common ground
June 2013 Newsletter - Volume 9, Issue 9 
 June Newsletter
 Embracing Humanity & Expressing Divinity
In This Issue
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 CONSCIOUS LOVE
 No Reservations or Agendas

YELLOW ROSE During the month of JUNE Reverend Glenda and Reverend Judy will help us explore the topic of love: What is love and how do we find it?

Historically, June is the month of celebrating love and weddings, a tradition that goes all the way back to early Roman times in which a festival in honor of the deity Juno, goddess of marriage and childbirth, was held.

For certain, beyond the idea of marriage, learning how to love and how to love well is the goal and the purpose of a spiritual life.

Because love is central to happiness, satisfaction, growth, meaning, and fulfillment; cultivating the capacity to develop 'noble hearted' love and impartial compassion in daily life helps us recognize our fundamental interconnectedness with others.

Lama Surya Das, author of The Big Questions, tells us: "True love has no sides, boundaries, or corners. It is without circumference and beyond inside and out. The heart of limitless love includes everyone and everything, embracing one and all in its warmth."

This series of talks is perfect for everyone because we all want and need love. In fact, if you are ready to soften up and let love touch you deeply, please join us every Sunday in June as we come together to learn ways of transforming ourselves so that we are able to be love, purely and unconditionally.

Please join us at Common Ground for our 10:30 am inspirational service.


Resources include:
  • The Marriage of Spirit: Enlightened Living in Today's World, by Leslie Temple-Thurston
  • Lovingkindness: The Revolitionary Art of Happiness, by Sharon Salzberg
  • Spiritual Solutions: Answers to Life's Greatest Challenges, by Deepak Chopra
  • The Big Questions: How to Find Your Own Answers to Life's Essential Mysteries, by Lama Surya Das

    These titles are 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 JUNE

  • June 2: Breaking Open the Loving Heart ~ Daniel Nahmod ~ Music as Message
  • June 9: The Message of Love
  • June 16: ~ Relationships ~ Teri Wilder, guest vocalist
  • June 23: Awakened Heart
  • June 30: The Greatest of These is Love

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




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


    2013 Newsletter Archives

     


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

    JUNE SPECIAL EVENTS

  • SUMMER POT LUCK LUNCH ~ Sunday, June 23, 11:30 to 1 pm

  • MASTERS SERIES WORKSHOP, facilitated by Reverend Glenda and Reverend Judy ~ Making the Unconscious Conscious, based on the work of Leslie Temple Thurston, The Marriage of Spirit ~ JUNE 30 ~ 1 TO 3 PM

  • DRUM CIRCLE facilitated by Jamie Jones, trained and certified instructor ~ SATURDAY ~ JUNE 15, 11 AM TO 12:30 PM

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

    FOCUS ON THE ENVIRONMENT
  • COMMON GROUND ADVENTURES ~ Hiking Crystal Cove in Newport Beach: Sunday ~ June 16 ~ 3 pm
  • RECYCLE SUNDAY ~ Third Sunday of the Month, June 16
  • Orange County Farm Bureau 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) ~ Love Offering
  • EVENING ECKHART TOLLE BOOK STUDY ~ Power of Now ~ Tuesdays, June 4 & 18, 7 to 8:30 pm ~ Love Offering
  • ECKHART TOLLE BOOK STUDY ~ New Earth ~ Fridays, Weekly, 12:30 to 1:30 pm ~ Love Offering
  • REIKI HEALING CIRCLE facilitated by Barbara Fukuda, Usui Reiki Master/Teacher ~ Tuesday, June 11 & 25, 7 to 8:30 pm ~ Love Offering
  • THE NEW CO DEPENDENCY BOOK STUDY GROUP, facilitated by Lyla Ramirez and London Duran ~ Thursdays, Weekly, 7 to 8:30 pm ~ Love Offering
  • WOMAN'S WISDOM CIRCLE & Book Study: Still Here, by Ram Dass ~ Tuesdays, June 11 & 25, 10 to 11:30 am ~ Love Offering

    VENUE EVENTS
  • Breathwurx, facilitated by Linh James ~ Tuesday, June 4, 6:30 to 8:30 pm
  • Adyashanti Study Group facilitate by Rev. Craig Phillips ~ Wednesday, June 5 & 19, 7:30 to 9 pm ~ $5 suggested (no one refused)
  • Development 1: Developing your spiritual path & intuition, with Bob Lewis ~ Saturday, June 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, June 8, 12:30 am to 3:00 pm ~ $20 per person
  • The Power of Forgiveness: Love Letters from an Angel, with Hal Schroeder ~ Sunday, June 9, 1 to 2 pm ~ Free
  • Tao Te Ching Study and Meditation, facilitated by Rev. Craig Phillips ~ Wednesday, June 12 & 26, 7:30 to 9 pm ~ $5 suggested (no one refused)
  • Orange County Spiritualist Gathering, with Medium Kathleen Vance ~ Wednesdays, June 12 & 26 ~ 7 to 8:30 pm ~ $10 suggested donation
  • Peak Frequency Healing Through Nature's Medicine ~ Sunday, June 9, 2 to 5 pm ~ Register at [email protected]
  • 35 Alive, with Dr. Mick Hall ~ Thursday, June 13, 7 to 9 pm
  • The Art of Listening: Enhancing the Skill of Connection, with Laura Dewey ~ Saturday, June 29, 1 to 3 pm
  • The Real Authentic Self Workshop, with Luke Benoit ~ Tuesday, June 25, 6:45 to 9 pm ~ $15 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.


