FREEDOM
 The Joyful Field of Infinite Possibilities

During the month of JULY Reverend Glenda and Reverend Judy will help us explore the idea of true freedom.

Lyrics from a hit song, made posthumously famous during the 1970's by the unconventional blues singer, Janis Joplin, express the deepest truth of freedom: "Freedom's just another word for nothing left to lose".

The idea of these lyrics, 'nonattachment', is taught by many spiritual traditions.

Clinging to our own rigid boundaries, to our own beliefs, ideas and conditioned responses becomes the prison of our own limitations in which we lack the capacity to experience boundless freedom.

Realizing a state of true freedom allows us to understand that life is filled with the meaningful coexistence of all opposite values. True freedom also allows us to experience the width and breadth of life without becoming entangled in the restrictions of our own conditioning.

True freedom is filled with potential and choices from an infinite range of possibilities.

Deepak Chopra says: "The whole purpose of living in freedom is to enjoy the choices that you make in every successive moment of the present."

Reverend Glenda and Reverend Judy will help us become aware of choices and interpretations so that we can open to experience freedom within an infinite field of possibilities.

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

Resources include:

POWER, FREEDOM and GRACE: Living from the Source of Lasting Happiness, by Deepak Chopra

EMPTINESS DANCING, by Adyashanti

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 JULY

July 1: Freedom of Choice ~ Daniel Nahmod: Music as Message

July 8: Getting Unstuck, Teri Wilder, Guest Vocalist

July 15: Self-Liberation

July 22: De-Frame the Story

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

Watch Recent Talks On Video

Robert Fields: Appearing Sundays in July

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

2011/2012 Newsletter Archives

 

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

JULY SPECIAL EVENTS

ANNUAL SUMMER GATHERING ~ Wednesday, July 4, 3 to 6 pm ~ Reverend Glenda's Garden (Off-site)

Celebrating Spirit, presented by Father Leo Booth and Team ~ Sunday, July 29 , 7 to 8:30 pm ~ Love Offering

KID'S CALENDAR

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

OUTREACH

SCHOOL BACKPACK PROJECT ~ Coming Soon

FOCUS ON THE ENVIRONMENT

RECYCLE SUNDAY ~ Third Sunday of the Month, July 15

Local Certified Farmers' Markets

ONGOING

A COURSE IN MIRACLES, facilitated by Karen Akers (co-facilitated by Ken Radcliffe) ~ Tuesdays, Weekly, 12 Noon (Okay to bring lunch)

ECKHART TOLLE BOOK STUDY ~ Power of Now ~ Fridays, Weekly, 12:30 to 1:30 pm ~ Love Offering

EVENING ECKHART TOLLE BOOK STUDY ~ Power of Now ~ 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, Monthly, 7 to 8:30 pm ~ Love Offering

REIKI HEALING CIRCLE ~ Tuesdays, June 12 & 26, 7 to 8:30 pm ~ Love Offering

WOMAN'S WISDOM CIRCLE~ Tuesdays, June 12 & 26, 10 to 11:30 am ~ Love Offering

YOUNG ADULT'S BOOK STUDY, facilitated by Lyla Ramirez & Lissette Garcia ~ 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, Monthly, 7 to 8:30 pm ~ Love Offering

VENUE EVENTS

Orange County Spiritualist Gathering, with Medium Kathleen Vance ~ Wednesdays, July 11 & 25 ~ $10 suggested donation

Development 1: Developing your spiritual path & intuition, with Bob Lewis ~ Saturday, July 14 & July 28, 9:30 am to 12:00 pm ~ $20 per person

Development 2: Advanced students in spiritual and psychic awareness, with Bob Lewis ~ Saturday, July 14, 12:30 am to 3:00 pm ~ $20 per person

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.

 

 ANNUAL SUMMER GATHERING
 July 4th Barbecue

Reverend Glenda Knox will open her home this summer for Common Ground's annual community get together.

On Wednesday, July 4th, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, the recently remodeled garden area at Reverend Glenda's home in Anaheim Hills will be the setting for a fun afternoon of food and friendship.

As usual, Robert Fields will be at the keyboard sharing enthusiastic renditions of oldies but goodies, American holiday favorites, country classics and contemporary music. There will be plenty of room for a jitterbug or two as well as line dancing!

Reverend Glenda and Reverend Judy will provide the menu items as well as manage the BBQ. In addition to traditional picnic fare, there will be plenty of fruit, vegetables and healthy selections for those on special food plans.

A highlight of this year's event will be dessert, 'The Cake', inspired by Lora Lopez. 'The Cake' is sure to surprise and delight anyone who loves sweets. The recipe will be available at the gathering for those who want to try it out at home.

To provide a good count for food preparation, those planning to attend the barbecue are asked to sign up online with MeetUp or on the sign-up sheet in the Salon at Common Ground.

Food and entertainment are provided free of charge. Please BYOB (bring your own beverage).

 

 FOCUS ON THE ENVIRONMENT
 Free to Fly

The Bald Eagle is an Endangered Species Act success story.

