common ground
September 2012 Newsletter - Volume 9, Issue 8 
 September Newsletter
 Embracing Humanity & Expressing Divinity
In This Issue
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 CHANGE, POSSIBILITIES, POWER
 Soul View

During the month of SEPTEMBER Reverend Glenda and Reverend Judy will take us on a journey of exploration that can help us reshape our entire human experience. This transformation has its foundation in change, possibilities and power.

It is a transformation toward the highest, most noble, healthy, and grounded part of ourselves ~ soul.

They will invite us to embrace the idea that changes in our lives can occur through our own intentions guided by our own highest awareness. This can open possibilities for us to create authentic power.

Creating authentic power requires relationships of substance and depth. We cannot grow spiritually until we have the courage to enter into meaningful and significant relationships.

Spiritual partnerships bring us into co-creative interactions with others. "Without creating authentic power we cannot have spiritual partners, and without spiritual partners we cannot grow spiritually."

This month's talk series is an invitation to learn ways to love, trust and heal so that we can move through life with an empowered heart, creating harmony, cooperation, sharing and reverence for Life, simply because we choose to do so.

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


Resources include:
  • SPIRITUAL PARTNERSHIP: The Journey to Authentic Power, by Gary Zukav

    This title is available in the Book Boutique. (Quantities Limited)


    Sunday Morning Inspiration Service Weekly:
    10:30 am


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

    Talk titles for SEPTEMBER

  • September 2: Conscious Communication and Action
  • September 9: Commitment
  • September 16: Co-Creation
  • September 23: Courage ~ Teri Wilder, Guest Vocalist
  • September 30: Compassion

    Watch Recent Talks On Video
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    Robert Fields: Appearing Sundays in September




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


    2011/2012 Newsletter Archives

     


  •  SEPTEMBER CLASSES & EVENTS
     Sunday Morning Inspiration Service 10:30 am

    SEPTEMBER SPECIAL EVENTS

  • COVENANT DEDICATION ~ Sunday, September 9, 12:00 Noon ~ Followed by a Champagne Reception in the Salon



  • CELEBRATION OF SPIRIT, Reverend Glenda and Reverend Judy, Guest Speakers ~ Sunday, September 30, 7 to 8:30 pm ~ Love Offering

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

    FOCUS ON THE ENVIRONMENT
  • RECYCLE SUNDAY ~ Third Sunday of the Month, August 19
  • Local Certified Farmers' Markets

    WHAT'S NEW?
  • SUNDAY AFTERNOON HIKE, facilitated by Stacie Buda & Donna Young ~ Sunday, September 16 ~ Laguna Canyon James Dilly Preserve ~ (details to follow)

    ONGOING
  • A COURSE IN MIRACLES, facilitated by Karen Akers (co-facilitated by Ken Radcliffe) ~ Tuesdays, Weekly, 12 Noon (Okay to bring lunch) ~ Love Offering
  • EVENING ECKHART TOLLE BOOK STUDY ~ Power of Now ~ Tuesdays, Weekly, 7 to 8:30 pm ~ Love Offering
  • ECKHART TOLLE BOOK STUDY ~ Power of Now ~ Fridays, Weekly, 12:30 to 1:30 pm ~ Love Offering
  • REIKI HEALING CIRCLE ~ Tuesdays, September 11 & 25, 7 to 8:30 pm ~ Love Offering
  • WOMAN'S WISDOM CIRCLE & Book Study: Still Here, by Ram Dass ~ Tuesdays, September 11 & 25, 10 to 11:30 am ~ Love Offering
  • YOUNG ADULT'S BOOK STUDY, facilitated by Lyla Ramirez & Lisette Garcia ~ 2nd & 4th Wednesdays Monthly, September 12 & 26, 7 to 8:30 pm ~ Love Offering

    VENUE EVENTS
  • Orange County Spiritualist Gathering, with Medium Kathleen Vance ~ Wednesdays, September 12 & 26 ~ $10 suggested donation
  • Development 1: Developing your spiritual path & intuition, with Bob Lewis ~ Saturday, September 8 & 22, 9:30 am to 12:00 pm ~ $20 per person
  • Development 2: Advanced students in spiritual and psychic awareness, with Bob Lewis ~ Saturday, September 8, 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.


