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November 2008 - Volume 4, Issue 11 
 November Newsletter
 Embracing Humanity & Expressing Divinity
In This Issue


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We Are Spiritual, Not Religious

 KIND & GRATEFUL
 A Strong, Genuine, Warm Way of Being

During the month of NOVEMBER Rev. Glenda and Rev. Judy will take time out before the holidays to guide our spiritual community in exploration of "the universal remedy' for fostering and nurturing a more meaningful, happier and more peaceful life.

They will take a look at the essential and urgent need for kindness and gratitude in our relationships with one another and with the world around us.

Piero Ferrucci says, "In this exciting but dangerous moment of human history, kindness is not a luxury, it is a necessity. Maybe if we treat each other, and our planet, a little better, we can survive, even thrive."

Please join us for this important series of talks. Discover how being kind is the simplest way to become who we really are!

Resources for this talk series include:

The Power of Kindness: The Unexpected Benefits of Leading a Compassionate Life, by Piero Ferrucci

This title will be available after November 16th at 20% discount in the Book Boutique at Common Ground Newport Avenue

Sunday Morning Services Weekly: 10:30 to 11:30 am

Talk titles for November:
  • November 2: Honesty
  • November 9: Patience
  • November 16: Belonging
  • November 23: Generosity
  • November 30: Humility

    Robert Fields: Appearing All Sundays in November

    Watch Sunday messages on video!

    PLEASE SUPPORT COMMON GROUND

    Shop iGive.com Mall
  • A portion of each online purchase is donated to Common Ground.





    Thank You for Your Generosity!

     


    •  NOVEMBER CLASSES & EVENTS
     Sunday Morning Services from 10:30 to 11:30 am

    SPECIAL EVENTS

  • All Saint's Eve: Sunday, November 2 ~ Facilitated by Rev. Dr. Susan Chamberlain ~ Off-Site (See Informaton Table for Details)

  • FOURTH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION ~ Friday, November 14, 6:30 pm ~ Please RSVP

  • THANKSGIVING EVE ~ Wednesday, November 26, 7 to 8 pm ~ Please bring a non-perishible food item to share with the folks at Mercy House.

  • SERVING AT THE SANTA ANA ARMORY EMERGENCY COLD WEATHER SHELTER PROGRAM FOR THE HOMELESS ~ Sunday, November 30, 5 to 7 pm (See Feature Article)

    SPECIAL NOTICE! (UNLESS OTHERWISE ADVISED)

  • Classes and services will be held at Common Ground First Street through November 9th

  • Beginning November 16th all activities will take place at Common Ground Newport Avenue.

    Please check our website for updates and current information.

    NEW!

  • LINE DANCING CLASS : Get ready for our Fourth Anniversary Celebration ~ 2 Sessions ~ Thursday, November 6 & Saturday, November 8 ~ 7 to 8:30 pm facilitated by Terrie Lamar
    ~ Love Offering

  • LIFE MAPPING: Celebrate Yourself! ~ Wednesday, November 18 ~ 7 to 8:30 pm ~ Facilitated by Rev. Glenda and Rev. Judy ~ Love Offering

    NEW!

    THINK & GROW RICH: Based on Napoleon Hill's classic book by the same title.
  • Most people find working with this material a life-altering experience.
  • Learn practical steps to high achievement and financial independence.

    6-week Series ~ Fridays ~ Beginning November 21 thru December 26 ~ $120 fee (50% benefits Common Ground)
  • Facilitated by Rev. Linda Holman-Konieczny. (See Feature Article)

    FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE - BODY, MIND & SPIRIT!

  • Creative Writing - Express Yourself Write Away!: Every first Friday ~ Nov 7, 7 to 8:30 pm ~ Facilitated by Lillian Nader ~ $20 fee, materials provided

  • Drumming Circle: Every third Friday ~ Nov 21, 7 to 8:30 pm, facilitated by Michele Amburgey - $10 fee, bring a drum and/or share one.

    CONTINUING!

  • Course in Miracles: Weekly, Wednesdays, 10:30-12:00 am
  • IONS: Facilitated by Rev. Dr. Susan Chamberlain ~ Thurs, Nov 13, 7 to 9 pm
  • Meditation: Weekly, Sundays, 9:30-10 am
  • New Earth Eckhart Tolle Book Study: Weekly, Fridays,12:30 to 1:30 pm
  • Recycle : Sun, November 23 (CHANGE OF DATE)
  • Reiki Healing Circle: Tues, November 11 & 25, 7- 8:30 pm
  • Spiritual Cinema - The Namesake : Sat, November 22, 6 to 8 pm
  • Standing In Peace: Weekly, Tuesdays, 4 to 5 pm, Irvine Blvd @ Prospect Ave
  • Women's Wisdom Circle: Tues, November 11 & 25, 10-11:30 am

    Convenient door-hanger-style calendars of current events are available each month in the Book Boutique at Common Ground

    Now available, At-a-Glance Calendar

     


    •  COMMUNITY
     Closure & Continuation

    The month of November is always a turning point for Common Ground.

