common ground
September 2013 Newsletter - Volume 9, Issue 9 
 September Newsletter
 Embracing Humanity & Expressing Divinity
In This Issue
Quick Links

Please Like Us On Facebook

 THE COMPASSIONATE LIFE
 The Soul of Kindness

autumn spiral During the month of SEPTEMBER Reverend Glenda and Reverend Judy will take us on a journey of discovery that reveals an ancient secret: "To attain your own human potential, be mindful of everyone else's."

They will help us cultivate the capacity to bring loving-kindness and compassion into each situation in which we find ourselves. We will be invited to embrace the idea that we can't 'fix' one another's lives, but we can give one another support ~ from tender care to temporary fulfillment of basic human needs.

Sunday messages will help us see that the compassionate life begins with ourselves; what we have to give is who we are; when we are kind and forgiving towards ourselves, we are better able to be loving toward others.

Please join us each Sunday for this important series of talks. Explore possibilities for acting with love, care, generosity, and compassion toward those with whom we are familiar and those who are calling from a distance.

Common Ground is an open accepting spiritual community where everyone is welcome.

Please join us for inspirational messages at Common Ground each Sunday at 10:30 am.


Resources include:
  • Compassion in Action, by Ram Dass & Mirabai Bush
  • Field Notes on the Compassionate Life, by Marc Ian Barasch
  • Invisible Acts of Power, by Caroline Myss
  • Start Where You Are: A Guide to Compassionate Living, by Pema Chodron

    These titles are available in our shop. (Quantities Limited)


    Sunday Morning Inspiration Weekly:
    10:30 am


    Care available during Sunday Inspiration for infants through 5th grade

    Talk titles for SEPTEMBER

  • September 1: Start Small, Daniel Nahmod, Music as Message
  • September 8: Putting Ourselves in Someone Else's Shoes
  • September 15: The Courage to Act, Teri Wilder, guest vocalist
  • September 22: Survival of the Kindest ~ Adelia Sandoval, Guest Speaker
  • September 29: Seeing Deeply, Jennifer Hart, guest vocalist

    Watch Recent Talks On Video
    Subscribe Today!

    Robert Fields:Appearing Sundays in August




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


    2013 Newsletter Archives

     


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

    SEPTEMBER SPECIAL EVENTS

  • DANIEL NAHMOD: MUSIC AS MESSAGE ~ SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 10:30 AM

  • TEACH & MEET AT COMMON GROUND ~ FACILITATORS' PREVIEW OPEN HOUSE ~ TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 5 TO 8 PM

    INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE EVENT: FOOTPRINTS AROUND THE WORLD 4 PEACE ~ SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 10 AM TO 2 PM

    ADELIA SANDOVAL, GUEST SPEAKER ~ SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 10:30 AM

  • AUTUMN EQUINOX POTLUCK LUNCH ~ SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 11:30 AM

    CARE PROGRAM
  • Ages infant thru 5th grade ~ Sundays, 10:30 to 11:30 am

    OUTREACH
  • Compassion Games: Survival of the Kindest ~ September 11 through September 21
  • Move Your Compassion Can: Food Collection Project for the Hungry ~ September 1 through September 21
  • Cold Weather Clothing Project for the Homeless ~ Saturday, September 14,
  • Peanut Butter Brigade Project for the Homeless ~ Sunday, September 15

    FOCUS ON THE ENVIRONMENT
  • RECYCLE SUNDAY ~ Third Sunday of the Month, September 15
  • Orange County Farm Bureau Certified Farmers' Markets

    WHAT'S NEW?
  • Restorative Yoga Class ~ Every Tuesday and Thursday beginning September 3, 2 to 3 pm
  • TED Talks Resume ~ The first Friday of each month beginning Friday, September 6, 7 to 8:30 pm

    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, September 3 & 17, 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, September 10 & 24, 7 to 8:30 pm ~ Love Offering
  • YOUNG ADULTS' 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, September 10 & 24, 10 to 11:30 am ~ Love Offering

    VENUE EVENTS
  • Adyashanti/Tao Te Ching Study & Meditation Group, facilitate by Rev. Craig Phillips ~ Weekly, Wednesdays, 7:30 to 9 pm ~ $5 suggested (no one refused)
  • Development 1: Developing your spiritual path & intuition, with Bob Lewis ~ Saturday, September 14 & 28, 9:30 am to 12:00 pm ~ $20 per person
  • Development 2: Advanced students in spiritual and psychic awareness, with Bob Lewis ~ Saturday, September 14, 12:30 am to 3:00 pm ~ $20 per person
  • Orange County Spiritualist Gathering, with Medium Kathleen Vance ~ Wednesdays, September 11 & 25 ~ 7 to 8:30 pm ~ $10 suggested donation
  • Grief, Loss and Healing: A Bereavement Circle, with Nancy Hovatter ~ Thursday, September 19 ~ 7 to 9 pm ~ $35 per person
  • Drumming for Wellness, with Jamie Jones ~ Saturday, September 21 ~ 11 to 11:45 am ~ $10 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.


     


  •  ACCOUNTING OF THE SOUL
     A Daily Practice of Compassion

    compassion In his book, Open Secrets, Rabbi Rami Shapiro says the process of inquiring after the attribute of compassion is called an accounting of the soul.

    "Each evening before going to sleep ask yourself, for example: just how compassionate am I?"

