friday night, May 26 and continues until June 25th. Never was there a better moment to put love ahead of hate. Here is the link to where you can get a sign for your home:
http://mnchurches.org/respectfulcommunities/interfaithprogramming/BlessedRamadanSigns.html
En shallah. Allah willing.
May 19,2017 ~ Though I have said it before, I don’t mind saying it again; one of my favorite times at CCC is Stone Soup on Thursday mornings at 11:00. Last week the numbers were small but the contributions 'round the circle made for a hearty feast. And how could they not, when the ingredients included Stephen Sondheim’s lyrics to “Somewhere?" The words take on a deeper meaning in these times that we are living. Without the music we were able step back a little bit from seeing this as Tony and Maria’s song only, and let it become a song for humanity.
Someday, somewhere, we'll find a new way of living, we'll find a way of forgiving.
Hold my hand and we're half-way there; hold my hand and I'll take you there.
This fundamental hope for humanity is at the heart of what is most healthy and life-giving in the world’s wisdom traditions. It is based on compassion, equity, simplicity, humility and generosity. During this unbelievably low moment in the history of the United States there are still places, communities, and people who hold these values to be self-evident. May those values be abundantly evident at CCC so that the Tonys and Marias of this world know that there is a place for them here.
Somehow, someday, somewhere,
Alan
Someday, somewhere, we'll find a new way of living, we'll find a way of forgiving.
Hold my hand and we're half-way there; hold my hand and I'll take you there.
This fundamental hope for humanity is at the heart of what is most healthy and life-giving in the world’s wisdom traditions. It is based on compassion, equity, simplicity, humility and generosity. During this unbelievably low moment in the history of the United States there are still places, communities, and people who hold these values to be self-evident. May those values be abundantly evident at CCC so that the Tonys and Marias of this world know that there is a place for them here.
Somehow, someday, somewhere,
Alan
May 12, 2017 ~ Thanks to the generosity of CCC I was able to take a week-long study leave to attend the Global Gathering of facilitators and staff from the Center for Courage & Renewal. Over 100 facilitators from the U.S., England, Canada, Australia and South Korea gathered in Minneapolis to address the issues of diversity and white privilege, and deepen our relationship with colleagues.
This week back at home I discovered a resource from the United Church in Canada that reminded me of what we call the Touchstones in Courage & Renewal work. The United Church of Canada calls them Holy Manners, and just as with the Courage Way, they are intended to create a safe space for the soul to show up. I would like to share them with you in hope that they might end up on your refrigerator door.
Keeping God at the center, we will:
- Listen empathetically to others with our whole selves: our physical senses, intuition, imagination, and intellect
- Speak for ourselves in the spirit of truth and gentleness, avoiding unhelpful judgments, generalizations,
and stereotypes
- Allow others to speak without interruption
- Pause before speaking to ponder what others are saying and what we feel
- Affirm the deep wisdom of silence
- Be sensitive to differences in the way we each communicate and learn
- Keep confidentiality
- Keep the discussion at the table
- Commit to holding one another to account when we do not keep our Holy Manners
- Honor the decisions made by the body
- Lean into God’s transformative love.
This week back at home I discovered a resource from the United Church in Canada that reminded me of what we call the Touchstones in Courage & Renewal work. The United Church of Canada calls them Holy Manners, and just as with the Courage Way, they are intended to create a safe space for the soul to show up. I would like to share them with you in hope that they might end up on your refrigerator door.
Keeping God at the center, we will:
- Listen empathetically to others with our whole selves: our physical senses, intuition, imagination, and intellect
- Speak for ourselves in the spirit of truth and gentleness, avoiding unhelpful judgments, generalizations,
and stereotypes
- Allow others to speak without interruption
- Pause before speaking to ponder what others are saying and what we feel
- Affirm the deep wisdom of silence
- Be sensitive to differences in the way we each communicate and learn
- Keep confidentiality
- Keep the discussion at the table
- Commit to holding one another to account when we do not keep our Holy Manners
- Honor the decisions made by the body
- Lean into God’s transformative love.
April 28, 2017 ~ I want to express my deep gratitude for the conversation that took place after worship last Sunday when we had a moment to discuss my decision to leave CCC on July 16. I appreciated the honest sharing of sadness and disappointment, which is only natural and appropriate. What I took most deeply to my heart was the way that you supported me in my spiritual journey, even when that meant leaving you all. Your words of gratitude, support and encouragement mean a lot to me.
An image came to my mind this morning that comes from the glorious sport of baseball. I saw myself as the starting pitcher who pitched well up into the top of the 6th inning, but then started throwing wild pitches and walking batters. The team didn't worry. The coach came to the mound, took the ball from the pitcher and with a wave of his hand signaled for ... The Closer.
I don't know how many innings your next interim minister will pitch, but whoever it is, he or she will be fresh, throw strikes, and be backed up by you all -- a team filled, where everyone is ready and willing to play their position and support one another, all the way home.
In my case, the coach is giving me another inning to pitch. I am still here with you and we have work to do and fun to have together. Let's play ball!
An image came to my mind this morning that comes from the glorious sport of baseball. I saw myself as the starting pitcher who pitched well up into the top of the 6th inning, but then started throwing wild pitches and walking batters. The team didn't worry. The coach came to the mound, took the ball from the pitcher and with a wave of his hand signaled for ... The Closer.
I don't know how many innings your next interim minister will pitch, but whoever it is, he or she will be fresh, throw strikes, and be backed up by you all -- a team filled, where everyone is ready and willing to play their position and support one another, all the way home.
In my case, the coach is giving me another inning to pitch. I am still here with you and we have work to do and fun to have together. Let's play ball!
