JOURNEY WITHOUT DISTANCE
 Finding Meaning and Direction in a Changing World

During the month of JANUARY Reverend Glenda and Reverend Judy invite us to join them in exploring ways to remember life's bigger picture even as we function in everyday life.

This is a journey that calls us to turn our eyes inward toward our spiritual purpose even as we pay attention to our daily tasks, duties, pleasures, and problems.

They will help us find ways to merge 'heaven and earth' with a leap of faith; to live with our 'heads in the clouds and our feet on the ground.'

The emergence of the new year, 2012, brings with it unlimited possibilities to awaken to our spiritual purpose even as we fully embrace our dramas, pursue fulfillment, and try to make life work out according to our hopes and wishes.

Come explore ways that we can restore our humor, refresh our spirits, experience lighthearted wisdom, and take ourselves and our dramas in stride.

This talk series is the perfect recipe for a great start to the new year. Please join us!

We invite you to join us at Common Ground every Sunday for our 10:30 am inspirational service.

Resources include:

The Four Purposes of Life, by Dan Millman

It's Not the End of the World, by Joan Borysenko

These titles are available in the Book Boutique. (Quantities Limited)

Sunday Morning Inspiration Service Weekly:
10:30 am

Kids' Enrichment Program available during service for infants through 5th grade

Talk titles for January

January 1: Daniel Nahmod ~ Music as Message

January 8: Hope Rules

January 15: Remodel Your Brain

January 22: Acceptance Isn't Wimping Out

January 29: Father Leo Booth, Associate Minister, Guest Speaker

Watch Recent Talks On Video

Robert Fields: Appearing Every Sunday in January

Thank You for Your Generosity!
Common Ground is solely supported by the gracious offerings of its spiritual community and friends.

2011/2012 Newsletter Archives

 

 JANUARY CLASSES & EVENTS
 Sunday Morning Inspiration Service 10:30 am

JANUARY SPECIAL EVENTS

DANIEL NAHMOD LIVE ~ 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, January 4 & 18, 7:30 to 8:45 pm ~ $10 per person

The Enneagram of Transformation ~ Setting Ourselves Free, with Lisa Morrice ~ 6-Week Series ~ Thursdays, beginning January 19, 7 to 9 pm ~ $20 per session ($90 paid in advance)

SPIRITUALITY & RECOVERY CELEBRATION, presented by Father Leo Booth and Team ~ Sunday, January 29 , 7 to 8:30 pm

Community Appreciation Event ~ Monday, January 30, 6 pm

KID'S CALENDAR

Kids' Enrichment Program ~ ages infant thru 5th grade ~ Weekly, Sundays, 10:30 am

OUTREACH

Mercy House ~ Emergency Cold Weather Shelter Program ~ Team Project ~ Sunday, January 8, 5 to 8 pm

FOCUS ON THE ENVIRONMENT

RECYCLE SUNDAY ~ Sunday, January 15

Local Certified Farmers' Markets

ONGOING

Eckhart Tolle Book Study ~ Power of Now ~ Fridays, Weekly,12:30 to 1:30 pm ~ Love Offering

Reiki Healing Circle ~ Tuesdays, January 10 & 24, 7 to 8:30 pm ~ Love Offering

Vedanta, with Dave DeLuca ~ Fridays, 7 to 8:30 pm ~ $10 per person

Women's Wisdom Circle ~ Tuesdays, January 10 & 24, 10 to 11:30 am ~ Love Offering

VENUE EVENTS

Intuitive Tarot Class ~ Tuesdays, January 3, 17 & 31, 6:30 to 8:30 pm ~ $20 per person

Orange County Spiritualist Gathering, with Medium Kathleen Vance ~ Wednesdays, January 11 & 25 , 7 to 8:30 pm ~ $10 suggested donation

Development 1: Developing your spiritual path & intuition, with Bob Lewis ~ Saturday, January 14 , 9:30 am to 12:30 pm ~ $20 per person

Development 2: Advanced students in spiritual and psychic awareness, with Bob Lewis ~ Saturday, January 28, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm ~ $20 per person

LightLovers Studio, Readings & Energy Balancing, with Suzanne Banken & Team ~ Saturday, January 14, 2 to 4 pm ~ $20 per session

Intenders' Circle & Conscious Enterprise, facilitated by Judith Freyer & team ~ Thursday, January 12, 7 to 8:30 pm ~ $5 suggested

Be sure to look for updates and details of activities in weekly email notices.

Ongoing weekly classes continue as scheduled. Check our At-a-Glance Calendar for information.

 

 APPRECIATION EVENT
 Facilitating Becoming

Most people who come to Common Ground for the first time 'feel' the energy created by spiritual community. There is no question that Common Ground is unique in its vision, in its structure, and in its operation.

It functions as an organized whole; a community in which various parts fit together and reinforce each other.

The focal point of Common Ground is spiritual community comprised of gifted persons; each with a unique gift package of interests, motivations, experiences, dreams, needs, talents, strengths and weaknesses, and much more.