     


  •  COVENANT DEDICATION
     Commitment to Spiritual Community

    At 12 noon on September 9th, following Sunday service, Common Ground will hold its 2012 Covenant Dedication ceremony for those who are making a commitment to spiritual community.

    Friends and family are invited to attend to witness and celebrate those who are entering Covenant.

    In keeping with the eight year tradition associated with Covenant Dedication, immediately following the ceremony, current Covenant members will host a champagne reception in the Salon for new members and their guests.

    Covenant Fellowship is open to anyone who expresses a desire to help further the purposes for which Common Ground is organized, and who displays a willingness to make being a regular part of spiritual community an important aspect of life. It is open to those who acknowledge ecumenism and are willing to work for a religious humility that lets spiritual traditions speak for themselves and who are willing to be present to contribute time and resources for this purpose.


    Deadline for application for Covenant is Sunday, September 2. Applications are available online or at Common Ground.

     


     FOCUS ON THE ENVIRONMENT
     The Jewel of Autumn

    Pomegranates have been cherished for centuries for their exquisite beauty, flavor, color, and health benefits. From their distinctive crown to their ruby red arils, pomegranates are royalty amongst fruit.

    Did you know?

    The pomegranate has been mentioned in many ancient texts, notably the Bible, the Homeric Hymns and the Quran. In recent years, it has reached mainstream prominence in the commercial markets of North America and the Western Hemisphere.

    Pomegranates have been used in art, literature, and d�cor as long as they have been used as a food.

    The fruit - as well as the tree - can be found in paintings, sculptures, landscape, and architecture. Countless myths, legends, and traditions have been inspired from the fruit's unique appearance, both inside and out.


    Ancient Egyptians regarded the pomegranate as a symbol of prosperity and ambition.

    They were known in Ancient Israel as the fruits that demonstrated to Moses the fertility of the "promised land". Today, it is traditional to consume pomegranates on Rosh Hashana because its numerous seeds symbolize fruitfulness.

    Pomegranates continue to be a motif often found in Christian religious decoration. They are often woven into the fabric of vestments and liturgical hangings or wrought in metalwork.The fruit depicted broken or bursting open is a symbol of the fullness of Jesus' suffering and resurrection.

    Hinduism sees the pomegranate as a symbol of prosperity and fertility. In the Indian subcontinent's ancient Ayurveda system of medicine, the pomegranate has extensively been used as a source of traditional remedies for thousands of years.

    Pictures of the ripe fruit with the seeds bursting forth are often hung in traditional Chinese homes to bestow fertility and bless the dwelling with numerous offspring.

    In Greece it is traditional to break pomegranates on the ground at weddings and on New Year's.


    Pomegranates are beautiful, full of flavor, and rich in symbolism. They are amongst the oldest fruits in the world and continue to grow in popularity today.

     


     VISIONING POSSIBILITIES
     Co-creating Community

    Common Ground's recent Vision Gathering brought forth enthusiastic support and an abundance of meaningful possibilities for the future.

    The larger than expected attendance confirmed the importance of forward movement of the spiritual community and its vision and mission.

    Much discussion centered on Common Ground's financial forecast. As with most individuals and businesses in today's difficult economic climate, Common Ground is in a position to reevaluate what has worked well in the past and what areas need adjustment going forward.

    Currently, rent is the single largest expense. With that in mind, finding an affordable and appropriate location for Common Ground's next 'home' is of paramount importance. An intention has been set to secure a new location for Common Ground by the time the lease at Newport Avenue expires in May 2013. There was much interest in joining the search for a perfect place.

    In the meantime, Reverend Glenda and Reverend Judy will continue to serve Common Ground on a pro bono basis and additional ways to supplement rent expense through alternate income streams will be sought.


    During the gathering a number of exciting ideas were offered in support of the need to generate revenue. Some ideas require exploration with respect to feasibility and others can be implemented quickly.

    One of the ideas that gained support and interest is that of creating a high quality resale boutique featuring certain items that would have traditionally found their way into Common Ground's Annual Yard Sales.


    Plans for a 'unique boutique' are underway and in process.

    Featured items will be 'Upcycled' ~ 'Reused, Recycled, Repurposed Treasures'. A stylish one-of-a-kind boutique will be housed in the Studio at Common Ground.

    Currently we are looking for eclectic and upscale items that can be repurposed to furnish the store and display merchandise for sale.