April 21, 2017 ~ We cooked up yet another excellent Stone Soup on Thursday. Our ingredients were the readings from the jubilant Easter Sunday service and the life experiences of the chefs. Our soup pot was the Seminar Room, which has been the sacred container for so many feasts of wisdom, wonder and clarity. We sipped once again on such beautiful words of poetry and scripture as: “….we are animated ground;” “trust deep water and head for the open;” “you are closer to glory leaping an abyss than upholstering a rut;” “nothing perishes, nothing survives, everything transforms;” and “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
After we reflected upon words such as these I opened the sacred circle for an opportunity to share responses to my letter of this past week saying that I would bring my time as your Interim to a close on July 16. The responses included sadness, understanding, disappointment, appreciation, anxiety, and gratitude. I received all those with the grace and humility that they deserved. The response that was the most encouraging came from a member of the search committee who shared her deep sense of appreciation for this congregation, which has deepened for her as she read your responses to the recent survey. She sees you all as poets who have a deep love for this community and resilient spirit that will guide you through this transition. There is yet more light to shine from CCC.
In the spirit of Easter I invite you to rise to the occasion and share your gifts with one another. As Wendell Berry writes, “Practice resurrection.” Meanwhile, I am still here, looking forward to whatever the Indwelling Spirit is calling us to share together in the next three months. My door and my heart are open to you. Let yourselves be carried, just as you have carried others, too.
After we reflected upon words such as these I opened the sacred circle for an opportunity to share responses to my letter of this past week saying that I would bring my time as your Interim to a close on July 16. The responses included sadness, understanding, disappointment, appreciation, anxiety, and gratitude. I received all those with the grace and humility that they deserved. The response that was the most encouraging came from a member of the search committee who shared her deep sense of appreciation for this congregation, which has deepened for her as she read your responses to the recent survey. She sees you all as poets who have a deep love for this community and resilient spirit that will guide you through this transition. There is yet more light to shine from CCC.
In the spirit of Easter I invite you to rise to the occasion and share your gifts with one another. As Wendell Berry writes, “Practice resurrection.” Meanwhile, I am still here, looking forward to whatever the Indwelling Spirit is calling us to share together in the next three months. My door and my heart are open to you. Let yourselves be carried, just as you have carried others, too.
April 14, 2017 ~ On Thursday evening about fifteen of us gathered in the Seminar Room for our Maundy Thursday worship service of music, meditation, word, and communion. In my experience, not many people attend this service during Holy Week. The small number and the stories that are remembered make it one of the most intimate worship experiences of the church year, and my second favorite worship service.
The word “maundy” comes from the same root that gives us the word mandate. On this night it refers to the new mandate or commandment that Jesus gave to his disciples, namely, “Love one another as I have loved you.” During our meditation on Thursday evening we heard these words again, and many others that were spoken, sung, or held in our hearts.
Of all the words that we hear during Holy Week, the ones that I find most human and most liberating are when Jesus prays to God, “If you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done.” To be present in this moment, however it is for us, to name exactly how we are feeling, and then to give our lives into the Creator’s care by saying, "not my will but yours be done," is, for me, a way of practicing resurrection. When we let go of our self doubts and allow ourselves to be raised up to the Creator’s intention, that rolls away the stone and takes us to Easter morning. See you on Sunday!
The word “maundy” comes from the same root that gives us the word mandate. On this night it refers to the new mandate or commandment that Jesus gave to his disciples, namely, “Love one another as I have loved you.” During our meditation on Thursday evening we heard these words again, and many others that were spoken, sung, or held in our hearts.
Of all the words that we hear during Holy Week, the ones that I find most human and most liberating are when Jesus prays to God, “If you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done.” To be present in this moment, however it is for us, to name exactly how we are feeling, and then to give our lives into the Creator’s care by saying, "not my will but yours be done," is, for me, a way of practicing resurrection. When we let go of our self doubts and allow ourselves to be raised up to the Creator’s intention, that rolls away the stone and takes us to Easter morning. See you on Sunday!
April 7, 2017 ~ This coming Sunday is Palm Sunday, the day when we remember Jesus coming through the gates of Jerusalem with people waving palm branches, shouting "Hosanna," and hoping for deliverance. Every day of our lives we enter through gates, doorways, and transitions.
To come to worship you enter through the doors of the sanctuary into a place filled with memories, stories, and friends. When you return home you enter through the doorway of your house into a place filled with memories, stories, and chores saved for Sunday afternoon. When you lose someone you love or some plan takes an unexpected turn, even that grief can be a gateway, a threshold into deeper understanding of yourself, your neighbor, and the Soul of the Universe.
Here is an invitation for Holy Week for you. Imagine as you head for whatever is next for you in your life — a decision, a surgery, a chemo treatment, a new job, or no job — that all your friends who know you and who trust the Indwelling Spirit are supporting you. Listen for their voices encouraging you to go for it: you can do it, you'll be OK, you are OK! Imagine that they are laying down palm fronds, flower petals, and loving kindness on your pathway. Imagine yourself humbly and confidently crossing that threshold and entering into the next day of your one precious life. You may not hear shouts of "Hosanna;" you may just hear the quiet voice of kindness and courage.
To come to worship you enter through the doors of the sanctuary into a place filled with memories, stories, and friends. When you return home you enter through the doorway of your house into a place filled with memories, stories, and chores saved for Sunday afternoon. When you lose someone you love or some plan takes an unexpected turn, even that grief can be a gateway, a threshold into deeper understanding of yourself, your neighbor, and the Soul of the Universe.
Here is an invitation for Holy Week for you. Imagine as you head for whatever is next for you in your life — a decision, a surgery, a chemo treatment, a new job, or no job — that all your friends who know you and who trust the Indwelling Spirit are supporting you. Listen for their voices encouraging you to go for it: you can do it, you'll be OK, you are OK! Imagine that they are laying down palm fronds, flower petals, and loving kindness on your pathway. Imagine yourself humbly and confidently crossing that threshold and entering into the next day of your one precious life. You may not hear shouts of "Hosanna;" you may just hear the quiet voice of kindness and courage.
