Notes from the Co-Moderators
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Bill Eichhorn and Frank Valone
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September 22, 2017 (Autumnal Equinox!) ~ We welcomed Rev. Irene Laudeman to CCC last Sunday as our Interim Minister and joined together in a blessing of our covenant with her. Although she was not scheduled to begin her work as interim until Tuesday of this week, she volunteered to lead an envisioning retreat with the Governing Board and team leads, held after services. Her experience in helping churches and groups envision a new and more robust future was evident in the process she designed for us, as well as the skillful way she led the retreat. Her attentiveness to how silence can facilitate creative thinking and deep dialogue was welcomed, and her encouragement to rely on the Holy Spirit was refreshing. Irene is developing a leadership team to carry the envisioning process forward that will eventually involve the entire congregation. Irene will be leading both services this coming Sunday, and I hope many of us will be there to celebrate and support this exciting beginning.
~ Bill Eichhorn
~ Bill Eichhorn
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September 8, 2017
Many years ago Roger Gallacci made prayer kneeling benches for CCC folks in a prayer and meditation group. As time passed, the group stopped meeting and the benches were stored in various closets. In our effort to reorganize our storage space, it would help a great deal if the prayer benches were claimed by their owners, and to that end, the benches will be on the deck this coming Sunday (September 10th). If you had one of the benches, I hope you will claim it. The benches that are not claimed will be offered to another spiritual community. Jeff Leedy painting for sale ~ We have a Jeff Leedy painting for sale. Like all of his paintings, it is a humorous take on a serious subject. Drop by the office and take a look. See Bill Eichhorn to make an offer. Proceeds from the sale go to CCC. ~ Bill Eichhorn |
September 1, 2017 ~ Bill Eichhorn shares this important information:
The Marin Interfaith Council now has an initiative dealing directly with climate change: the Marin Interfaith Climate Action (MICA). Currently with a membership from 13 faith communities in Marin, and affiliated with local, state, and national environmental and climate groups, MICA is looking to extend its base of membership and increase its connections to our
Marin faith communities. Driven by a moral imperative to take action now, MICA is confronting the growing climate crisis in three ways:
~ Developing environmental education and adopting mitigating measures within our own religious communities.
~ Being advocates for climate legislation.
~ Collaborating in meaningful actions with other environmental organizations.
MICA meets monthly. The next meeting is Tuesday, September 19 at First Presbyterian San Rafael (upstairs)
from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. For more information about joining MICA, please contact Pat Carlone, 415-233-1656.
The Marin Interfaith Council now has an initiative dealing directly with climate change: the Marin Interfaith Climate Action (MICA). Currently with a membership from 13 faith communities in Marin, and affiliated with local, state, and national environmental and climate groups, MICA is looking to extend its base of membership and increase its connections to our
Marin faith communities. Driven by a moral imperative to take action now, MICA is confronting the growing climate crisis in three ways:
~ Developing environmental education and adopting mitigating measures within our own religious communities.
~ Being advocates for climate legislation.
~ Collaborating in meaningful actions with other environmental organizations.
MICA meets monthly. The next meeting is Tuesday, September 19 at First Presbyterian San Rafael (upstairs)
from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. For more information about joining MICA, please contact Pat Carlone, 415-233-1656.
August 18, 2017 ~ from Bill Eichhorn, co-moderator
Dear MIC Faith Leaders and Friends,
The events in Charlottesville and the potential white supremacist rallies in Berkeley and San Francisco have shaken us and
left us wondering how to respond. Officials in both cities, as well as leaders who have faced similar rallies elsewhere, recommend/request that we not organize counter demonstrations, which would create public safety issues. What can we do? We can pray together. We can publically oppose bigotry, white supremacy, anti-Semitism, and hate by affirming our shared values of inclusion, racial justice, and love. In light of this wise recommendation, the Marin Interfaith Council is joining with Congregation Kol Shofar for Love Lives in Marin: a Community Interfaith Prayer Gathering to be held on Friday, August 25th from 6-7 pm at Congregation Kol Shofar, 215 Blackfield Drive in Tiburon. Love Lives in Marin is a new MIC initiative that fosters a welcoming community for all by promoting our shared values of inclusion, justice, and love.
Dear MIC Faith Leaders and Friends,
The events in Charlottesville and the potential white supremacist rallies in Berkeley and San Francisco have shaken us and
left us wondering how to respond. Officials in both cities, as well as leaders who have faced similar rallies elsewhere, recommend/request that we not organize counter demonstrations, which would create public safety issues. What can we do? We can pray together. We can publically oppose bigotry, white supremacy, anti-Semitism, and hate by affirming our shared values of inclusion, racial justice, and love. In light of this wise recommendation, the Marin Interfaith Council is joining with Congregation Kol Shofar for Love Lives in Marin: a Community Interfaith Prayer Gathering to be held on Friday, August 25th from 6-7 pm at Congregation Kol Shofar, 215 Blackfield Drive in Tiburon. Love Lives in Marin is a new MIC initiative that fosters a welcoming community for all by promoting our shared values of inclusion, justice, and love.
August 11, 2017 ~ Sharing some news and updates
Choir Director
Ondine has resigned from the Choir Director position so that she can take a position at another church. She cited personal reasons for the resignation, and she wrote that CCC is her favorite of all the churches where she has worked, and she said
hat her children were very happy here. We are just starting the process of searching for a new choir director, and hope
to have news soon.
Update on Search for an Interim Minister
The Interim Minister Search Team has been working diligently and identified an excellent Interim Minister. That candidate visited CCC two weeks ago and clearly wanted to be our Interim Minister. Unfortunately, she had a sudden change in her family situation that prevents her from moving to the Bay Area. As a result, the Team is beginning the search process over again.