Its founders and inspirational leaders, Reverend Glenda and Reverend Judy, model the intention of the community through their leadership style. They are fully capable of functioning singly; yet, choose to function as a finely tuned team, allowing them to express unique and individual styles within the framework of an integrated and balanced whole. Most who observe them remark about the uniqueness of the team approach.

They continue to serve the community without salary as they have done for the past seven years. This decision allows them to make choices and set intentions for the community without self-interest.

(Not taking a salary is also the reason The Revs have recently taken on the ministry of licensed bail agents to provide personal income from work that can be primarily accomplished in the middle of the night so as to not interfere with other ministerial responsibilities. )

Every Sunday those who attend inspirational services at Common Ground are reminded that 'everyone is a minister' and that everyone has a responsibility to take the human expression of their divine essence into the marketplace to make a difference in the world.

Common Grounders are employed, unemployed, retired, business owners, administrators, teachers, students, nurses, doctors, therapists, hypnotherapists, nutritionists, scientists, biologists, engineers, physicists, mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, grandparents, family members, professionals in real estate, finance and banking, agents, lawyers, contractors, military personnel, stylists, seamstresses, architects, musicians, librarians, caretakers, executives, accountants, and more.

No matter what 'work' Common Grounders are called to do, they are invited to bring the energy of who they are to whatever that work might be. In this way, each person's every-day walk in the world becomes a ministry of embracing humanity and expressing divinity.

In addition to taking conscious activity into the marketplace, many Common Grounders devote time, creativity, talent, presence and resources to further the vision of spiritual community.

On Monday, January 30, at 6 pm, Reverend Glenda and Reverend Judy will host an evening event at Common Ground to honor spiritual community and to celebrate the great gift each person brings to Common Ground and to the world. Details will be forthcoming. This open invitation includes everyone who loves and is part of Common Ground.

 

 FOCUS ON THE ENVIRONMENT
 A New Year: Make Green Resolutions



#1: Tread lightly on the Earth. Identify ways you can reduce waste or pollution in your life (recycle more, drive less, conserve more energy), and track your progress.

#2: Encourage your friends and family to watch less television, play games together, organize a book club, host neighborhood dinners, or take long walks instead.

#3: Save more money. Make a plan to save a little each month. Look for socially responsible banking and investing options.

#4: Rediscover your city or town one neighborhood at a time. Find a restaurant, historical site, or street fair to visit in every corner of your area.

 

 FATHER LEO BOOTH, ASSOCIATE MINISTER
 The Spirit of Kindness

Father Leo asks the question: "What do I wish you to experience in 2012?"

"Well, I could say Peace, Joy, Good Health, Happiness...but I wish for you the experience of Kindness. This word encompasses all the above but it also includes safety.

Kindness brings a gentle security. In an atmosphere of kindness we feel safe.

When I'm in a safe place I'm able to be myself, reflecting all that God has invested in me. That really is the key to success and prosperity.

We shine, really shine, when we experience an aspect of love I choose to call kindness.

So, in this new year avoid unkind people, unkind situations and an unkind atmosphere. Expect and create kindness, because it is there you will discover God."

p.s.
Please consider joining Father Leo September 22nd thru October 6th, 2012, on a Spiritual Journey to Southern India ~ Kochi, Munnar, Kumarokom, Trivandrum.

Start saving for the trip now if this adventure calls to you ~ 15 days for $2,995 (per person). (Price includes: International Airfare, Luxury Hotels, Meals, Ground Transportation and Guided Tours)

Contact Miss Shama at shamausa@ramaworldtours.com or call 800.835.7262 Ext 7, for more information.

 

 INVITATION TO RESPOND
 New for 2012

Coming together in spiritual community at Common Ground is a practice, not just a matter of a declaration of loyalty.

Serving in spiritual community is not an 'ought to' or 'have to' or 'should'. It is not an expectation or a requirement. Rather, it is an opportunity to respond to an invitation that encourages a free choice to bring forth unique and special spiritual gifts.

Serving spiritual community offers an opportunity for people to discover their gifts, to make choices about how to use their gifts, and to be aware of their gifts as both 'being' as well as 'doing'.

What happens to us as we come together to serve in spiritual community is as important as what we accomplish.

With that in mind, beginning in January 2012, anyone who is called to be part of the Sunday Service Team at Common Ground is invited to sign up and/or contact Stacie Buda, ministerial intern.

There are many ways to serve:

Candle Lighting

Greeting

Hosting

Ushering

Please prayerfully consider if you are called to serve in any of these ways.

Something new for 2012!

A calendar will be available in the Salon for Hospitality sign-ups. Providing Hospitality after service is an awesome way to honor community.

Creating a welcoming atmosphere helps people come together over a cup of coffee or tea to make new friends and strengthen connections with one another. This is key to growing relationships in spiritual community.