March 31, 2017 ~ At a time when it seems like the generosity of the American people is absent from the current leadership in Washington, D.C., we have an opportunity this coming Sunday to show that we are a people of extravagant and caring action. During our two worship services, we will receive a special United Church of Christ offering known as One Great Hour of Sharing. Through this offering, we will become a part of relief efforts around the world. We will provide famine assistance to the people of southern Sudan. We will be a part of the rebuilding of communities here in the U.S. hard hit by hurricanes and tornadoes. We will be supporting a wife and husband team who are helping reduce preventable illnesses through better sanitation in Timor. We will be supporting the Spanish- speaking people of Flint, Michigan in receiving the assistance they need to access clean water.
Let's show Washington and the world how it can be done. As Malvina Reynolds would sing it, "Love is something if you give it away, give it away. Love is something, when you give it away, you end up having more." In this case our "Magic Penny" is One Great Hour of Sharing.
Let's show Washington and the world how it can be done. As Malvina Reynolds would sing it, "Love is something if you give it away, give it away. Love is something, when you give it away, you end up having more." In this case our "Magic Penny" is One Great Hour of Sharing.
March 24, 2017 ~ On Tuesday of this week I attended a workshop on Diversity and Racism presented by the Marin Interfaith Council. Laura Eberly, a YWCA Community Organizer, led the workshop. Laura presented the following continuum of human responses to cultural diversity: denial, polarization, minimization, acceptance and adaptation. When she comes into a group she first makes an assessment of where they are in the continuum and then gives them the tools to move one step forward toward greater inclusion.
Of the many interesting and enlightening topics covered, I was interested in the discussion about culture. The way Laura Eberly defined culture was simply as “the way things are done around here.” Every group, regardless of race, nationality, or religion has a culture that is defined by such things as: how we say hello, how we handle conflict, how we give and receive gifts, how we set the table on holidays, and who has authority.
What is the culture of CCC? How does CCC welcome new people when they visit us on a Sunday morning? Do we step out of
our comfort zone and introduce ourselves? Are we wearing our name tags to make it easier for a new person to learn a host of new names? Do we take the time to find out what their interests are and introduce them to someone else at CCC with similar interests?
At the end of the workshop Laura invited us to set goals for ourselves that help us move up the ladder of inclusion. I wrote down “I need to be willing to expand my capacity to be uncomfortable for the purpose of drawing the circle wide.” Or in the words of the great Bill Haley, I need to be willing to “shake, rattle, and roll.” Let’s dance!
Of the many interesting and enlightening topics covered, I was interested in the discussion about culture. The way Laura Eberly defined culture was simply as “the way things are done around here.” Every group, regardless of race, nationality, or religion has a culture that is defined by such things as: how we say hello, how we handle conflict, how we give and receive gifts, how we set the table on holidays, and who has authority.
What is the culture of CCC? How does CCC welcome new people when they visit us on a Sunday morning? Do we step out of
our comfort zone and introduce ourselves? Are we wearing our name tags to make it easier for a new person to learn a host of new names? Do we take the time to find out what their interests are and introduce them to someone else at CCC with similar interests?
At the end of the workshop Laura invited us to set goals for ourselves that help us move up the ladder of inclusion. I wrote down “I need to be willing to expand my capacity to be uncomfortable for the purpose of drawing the circle wide.” Or in the words of the great Bill Haley, I need to be willing to “shake, rattle, and roll.” Let’s dance!
March 17, 2017 ~ During Stone Soup this week we discussed the need for balance, particularly the need to balance the hare and the tortoise within ourselves. That got me thinking about the spring equinox, the day when there is as much light as there is dark in a day. Until just a few weeks ago I didn’t know that there is one day in spring and one day in autumn when daylight and nightlight are the same. How can I be so separate from the land that I never knew about this planetary balance point? At my age! I must be a slow learner. Well the point now is to be thankful for Anna Cook who is the one who let me know about this day of balanced light and dark. Anna and her Labyrinth Team are presenting CCC and the wider community with a moment to walk our indoor labyrinth together on Monday, March 20, from 6-8pm! This will be a moment when we can literally be walking the balance of light and dark, walking the equinox. As we are walking we can be praying for balance in our soul, in our community, in our nation, and on our planet.
Speaking of embodied prayer, we are also blessed on Sunday March 19th, from 2-3 pm, when Kaleo and Elise Ching will present a free workshop on Qigong and the Lord’s Prayer. Isn’t it wonderful that we are blessed with so many opportunities to experience balance in our lives this weekend? We’ll even have the luck of the Irish with us! May we keep on springing forward, saving daylight, and walking a well-balanced path.
Speaking of embodied prayer, we are also blessed on Sunday March 19th, from 2-3 pm, when Kaleo and Elise Ching will present a free workshop on Qigong and the Lord’s Prayer. Isn’t it wonderful that we are blessed with so many opportunities to experience balance in our lives this weekend? We’ll even have the luck of the Irish with us! May we keep on springing forward, saving daylight, and walking a well-balanced path.
March 10, 2017 ~ When asked which committee or team is the most important in the church, I have replied "The Nominating Committee." The Nominating Committee is made of people who know the membership of the church well. They know, or are curious to find out, what the gifts and passions of each member of the church are, as well as having an understanding of the needs of the congregation at this time. The Nominating Committee puts the players on the ball-field, if you'll pardon a Spring Training baseball metaphor. The Nominating Committee finds leaders in the church who are ready to share their gifts and time for the ministries of the church.
When I arrived here I was surprised to see several teams with few or no members on the team, and some with only one co-chair. I also found several committees that the bylaws say are essential to the life of the church, with no one serving on them. Not only does this mean that certain essential tasks are not being completed, it means that extra work is falling on the Governing Board, the Office Manager, and the Minister. This isn't healthy; it isn't community, congregational, or church.
The Governing Board is currently looking to find leaders willing to serve on the Nominating Team. Soon the Nominating Team will be calling on people to become a part of the teams that do vital work for CCC. And not too long after that, candidates for your next minister will be looking to see how many teams you have and how many people are serving on those teams. If you are enthusiastically willing to serve on the Nominating Team, please contact Jolyn or Bill or anyone on the Governing Board. The first game of the season is just around the corner. Play ball!