    We are also looking for items that are appropriate for sale in the shop. We are seeking upscale fall and winter women's clothing, shoes, purses, hats, costume jewelry, etc. We request that all items be in top-notch condition, recently laundered, and on hangers when applicable.

    We are also looking for unique gift items, artwork, glassware, and small accessories.

    Perhaps you have items you have been meaning to list on eBay or Craig's List but would be willing to donate to Common Ground?

    If you have something that might be perfect for the boutique and would like to support Common Ground by donating it, we invite you to bring your items on Sundays and drop them off after service. You can also call Reverend Glenda at 714-797-1300 to arrange a time to drop off items during the week.

    We are happy to give you a tax receipt for your donations.

    Stay tuned for news of the next step in the creative process. Within a few weeks we will be preparing the boutique, assembling merchandise, and creating a team. We anticipate a pre-Christmas grand opening.

    Of course, we will also be getting ready for our Annual Fall Yard Sale, which will take place in mid-October, so there is a place for everything!


     


     FYI
     What's Up?

  • Giving-Made-Easy Offering Envelopes for the purpose of mailing checks or giving by credit card are available on the wall in the Gallery.

  • Annual Fall Yard Sale coming October 20. Start sorting and cleaning out closets and drawers, now! More information to follow.

  • Share Hospitality on Sunday mornings. Bring a simple plate of cookies, basket of grapes or other easy treat to share after services on Sunday. There are several dates still available in 2012. Sign up now.

  • The new Fall Edition of Common Ground's Community Directory is currently being assembled. Based on compliance with Federal law, it is necessary for anyone who wants to be included in the directory to complete a new authorization to release information. Authorization forms are available at Common Ground.

  • A new selection of Used Books is now available. All items on the Used Book Cart are available at a cost of $2.00 each. (Donations of used books are always welcome ~ all genres accepted.)

  • 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.

  • Visit Common Ground's Business Directory

  • Please save the date, November 9, 2012. Help celebrate Common Ground's Eighth Anniversary. More details soon.

     


  •  PRAYER & MEDITATION
     "Illumine My Powers"

    O God!
    Refresh and gladden my spirit.
    Purify my heart.
    Illumine my powers.
    I lay all my affairs in Thy hands.
    Thou art my Guide and my Refuge.
    I will no longer be sorrowful and grieved;
    I will be a happy and joyful being.
    O God! I will no longer be full of anxiety, nor will I let trouble harass me.
    I will not dwell on the unpleasant things of life.
    O God! Thou art more friend to me than I am to myself.
    I dedicate myself toThee, O Lord.


    Baha'i Prayers ~ `Abdu'l-Bah�




    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 [email protected] or by placing a request in the prayer box in the Lobby.

    There are no fees for prayer at Common Ground.


     


     TITHING 2012
     May All That We Give and All The We Receive Be Blessed and Multiplied. 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, 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:

  • Daniel Nahmod ~ Music as Message
  • Daniel Nahmod ~ My Last Song Workshop
  • Brandon Jarrett, Guest Vocalist
  • Annual Fall Yard Sale ~ October 20
  • Denise Rosier, Guest Vocalist
  • Eighth Anniversary Celebration: November 9
  • Holiday Boutique
  • Christmas Eve
  • New Year's Eve

     


  •  MY LAST SONG
     A Workshop with Daniel Nahmod

    Common Ground is pleased to present "My Last Song", a two-hour musical and experiential workshop with Daniel Nahmod.

    The workshop is inspired by the lyrics of "Last Song", one of Daniel's most provocative and heart opening original songs.

    Participants in the afternoon workshop will be invited to take a different kind of look at their lives with these questions in mind:

  • What values are guiding us?
  • What difference are we making in the world?
  • How are we spending our days?
  • What ambitions are we pursuing, and why?
  • How would we like to be remembered?
  • What people are we impacting, and how?

    Without doubt, this workshop is a thought-provoking, introspective, and potentially life-changing self-exploration for young and old alike.

    Make plans now to join Daniel in the Sanctuary at Common Ground on October 7, from 1 to 3 pm. Reserve your seat early.


     


  • Common Ground is a Teaching-Learning Center

  • where people bring their very souls
  • where people grow one another by sharing what they know
  • where people learn spiritual practices to support them in working with the complex possibilities of today's world

    May you have the courage to enter into meaningful and significant relationships so that you can grow in spiritual awareness