During this interim time we are fortunate to have so many ministers in our congregation who have stepped up and are doing an excellent job serving CCC.
Child Care/Children’s Church
We are delighted to have more children coming regularly to church. We still need a couple of additional volunteers to be with them during the service. There are materials and books organized in the nursery school area, and people usually sign up to be with the children one Sunday a month. Please email Shannon Griffin if you can help give our kids a caring church experience.
Fellowship/Events Planning
We have many events that are handled by individuals or groups on an ad hoc basis. People have been great about stepping up for specific events such as the Thanksgiving meal. However, we need a team specifically dedicated to fellowship and/or events planning. If you might be interested serving on such a team, please talk with anyone on the Board: Frank Valone, Bill Eichhorn, Jolyn O'Hare, Barbara George, Maria Pracher, Tom Green, Diane Suffridge, or Jerry White.
~ Frank Valone
Choir Director
Ondine has resigned from the Choir Director position so that she can take a position at another church. She cited personal reasons for the resignation, and she wrote that CCC is her favorite of all the churches where she has worked, and she said
hat her children were very happy here. We are just starting the process of searching for a new choir director, and hope
to have news soon.
Update on Search for an Interim Minister
The Interim Minister Search Team has been working diligently and identified an excellent Interim Minister. That candidate visited CCC two weeks ago and clearly wanted to be our Interim Minister. Unfortunately, she had a sudden change in her family situation that prevents her from moving to the Bay Area. As a result, the Team is beginning the search process over again.
During this interim time we are fortunate to have so many ministers in our congregation who have stepped up and are doing an excellent job serving CCC.
Child Care/Children’s Church
We are delighted to have more children coming regularly to church. We still need a couple of additional volunteers to be with them during the service. There are materials and books organized in the nursery school area, and people usually sign up to be with the children one Sunday a month. Please email Shannon Griffin if you can help give our kids a caring church experience.
Fellowship/Events Planning
We have many events that are handled by individuals or groups on an ad hoc basis. People have been great about stepping up for specific events such as the Thanksgiving meal. However, we need a team specifically dedicated to fellowship and/or events planning. If you might be interested serving on such a team, please talk with anyone on the Board: Frank Valone, Bill Eichhorn, Jolyn O'Hare, Barbara George, Maria Pracher, Tom Green, Diane Suffridge, or Jerry White.
~ Frank Valone
August 4, 2017 ~ Conversations about Growth. At the last fourth Sunday presentation we began discussion of how CCC
can grow and evolve to attract new members without changing our core values or what we love about CCC. The Board is developing plans to engage the whole church in this discussion which will be ongoing throughout the next year. Many of us have read a book by Molly Baskette entitled Real Good Church. It is an excellent and fun book that describes how her church evolved to attract unchurched people including millennials. We anticipate having discussions around the lessons that can be learned from this book.
~ Frank Valone
can grow and evolve to attract new members without changing our core values or what we love about CCC. The Board is developing plans to engage the whole church in this discussion which will be ongoing throughout the next year. Many of us have read a book by Molly Baskette entitled Real Good Church. It is an excellent and fun book that describes how her church evolved to attract unchurched people including millennials. We anticipate having discussions around the lessons that can be learned from this book.
~ Frank Valone
July 28, 2017 ~ Last Sunday morning, when I couldn’t get my head off the pillow, Ann got up, selected a sermon from her file and did both services. She also covered pastoral needs for me this week, attended Stone Soup and provided comfort and care at home. Thank you, Ann. I also want to thank Jolyn O’Hare and Frank Valone for leading the board meeting I missed this week. Finally, thank you to Joanne Lefferts for keeping us connected and up to date with what is going on at CCC.
Here’s a poem I wrote at Rasar State Park, Washington last month during our volunteer campground hosting.
Here’s a poem I wrote at Rasar State Park, Washington last month during our volunteer campground hosting.
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IN DARKNESS
A pale moon lingers over silent hemlocks, glistens the last snow on Iron Mountain. Deep shadows settle the forest, silence the last birdsong. Night’s hush enfolds urgent honking - Canadian Geese on their way home. And in the luminous darkness – in the shadowed solitude – a sanctuary. ~Bill Eichhorn |
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July 14, 2017 ~ As we come to Alan’s last Sunday with us as our interim minister, I thought of a poem by Kim Stafford entitled "The Flavor of Unity."
The flavor that makes us one cannot be bought or sold,
does not belong to a country,
cannot enrich the rich or be denied to the poor.
The flavor that makes us one emanates from the earth.
A butterfly can find it, a child in a house of grass,
exiles coming home at last to taste wind off the sea,
rain falling into the trees, mist rising from home ground.
The flavor that makes us one
we must feed to one another with songs,
kind words, and human glances across the silent square.
I remember with deep gratitude how Alan has fed us these past months with his songs and music, kind words, and empathetic glances as we came to terms with the devastating results of the presidential election, as we worked through our grief from Curran’s departure, as we worked at naming our identity for the search team and lifting up our hopes for the future. Thank you, Alan, for your pastoral presence and prophetic preaching during a difficult time, a time when you have supported us to trust the Spirit that calls us to keep on feeding one another the flavor of unity. Wherever your ministry takes you next, may the Spirit give you peace in your heart and strength for the struggle.
~Bill Eichhorn
The flavor that makes us one cannot be bought or sold,
does not belong to a country,
cannot enrich the rich or be denied to the poor.
The flavor that makes us one emanates from the earth.
A butterfly can find it, a child in a house of grass,
exiles coming home at last to taste wind off the sea,
rain falling into the trees, mist rising from home ground.
The flavor that makes us one
we must feed to one another with songs,
kind words, and human glances across the silent square.