When I arrived here I was surprised to see several teams with few or no members on the team, and some with only one co-chair. I also found several committees that the bylaws say are essential to the life of the church, with no one serving on them. Not only does this mean that certain essential tasks are not being completed, it means that extra work is falling on the Governing Board, the Office Manager, and the Minister. This isn't healthy; it isn't community, congregational, or church.
The Governing Board is currently looking to find leaders willing to serve on the Nominating Team. Soon the Nominating Team will be calling on people to become a part of the teams that do vital work for CCC. And not too long after that, candidates for your next minister will be looking to see how many teams you have and how many people are serving on those teams. If you are enthusiastically willing to serve on the Nominating Team, please contact Jolyn or Bill or anyone on the Governing Board. The first game of the season is just around the corner. Play ball!
March 3, 2017 ~ Last Wednesday, Ash Wednesday, was the first day of the 40-day wilderness journey known as the season of Lent. I was surprised when I first learned that the word “Lent” comes from the Anglo-Saxon word Lencten, from which we get our word, "lengthen," and it referred simply to the fact that the weeks leading up to Easter were the early Spring days that were lengthening after the winter solstice. In the Christian tradition, the season of Lent became a time of practicing spiritual disciplines such as fasting, prayer, and acts of kindness in preparation for one’s baptism on Easter Sunday.
There is a paradox to embrace in this season of Lent. How do our choices regarding what sustains us in nourishment, prayer, and kindness bring more light into this world that seems so dark in so many ways? What would our spiritual preparation for Baptism, 2017 look like if it moved us toward compassion for all who suffer? When I ponder that question for myself I yearn for humility and chutzpah. I know that I can’t do this without Wholly Love, and I know that those suffering are not served by my weakness.
Blessings, dear pilgrims on the Camino de Compassion and Justice.
There is a paradox to embrace in this season of Lent. How do our choices regarding what sustains us in nourishment, prayer, and kindness bring more light into this world that seems so dark in so many ways? What would our spiritual preparation for Baptism, 2017 look like if it moved us toward compassion for all who suffer? When I ponder that question for myself I yearn for humility and chutzpah. I know that I can’t do this without Wholly Love, and I know that those suffering are not served by my weakness.
Blessings, dear pilgrims on the Camino de Compassion and Justice.
February 24, 2017 ~ As I sit here this morning seeing blue skies above green hills accented by white clouds, I find myself singing the words from George Harrison’s song:
Little darling, it’s been a long, cold lonely winter.
Little darling, it seems like years since it’s been here.
Here comes the sun,
and I say, "it’s alright”
Though well aware that there is more rain to come, and aware that there are many people deeply concerned about the many places in the world where it is not alright, I am also seeing “smiles returning to the faces” of the “little darlings” here at CCC. I am seeing smiles on the faces of people who are sharing their gifts and their spiritual journeys with compassionate companions here in this church that seeks to serve a wider community. I hope to see many of your smiling faces this coming Sunday at the 9 am worship that will be followed by a workshop where we will explore the question, “Who is my neighbor?” This is the first of three workshops presented by the Minister Search Committee. Thich Nhat Hahn said, “To meditate well, we have to smile, a lot… I always say that a smile can be a practice, a kind of yoga practice.” How wide is the CCC community? As wide as we can smile.
Little darling, it’s been a long, cold lonely winter.
Little darling, it seems like years since it’s been here.
Here comes the sun,
and I say, "it’s alright”
Though well aware that there is more rain to come, and aware that there are many people deeply concerned about the many places in the world where it is not alright, I am also seeing “smiles returning to the faces” of the “little darlings” here at CCC. I am seeing smiles on the faces of people who are sharing their gifts and their spiritual journeys with compassionate companions here in this church that seeks to serve a wider community. I hope to see many of your smiling faces this coming Sunday at the 9 am worship that will be followed by a workshop where we will explore the question, “Who is my neighbor?” This is the first of three workshops presented by the Minister Search Committee. Thich Nhat Hahn said, “To meditate well, we have to smile, a lot… I always say that a smile can be a practice, a kind of yoga practice.” How wide is the CCC community? As wide as we can smile.
February 17, 2017 ~ For the past two months, many of us have been reading John Philip Newell's book The Rebirthing of God. The chapter that will be the guide for this Sunday's worship service is entitled "Reconnecting wth the Unconscious." It focuses on the work of Carl Jung who explored the wisdom of the individual and collective unconscious through the study of dreams, myths, and the world's religions. In this chapter Newell writes, "How can the uniqueness of our Christian identity and story serve not simply our own preservation but the well-being of the world? Part of the answer lies in allowing ourselves to dream the Christian story onward, allowing our imagination to draw from the living well of the unconscious within us. Otherwise, our story gets stuck. Our myth freezes into fixed form and we no longer deeply serve the unfolding journey of the universe." This is a good question for CCC to consider during this time of transition, and one that we will be discussing at next week's workshop following worship. Though the central question is "Who is our neighbor?" the deeper questions is "Are we willing to go where Wholly Love and Holy Mystery is calling us to go?"
Next Sunday, February 26, there will be one service at 9:00 AM, followed by the workshop on "Who Is Our Neighbor?" This is an opportunity to explore the collective unconscious together.
Next Sunday, February 26, there will be one service at 9:00 AM, followed by the workshop on "Who Is Our Neighbor?" This is an opportunity to explore the collective unconscious together.
January 27, 2017 ~ Someone once said that silence is the thirteenth note. Without silence, with a rest, there is no music. Silence gives us time to breathe, time to consider where we have been, and where we think things might be going. The rest helps us begin again. I have been with you for six months and it is now time for a rest. While I am away for two weeks you will be in good hands; you have one another, Jolyn and Bill as your Co-moderators, Joanne as your Office Manager, Scott as your Music Director, and Walter as the one who arranges chairs, makes coffee and picks up after you all. You are also in good hands if any Pastoral Emergencies happen to come up. I am deeply grateful for the following people who have agreed to be on call while I am away:
Ann Eichhorn: (415) 383-6590 home, or (415) 246-3131 cell
Bill Eichhorn: (415) 827-6590
Carol Saysette: (415) 328-5897
Carol Hannon: (415) 686-8133 cell, or (415) 937-5449 home
Ann Eichhorn: (415) 383-6590 home, or (415) 246-3131 cell
Bill Eichhorn: (415) 827-6590
Carol Saysette: (415) 328-5897
Carol Hannon: (415) 686-8133 cell, or (415) 937-5449 home
January 20, 2017 ~ Seeing so many signs of “The Movement” coming alive again reminded me of Sir Isaac Newton’s Three Laws of Motion:
1) An object at rest will remain at rest unless acted on by an unbalanced force.