    We began our work together as spiritual community in November of 2004. This year we are celebrating our fourth anniversary!

    What a remarkable journey we are traveling. Our humble beginnings on that rainy night four years ago found a handful of people sitting hopefully in the unfinished surroundings at Common Ground Santa Clara.

    Now we are ready to move into our third location, which is being prepared especially for us and which has been made possible through the gracious giving of all of our spiritual community and its friends.

    Thank you God!



    Our last Sunday service at Common Ground First Street will be a special time of remembering the great grace of our time together there.

    We will have a closing ceremony in which we honor what has been and celebrate what is yet to be for Common Ground.

    Our first Sunday service at Common Ground Newport Avenue will be a continuation of the loving energy of First Street.

    We will open the doors with a 'ribbon cutting' to usher in our new home. We will come together in great celebration to christen what comes next.

    We invite all of you to stay tuned for exact dates of both our closing and opening events. We are patiently waiting on the City of Tustin and our contractors to complete the process. Check our website often.

     


     BOOK BOUTIQUE
     'Packed & Stacked'

    Common Ground's Book Boutique has been readied for our move. Boxes are 'packed and stacked' awaiting the movers.

    If everything goes according to schedule, we will open for sales on Sunday, November 16th. The new boutique will be about five times larger than our current space and will have lots of exciting new merchandise available in time for holiday shopping.

    Thanks for your patience as we navigate our way through the complexities of moving our spiritual community to its new home.

    Your purchases support our spiritual community.

    PLEASE CONSIDER HOLIDAY GIFT SHOPPING AT COMMON GROUND! .

     


     EMBRACING HUMANITY
     'When you carry out acts of kindness you get a wonderful feeling inside. It is as though something inside your body responds and says, yes, this is how I ought to feel.' Harold Kushner

    Warm Hands, Warm Heart!

    Once again Common Grounders will have an opportunity to serve the homeless the last Sunday evening of each month beginning on November 30th.

    We will support the staff of Mercy House, which will provide site management of Orange County's Community Services Homeless Prevention "Cold Weather Armory Program" for the 2008-2009 season.

    Mercy House is one of Southern California's premier advocates of the homeless, providing a unique system of dignified housing alternatives, programs, and supportive services.

    We have committed to provide ten people from our spiritual community to serve once each month, from 5 to 7 pm.

    If you want to 'be' in selfless service, please contact Rev. Glenda at glenda@embracehumanity.com.

    Let's Make Stone Soup!

    In keeping with our theme for November, Kindness and Gratitude, our spiritual community is invited to bring non-perishable food items to service on Thanksgiving Eve, November 26, at 7 pm.

    We will provide a large basket to receive the bounty of your generosity. The food items will be donated to Mercy House for distribution through their many on-going programs serving the homeless.

    Thank you in advance for your willingness to share your abundance.

    We make a difference. Together is better.

    Visit Seva Outreach at Common Ground for an update of projects and activities for 2008.

     


     PRAYER
     ' Inner work, that which learns compassion and peace of mind, is key to being human and is the key practice in spiritual traditions.' Matthew Fox

    Common Ground will offer a unique time of prayer and meditation once we are relocated to Newport Avenue.

    Each Sunday from 9:30 to 10 am there will be an opportunity to experience one of the many 'paths to God' during the half hour meditation.

    The first five minutes will introduce the essence of the tradition followed by a selected reading from one of its sacred texts or prayers. Quiet background music reflective of the tradition will create a complete experience.

    The following traditions are tenatively scheduled depending on the exact date of our move to Newport Avenue:
  • November 16 ~ The Way of Community ~ Contemporary music
  • November 23 ~ The Way of the Earth ~ Native American flute music
  • November 30 ~ The Way of the Heart ~ Gregorian Chant & Taize

    Take time to quiet your mind. Set an intention to see if this experience is one that fits your unique spiritual journey.

    Life is prayer at Common Ground.

    Those needing prayer support are invited to make Prayer Requests on-line or by placing a request in the prayer box in the sanctuary.

    There are no fees for prayer at Common Ground.

     


    •  SEPTEMBER TITHES
     Common Ground is truly blessed and in turn becomes a blessing in the world

    Common Ground reaches out to the global community through its spiritual practice of conscious giving.