I remember with deep gratitude how Alan has fed us these past months with his songs and music, kind words, and empathetic glances as we came to terms with the devastating results of the presidential election, as we worked through our grief from Curran’s departure, as we worked at naming our identity for the search team and lifting up our hopes for the future. Thank you, Alan, for your pastoral presence and prophetic preaching during a difficult time, a time when you have supported us to trust the Spirit that calls us to keep on feeding one another the flavor of unity. Wherever your ministry takes you next, may the Spirit give you peace in your heart and strength for the struggle.
~Bill Eichhorn
June 30, 2017
Beloved CCC Community,
It has been my honor and privilege to serve you as co-moderator these last three years. We have seen some changes, as you know, and our congregation remains strong and active as we walk through the next phase of our life together. I also want to say that I have been impressed by the care and integrity with which your governing board and team leaders discuss and manage the issues and opportunities that are inherent in working with such an involved and vital congregation. In my experience, both the short- and long-term health of the CCC community are always uppermost in their thoughts.
As you know, I will continue on the board as your past moderator. Frank Valone is taking my place as co-moderator, a position he has held in the past, and already I am finding his contributions and insights to be helpful in expanding and clarifying our discussions. Many thanks to my co-moderator Bill Eichhorn, who has provided welcome balance and perspective over the last year. And to you, beloved congregation – I have come to know many of you better during this time, and treasure you even more. Thank you for all you are and do. Blessings.
~ Jolyn
Beloved CCC Community,
It has been my honor and privilege to serve you as co-moderator these last three years. We have seen some changes, as you know, and our congregation remains strong and active as we walk through the next phase of our life together. I also want to say that I have been impressed by the care and integrity with which your governing board and team leaders discuss and manage the issues and opportunities that are inherent in working with such an involved and vital congregation. In my experience, both the short- and long-term health of the CCC community are always uppermost in their thoughts.
As you know, I will continue on the board as your past moderator. Frank Valone is taking my place as co-moderator, a position he has held in the past, and already I am finding his contributions and insights to be helpful in expanding and clarifying our discussions. Many thanks to my co-moderator Bill Eichhorn, who has provided welcome balance and perspective over the last year. And to you, beloved congregation – I have come to know many of you better during this time, and treasure you even more. Thank you for all you are and do. Blessings.
~ Jolyn
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June 23, 2017
Summer Solstice in the Cascades Bill Eichhorn soft rain drips from Douglas firs smoke from campfires and laughter mingle in the air parents urging “not too close, don’t let it catch on fire” toasted marshmallows and melted Hershey chocolate squished between graham crackers – Oh, please make me some more. |
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June 16, 2017 ~ Summertime - and the church is busy! As you know, Alan’s last day with us will be Sunday, July 16. We will have a Ritual of Release with him at both services that day, and you will be invited to share remembrances and thoughts of gratitude with him at that time.
The Spirit Life team has identified guest ministers to be with us through July and August, by which time it is likely that our next interim minister will have been identified. The Search team for our Settled Minister has finalized the local church profile that will be provided to ministerial candidates!
If your summertime includes travel and other adventures, we wish you safe and happy journeys. We are holding each other in our hearts during this sacred and busy time.
~Jolyn O'Hare
The Spirit Life team has identified guest ministers to be with us through July and August, by which time it is likely that our next interim minister will have been identified. The Search team for our Settled Minister has finalized the local church profile that will be provided to ministerial candidates!
If your summertime includes travel and other adventures, we wish you safe and happy journeys. We are holding each other in our hearts during this sacred and busy time.
~Jolyn O'Hare
June 2, 2017
Why oppose the only compass you have?
William Stafford
So go with the image that wants
to pull your pen or push your brush along,
or with that feeling floating up out of early morning,
or with some memory summoned by the smell of sizzling bacon.
There is this compass
you have inside of you and every day
it locates that elusive true north
so you may find your way.
Why would you ever oppose the only compass you have?
~ submitted by Bill Eichhorn
Why oppose the only compass you have?
William Stafford
So go with the image that wants
to pull your pen or push your brush along,
or with that feeling floating up out of early morning,
or with some memory summoned by the smell of sizzling bacon.
There is this compass
you have inside of you and every day
it locates that elusive true north
so you may find your way.
Why would you ever oppose the only compass you have?
~ submitted by Bill Eichhorn
May 26, 2017 ~ I love our church! We are full of active, vibrant, and caring people, and we are reaching out to others to join us. Our Membership team is buzzing with ideas. Our Social Justice Action team is sharing many ways to be involved and supportive of those less fortunate than we. Our Spirit Life team is actively planning our summer services, when we will fill our pulpit with interesting speakers until the arrival of our next interim minister. Our dedicated Arts team continues to beautify our Rock Hill Gallery space (remember, the art is for sale!!). Our Sacred Space team always keeps our building and grounds gorgeous and has added team members to consult on repairs, and research and assist on special projects. The expanded Safety team is sourcing ways to provide us with information and training on how to keep ourselves and our church safe on a daily basis, and during a disaster. Our Wholistic Nurture team is organizing to provide wider support, when requested, to those in our congregation who have temporary or long-term health needs.
And then there are the Board, Finance, Personnel, and other teams who support the structure of our community and our outreach, and all those who pledge and give, and all those who give of their time and talent for ongoing and special projects and services. I could go on…. As we saw last Sunday, when people stood up to be acknowledged for their contributions, by the end of the list pretty much everyone had stood up multiple times.
As we go forward in the process of searching for a new settled minister, the strength of our community supports us and sends a clear message about who we are to potential ministers, and potential new friends. We are walking together with purpose and care. Thank you. ~Jolyn
And then there are the Board, Finance, Personnel, and other teams who support the structure of our community and our outreach, and all those who pledge and give, and all those who give of their time and talent for ongoing and special projects and services. I could go on…. As we saw last Sunday, when people stood up to be acknowledged for their contributions, by the end of the list pretty much everyone had stood up multiple times.