Common Ground provides tea, coffee, cups and condiments, napkins, plates and utensils. You provide a table-ready snack, such as cookies, pastries, veggie platter, fruit, nuts, etc.

This is a perfect way to celebrate a birthday, special occasion, holiday event, or to simply share your heart.

Check the calendar for available dates and get your reservations in early.

 

 PRAYER & MEDITATION
 God is the Light of the Heavens and the Earth

IN THE NAME OF GOD, THE COMPASSIONATE, THE MERCIFUL

God is the light
of the heavens and the earth.
The smile of God's light
is like a niche in which is a lamp,
the lamp in a globe of glass,
the globe of glass as if it were a shining star,
lit from a blessed olive tree
neither of the East nor of the West,
its light nearly luminous
even if fire did not touch it.
Light upon light!
God guides to this light
whomever God will:
and God gives people examples;
and God knows all things.

qur'an - 24:35 - al 'nuur - the light



Life is prayer at Common Ground.

If you need comfort and inspiration please visit our website and click on Prayer.

Those needing prayer support are invited to make Prayer Requests on-line at info@embracehumanity.com or by placing a request in the prayer box in the Lobby.

There are no fees for prayer at Common Ground.

 

 TITHING 2012
 As We Give, So Shall We Receive ~ Common Ground is truly blessed and in turn becomes a blessing in the world

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

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

Recipients of Common Ground 2012 tithes include: IONS (Institute of Noetic Sciences), advancing the science of consciousness and human experience to serve individual and collective transformation; Kiva, empowering people to lift themselves out of poverty; Disability Rights California, affirmatively addressing the needs of the traditionally underserved and underrepresented disability community; Project HOPE School, (Homeless Outreach Program in Education), helping children without permanent homes transition into the mainstream educational system; Walking Shield, helping to improve the quality of life for American Indian families; Direct Relief International, supporting the immediate medical needs of earthquake victims in Haiti; Direct Relief International, supporting the immediate medical needs of earthquake and tsunami victims in Japan; and, Get on the Bus, serving as a conduit to assist children in crossing barriers that separate them from parents in prison.

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 2012 EVENTS
 Mark Your Calendar Today

CURRENTLY SCHEDULED:

Melissa Lewis, Guest Vocalist

Teri Wilder, Guest Vocalist

Daniel Nahmod, Sunday Inspiration ~ Music as Message

Easter

Mother's Day

Teri Wilder, Guest Vocalist

Father's Day

Eighth Anniversary Celebration: November 9

 

 THANK YOU
 What an Awesome Community!

Reverend Glenda and Reverend Judy express deep gratitude to everyone who so generously supported Common Ground's holiday Giving Tree project.

Because of the outpouring of love and gracious giving, Common Ground now has an abundance of much needed janitorial supplies, cups/napkins/utensils/coffee/tea/condiments, plates, napkins, TP, Kleenex, batteries, hand soap, seat protectors, hand lotion, gift cards, tea lights and lighters, and more.

While not very 'glamorous', these items are necessary for the community's convenience and comfort. Willingness to support this need helps Common Ground maintain a positive financial picture.

When everyone pulls together to create successful spiritual community we benefit as a whole and as individuals.

Thich Nhat Hanh says in his book, For a Future to be Possible: "The feeling of generosity and the capacity for being generous are not enough. We also need to express our generosity."

There is no question that Common Grounders cultivate ways to practice generosity and demonstrate open willingness to work for the greater good of spiritual community.

Yes! Together is better!

 

 DANIEL NAHMOD
 A Sacred Winter's Day Retreat

Start the new year out right by joining Daniel and a group of wonderful souls at the pristine Mary and Joseph Retreat Center in Rancho Palos Verdes (just south of Los Angeles).

This one-day retreat will be a restful event for an inspiring and relaxing Winter's day of sacred music and silence, strolls in beautiful gardens, readings and thought-provoking discussions.

A SACRED WINTER'S DAY will take place on January 28, 2012. Register now.

Common Ground is pleased to congratulate Daniel and Melina on the birth of their tiny new son, Jude.

Jude was born on the same day that Daniel's new CD, "Home", was released.

"Home" features 12 beautiful songs exploring the universal longing, feeling, meaning, and experience of Home. Daniel's 15th CD Release promises to be emotional, powerful and unforgettable.

Please consider supporting Daniel's Thinking Small campaign which focuses on individuals performing powerful single acts of compassion and caring, and organizations performing philanthropy in an effective, localized, small-scale way. Please contact Daniel with your own 'Thinking Small' story!

p.s.
Be sure to check out Melina Nahmod's awesome collection of Beautiful Things ~ handmade jewelry offering not only timeless elegance but also true wearability.

Melina, a student of contemporary design and culture, brings both classic style and edgy modernity to her pieces which are fashioned with clean lines, traditional materials, and handmade finishes, hallmarks of her work.

Reverend Glenda and Reverend Judy are very pleased to include Daniel Nahmod as a regular contributor to the spiritual energy at Common Ground.