    Giving back to the world is an important aspect of its mission and vision. A balanced integral approach is reflected in conscious selection of 501c3 qualified programs and institutions to which Common Ground provides its tithes each month.

    Recipients of SEPTEMBER tithes include: Seeds of Light helping children and families affected by the AIDS crisis in South Africa; IONS (Institute of Noetic Sciences), advancing the science of consciousness and human experience to serve individual and collective transformation; The Hunger Project, a global, strategic organization committed to the sustainable end of world hunger; Circulo de Amigas, empowering communities in rural Nicaragua; Be the Cause, focused on compassionate community service projects.

    The organizations to which Common Ground tithes are meaningful programs where people from the spiritual community and its friends are already serving with heart and hand and supporting with time and treasure.

     


     UPCOMING EVENTS
     Mark Your Calendar Today

    CURRENTLY SCHEDULED:

  • Christmas Card Making Workshop: Thurs, Dec. 4
  • Annual Christmas Party: Fri, Dec 12
  • Holiday Open House: Sun, Dec 14
  • Christmas Carol Outreach: Sun, Dec 21, noon
  • Winter Solstice: Sun, Dec 21
  • Christmas Eve: Wed, Dec 24
  • Emergency Cold Weather Shelter Outreach at the Armory: Sun, Dec 28, Jan 25, Feb 22, Mar 29
  • World Peace Prayer: Wed, Dec 31, 4 am
  • New Years Eve: Wed, Dec 31
  • Covenant Reception: Fri, Jan 9
  • Covenant Dedication: Sun, Jan 11
  • Rev. Dr. Susan Chamberlain's Book Club~ The Scarlett Letter: 7-week series beginning Tues, Jan 13
  • Ministerial Ordination: Sun, Feb 8

     


    •  NATURE, EARTH & SUSTAINABLE PLANET
     "All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small"

    FUN FACT!

    Did You Know?

    Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey to be the national bird of the United States. He said in a letter to his daughter written after Congress spent six years choosing the eagle as the emblem of the newly formed country:

    "For my own part I wish the Bald Eagle had not been chosen the Representative of our Country. He is a Bird of bad moral character. He does not get his Living honestly. ...For the Truth the Turkey is in Comparison a much more respectable Bird, and withal a true original Native of America... He is besides, though a little vain & silly, a Bird of Courage, and would not hesitate to attack a Grenadier of the British Guards who should presume to invade his Farm Yard with a red Coat on."

     


     RSVP
     Fourth Anniversary Celebration

    PANNING FOR GOLD We are eagerly anticipating our Fourth Anniversary Celebration at Orange County Mining Co. on Friday evening November 14.

  • Be sure to get your RSVP in early and let us know your menu selection.
  • We want everyone in our community who wants to to attend to be able to do so. If you have extenuating financial circumstances, please let Rev. Glenda and Rev. Judy know so that we can make private arrangements for you to join us.

     


    •  THANKSGIVING EVE
     Blessings & Abundance

    Please join us on Thanksgiving Eve for our traditional time of gratitude for the many blessings in our lives and in the universe.

    We will gather together to celebrate the gifts of the earth as we experience 'communion' with pumpkin bread and apple cider.

    The heartfelt evening will be filled with the warm glow of candlelight and music.

    Following tradition, we will have pumpkin pie and hot cider during a time of hospitality after the service.

    Start the holiday season with deep gratitude!

  • Join us Wednesday, November 26, 7 to 8 pm.
  • Bring a non-perishable food item to share with Mercy House

     


    •  THANK YOU
     Embracing Humanity ~ Expressing Divinity

    covenant On behalf of the entire spiritual community at Common Ground, we, Rev. Glenda and Rev. Judy, express deep gratitude to all those who have stepped forward to help create the awesome experiences of safe sanctuary.

    Your willing participation has helped make Common Ground an extraordinary model of 'new' spiritual community.

    We want to honor everyone who has:
  • Financially supported our community through conscious giving
  • Been present in spiritual community
  • Participated in creating our Expansion Vision
  • Tirelessly stood for peace each week
  • Taken a lead position in any area of our work
  • Served in internship and ministry
  • Participated in our Outreach and Service projects
  • Warmly welcomed folks to our services and events
  • Facilitated classes and workshops
  • Served on our Advisory Team
  • Served in our Book Boutique
  • Served behind the scenes
  • Selflessly served the Reiki Circle
  • Served on our Board of Directors
  • Provided suggestions and ideas
  • Offered hospitality
  • Recycled bottles and supported our community with the refund dollars
  • Supported our services with music, technology and preparation
  • Prayed for our community, its members, and the heart of the world
  • Helped prepare for our move
  • Reached out to someone in need
  • Brought 'stuff' to the yard sales
  • Loved, supported, comforted and encouraged Common Ground's founding ministers

    'Thank You' is not adequate to express the depth of our loving appreciation for all of you.