2) Acceleration is produced when a force acts on a mass. The greater the mass the greater the amount of force needed.
3) For every action there is an equal and opposite re-action.
The United States has just inaugurated an “unbalanced force.” And we who believe in freedom will not rest. We who believe in the dignity of all humanity and the water, land, and air that supports us all will not rest. Some of us will respond to this “unbalanced force” with soul-force, with nonviolence. Some of us will respond by saying that while we will not cooperate with injustice, we will be open to each person as a human being. When our opposing reaction to injustice is based in nonviolence, we may, just may, reduce the wide pendulum swing that is taking place in our country now. We may be a balanced force that will help this country become united again for “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." Let us inaugurate faith, hope, and love, as we dry our tears and get moving!
1) An object at rest will remain at rest unless acted on by an unbalanced force.
2) Acceleration is produced when a force acts on a mass. The greater the mass the greater the amount of force needed.
3) For every action there is an equal and opposite re-action.
The United States has just inaugurated an “unbalanced force.” And we who believe in freedom will not rest. We who believe in the dignity of all humanity and the water, land, and air that supports us all will not rest. Some of us will respond to this “unbalanced force” with soul-force, with nonviolence. Some of us will respond by saying that while we will not cooperate with injustice, we will be open to each person as a human being. When our opposing reaction to injustice is based in nonviolence, we may, just may, reduce the wide pendulum swing that is taking place in our country now. We may be a balanced force that will help this country become united again for “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." Let us inaugurate faith, hope, and love, as we dry our tears and get moving!
January 13, 2017 ~ My drive to Tiburon quickly takes me into the rolling hills between Sonoma and Petaluma where I get to see black and white cows accenting a green hill background. It’s a moo-ving experience. Last week I noticed workers out in the vineyards, pruning last year’s vines, providing a comforting metaphor that reminds us that the previous year’s growth needs to be cut away so that the new growth can grow. I can almost hear the old vines saying, “Thank you. We needed that."
In the introduction to The Rebirthing of God: Christianity’s Struggles for a New Beginning, John Philip Newell states the obvious: the walls of Western Christianity are collapsing. Is it the end, or is it the beginning of something new that we cannot imagine? We are seeing signs around CCC of programs that once were thriving now just hanging on. Do we stop something new from being born by holding too tightly onto the past? Or do we trust that the universe is always busy being born, that the Divine Presence is within each other, all creation, and us? Let us not be afraid of wise pruning. Let us not be afraid to let go. It’s a sign of our ultimate trust that life has a way of living on. Peace, Salaam, Shalom.
In the introduction to The Rebirthing of God: Christianity’s Struggles for a New Beginning, John Philip Newell states the obvious: the walls of Western Christianity are collapsing. Is it the end, or is it the beginning of something new that we cannot imagine? We are seeing signs around CCC of programs that once were thriving now just hanging on. Do we stop something new from being born by holding too tightly onto the past? Or do we trust that the universe is always busy being born, that the Divine Presence is within each other, all creation, and us? Let us not be afraid of wise pruning. Let us not be afraid to let go. It’s a sign of our ultimate trust that life has a way of living on. Peace, Salaam, Shalom.
January 6, 2017 ~ Epiphany! It’s a Holy Day! It’s a season! It’s a way of life. This day, January 6, is the holy day of Epiphany when the visit of the three Magi to the infant Jesus is celebrated. We begin the season of Epiphany this coming Sunday with the baptism of Jesus. The season of Epiphany ends on February 26 when Jesus has a mountain-top experience and hears the same words that he heard when he was baptized, “You are my Beloved.”
Epiphany is any moment when we see a manifestation of the sacred, the holy, the divine. At CCC this year we will travel through the season of Epiphany with three sources to guide us: the Gospel of Matthew, an exploration of Celtic Spirituality in John Philip Newell’s book The Rebirthing of God, and our own experience.
For those of you who have purchased a copy of The Rebirthing of God, I invite you to read the Introduction and the first chapter, "Reconnecting with the Earth." The public ministry of Jesus begins with his immersion in the waters of the Jordan River, a marvelous way of connecting with the many gifts that the earth offers to us. I wholeheartedly believe that the work that we will be called to do in the next four years to recover the heart of America’s moral center depends upon our being immersed in the sacred and hearing that all our relations are beloved.
During the season of Epiphany, CCC will also be inaugurating its search process, which begins not with a search for a new minister or a divine savior; nor is the search process the work of the Search Committee alone. The search process involves everyone in this congregation reconnecting with the vision of CCC that is embodied in your covenant: “Therefore, while praying, studying, working and celebrating together, we shall experience the moments of our lives in spontaneous response to the call of God.” Expect an Epiphany! You may have to travel to a new land to see one. Or you may just have to turn around and take a new route home.
Epiphany is any moment when we see a manifestation of the sacred, the holy, the divine. At CCC this year we will travel through the season of Epiphany with three sources to guide us: the Gospel of Matthew, an exploration of Celtic Spirituality in John Philip Newell’s book The Rebirthing of God, and our own experience.
For those of you who have purchased a copy of The Rebirthing of God, I invite you to read the Introduction and the first chapter, "Reconnecting with the Earth." The public ministry of Jesus begins with his immersion in the waters of the Jordan River, a marvelous way of connecting with the many gifts that the earth offers to us. I wholeheartedly believe that the work that we will be called to do in the next four years to recover the heart of America’s moral center depends upon our being immersed in the sacred and hearing that all our relations are beloved.
