"Mother is the name for God in the lips and hearts of little children."

If there are a 1,000 Names of God, "mother" may be the one most called out when we need to be nurtured.

Spring is in the air with rebirth, new growth and positive change. On Sparrow Hawk Mountain, the song birds have returned (along with very enthusiastic hummingbirds) chirping and trilling their praises of Mother Nature.

Beginning with the Wesak Festival on May 5, LCCC offers a month of loving acknowledgement of spiritual nurturance. A look at Spirit shining out and an examination of wisdom of the Divine Feminine begin the Month of May. Next, Ascension Sunday also heralds the New Moon of Gemini and a Solar Eclipse.

Memorial weekend, May 25-27, there is a special Symposium of scholars gathered to reflect on Sophia and the impact she continues to have. The Sunday worship will feature many Symposium attendees praising the Divine in their unique way. LCCC welcomes Jann Aldredge-Clanton whose songbook, Inclusive Hymns for Liberating Christians, we often use on Sunday mornings. Her class on "Sophiology and Feminism" is the following week.

Blessings,
All the ministers at Light of Christ Community Church  

Click image to view Sophia Symposium brochure

May 25-27, 2012

Sophia Symposium: Celebrating the Divine Feminine Within, at Work, and in the World
 
Join us in the beautiful Ozark mountains for a weekend of relaxation and discovery in workshops with renowned speakers, musicians, and teachers. Massage therapists, energy workers and intuitive readers will also be available for appointments at the Wellness Center on campus. Explore Sophia in ways you may never have before.

Sunday, May 6, 10:30 a.m. 

"The Goal of the Path: Transparency"

Rev. Peggy Eaton 

All the spiritual work we do internally is to wipe down and do the work of cleaning up our act in order to shine by just being. The work allows Spirit to shine forth ... nothing hard ... nothing strenuous ... nothing like trying harder or being perfect. Spirit emanates from our core when we walk our talk, no big thing ... no big deal ... just radiant shining from every pore by just being in the Presence -- awareness of the Presence -- reflecting the Presence. Shine On!

Officiator: Pastor Retha Banez

Sunday, May 13, 10:30 a.m. 

Mother's Day Sunday     

"A Mother's Wisdom"

Rev. Mary Jane Dicus

Today we gather to celebrate Mother's Day, remembering the many forms of the sacred feminine: our personal mothers, our other mothers who nurtured us, Mother Nature and Mother Earth. Let us examine the powerful role that all mothers play in our life's journey. We shall pause now and give thanks for the grace and wisdom offered to us through the Divine Feminine in our lives.

Sunday, May 20, 10:30 a.m.

 Ascension Sunday & New Moon of Gemini Service

Corinne Heline tells us in The New Age Bible Interpretation - Mystery of the Christos, "One of the most beautiful feasts of the year is that of the Ascension, occurring about the time the Sun passes from Taurus into Gemini. During this feast His radiation permeates the earth with an effulgence past all describing, making bright both the physical and the spiritual realms." In the church year, as we follow the events in the life of Jesus Christ, we are reminded that every important event represents an initiatory step in the life of Christ and the development of humankind. On this Sunday, we celebrate the Ascension of Jesus the Christ, acknowledging that we are Christs in the making, consciously following the path of The Way, utilizing the beautiful energy available to us at this time of the Ascension and the New Moon of Gemini. Come and be blessed.

Communion: Pastor Retha Banez
Hierarchy Meditation/Offertory Blessing: Rev. Steven Chase

Music Minister: Rev. Mary Jane Dicus

Sunday, May 27, 10:30 a.m.

Pentecost and Memorial Sunday    

"Celebrating the Power of Rebirth"

 Rev. Susan Hamilton & Rev. Jann Aldredge-Clanton  

Culminating our Sophia Symposium weekend, worship this day will focus on the Divine Feminine's role in our rebirth of consciousness. The festival of Pentecost, common to both the Jewish and Christian traditions, provides us the opportunity to receive bold new power for the work we are called to do. A spirit-filled worship will include music, movement, and meditations of celebration. 

 CONNECT GROUPS  

May 3    

Prayer Shawl Group, First Thursday,

Helena Messenger's Home, 6:00 p.m.

For comfort, the Prayer Shawl Group still sponsored by LCCC, has decided to hold their monthly gathering in Helena Messenger's home at a new time. The group meets to knit and crochet shawls and lap blankets with prayers, love and good wishes for those who would benefit from these comforting items.

Once a year on Thanksgiving Sunday, the Sunday before Thanksgiving, they bring these items to church to bless them in a special ritual during the church service. As their service work, the shawls and lap blankets are then delivered to nursing homes, oncology units and other locations in need.

All are welcome to join them, including beginners and advanced needle workers. They are interested in teaching those who wish to learn to crochet or knit.

May 8  

Monthly Wellness Center Healing Circle, Second Tuesday,

Wellness Center, 7:00 p.m.

The Sparrow Hawk healers are hosting a monthly healing circle in the Wellness Center. Different healers will plan a new healing modality each month providing diverse experiences. All are welcome, so please join us.

Monthly Toning Healing Circle, Third Thursday,

Sanctuary, 7:00 p.m.

Those who participate in the toning circle come together for the purpose of experiencing the vibrational qualities of our crystal toning bowls, the healing power of chanting and the haunting sound of the free notes. Participants can choose to surround themselves with the energy of one individual toning device, or experience them all at once. Most importantly, the presence of each individual adds to the power of the group. All are invited to join in this experience.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Book Study Group

Orin Meditation Group

The next time you visit Sparrow Hawk Village, don't forget to toss some workout clothes into your luggage. 

Regular classes at the Wellness Center as follows: 

Tuesday:   Upper Body Strengthening, with Sue Van Dyke

Thursday:   Freestyle Movement to Music, with Thia McGinnis

100% of all free-will donations help support the Wellness Center.

The Celestial Hierarchy of Taurus

Taurus by Johfra

Adapted from The Book of Rituals--Personal and Planetary Transformation by Reverend Carol E. Parrish-Harra � 1990, IBS Press, Santa Monica, CA, & 1999, Sparrow Hawk Press, Tahlequah, OK.