Forty years ago, America's national symbol was in danger of extinction throughout most of its range. Habitat destruction and degradation, illegal shooting, and the contamination of its food source, largely as a consequence of DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane), decimated the eagle population.

Habitat protection afforded by the Endangered Species Act, the federal government's banning of DDT, and conservation actions taken by the American public have helped Bald Eagles make a remarkable recovery.

Bald Eagles were removed from the endangered species list in August 2007 because their populations recovered sufficiently. Bald and Golden eagles continue to be protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA)and the Bald and Golden Eagle Act (Eagle Act )

Everyone has a part to play in protecting the freedom of these majestic creatures. Federal and state agencies, tribes, private landowners and others play a vital role in restoring populations by protecting important habitat, reintroducing the bald eagle back into the wild, monitoring species recovery and conducting extensive public education efforts.

Those planning summer vacation outings that are in areas near bald eagle habitat, including nesting sites and summer and winter roost sites, are reminded of the key role we humans plays in protecting our national treasure.

 

 FRIENDS ON THE PATH
 Engaged Spirituality

Spiritual community is important in the world today.

Embracing the complexities of life together as companions and 'spiritual friends' enables us to dwell fully in the present, to practice insight into what is actually going on, and to practice understanding with the people we are with.

Spiritual community, Sangha, is considered one of the Three Jewels in the Buddhist tradition. Along with teachings on awareness and the realization of the divine energy of the Universe, community is key to spiritual growth.

Making a commitment to spiritual community is a practice, not just a matter of declaration of loyalty.

It is said that the next 'Messiah' may not take the form of an individual, but, rather, may be a community that practices lovingkindness and compassion in such a way that it has the power to restore harmony that heals the world.



Common Ground was founded on the principle and practice of spiritual community, engaged spirituality.

Reverend Glenda and Reverend Judy extend an open invitation to anyone and everyone who has a desire to make such a commitment to spiritual community. Everyone is encouraged to consider stepping into a Covenant relationship with Common Ground. A Dedication Ceremony will take place in August and will be presented by those who have already made this commitment.

Information brochures and applications are available on the wall in the Gallery. Online information is also available on Common Ground's main website by clicking on the drop-down menu under Spiritual Community. The Reverends welcome questions and open discussion.

 

 FYI
 What's Up?

Continue supporting Common Ground during your Summer Vacation!
Take advantage of Giving-Made-Easy Offering Envelopes to mail checks or give by credit card. Look for envelopes on the wall in the Gallery where the information brochures are located or request envelopes by contacting us at info@embracehumanity.com.

Beginning in July, the Women's Wisdom Circle at Common Ground will add a new element to its gatherings. Based on Ram Dass' book, Still Here, the circle will explore conscious aging and changing. Passages from the book will be read and discussed each time the circle meets. Books will be available in the bookstore at 20% discount.

Visit Common Ground's awesome Used Book Cart located in the hallway just outside the Book Boutique. Many contemporary and new releases as well as classic books are available. Each item on the cart is available at a cost of $2.00 and may be purchased in the bookstore. (Donations of used books are always welcome ~ all genres accepted.)

Visit the Business Promotion table each Sunday to check out network possibilities and meet Common Ground entrepreneurs.

Common Ground offers Hearing Assistance in the Sanctuary on Sundays. Please let the sound technician know if you would like to have a receiver ordered for your use

Recycle plastic and aluminum to support a portion of Common Ground's monthly rent expense. Please participate by bringing your recyclables on the third Sunday of each month.

Now is the time to open to divine guidance for Common Ground into the future. During your time of meditation and prayer, please set an intention to be receptive to the vision for our spiritual community.

 

 PRAYER & MEDITATION
 Know Complete Peace and Freedom

Do everything with a mind that lets go.
Do not expect any praise or reward.
If you let go a little, you will have a little peace.
If you let go a lot, you will have a lot of peace.
If you let go completely, you will know complete peace and freedom.
Your struggles with the world will have come to an end.

Insight Meditation - Achaan Chah



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 American Legion, a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization advocating for veterans.

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:

Covenant Dedication

Ladies Splash Party

Brandon Jarrett, Guest Vocalist

Denise Rosier, Guest Vocalist

Eighth Anniversary Celebration: November 9

Thanksgiving Eve

Christmas Eve

New Year's Eve

 

 BUSINESS FAIRE
 Conscious Enterprise

Common Ground's Business Promotion Group is sponsoring a Business Faire on Saturday, July 21st, from 10 am to 1 pm.

The Faire is open to all Common Grounders who would like to showcase a business venture.

The Business Faire will feature a variety of businesses with ideas for your home, health, fashion and ways to prosper.

See and experience the talent of artists and craftsmen

Have a chair massage or an energy treatment

Learn about healthy supplements & skin care

Check out ways to earn and save money

Please join us. Support conscious enterprise. Everyone welcome.

For questions, please contact Judith Freyer by emailing her at 2judithann@gmail.com

A Common Ground Business Directory has been compiled and will be available at the Business Faire, at Common Ground in the vendor area on the information wall in the Gallery, and online.