During the season of Epiphany, CCC will also be inaugurating its search process, which begins not with a search for a new minister or a divine savior; nor is the search process the work of the Search Committee alone. The search process involves everyone in this congregation reconnecting with the vision of CCC that is embodied in your covenant: “Therefore, while praying, studying, working and celebrating together, we shall experience the moments of our lives in spontaneous response to the call of God.” Expect an Epiphany! You may have to travel to a new land to see one. Or you may just have to turn around and take a new route home.
December 30, 2016 ~ As you may be considering New Year's Resolutions, I want to lift a few needs that I see around CCC. The Pastoral Search Committee will have its first meeting on January 9. Please keep them in your prayers. There are other committees/teams that are not only in need of prayers; they are in need of people with gifts, ideas, and commitment.
At this moment there is no one on the Social Action Team. There are only two persons on the Sacred Space Team. This is a huge responsibility here, requiring more than occasional clean-up days. Thankfully, the Spirit Life team has grown and is growing, which is a good thing. They all deserve an angelic round of applause for everything that they did between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. The Arts Commission is also looking good, but the Finance Team is hanging on with four members and the Personnel Team with three. Looking back at the church organization ten years ago, I wonder what happened to the Youth & Family, Adult Education, and Community Life Ministries.
A wise person once said, "Pray as if everything depends on God. Act as if everything depends on you." During this time of transition "attention must be paid" to CCC's spiritual and strategic needs. This isn't time to hold back or be shy or keep your ideas or talents to yourself. I invite you to consider how vitally important a spiritually progressive "Christian-rooted-but-not-root bound" voice is in these times, then make a resolution, an intention, for CCC, and let your Board or Staff members know what you are thinking. Happy New Year everyone!
At this moment there is no one on the Social Action Team. There are only two persons on the Sacred Space Team. This is a huge responsibility here, requiring more than occasional clean-up days. Thankfully, the Spirit Life team has grown and is growing, which is a good thing. They all deserve an angelic round of applause for everything that they did between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. The Arts Commission is also looking good, but the Finance Team is hanging on with four members and the Personnel Team with three. Looking back at the church organization ten years ago, I wonder what happened to the Youth & Family, Adult Education, and Community Life Ministries.
A wise person once said, "Pray as if everything depends on God. Act as if everything depends on you." During this time of transition "attention must be paid" to CCC's spiritual and strategic needs. This isn't time to hold back or be shy or keep your ideas or talents to yourself. I invite you to consider how vitally important a spiritually progressive "Christian-rooted-but-not-root bound" voice is in these times, then make a resolution, an intention, for CCC, and let your Board or Staff members know what you are thinking. Happy New Year everyone!
December 23, 2016 ~ Silent Night, Holy Night
There is a story from the Hindu Scripture, The Upanishads, which addresses holy silence. A father is teaching his son about this life-giving silence with a series of questions.
"Bring me a fig."
"Here it is, father."
“Break it open. What do you see inside?"
"Some rather tiny seeds, father."
“Break one of them open. What do you see inside?”
"Nothing at all, father."
“From the inside of this tiny seed, which seems to be nothing at all, this whole fig tree grows.
That is the soul of the Universe. And you are that, my son.”
In those moments in our life when we don't know what to do, in that holy silence, in that breaking open of the seed, finding nothing, we may find the beginning of everything. There are times in our lives that call upon us to create a simple manger scene for own nativity, for our own rebirth in the spirit. Now is the needed time. Advent. Pregnancy. Birth. Something we have desired for a long time is about to happen. Christmas. Delivery. Presence. Something we have wanted for a long time is close at hand. May you have a blessed Christmas and an engaged New Year.
There is a story from the Hindu Scripture, The Upanishads, which addresses holy silence. A father is teaching his son about this life-giving silence with a series of questions.
"Bring me a fig."
"Here it is, father."
“Break it open. What do you see inside?"
"Some rather tiny seeds, father."
“Break one of them open. What do you see inside?”
"Nothing at all, father."
“From the inside of this tiny seed, which seems to be nothing at all, this whole fig tree grows.
That is the soul of the Universe. And you are that, my son.”
In those moments in our life when we don't know what to do, in that holy silence, in that breaking open of the seed, finding nothing, we may find the beginning of everything. There are times in our lives that call upon us to create a simple manger scene for own nativity, for our own rebirth in the spirit. Now is the needed time. Advent. Pregnancy. Birth. Something we have desired for a long time is about to happen. Christmas. Delivery. Presence. Something we have wanted for a long time is close at hand. May you have a blessed Christmas and an engaged New Year.
December 9, 2016 ~ During this week’s Stone Soup stirring of the pot, I was reminded of a church somewhere in the Deep South that decided to have a worship service to pray for rain during a time of a drought. Several members of the church got together and asked the pastor to organize the prayer meeting, which he agreed to do with some faith and skepticism. On the night of the prayer meeting the little church was full as the pastor stepped up to the pulpit and prepared to lead the flock in prayer and supplication. As he looked out over the congregation his eyes fell upon a young girl in the front pew sitting all wide-eyed and ready -- and I mean ready, because in her hands she was a holding on to a red umbrella. She was expecting rain.
Last Sunday we prayed for the Water Protectors of the Standing Rock nonviolent action in South Dakota. We did this in response to a request that Chief Arvol put out to all the spiritual communities of this land. Later that day as we gathered for the awesome Christmas Concert, word began to spread that the Army Corps of Engineers had removed their approval for the pipeline. Though that struggle is far from over, the people of Standing Rock believe in the power of prayer, not only for how it moves the Great Spirit, but also for how it moves people. Let us pray for the well-being of the beloved community that includes all people, all tribes, and all the earth. Let us pray with expectation, like the girl who brought the red umbrella.
