LOOKING FOR GOODNESS
 Grateful Seeing

During the month of NOVEMBER Reverend Glenda and Reverend Judy will help us focus on inviting and expressing gratitude.

As we approach the holiday season we open to renewed awareness of all our blessings, large and small. It is especially a time of appreciating and celebrating those things that have brought us to this point in our journey.

We will be invited to see how much we have to be thankful for compared to our troubles and dissatisfaction.

Angeles Arrien tells us: "Grateful seeing is the ability to look first for what is good and working in our lives without minimizing or denying the hardships or challenges that are also present."

This is the perfect talk series for anyone who is ready to focus on the benefits and goodness in life as a means to experience gratitude, gain a sense of well-being, strengthen friendships, and see the gift of love that is present in our lives.

Please join us in this season of Thanksgiving!

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

Resources include:

LIVING IN GRATITUDE, by Angeles Arrien

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 NOVEMBER

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ENDS NOVEMBER 4TH ~ REMEMBER TO SET CLOCKS BACK 1 HOUR

November 4: Harvesting What Matters ~ Denise Rosier, guest vocalist

November 11: Grace, Gravitas, and Gratitude

November 18: What Are You Thankful for Today? ~ Teri Wilder, guest vocalist

November 25: Father Leo Booth, Associate Minister

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

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

2011/2012 Newsletter Archives

 

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

NOVEMBER SPECIAL EVENTS

COVENANT BYOL (Bring Your Own Lunch) GATHERING ~ Sunday, November 4, 12 noon to 1:30 pm

FIRST LOOK OPENING OF THE GREENLADY BOUTIQUE ~ Sunday, November 4, 9:30 am to 1:30 pm

EIGHTH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION ~ Friday, November 9, 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm

HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE & COOKIE EXCHANGE ~ Sunday, November 18, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm

HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE OUTREACH PROJECT ~ Sunday, November 18

GRAND OPENING OF GREENLADY BOUTIQUE ~ Sunday, November 18, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm

CELEBRATION OF SPIRIT, Father Leo Booth and Team ~ Sunday, November 25, 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 ~ Second Sunday of the Month, November 11 ~ PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A CHANGE FOR NOVEMBER ONLY

Local Certified Farmers' Markets

WHAT'S NEW?

SUNDAY AFTERNOON HIKE, facilitated by Stacie Buda & Donna Young ~ See the Calendar for date, time and location

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, November 6 & 20, 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, November 13 & 27, 7 to 8:30 pm ~ Love Offering

WOMAN'S WISDOM CIRCLE & Book Study: Still Here, by Ram Dass ~ Tuesdays, November 13 & 27, 10 to 11:30 am ~ Love Offering

VENUE EVENTS

Group Regression Experience: Healing the Present from the Past, with Dr. Heather Rivera ~ Saturday, November 3, 11 am to 12:30 pm ~ $15 per person

Peak Frequency Healing thru Nature's Medicine, with Morning:Spirit:Wolf , Doctor of Raphaology Medicine ~ Sunday, November 4, 2 to 5 pm ~ $55 per person

Orange County Spiritualist Gathering, with Medium Kathleen Vance ~ Wednesdays, November 14 & 28 ~ $10 suggested donation

Development 1: Developing your spiritual path & intuition, with Bob Lewis ~ Saturday, November 10, 9:30 am to 12:00 pm ~ $20 per person

Development 2: Advanced students in spiritual and psychic awareness, with Bob Lewis ~ Saturday, November 10, 12:30 am to 3:00 pm ~ $20 per person

Recovery of the Real, Authentic, True Self, with Luke Benoit ~ Thursday, November 15, 6:00 to 8:30 pm ~ $12 per person

Development 1: Developing your spiritual path & intuition, with Bob Lewis ~ Saturday, November 17, 9:30 am to 12:00 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.

 

 EIGHTH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
 There's No Place Like Home

It will probably come as no big surprise to hear that a change has been made with respect to the upcoming Eighth Anniversary celebration taking place on Friday, November 9th.

Most friends of Common Ground know that Reverend Glenda and Reverend Judy are centered in the idea that 'going with the flow' by allowing things to work out in the best possible way is the leadership style they model and consistently demonstrate.

