Today is Small Group Sunday! Take a moment and stop by the Small Group table to see the many opportunities to become a part of a small intimate gathering. There will be Small Group leaders at the table for you to speak with. There is also a sign-up sheet if you're interested in becoming a member of a group. And if you would like to start a group, you can get more information about that also!

Our Lenten Series  "Lent: A Season of Reconciliation, Forgiveness and Hope" kicks off with the powerful movie "As We Forgive" on Wednesday, February 24 at 7 pm. This is preceded by a Lenten Supper at 6 pm in Farlander. In March (Wednesday 7-8:30) we will be exploring different aspects of hope, mercy, and understanding. Along with Fr. Matt, we will have different speakers presenting during this series (ending March 24th). This will be a wonderful experience and we look forward to having you be a part of this event! Please take a moment and sign-up if you're interested in attending, the sign-up sheets are on the Small Group table in Farlander Hall. For more information call Mitch Garcia at 707-703-4162 or email him at smallgroups@incarnation-sr.org.

Heavenly Treasures Open House Next Sunday, February 28! Money's tight everywhere, but your dollar stretches the farthest at Heavenly Treasures Thrift & Gift. We'll be open after all services on Sunday, February 28. Come and shop to your heart's content without breaking the bank or guilt pangs. We have tons of new and gently worn clothing and shoes, including lots of designer labels. You'll find cashmere, silk, linen, and lots of styles perfect for spring and summer. Shopping at Heavenly Treasures benefits not only your wallet, but our community as well. 90% of our profits are donated to social service and justice organizations!  

An offering of ecumenical worship based on the principles of the Taize Community in France. The evening begins in Farlander Hall with a presentation and discussion of a saint, writer, or artist who speaks to us about the spiritual journey, followed by a candlelit contemplative service of chanting and silent meditation in the church. The service will be led by Kayleen Asbo and Robin O'Brien. Healing prayer will be offered by the Caritas healing team, available in the side Marian Chapel.

Join us for a wonderful evening of medieval music, art, and poetry from Dante's allegorical journey to Earthly Paradise - Hildegard von Bingen, Francesco Landini, the original Carmina Burana, troubadors, Doré, Dali, Rossetti, and more. Featuring Shira Kammen, vielle harp, and voice; Devi Mathieu, voice; Vox Flora and Vox Terra singers; Anita Barrows, poetry; Kayleen Asbo, art and story of Dante. An evening with incredible artists - not to be missed!

Come to the Follow-Up Meeting about the Church-Based Organizing Project as presented by Anna Eng at our Annual Meeting. Mark your calendars now for our next training and supper on February 28! Open to everyone who would like to explore this project further, from skeptics to enthusiasts and everyone in-between. Mark your calendars now for this training and supper! 4:00 - 6:00 pm on Sunday, February 28 in Farlander Hall.  We'll learn more about one another and the process of organizing, talk about next steps, and enjoy one another's company with a delicious meal together. Sign up in Farlander Hall so we know how many table places to set! 

Come to a training for all Eucharistic Visitors, Friendly Visitors, Flower Ministers and Pastoral Care Coordinators! Saturday, March 20, 2010 in Farlander Hall. 8:30 am (Sharp!) to 4:30 pm. Continental breakfast, gourmet lunch, and snacks will be served! This will be a day of fellowship and reflection on how best to accompany and give emotional support to those we serve. We will discuss listening skills, standards of confidentiality and the work done by each ministry group.All are invited who would like to explore the possibility of serving on the Pastoral Care team. (Please note that those presently serving and wish to continue serving should plan to attend.) 

Come to four free ballroom classes, then a dance to raise money for Haiti. See the flier in Farlander Hall. Instructor Jett Sharen has been a television and movie dancer for many years, from New York and Hollywood.  Let's have fun - learn waltz/foxtrot/rumba and swing and then have a dance. If interested please sign up. Sessions will start in mid-April.

Can you recognize the signs of a stroke? The key letters are S,T,R. Go to the Outreach bulletin board in Farlander Hall to find what they mean. It is something you should know for yourself and those around you.

Outreach to Burbank School ~ Volunteering for even one hour a week helps teachers and students. The teachers need help with grading papers or other tasks in the classroom. Call Patty Hickey for more information or to sign up (568-6856). Another way to help is to donate pencils and erasers, as supply money is more limited than ever. There will be a bag in Farlander Hall to put your pencils and erasers in. The children will be very grateful. Thank you.

We're the coolest thrift store in town... Heavenly Treasures has its own page on Facebook! Become a fan of "Heavenly Treasures Thrift and Gift," and you can view advance notices of sales, photos of new and noteworthy items, and lots of other great stuff.

Spiritual Practice at Home: February 2010
 
Guidelines for Right Speech
Adapted from 18th century Jewish sage Rabbi Israel Meir Kagan
 
1. Do not spread a negative image of someone, even if that image is true.
2. Do not share information that can cause physical, financial, emotional or spiritual harm.
3. Do not embarrass people, even in jest.
4. Do not pretend that writing or body language or innuendo is not "speech."
5. Do not speak against a community, race, ethnic group, gender, or age group.
6. Do not gossip, even to your spouse, relatives, or close friends.
7. Do not repeat gossip, even when it is generally known.
8. Do not tell people negative things said about them, for this can lead to needless conflict.
9. Do not listen to gossip.  Give everyone the benefit of the doubt.
 
Ask yourself three questions before you speak:
 
1. Is it true?
2. Is it kind?
3. Is it necessary?
 
Focus on the quality of your speech and see that what you say is in line with the attributes you want to cultivate. Faulty speech is one of the primary ways we complicate our lives.
 
The Baal Shem Tov, founder of the eighteenth-century Jewish mystical movement called Hasidism, (from the Hebrew word chesed, meaning "kindness"), taught that each of us is born with a fixed number of words to speak, and when we have spoken the last of these words, we die.  Since we don't know how many words are ours to speak and we have no idea how many words we have left to speak, do we want to die with words such as, "You idiot" on our tongue?
 
Our words can hurt as well as heal, and speaking kind words figures prominently in the sacred art of loving-kindness. Lying to people isn't acceptable, but neither is hurting a person with the truth. Find a way of being for others in kindness with your speech whenever possible.