As we go forward in the process of searching for a new settled minister, the strength of our community supports us and sends a clear message about who we are to potential ministers, and potential new friends. We are walking together with purpose and care. Thank you. ~Jolyn
May 19, 2017
~ From Bill: "Hang In There"
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May 12, 2017
A flower like this makes me believe in a Divine Creator—an infinite creative intelligence so vast and uncontainable that it bursts forth in flowers to remind us of the beauty and creative intelligence that reside within our own beings. Love that is more vast than we can imagine is what made this flower, and we are made of this love too. ~ Text & photo byJoanne Lefferts Submitted by Bill Eichhorn |
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May 5, 2017
Walk
Would you like to go for a walk? he said.
But-I-just-got-an-email-I-need-to-respond-to-right-away-and-I’m-expecting-a-phone-call-I-can’t-possibly… Oh,
Would I like to go for a walk? Yes, I said.
And I walked down the hill and the sky was blue with wispy clouds.
And the children and dogs were playing in the park.
And the mountain was dark against the deepening sky.
And the birds flew.
And I felt the breeze against my face.
And I could breathe.
Thank you, I said.
~Jolyn O'Hare
Walk
Would you like to go for a walk? he said.
But-I-just-got-an-email-I-need-to-respond-to-right-away-and-I’m-expecting-a-phone-call-I-can’t-possibly… Oh,
Would I like to go for a walk? Yes, I said.
And I walked down the hill and the sky was blue with wispy clouds.
And the children and dogs were playing in the park.
And the mountain was dark against the deepening sky.
And the birds flew.
And I felt the breeze against my face.
And I could breathe.
Thank you, I said.
~Jolyn O'Hare
April 28, 2017
Praying
Mary Oliver
It doesn’t have to be
the blue iris, it could be
weeds in a vacant lot, or a few
small stones; just
pay attention, then patch
a few words together and don’t try
to make them elaborate, this isn’t
a contest but the doorway
into thanks, and a silence in which
another voice may speak.
Praying
Mary Oliver
It doesn’t have to be
the blue iris, it could be
weeds in a vacant lot, or a few
small stones; just
pay attention, then patch
a few words together and don’t try
to make them elaborate, this isn’t
a contest but the doorway
into thanks, and a silence in which
another voice may speak.
April 21, 2017
Near the end of Stone Soup this week, Alan opened up the discussion for any comments or questions related to the news that his last day with us will be July 16. Our folks shared having many emotions and thoughts about him ending his time with CCC earlier than we expected. Also expressed was gratitude for his time with us, support and understanding that he needs to take care of himself, and the conviction that we are a strong community who will walk forward together.
Wherever you are on the spectrum of responses, please join us at the 4th Sunday gatherings after each service this Sunday. There will be the usual report from the Board, and also time for you to share your thoughts and feelings about this change in our congregational life.
All will be well.
~ Jolyn
Near the end of Stone Soup this week, Alan opened up the discussion for any comments or questions related to the news that his last day with us will be July 16. Our folks shared having many emotions and thoughts about him ending his time with CCC earlier than we expected. Also expressed was gratitude for his time with us, support and understanding that he needs to take care of himself, and the conviction that we are a strong community who will walk forward together.
Wherever you are on the spectrum of responses, please join us at the 4th Sunday gatherings after each service this Sunday. There will be the usual report from the Board, and also time for you to share your thoughts and feelings about this change in our congregational life.
All will be well.
~ Jolyn
April 14, 2017
I had never been to a Maundy Thursday service, and didn’t know what to expect. I wasn’t even sure what it was about.
The text was of the night of the Last Supper, with reflections offered about the man Jesus. The format was simple. Singing, scripture, silence, singing, scripture, silence, singing, scripture, silence…sharing of prayers, communion, singing. I had tears. When it was over, I found that two people I had forgiven only from my mind, I had now forgiven from my heart.
Such a simple time — song, words, stillness — broke open my heart to love.
~Jolyn
I had never been to a Maundy Thursday service, and didn’t know what to expect. I wasn’t even sure what it was about.
The text was of the night of the Last Supper, with reflections offered about the man Jesus. The format was simple. Singing, scripture, silence, singing, scripture, silence, singing, scripture, silence…sharing of prayers, communion, singing. I had tears. When it was over, I found that two people I had forgiven only from my mind, I had now forgiven from my heart.
Such a simple time — song, words, stillness — broke open my heart to love.
~Jolyn
April 7, 2017
Bill Eichhorn shares this poem:
When I Cried for Help
Mary Oliver
Where are you, Angel of Mercy?
Outside in the dusk, among the flowers?
Leaning against the window or the door?
Or waiting, half asleep, in the spare room?
I’m here, said the Angel of Mercy.
I’m everywhere – in the garden, in the house,
and everywhere else on earth – so much
asking, so much to do. Hurry! I need you.
Bill Eichhorn shares this poem:
When I Cried for Help
Mary Oliver
Where are you, Angel of Mercy?
Outside in the dusk, among the flowers?
Leaning against the window or the door?
Or waiting, half asleep, in the spare room?
I’m here, said the Angel of Mercy.
I’m everywhere – in the garden, in the house,
and everywhere else on earth – so much
asking, so much to do. Hurry! I need you.