     


  •  TRUSTING THE PROCESS
     Unexpected Outcome

    leap of faith After nearly seven months of work, planning, negotiations and anticipation, it appears there is now a significant snag in Common Ground's plan for relocation to The City of Orange.

    Circumstances beyond control have resulted in substantial increased costs of construction to meet Fire Department building requirements that are above and beyond the amount owners of the property at Orangewood are willing to fund.

    Based on preliminary information, it appears Common Ground will be asked to financially participate in a significant way to meet the increased costs. At this time there are no firm figures and no proposed solutions.

    A meeting with owners and vested parties to discuss possible solutions has been delayed until June 6th. Common Ground will fully participate in those meetings and do everything within reason to bring about a fair resolution.

    In the event a compromise in the best interest of the spiritual community cannot be reached, Reverend Glenda and Reverend Judy are prepared to immediately begin taking action to find another suitable safe sanctuary for spiritual community. In the meantime, month-to-month rent is being paid to continue current occupancy at Newport Avenue.

    Of course, this is a disappointing outcome. There is a very real possibility that the financial impact of moving to Orangewood under this new scenario may be prohibitive. None of this is welcome news.

    At the same time, it gives The Revs an opportunity to 'walk their talk' and demonstrate absolute trust in the Universe to support the vision and mission of Common Ground. They invite everyone in spiritual community to join them in this journey.

    As more information is available, more will be revealed.


     


     FOCUS ON THE ENVIRONMENT
     Recycling Weapons of War

    peace jewelry Common Ground is pleased to support the efforts of Alliance for a New Humanity, an international network of people from all walks of life who want to see positive change take place in the world.

    In 2006, several years after Common Ground was founded, Reverend Glenda and Reverend Judy traveled to Puerto Rico to attend an Alliance for a New Humanity conference, Faces of Courage, hosted by Deepak Chopra.

    Individuals from all walks of life, concerned about dehumanizing trends that prevail in the world got together to assess deterioration of human values. The participants of the conference concluded that these trends are caused by accelerating economic and social inequalities, terrorism and wars, social violence, ecological degradation, a generalized spread of social fear, and lack of respect for life.

    Upon return from the conference, The Revs brought with them an increased awareness of individual and global responsibility to help create a more sustainable planet into the future.

    Four key elements have informed the vision and mission of Common Ground ever since:
  • the need to shift away from a mindset of violence; from war to peace
  • the need to actively engage in efforts towards alleviating world hunger and poverty
  • the need to actively support human rights and social justice
  • the need to be environmentally responsible in day-to day living

    Always on the cutting edge of novel and exciting ideas and programs, Common Ground is now eager to share news of a meaningful new product being carried in its shops.

    This month a remarkable line of From War to Peace jewelry and accessories made exclusively of recycled materials will be available for purchase.

    The products are cast from Peace BronzeTM, an alloy created from disarmed and recycled American nuclear weapon systems.

    From War to Peace is dedicated to recycling weapons of war into peaceful symbols of beauty and function by turning weapons meant to destroy into art meant to restore.

    This 'recycling' effort not only repurposes weapons that harm and kill all forms of life on Earth, but, also benefits peace and social justice organizations through From War to Peace's financial donations to its Partners in Peace.

    Together we can hold the hope of seeing a demilitarized world in our lifetime.

    Take time to appreciate the intention of the jewelry and accessories created by From War to Peace. Join us in helping to remake our planet into a happier, healthier and more sustainable home for us all
    .

    "Turn your swords into plowshares, and nations shall know war no more"

    Prophets Micah and Isaiah, the Old Testament


     


  •  STAYING CONNECTED
     Sustaining Community

    summer beach Summer in southern California offers the great gift of beautiful beach weather, outdoor activities, vacations, out of town company, and travel. As the days grow longer and warmer many are able to kick back and relax into a gentler schedule taking a break from regular routines.

    Traditionally, most 'churches' experience a dip in Sunday attendance during the summer months.

    Common Ground is no exception.