A few days ago they became aware that there were some unanticipated aspects of the arrangement they had made with the new venue for the event that were not in keeping with what they had in mind for Common Ground's Eighth Anniversary celebration.

The celebration itself remains unchanged as far as theme, intention, activity and quality. But, after careful consideration, The Revs decided that 'There's No Place Like Home'. Arrangements have now been made to shift the location of the celebration to Common Ground and have the event fully catered on site.

There will be a plated dinner served by the professional wait staff of Jay's Catering. The Sanctuary will be transformed into 'The Emerald City' complete with dance floor, dessert station and beautiful tables-for-eight.

Jay's Catering will do the set-up, preparation, serving and clean-up so that everyone can just come and have fun. The cost is equal to the previous venue so, all in all, the idea of 'There's No Place Like Home' is perfect for what is likely to be one of the last big events at Newport before Common Ground's anticipated relocation in 2013.

The deadline for RSVP's is November 4th. Plan to be part of this unique celebration held right in the midst of Common Ground. It is going to be a great evening filled with beauty, heart, humor and loving energy. Follow the yellow brick road to an evening of fun at 'The Land of Oz'. See you there!

 

 FOCUS ON THE ENVIRONMENT
 The GreenLady

The GreenLady Upscale Resale Boutique at Common Ground is open for business as of 9:30 am, Sunday, November 4th.

From its inception eight years ago, Common Ground has promoted a responsible, sustainable, and Eco-conscious way of participating in the world.

Now, The GreenLady offers a new way to support being 'green' through making a conscious choice to shop, save and recycle rather than discard and 'buy new'.

Resale is a responsible way to be a conscious consumer. At The GreenLady there are ample opportunities to 'restore, reinvent, reimagine, rediscover, recreate, and revive'. Objects found in the boutique are the past treasures of others who have chosen to recycle rather than toss them into the landfill.

Being green is easy and fun at The GreenLady Boutique. The old idea that resale shops are musty, dark, and don't smell good is definitely not the case for The GreenLady.

This project at Common Ground has created a unique shop where the description 'recycle and rejoice' is a perfect fit. Those who have had a chance to take a sneak peek at the merchandise are blown away by the appearance of the shop and quality of the items. Most can't believe that the shop is 'second-hand' or 'hand-me-up', as some would say.

Every piece of merchandise looks new. The displays are eye-catching and modern, and the atmosphere is fun and upbeat.

There is something for everyone ~ from the funky hats that are popular now, to contemporary and fine jewelry, designer label shoes and clothing, crystal, china and great kitchen items, and a variety of unique gifts.

By frequently shopping and by donating gently used treasures to The GreenLady Boutique, others in the community will be indirectly encouraged to recycle and reuse their own once-loved castoffs.

Buying items from The GreenLady supports the local economy as well as the vision and mission of Common Ground. In turn, through its tithing and outreach efforts, Common Ground supports local and worldwide charities . A portion of every dollar is returned to other non-profit organizations. Please donate gently used items and receive a tax receipt.

Please join us on November 18th from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm for our official Grand Opening and Holiday Boutique. The Holiday Boutique will feature gift items from crafters and local artisans as well as goodies from the bake sale.

Tell your friends and spread the word!

 

 OUTREACH
 Serving the Homeless & Working Poor

In support of Mercy House's 30 Ways in 30 Days Homeless Awareness Month Campaign, which begins November 1st, Common Ground is pleased to mount a food drive on Sunday, November 18th.

The Thanksgiving season is a perfect opportunity for the Common Ground community to share its blessings and abundance with those who are less fortunate.

Everyone interested and able to participate is encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to Common Ground. Boxes and baskets will be available for collection.

The items will be delivered to a local food bank during the holiday season. Anyone who wants to be part of the collection and/or delivery team is invited to contact Reverend Glenda and Reverend Judy.