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March 24, 2017
Jolyn offers this poem: Last Night the Rain Spoke to Me Mary Oliver Last night the rain spoke to me slowly, saying, what joy to come falling out of the brisk cloud, to be happy again in a new way on the earth! That’s what it said as it dropped, smelling of iron, and vanished like a dream of the ocean into the branches and the grass below. Then it was over. The sky cleared. I was standing under a tree. The tree was a tree with happy leaves, and I was myself, and there were stars in the sky that were also themselves at the moment at which moment my right hand was holding my left hand which was holding the tree which was filled with stars and the soft rain – imagine! imagine! the long and wondrous journeys still to be ours. |
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March 17, 2017 ~ Shared words of wisdom from Bill:
Your job is to find what the world is trying to become.
~ William Stafford
from his poem "Vocation"
Attention is the beginning of devotion.
~ Mary Oliver
Your job is to find what the world is trying to become.
~ William Stafford
from his poem "Vocation"
Attention is the beginning of devotion.
~ Mary Oliver
March 10, 2017 ~ We're in a busy time! The next congregational activity related to the Search process is an online survey asking for your thoughts on the question Who Are We Now? The Search team looks forward to receiving your responses! Also, we have newly revitalized Membership and Social Action teams pouring great energy into these areas.
We’re in the midst of Lent, with the reflection of that time, and the workshop on Sunday March 19th combines Qigong with an Aramaic version of the Lord’s Prayer, which sounds like a lovely deepening practice. There’s a special St. Patrick’s Day Community Cafe on March 21st. Beloved musicians Jan Garrett and JD Martin will be leading our service on March 26th. We will enjoy their inspiring music all together, at one service at 10:00. Then there’s Palm Sunday, and Easter, with our amazing Easter feast. Check the online calendar for more.
We love our vibrant community!
~ Jolyn
We’re in the midst of Lent, with the reflection of that time, and the workshop on Sunday March 19th combines Qigong with an Aramaic version of the Lord’s Prayer, which sounds like a lovely deepening practice. There’s a special St. Patrick’s Day Community Cafe on March 21st. Beloved musicians Jan Garrett and JD Martin will be leading our service on March 26th. We will enjoy their inspiring music all together, at one service at 10:00. Then there’s Palm Sunday, and Easter, with our amazing Easter feast. Check the online calendar for more.
We love our vibrant community!
~ Jolyn
March 3, 2017 ~ Many thanks to Alan Claassen for leading us into a thoughtful, engaging Epiphany Season through his Sunday messages that provided both inspiration and insight from John Phillip Newell’s book The Rebirthing of God. Stone Soup discussions took some of us deeper into considering those spiritual practices and traditions that are especially timely for us during CCC’s interim period. May the upcoming Lenten Season give us strength and wisdom for the journey ahead.
~Bill Eichhorn
~Bill Eichhorn
February 24, 2017
When I Am Among Trees
Mary Oliver
When I am among the trees,
especially the willows and the honey locust,
equally the beech, the oaks, and the pines,
they give off such hints of gladness.
I would almost say that they save me, and daily.
I am so distant from the hope of myself,
in which I have goodness, and discernment,
and never hurry through the world
but walk slowly, and bow often.
Around me the trees stir in their leaves
and call out, “Stay awhile.”
The light flows from their branches.
And they call again, “It’s simple,”
they say, “and you, too, have come
into the world to do this, to go easy,
to be filled with light, and to shine.”
When I Am Among Trees
Mary Oliver
When I am among the trees,
especially the willows and the honey locust,
equally the beech, the oaks, and the pines,
they give off such hints of gladness.
I would almost say that they save me, and daily.
I am so distant from the hope of myself,
in which I have goodness, and discernment,
and never hurry through the world
but walk slowly, and bow often.
Around me the trees stir in their leaves
and call out, “Stay awhile.”
The light flows from their branches.
And they call again, “It’s simple,”
they say, “and you, too, have come
into the world to do this, to go easy,
to be filled with light, and to shine.”
February 17, 2017 ~ In last Sunday’s message, using the words of Kim Stafford, I said I believe our calling here at CCC now is to be a faithful community of “heroic calm." To have the courage to not agree when government tramples on human rights. To resist rhetoric that divides us. To oppose intimidation that seeks to curtail free speech and freedom of the press. To stay connected to and stand with the most vulnerable. To advocate for peace and diplomacy instead of war. During this interim season at CCC, we seek to discern who God calls us to be now, and in the future. I suggest that one answer to that question is to follow the way of nonviolence, the way of heroic calm.
~ Bill Eichhorn
~ Bill Eichhorn
February 10, 2017
Eight to Stone Soup in the height of the storm.
Someone asked: “Are we crazy?”
Soaking wet, dripping in.
The storm raged as we warmed and dried.
We talked, we laughed, we shared concerns.
At the end, she said: “This is why we come."
~Jolyn
Eight to Stone Soup in the height of the storm.
Someone asked: “Are we crazy?”
Soaking wet, dripping in.
The storm raged as we warmed and dried.
We talked, we laughed, we shared concerns.
At the end, she said: “This is why we come."
~Jolyn
February 3, 2017 ~ In spite of the rains this week, I found time to do some weeding and pruning in our garden. I love it when the soil is wet down deep and the weeds pull easily - when the plants and grasses look so healthy and the dirt smells fresh. In spite of a few aches in the joints the next morning, I feel so much better when I’ve spent time in the garden. In Zen Gardening, Veronica Ray writes: “Gardening makes us feel good because it brings us into direct contact with the earth and our own true essential nature. …The garden can be a welcome oasis that heals us at our deepest level. It refreshes and restores us to our true selves. It gives us the strength to go back out there and face all our tasks, issues and problems with renewed energy.” So very true! I hope you have some garden time soon, and if you don’t have a garden, watch for the next CCC workday. It will refresh and restore you.
~Bill Eichhorn
~Bill Eichhorn
January 27, 2017
“I liked the solitude and the silence of the woods and the hills. I felt there the sense of a presence, something undefined and mysterious, which was reflected in the faces of the flowers and the movements of birds and animals, in the sunlight falling through the leaves and in the sound of running water, in the wind blowing on the hills and the wide expanse of earth and sky.”