    As summer approaches, we would like to remind you of the importance of staying connected in spiritual community. We invite you to be present on Sundays whenever possible, to communicate through emails, and to check in with one another to stay in touch.

    We would also like to remind you of the importance of your financial contributions to Common Ground during the summer months. Operating expenses continue. Contributions from our spiritual community and its friends are the sole support of our community. Consistent offerings sustain us.

    Now, more than ever, while we are in the transition period between our current lease expiration and our relocation, we are in need of a stable operating base.

    We greatly appreciate your conscious giving and deeply honor everyone's commitment to the mission and vision of Common Ground.


    To facilitate summer giving we have made available "Giving Made Easy" envelopes for mailing checks and making credit card payments. They are available in the Gallery at Common Ground. We would be happy to mail envelopes to anyone who needs them. Just let us know.

    We also have created a Summer Giving Program through PayPal for online payments.

    Thank you in advance for remembering Common Ground while you are having fun this summer.

    SUMMER GIVING PROGRAM



     


     FYI
     Keeping Up to Date

  • Shop the shops at Common Ground.. The GreenLady Boutique and Bookstore offer a great way to be a conscious consumer. New items arrive daily. Check it out!

  • TED Talks at Common Ground are on break for the summer.

  • Please sign up to share Hospitality on Sunday mornings. Bring a simple plate of cookies, veggies or fruit ~ nothing fancy required!

  • Visit our Used Book/CD Cart.New selections every week. Donations of used books are always welcome (all genres accepted)! Tax receipts available by request.

  • Recycle plastic and aluminum. Please bring your recyclables on the third Sunday of each month. Help us pay our rent!

     


  •  PRAYER & MEDITATION
     A New Moment of Awareness

    beach May your journey
    through the universal questions of life
    bring you to a new moment of awareness.
    May it be an enlightening one.

    May you find embedded in the past,
    like all the students of life before you,
    the answers you are seeking now.

    May they awaken that in you which is
    deeper than fact,
    truer than fiction,
    full of faith.

    May you come to know
    that in every human event
    is a particle of the Divine
    to which we turn for meaning here,
    to which we tend for fullness of life hereafter.


    Sister Joan Chittister ~ Benedictine Sisters of Erie




    Life is prayer at Common Ground.

    If you need comfort and inspiration please visit our website to submit a request .


    Common Ground and its friends are served by a Prayer Team comprised of a large circle of loving people who hold in their hearts and in their awareness the prayer needs of all those in need. Carol Marshall graciously serves as team lead.

    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 2013
     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 2013 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; 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; and, The Humane Society of Dover-Stewart County, a not-for-profit organization rescuing abused, abandoned and neglected animals and placing them into good homes.


    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 2013 EVENTS
     Mark Your Calendar Today

    CURRENTLY SCHEDULED:

    Celebrating Freedom Potluck Lunch
    Autumn Equinox Potluck Lunch
    Halloween Potluck Lunch
    Ninth Anniversary Celebration
    Thanksgiving
    Advent
    Holiday Boutique
    Holiday Potluck Lunch
    Christmas Eve
    New Year's Eve


     


     BAKELESS BAKE SALE
     Summer Fund Raising Project

    BAKING Summertime is a perfect time to try new things.

    Fund raising is a fact of life for non-profit organizations, and Common Ground is no exception.

    Usually raising funds is a touchy subject and typically a lot of work. But, we have found a fun idea that offers a novel way to participate in supporting Common Ground without much ado.

    Consider this ~ A Bakeless Bake Sale!

  • You are invited to NOT bake a cake, pie, cookies, or brownies.
  • You do NOT have to find a recipe and shop for ingredients.
  • You do NOT have to mix, cook, cut, or wrap.
  • You do NOT have to wash dishes and clean up your kitchen.
  • You do NOT have to deliver your goodies or spend the day at the Bake Sale table.
  • And, best of all, you do NOT have to be tempted to indulge on sweets filled with calories you don't need.

    During the months of June and July everyone is invited to participate in one or both of the following ways:

    1. Contribute the amount you would have spent on ingredients, plus an amount for your time and skill.
    2. Contribute what you would have spent at the Bake Sale for a couple of pies, a loaf of bread, or a plate of cookies.

    What an easy solution to fund raising; perfect for busy summer schedules. And, the program is environmentally sound because energy and product are conserved. Plus, there are no calories to count!


    Making your donation is easy. You can:

  • Personally deliver your contribution to Common Ground
  • Send your check to Common Ground at 14051 Newport Avenue, Suite H, Tustin, CA 92780.
  • Charge by credit card in the bookstore.
  • Donate online through PayPal.

    BAKELESS BAKE SALE


    Thank you in advance for supporting our Bakeless Bake Sale Summer Fund Raising Project and for NOT baking any delicious goodies!

     


  • 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 learn to love and to love well