    One of you shared the following email with us in expression of what Common Ground has meant to you in recent days:

  • Sitting in communion with my emails from my friends and family. I want to share with you what I realized...we are turning our backs on fear and turning toward gratitude.

    I just read an email from a young woman in our community who recently was laid off from her job, she talked about her blessed day; I heard from a middle aged woman in our community as she makes new life decisions; heard about a mature woman in our community who is reentering the work force in response to hard economic times about her successful interview and job offer...also heard that another woman seeking a second source of income got her job. Another Common Ground friend who has had serious health issues has successfully figured out the bureaucracy for filing for disability and unemployment so he can breathe while looking for other income.

    I know that the inspiring, colorful threads that run through these blessings are called Judy, Glenda and Common Ground . Thank you for your strength, your love and commitment to all of us. It is the Energy that helps us make that turn. Let me know when you need more help.
    I love you

    Thank You God

     


    •  DEEP ECUMENISM
     One Thread, Many Pearls

    pearls Common Ground has its roots in 'deep ecumenism' and religious humility.

    We make every effort to reflect, teach from, and honor religious traditions that have a life-affirming foundation in love, kindness and compassion: Hindu, Christian, Buddhist, Jewish, Islam, Tao, Earth-based religions and many others.

    In addition we embrace various spiritually based traditions including A Course in Miracles, IONS, various philosphers, and 'New' genre teachers such as Ken Wilber. Deepak Chopra, Eckhart Tolle, Wayne Dyer, Marianne Williamson, and others.

    In the Bhagavad Gita, God says: "I am the thread that runs through the pearls, as in a necklace." Swami Nikhilananda adds to this line: "Each religion is one of the pearls." We hold that idea as Truth at Common Ground.

    Founding ministers, Rev. Glenda and Rev. Judy, have a formal background in both Unity and Interfaith Ministry through Emerson Theological Institute.

    Rev. Dr. Susan Chamberlain has a foundation in Interfaith Ministry through Emerson Theological Institute and Common Ground.

    We are now pleased to include another 'pearl' reflected in the teachings of Ernest Holmes.

    Common Ground is delighted to welcome Rev. Linda Holman-Konieczny to our teaching staff.

    Rev. Linda comes to us with a wealth of experience to compliment our spiritual community. She tells us:

  • "I founded my own business in the area of computer repair in 1976. In 2001 I won the California State Legislature Award for Small Business of the Year, and in 2003 I won the Outstanding Small Business of the Year Award from the Chamber of Commerce.

  • I founded an Education Committee for the El Monte/South El Monte Chamber of Commerce, which grew rapidly and became The El Monte/South El Monte Education Foundation in 2006.

  • I completed Religious Science studies and passed the written and oral exams to become a minister in October of 2005.

  • I served as a staff minister with Dr. Jim Terrell at the Center for Spiritual Discovery in Costa Mesa. During that time I chaired the Urban Forestry Project and facilitated planting of 100 trees in the city, mostly in Fairview Park as part of restoration of natural habitat. I also chaired the Better Business Breakfast meetings held at the Center, and was a speaker at the Wednesday evening services.

  • During 2006 I worked as staff minister at both Center for Spiritual Discovery and the Fullerton Church of Religious Science. In 2007 I began serving as a full-time staff minister with Rev. Annette Drake at the Fullerton church. I chaired a Taste of the Town event, an Electronic Waste (E-Waste) Collection Event, taught Science of Mind classes, and spoke on Sundays when the pastor was off.

  • As a member of Rotary International, I served as President twice, won the Spark Plug Award twice, and received an award from the district for chairing a Cultural Diversity Day event.

    I'm excited about working with you to create a beautiful spiritual center at Common Ground. Thank you for welcoming me into your ministry."

    Beginning November 21st, Rev. Linda will offer a timely series of classes, Think and Grow Rich, based on the time-tested work of Napolean Hill.

    This is a perfect opportunity to get to know Rev. Linda, revisit the basic ideas behind successful navigation through challenging financial times and prepare for the coming year. Rev. Linda will also facilitate weekly gatherings beginning in January 2009.

    Join us in warmly welcoming Rev. Linda to our teaching staff.

     


    • Common Ground is a Teaching-Learning Center where people bring their very souls, where people grow one another by sharing what they know, and where people learn spiritual practices to support them in working with the complex possibilities of today's world.

    Blessings and Gratitude,

    glendajudy
    Rev. Judy and Rev. Glenda
    Common Ground

    email: info@embracehumanity.com