~ Bede Griffiths (1906-1993), English Benedictine monk who settled in India and established a Christian community following
the customs of a Hindu ashram, pioneering efforts to bridge the traditions of Christian and Hindu faith.
“I liked the solitude and the silence of the woods and the hills. I felt there the sense of a presence, something undefined and mysterious, which was reflected in the faces of the flowers and the movements of birds and animals, in the sunlight falling through the leaves and in the sound of running water, in the wind blowing on the hills and the wide expanse of earth and sky.”
~ Bede Griffiths (1906-1993), English Benedictine monk who settled in India and established a Christian community following
the customs of a Hindu ashram, pioneering efforts to bridge the traditions of Christian and Hindu faith.
January 20, 2017
Bill Eichhorn shares this poem by William Stafford:
The Light by the Barn
The light by the barn that shines all night pales at dawn when a little breeze comes.
A little breeze comes breathing the fields from their sleep and waking the slow windmill.
The slow windmill sings the long day
about anguish and loss to the chickens at work.
The little breeze follows the slow windmill and the chickens at work till the sun goes down ~
Then the light by the barn again.
Bill Eichhorn shares this poem by William Stafford:
The Light by the Barn
The light by the barn that shines all night pales at dawn when a little breeze comes.
A little breeze comes breathing the fields from their sleep and waking the slow windmill.
The slow windmill sings the long day
about anguish and loss to the chickens at work.
The little breeze follows the slow windmill and the chickens at work till the sun goes down ~
Then the light by the barn again.
January 13, 2017 ~ Are you reading The Rebirthing of God book along with Alan? I was inspired just by the introduction, which talks about how we can prepare the way for new birthing. How appropriate for this interim time, as we anticipate a new minister—the birth of something new in our community. The first week’s chapter—in conjunction with major rain storms—was about being connected to the Earth, a healing and grounding force for many of us, and so apparent in and around our beautiful property. What new thing wants to be born in our sacred place, and how will it come forth from, and be received by, who we are? I sit with these questions a lot, as I imagine many of you do, and am glad to have this book and Alan's talks as companions for my musings. ~Jolyn
January 6, 2017 ~ This week in Stone Soup we were talking about the need for a caterpillar to become mush inside the cocoon before the butterfly can be created. There are so many poems and metaphors about that transformation, usually focusing on the emergence of the butterfly.
As a congregation, we may find ourselves in a bit of a “mush” over the coming months, as we take a fresh look at who we are now, and ask ourselves the question: who will our next minister find when he or she arrives? It’s a time to really get to the core of ourselves as a community and clearly see our strengths and areas for growth. We will likely share some varied thoughts and feelings about this during our discussions, and it may feel a bit like “mush” for a while. I invite us to stay in the mush a bit and not try to move through it too quickly. As uncomfortable as it may be, we all know that this is where the transformation comes.
That hurt we embrace becomes joy.
Call it to your arms where it can change.
A silkworm eating leaves makes a cocoon.
Each of us weaves a chamber
of leaves and sticks.
Like silkworms, we begin to exist
as we disappear
inside that room.
~Rumi
If we can let our preconceptions and our egos disappear for a while into the mush, we’re likely to find our own butterfly emerging. We can trust the process. ~Jolyn
As a congregation, we may find ourselves in a bit of a “mush” over the coming months, as we take a fresh look at who we are now, and ask ourselves the question: who will our next minister find when he or she arrives? It’s a time to really get to the core of ourselves as a community and clearly see our strengths and areas for growth. We will likely share some varied thoughts and feelings about this during our discussions, and it may feel a bit like “mush” for a while. I invite us to stay in the mush a bit and not try to move through it too quickly. As uncomfortable as it may be, we all know that this is where the transformation comes.
That hurt we embrace becomes joy.
Call it to your arms where it can change.
A silkworm eating leaves makes a cocoon.
Each of us weaves a chamber
of leaves and sticks.
Like silkworms, we begin to exist
as we disappear
inside that room.
~Rumi
If we can let our preconceptions and our egos disappear for a while into the mush, we’re likely to find our own butterfly emerging. We can trust the process. ~Jolyn
December 30, 2016
The Work of Christmas
by Howard Thurman
When the song of the angels is stilled,
When the star in the sky is gone,
When the kings and princes are home,
When the shepherds are back with their flocks,
The work of Christmas begins:
To find the lost,
To heal the broken,
To feed the hungry,
To release the prisoner,
To rebuild the nations,
To bring peace among all people
To make music in the heart.
May we at CCC find ourselves ready and willing to do this work in 2017.
~ Bill Eichhorn
The Work of Christmas
by Howard Thurman
When the song of the angels is stilled,
When the star in the sky is gone,
When the kings and princes are home,
When the shepherds are back with their flocks,
The work of Christmas begins:
To find the lost,
To heal the broken,
To feed the hungry,
To release the prisoner,
To rebuild the nations,
To bring peace among all people
To make music in the heart.
May we at CCC find ourselves ready and willing to do this work in 2017.
~ Bill Eichhorn
December 5, 2016
I’m not usually inspired to write poetry, but something Alan said at Stone Soup this week settled in my head,
and this is what came out on the way home:
Blessing
Driving the back road home
Through the dripping trees
Beside the foggy bay
The rain comes down like God
Drenching all
Soaking in
Not a spot is missed
Pay attention
The blessing is not safety
Through this and coming storms
Keep your headlights on
~ Jolyn
I’m not usually inspired to write poetry, but something Alan said at Stone Soup this week settled in my head,
and this is what came out on the way home:
Blessing
Driving the back road home
Through the dripping trees
Beside the foggy bay
The rain comes down like God
Drenching all
Soaking in
Not a spot is missed
Pay attention
The blessing is not safety
Through this and coming storms
Keep your headlights on
~ Jolyn
December 9, 2016 ~ For many years, members of our congregation have stayed informed and active in local and global issues related to social justice. We have donated items and money, we have marched together in solidarity, we have shared information and resources, and our active participation in the REST program makes a significant difference to those less fortunate in our own community.