The food item needs of homeless folks are unique due to lack of refrigeration, cooking source and storage. Please consider the following suggestions as a guide for selecting useful and appropriate items:

Canned Tuna

Canned Soup (not concentrated)

Canned Ravioli

Canned Spaghetti

Peanut Butter

Jelly

Canned Chicken

Granola Bars

Canned Vegetables

Canned Fruit

Nuts, jerky, trail mix
Cans with pull-tops are preferred

A child's verse of plenty:
'Bright little winter birds coming to feed
One takes a crumb, another a seed
Each takes a portion according to need
Good little winter birds, teach us your creed'

Beginning in December 2012, under the direction of Mercy House, Common Ground will once again serve at the Emergency Cold Weather Shelter Program at the Santa Ana Armory.

This year, the team will serve every third Sunday evening of the month in December, January, February and March.

A sign-up sheet will be available in the Salon at Common Ground beginning November 11th. Mike Kandel has graciously offered to take the lead position for the second year in a row. Mike is available to answer questions and give more information about the program. Anyone who is interested in serving at the shelter is welcome to sign up. (There are certain requirements for minors.)

This is a meaningful way to give back to the community and make a difference in the world. Compassion comes easily when looking into the eyes of suffering.

"There, but for the grace of God, go I."

 

 FYI
 What's Up?

Support GreenLady Boutique. Please donate upscale fall and winter women's fashions and accessories as well as artwork and fine quality decorations. Tax receipts available.

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

Share Hospitality on Sunday mornings. Bring a simple plate of cookies, basket of grapes or other easy treat to share after services. Sign up now for Sundays in 2013.

A large selection of Used Books is currently 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 each month.

Visit Common Ground's Business Directory

A Message from Daniel Nahmod:

Between now and Thanksgiving Day, I'm announcing a fundraising campaign to help finance the building of the new Humanity Music recording studio. It's envisioned as a place where artists of all genres and styles, all backgrounds and faiths, can come to record world-class music, to fulfill their musical vision, to reach and touch the world.

I'm seeking $30,000 (or more, of course!), for space rental, acoustic treatment, and significant upgrades in microphones and other equipment.

It's not necessarily within my comfort zone to raise funds in this way. But I really feel like the time is right for my musical work to evolve in this direction, so I'm taking the leap. And in doing so, I'm asking for your help. Please click here for more information.

Congratulations are in order for Father Leo Booth, Associate Minister.

Reverend Glenda and Reverend Judy are pleased to announce that Father Leo has been invited to be the Spiritual Director at Promises Treatment Centers in Malibu.

This is an awesome opportunity for those in addiction treatment to have Father Leo's support and guidance. It also mean that Father Leo's regular work with Common Ground will shift to accommodate his new assignment.

Father Leo will continue to be an Associate Minister at Common Ground and will speak on Sundays as he is available. November 25th will be the final gathering for Celebration of Spirit.

Father Leo will spend the December holidays in England with family and friends and then resume his schedule in 2013.

Join us in congratulating him.

 

 PRAYER & MEDITATION
 Iroquois Thanksgiving Prayer

We return thanks to our mother, the earth,
Which sustains us.
We return thanks to the rivers and streams,
Which supply us with water.
We return thanks to all herbs,
Which furnish medicines for the cure of our diseases.
We return thanks to the corn, and to her sisters, the beans and squash,
Which give us life.
We return thanks to the bushes and trees,
Which provide us with fruit.
We return thanks to the moon and the stars,
Which have given us their light when the sun was gone.
We return thanks to the sun,
That has looked upon the earth with a beneficent eye.
Lastly, we return thanks to the Great Spirit,
In Whom is embodied all goodness,
And Who directs all things for the good of Her children.

Adapted from First Nation's Prayer



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
 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:

Christmas Eve

New Year's Eve

 

 HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE ~ GIFTS & GOODIES
 Something for Everyone

Please join us at Common Ground on Sunday, November 18th, from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm for a fun Holiday Boutique offering a variety of 'gifts and goodies'.

This is a fund raiser for Common Ground and also supports the official Grand Opening of The GreenLady Boutique.

A variety of artisans, crafters, bakers and sellers will have items available for purchase. Make plans to start holiday shopping early this year.

Applications for vendors are still available. Please contact Reverend Judy at judy@embracehumanity.com for more information.