Last Sunday we prayed for the Water Protectors of the Standing Rock nonviolent action in South Dakota. We did this in response to a request that Chief Arvol put out to all the spiritual communities of this land. Later that day as we gathered for the awesome Christmas Concert, word began to spread that the Army Corps of Engineers had removed their approval for the pipeline. Though that struggle is far from over, the people of Standing Rock believe in the power of prayer, not only for how it moves the Great Spirit, but also for how it moves people. Let us pray for the well-being of the beloved community that includes all people, all tribes, and all the earth. Let us pray with expectation, like the girl who brought the red umbrella.
December 2, 2016 ~ John Philip Newell, the celebrated author of The Rebirthing of God, Christianity’s Struggle for New Beginnings, is one of the most prominent Christian teachers of Celtic spirituality in the Western world. Formerly Warden of Iona Abbey in the Western Isles of Scotland, he now divides his time between Edinburgh, where he does most of his writing, and travelling and teaching internationally. John Philip Newell is the co-founder of Heartbeat: A Journey Towards Earth’s Wellbeing (www.heartbeatjourney.org) a scholarship-awarding foundation committed to enabling the articulation of earth-honoring spirituality, the pursuit of interfaith relationships, and the practice of contemplation and action. John Philip Newell will be in Marin County the weekend of January 20-22, presenting a Friday evening lecture at First Presbyterian Church in San Anselmo, an all-day workshop at San Francisco Theological Seminary, and preaching at Sunday worship at Westminster Presbyterian. More information about the weekend will be shared soon. Why I want to share this with you now is because the Sunday worship services in the Season of Epiphany, January 8th to February 26th, will be centered on the eight chapters in John Philip Newell’s book The Rebirthing of God. We will also be inviting everyone in the congregation to be reading this book together. Let’s begin the year 2017 honoring the spirituality of the earth, all faith traditions and the power of contemplation and action.
November 23, 2016 ~ A friend of mine who was a firefighter in Oakland and worked with youth on drug education had a practice of saying 100 gratitudes a day! Yes, that’s right; 100 gratitudes a day was my friend’s spiritual practice. As I first thought how difficult this practice is I realized that I was really good at thinking of 100 “grumps and gripes” a day. When you have to get that many you tend to be grateful for simple things, including the things right in front of you. I was trying that practice today and came up with following gratitudes: Elizabeth Warren, everyone who worked to make last Sunday’s worship and Thanksgiving Feast a true celebration, the multiple layers of clouds in the sky while the sun is setting, the U.S. Constitution and those who defend it, the power of music to heal the soul and awaken the heart, the sound and feel and smell of rain, the joy of a bike ride, reconnecting with old friends, the people bringing out stories from Standing Rock to the world, and the 38th anniversary of my being married to Betsy.
November 18, 2018 ~ This coming Sunday we will receive our pledges for 2017. These commitments will provide the financial support for the ministries of Community Congregational Church. In my sermon last Sunday I said that CCC is the first church that I have ever served that was on top of a hill, and with such an incredible view. After the recent election it is ever more important that CCC continue to be a beacon on the hill for diversity, justice, and non-violence. After the 7:30 service Bills Wells summarized my sermon with this wonderful phrase: “Come for the View, Stay for the Spirit.” Remembering what Rev. Carol Saysette said to us in her sermon in October, I invite you to think of your pledge as a “dream seed” for the future of this beacon on a hill. In this season of gratitude I also want to thank everyone who contributed their time and talents to our Thanksgiving Feast that follows worship on Sunday, with a special bow to Ann Eichhorn, Sandra Weil, Joanne Lefferts, and to whomever is bringing the mashed potatoes.
November 11, 2016 ~ With the results of the recent Presidential election it is easy to imagine ourselves as exiles in our own land. It is going to be so hard, so very hard, to see the accomplishments of the Obama Presidency undone. And yet, we are part of human story that found meaning during a time of exile, a time of being homeless, displaced, and in the minority. That is exactly what made us a church that has worked for justice and inclusion of all people and the earth itself. Though the struggle has become much more difficult, we know what we must do because it is what we have always done. We will: Be the church. Protect the environment. Care for the poor. Forgive often. Reject racism. Fight for the powerless. Share earthly and spiritual resources. Embrace diversity. Love God. Enjoy this life. We will embrace one another, let tears flow, and thank children for reminding us to laugh. And we will care for this beacon of light in the hills of Tiburon. We will be good company to one another and good examples for our community. Oh yes, we still believe "the times they are a’changing."
November 4, 2016 ~ Last Sunday I facilitated a workshop where I invited you to write down your highpoints and what you love about CCC, as well as what projects and dreams you envision for CCC. Reviewing all of your stories and ideas has been an enlightening experience for me. I was also reminded of a quote by Henry David Thoreau: “If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them.”
There were many who wrote about the desire for more adult education opportunities, increasing the membership of the congregation, and engaging in social actions. And yet we have no one on our Adult Education or Membership Committee, and we only have one person on the Social Action Committee. In fact, most of our committees, commissions, and teams are in need of people offering their gifts and skills. In a word, our castles need foundations. As we move forward during this interim time we will need to give our attention to what “castles” we can build and build well, and be at peace with what we are not able to do at this time.
As we move into this year’s Stewardship Campaign, I invite you to think about the contributions of talent and time as well as treasure that you can make to the foundations of CCC. If you would like more information about where your talents are most needed, please contact me or a member of the Governing Board. I also want to offer gratitude to everyone, including the newly nominated Search Committee, for the time they are giving to keeping the CCC dream alive.
There were many who wrote about the desire for more adult education opportunities, increasing the membership of the congregation, and engaging in social actions. And yet we have no one on our Adult Education or Membership Committee, and we only have one person on the Social Action Committee. In fact, most of our committees, commissions, and teams are in need of people offering their gifts and skills. In a word, our castles need foundations. As we move forward during this interim time we will need to give our attention to what “castles” we can build and build well, and be at peace with what we are not able to do at this time.
As we move into this year’s Stewardship Campaign, I invite you to think about the contributions of talent and time as well as treasure that you can make to the foundations of CCC. If you would like more information about where your talents are most needed, please contact me or a member of the Governing Board. I also want to offer gratitude to everyone, including the newly nominated Search Committee, for the time they are giving to keeping the CCC dream alive.