In this time of social and political challenges, the outcomes of which are uncertain, many have expressed a wish to know how to take action from a positive place of vision, working toward what we want instead of against what we don't. These discussions are occurring in Stone Soup, Wisdom Seekers, and between many individuals. Going forward, we will have more opportunities to share with each other both our resources and our process. Perhaps we in our beloved community can be a model for ourselves and others of how we would like the world community to be. Vision and prayer and action based on those are powerful.
We have added a resource list to the Social Action section [of the "What's Happening at CCC" email of December 9], with links to organizations and information that can guide us to the action that most calls to us. Please feel free to contact either of us with additional resources or opportunities for action.
~ Bill and Jolyn
In this time of social and political challenges, the outcomes of which are uncertain, many have expressed a wish to know how to take action from a positive place of vision, working toward what we want instead of against what we don't. These discussions are occurring in Stone Soup, Wisdom Seekers, and between many individuals. Going forward, we will have more opportunities to share with each other both our resources and our process. Perhaps we in our beloved community can be a model for ourselves and others of how we would like the world community to be. Vision and prayer and action based on those are powerful.
We have added a resource list to the Social Action section [of the "What's Happening at CCC" email of December 9], with links to organizations and information that can guide us to the action that most calls to us. Please feel free to contact either of us with additional resources or opportunities for action.
~ Bill and Jolyn
December 2, 2016 ~ Over the years I have read our Advent Reader in several different ways. Often I intend to read each day’s submission on the appropriate day and savor each writing fully. Sometimes I miss a few days and then need to catch up, but miss the depth of some of the writing that way. Some years I skip around, with each reading somehow finding me on just the appropriate day. And some years I haven’t exactly finished reading them all — the busy holidays pre-empted my attention.
I encourage you to avail yourself of this beautiful and powerful resource. The printed Advent Reader is available at the church, and a link to the full text, with accompanying graphics in glorious color, is on our website. This year’s selections (so far - I’m following my plan of one a day) are very moving to me. They speak directly to our time, and our place in it, acknowledging the darkness and also the light. I appreciate that we have this beautiful way to share our deep thoughts with each other. I’m grateful for our precious community. ~ Jolyn
I encourage you to avail yourself of this beautiful and powerful resource. The printed Advent Reader is available at the church, and a link to the full text, with accompanying graphics in glorious color, is on our website. This year’s selections (so far - I’m following my plan of one a day) are very moving to me. They speak directly to our time, and our place in it, acknowledging the darkness and also the light. I appreciate that we have this beautiful way to share our deep thoughts with each other. I’m grateful for our precious community. ~ Jolyn
November 23, 2016 ~ At Healing Group this week, after we had prayed for all our Beloveds, Melba asked us to each share what we are grateful for, and she said, “Make it specific!” There is so much to be grateful for just living in this county, participating in this alive community. Each of us shared something specific, though, and for most it was about a person in their lives with whom they have a deep, caring, transformative relationship.
We are so important to each other. We support others, and we are supported. We learn from others, and they learn from us. We become people we might not be, were it not for our friends, family and community. From you I receive, to you I give; together we share, and from this we live. ~Jolyn
We are so important to each other. We support others, and we are supported. We learn from others, and they learn from us. We become people we might not be, were it not for our friends, family and community. From you I receive, to you I give; together we share, and from this we live. ~Jolyn
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November 18, 2016
Bill would like to share this poem: The Greeting by James Haba You have been traveling. I can see it in your eyes – the unknown roads demanding new belief. The light of your will in submission to the pattern bringing us together. I have been busy waiting, putting fresh flowers on the table, filling the lamps with kerosene, arranging (as well as I could) everything, so that you might feel that you had arrived at the right place at the right time. Hello I am so glad that you could come. And in honor of our being here together Let us make a scratch on the wall of the cave. We could talk. We could begin with idle chatter. I’ll start I’ll say, “I love you.” |
November 11, 2016
Beloved CCC community,
This week, we probably had the most important presidential election that we will experience in our lifetime. The result shows a deeply divided country, perhaps more divided than we knew. Certainly, we want to continue to make our voices heard and to work for change. How can we also remain beacons of peace and rationality in this challenging time? We offer the following touchstones, in case they are helpful:
~ Support yourself in staying centered and grounded
~ Reach out to others and foster communities of support and of learning
~ Spend time in nature, our everyday model of beauty, interdependence, and resilience
~ Continue to support and participate in the struggle for justice and peace
Blessings to all of us ~ Bill and Jolyn
Beloved CCC community,
This week, we probably had the most important presidential election that we will experience in our lifetime. The result shows a deeply divided country, perhaps more divided than we knew. Certainly, we want to continue to make our voices heard and to work for change. How can we also remain beacons of peace and rationality in this challenging time? We offer the following touchstones, in case they are helpful:
~ Support yourself in staying centered and grounded
~ Reach out to others and foster communities of support and of learning
~ Spend time in nature, our everyday model of beauty, interdependence, and resilience
~ Continue to support and participate in the struggle for justice and peace
Blessings to all of us ~ Bill and Jolyn
November 4, 2016 ~ The importance of community--that’s what I heard about from my sharing partners during Alan’s workshop last Sunday. Alan asked us to share with each other what is important to us about CCC, and what I said and heard was about the richness and depth that we experience being in loving community together. It’s not to be underestimated, I think, in this time of political challenge, both at home and globally. Being together in loving community gives us a “home base” from which to be active and caring in the world. I appreciate all that we are and do.
Hugs to us all ~ Jolyn
Hugs to us all ~ Jolyn
October 28, 2016 ~ The rain is so welcome for our plants, our rivers. It may encourage us to stay inside and snuggle in with family, or to tackle those pesky projects that just need a little time. It’s also a time of challenge for those less fortunate in our community, but we have at least three ways to help them stay warm. Our REST program will begin this Thursday, with the men coming to CCC for a delicious dinner and a warm, dry, and safe place to sleep. We thank all who continue to give their time and cooking expertise to this rewarding effort.
The other two ways to give take no more action than writing checks, but they equally support those in need during this wet holiday time. We learned this year that Adopt-a-Family would welcome cash donations as eagerly as wrapped gifts. These donations will be used throughout the year to help families with food, rent, security deposits, car repair, etc. We will have a collection location for your checks to Adopt-a-Family available by next Sunday, November 6.
The third way to give is by donation to the Marin Interfaith Street Chaplaincy. In the past, we have collected new clothing items for distribution to those without shelter in our community, but last year Rev. Paul Gaffney let us know that financial gifts would be the most helpful, so the organization can purchase what is most needed. Patricia Pigman will be collecting funds for this effort. It feels good to be part of such a caring and generous community. We each give what we can, and we give it with care.
Warmly, Jolyn and Bill
The other two ways to give take no more action than writing checks, but they equally support those in need during this wet holiday time. We learned this year that Adopt-a-Family would welcome cash donations as eagerly as wrapped gifts. These donations will be used throughout the year to help families with food, rent, security deposits, car repair, etc. We will have a collection location for your checks to Adopt-a-Family available by next Sunday, November 6.
The third way to give is by donation to the Marin Interfaith Street Chaplaincy. In the past, we have collected new clothing items for distribution to those without shelter in our community, but last year Rev. Paul Gaffney let us know that financial gifts would be the most helpful, so the organization can purchase what is most needed. Patricia Pigman will be collecting funds for this effort. It feels good to be part of such a caring and generous community. We each give what we can, and we give it with care.
Warmly, Jolyn and Bill
October 14, 2016 ~ Change. It’s in the beautiful leaves starting to fall. It’s in the challenge of our national conversations. It’s in our community, as we move further into this interim time. Always there is change--even in our friends and family, and even in ourselves. Through all these changes, and more, there is at least one constant in my life, and I hope in yours--our strong, active, caring community. I am grateful for the “home base” of our community as we talk, laugh, cry, and pray together. As our choir so beautifully sang last Sunday about all we’re experiencing now. It’s the Circle of Life. I am grateful for our “being” together.
Blessings on us all ~Jolyn
Blessings on us all ~Jolyn
October 7, 2016 ~ The Governing Board appreciates and thanks those who indicated their interest in serving on the Search Committee. The Board will meet this Sunday after the 10 am service to identify the members of that Committee. The proposed Search Committee members will be identified to the congregation later in the month, and the congregation will vote on the Committee at the meeting after the 9 am service on October 30th.
A couple of items from the September 6 Governing Board meeting: The Minister’s Discretionary Fund has been renamed “Pastor’s Emergency Fund” (PEF) to help make the purpose of the fund clear and the policy guidelines for the PEF have been updated. Alan suggested it would be helpful to have another person on the Personnel Committee, so the board voted to add Ann Eichhorn to the committee. And in celebration of a glorious Fall:
Autumn’s golden light carried upward -
on the wings of a red tailed hawk. ~ Bill and Jolyn
A couple of items from the September 6 Governing Board meeting: The Minister’s Discretionary Fund has been renamed “Pastor’s Emergency Fund” (PEF) to help make the purpose of the fund clear and the policy guidelines for the PEF have been updated. Alan suggested it would be helpful to have another person on the Personnel Committee, so the board voted to add Ann Eichhorn to the committee. And in celebration of a glorious Fall:
Autumn’s golden light carried upward -
on the wings of a red tailed hawk. ~ Bill and Jolyn
September 23, 2016 ~ Alan had such a good idea to include his thoughts in our “What’s Happening” email that we thought we would join in. This week we’re particularly grateful for our community stepping up to make sure we could continue with the REST program. Through the REST program, each week on Thursday nights from November through April, we offer to men without shelter a delicious meal and a warm and dry place to sleep. This year we structured the leadership of this program so several people could help facilitate the process. You have expressed a wonderful outpouring of appreciation for REST, as well as an enthusiastic willingness to fill all the various needs. Thank you all!
Stay tuned for opportunities for you to be involved in the community during our interim time, when we will have discussions and gatherings related to who we are as a church. As you know, we are gathering information from people who would like to be considered for the Search team for our next settled minister. For more information on this, please see the CCC email “Invitation to express interest in CCC Search Team” that was sent on September 7. If you are interested, please email Shannon Griffin by Friday, September 30, and share why you feel called to this team, along with your availability for frequent meetings. Thank you to all our community for your strong and caring participation!
~ Bill and Jolyn
Stay tuned for opportunities for you to be involved in the community during our interim time, when we will have discussions and gatherings related to who we are as a church. As you know, we are gathering information from people who would like to be considered for the Search team for our next settled minister. For more information on this, please see the CCC email “Invitation to express interest in CCC Search Team” that was sent on September 7. If you are interested, please email Shannon Griffin by Friday, September 30, and share why you feel called to this team, along with your availability for frequent meetings. Thank you to all our community for your strong and caring participation!
~ Bill and Jolyn
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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: Tuesday - Friday, 10-6 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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