October 21, 2016 ~ Last weekend I was fortunate to attend this year’s Men’s Retreat at River’s Bend. It was a relaxing weekend with no agenda, no program. Just a baker’s dozen of men sharing stories, poetry, singing, hiking, eating, wine-tasting, and for three of us a moonlight drive over the mountain to Ukiah. We were blessed by rain on Saturday afternoon and it was great to be hunkered down in a cabin in the woods at such a downpour. I was especially moved by the responses of the men to bring a favorite poem to share. We heard original poetry, songs, as well as poets well-known to most of us. Men’s groups are rare these days in the churches that I have served. I felt blessed to get these wise and wild men of CCC.
October 14, 2016 ~ Following worship on October 30 there will be a brief congregational meeting to approve the Board’s nominations for your Search Committee for a new Minister. Following that significant moment I will facilitate a one-hour open conversation around the dynamic possibilities of the interim time.
Don’t ask me how I know this, but in a recent article in Harvard Business Review, authors Daniel Dworkin and Markus Speigel identified the four qualities needed to be in place for an organization to be innovating and growing: constant energy, creative friction, flexible structure and purposeful discovery. Constant energy is maintained by three things: 1) clearly naming limitations and moving through them, 2) transparency and intentional visibility, and 3) connecting with your purpose.
Energy, creativity, flexibility, and discovery all moving together sounds a whole lot like evolution to me. Is the Indwelling Spirit moving through the Harvard Business Review? Is it moving through CCC? Is it moving through you?
Don’t ask me how I know this, but in a recent article in Harvard Business Review, authors Daniel Dworkin and Markus Speigel identified the four qualities needed to be in place for an organization to be innovating and growing: constant energy, creative friction, flexible structure and purposeful discovery. Constant energy is maintained by three things: 1) clearly naming limitations and moving through them, 2) transparency and intentional visibility, and 3) connecting with your purpose.
Energy, creativity, flexibility, and discovery all moving together sounds a whole lot like evolution to me. Is the Indwelling Spirit moving through the Harvard Business Review? Is it moving through CCC? Is it moving through you?
October 7, 2016 ~ I remember the first month that I lived in Sonoma County. It was in September and I lived in a tiny trailer located on the Davis Christmas Tree Farm on Burnside Road in the hills west of Sebastopol. From that hillside I could see the apple and oak-tree-covered hills and the Santa Rosa Valley. I remember Mrs. Davis saying to me, “October is the best month here, for the apples, the changing colors, and no fog at the beach.” October so far this year is living up to its reputation and I am reminded of a poem by Wendell Berry: “When I rise up let me rise up joyful like a bird. When I fall let me fall without regret.” As we move into to this falling leaf season it is natural to slow down and ask ourselves, “What do I want to let go of at this time of my life?” We can ask this as individuals and as members and friends of CCC. The letting go without regret can create an open space for the gifts of another season, even as we offer thanksgiving for just this day. October is a very good month to be here.
September 30, 2016 ~ This past week I had two opportunities to enjoy some healthy and hearty homemade soup. The first was at an all day retreat sponsored by the Marin Interfaith Council at the Green Gulch Farm. The cashew tomato soup was so thick that a tablemate of mine was able to eat it with her fork. The second opportunity was at the Stone Soup Gathering here at CCC on Thursday where we discussed everything from quantum physics to the gift of autumn to the ancient texts of Proverbs.
M-m-m-m good!
I want to remember and share with everyone a couple of thoughts that became a part of the mix. The first is a quote from the founder of the Sojourners Community, Jim Walls, who said, “Hope in spite of the evidence, and watch the evidence change.” The second was the question, “What is waiting to be born within us during these times?” One of the gifts of being a part of a community like CCC is that we can find opportunities for hope, faith, and love to be restored in acts of generosity and through open and honest conversations. And I am ready for a second helping of that anytime.
M-m-m-m good!
I want to remember and share with everyone a couple of thoughts that became a part of the mix. The first is a quote from the founder of the Sojourners Community, Jim Walls, who said, “Hope in spite of the evidence, and watch the evidence change.” The second was the question, “What is waiting to be born within us during these times?” One of the gifts of being a part of a community like CCC is that we can find opportunities for hope, faith, and love to be restored in acts of generosity and through open and honest conversations. And I am ready for a second helping of that anytime.
September 23, 2016 ~ Following the 10 am worship service last Sunday, members of the choir, Scott DeTurk, Carl Oser and I met in the Seminar Room for an open and honest discussion about what we want in our choral music program and what we need to do to achieve our goals. I loved the discussion, even the messy parts. We created some new strategies for bringing the best that we have to offer to our Sunday morning worship services and our upcoming Christmas programs. Besides learning more about the vision and commitment of the Choir, Scott and Carl and I also enjoyed this conversation because it was like an appetizer for the kind of conversations this congregation will be having during this interim time. CCC will be addressing the same questions that the Choir did: What’s our purpose? Whom are we serving? Where do we want to go? What gifts do we have to offer and what commitments are we willing to make? Then after those have been answered, What kind of minister are we looking for who can help us get to where we want to go? Our first congregation-wide conversation will be on Sunday, October 30th, after the morning worship service and brief congregational meeting. You’re invited!
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Community Congregational Church
145 Rock Hill Drive, Tiburon, CA. 94920 Phone: 415-435-9108 E-mail: Tib-CCC@pacbell.net Office hours: Monday - Thursday, 10-5 Rev. Gregory's email: revdgregory@gmail.com Rev. Gregory's cell phone: 845-741-5118 Parking is available in CCC’s parking lot at the top of Rock Hill Drive. There is also street parking (be sure to curb your wheels). Even though there is ample space in the parking lot, carpooling is encouraged—a good way to spare the air and get to know your fellow congregants!
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United Church of Christ
CCC is a member of the United Church of Christ, a progressive Christian denomination known for taking important positions on issues of social justice and inclusion for all God’s people. We are an Open and Affirming congregation committed to creating a welcoming environment where people feel the loving embrace of an all-inclusive community. 
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