    "Review situations during the day when you acted with compassion and times when you did not. Can you see why you were compassionate in one instance and not in another?"

    "Pay attention and become aware when compassion is present or when it should be called upon. Work honestly with yourself to identify compassion and when to use it. You will know when you are doing it right because you will sense a bond, a union, between you and the person you are engaging."

    "This is tikkun, the repairing of your seemingly separate self in the greater unity of God."


     


     GENTLE RESTORATIVE YOGA CLASS
     Start Where You Are

    relax Common Ground is pleased to introduce a new class and a new instructor.

    Gentle Restorative Yoga, instructed by Renee Schwan, will be added to our current Body/Mind/Spirit line-up of classes.

    This yoga modality is designed to help open the body and let go of life's stress through gentle movement and stretching followed by a series of restorative poses using the support of pillows and blankets to relax the nervous system, release chronic tension and find deep relaxation.

    The class will be offered twice weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Class size will be limited to eight participants to enable excellent quality of individualized instruction.

    This type of yoga offers a slow, gentle practice to open and awaken the body and mind. There will be work on deepening the breath, mental clarity and overall balance.

    This class is appropriate for all levels; beginners to well-practiced yogis.


    What to bring:
  • a mat (extra mats will be available)
  • one or two blankets
  • water (optional)
  • towel (optional)

    What to wear:
    comfortable clothes that provide for easy stretching and movement.


    About Renee:
    Renee Schwan first discovered yoga 10 years ago in a library book. She began photo copying pages of asanas to take home to practice. Her desire to learn more about yoga grew and she decided to find a local studio.

    She was amazed at how she felt after her first instructor-led class. That's when she realized there was a lot more to yoga than just yoga postures. The sense of calm that this practice gave her prompted her to start attending several classes a week.

    Yoga became more than a physical practice for her. It evolved into a spiritual practice of balance and peace of mind to which she is now committed as a lifelong student of yoga.

    As she grew in her practice it became clear she had a passion to share the joy she found in yoga with others. She went on to complete a 200-hour yoga teacher training and is thankful everyday for the opportunity to teach and be taught the many gifts of yoga.

    Guided by the belief that yoga can be for everyone, Renee's goal is to help facilitate a moving meditation throughout each asana practice. Yogis of all levels can enjoy Renee's classes centered on breath and alignment.

    She hopes to hold a space free from self judgment or expectation.


    Yoga Rates

    $10 per class
    (Get acquainted rates through the end of 2013)

    Private Classes:
    We can create a private class for you or your group to suit your time and needs Ask us for details


     


  •  TEACH AND MEET
     Facilitators' Preview Open House

    welcome Conveniently situated in central Orange County off both the 5 Freeway and the 55 Freeway at the Fourth Street exit, Common Ground's new facility in Santa Ana is rapidly becoming a preferred location for teachers, presenters, facilitators and healers to offer their work.

    A variety of well appointed classrooms, healing rooms, session rooms, casual meeting areas, a large sanctuary, rooms for webinars, and many amenities are available.


    To explain what is offered and to acquaint anyone who is interested in exploring the possibility of renting space at Common Ground, there will be a Facilitators' Preview Open House event on Tuesday evening, September 3, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

    Reverend Glenda, Reverend Judy and staff will be available to answer questions and show people around.

    Attractive introductory rates starting at $20 per hour are in effect through the end of 2013. Rooms are available on a one-time or on-going basis. Price breaks may be negotiated for frequent bookings.

    Mark your calendar today. Plan to join us. Invite friends and associates who may also be interested in renting space. Everyone is welcome.


     


     FYI
     Matters of Importance

  • Shop at Common Ground.. The GreenLady Boutique & More offers a great way to be a conscious consumer. Fall Items and New Merchandise Arriving Daily. Check it out!

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

  • Recycle plastic and aluminum. Please bring your recyclables on the third Sunday of each month. Help create a sustainable planet.

  • Thank you for contributing to the vision and mission of Common Ground. We are solely supported by your donations. .


     


  •  PRAYER & MEDITATION
     Prayer of Compassion

    prayer Lord, open our eyes
    that we may see you in our brothers and sisters.
    Lord, open our ears
    that we may hear the cries of the hungry,
    the cold, the frightened, the oppressed.
    Lord, open our hearts
    that we may love each other as you love us.
    Renew in us your spirit.
    Lord, free us and make us one.

    Amen

    Mother Teresa




    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 judy@embracehumanity.com 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:

    Debbie Voltura, guest vocalist ~ October 27
    Harold Payne, guest musician ~ November 3
    Halloween Potluck Lunch
    Ninth Anniversary Celebration
    Thanksgiving Potluck Lunch
    Advent
    Holiday Boutique
    Holiday Potluck Lunch
    Christmas Eve
    New Year's Eve


     


     ADELIA SANDOVAL
     Living Compassion

    adelia sandoval In celebration of this month's theme, The Compassionate Life, Common Ground is honored to share the Sunday platform on September 22nd with Reverend Adelia Sandoval, cultural director for the Acjachemen Nation, the indigenous people of Orange County, California.

    Reverend Adelia is on the Advisory Council for SARAH, works with a worldwide peace organization, conducts Saturday services, and is a hospital spiritual aide. She is a descendant of and deeply involved with the local tribe of those who built the old stone church at the San Juan Capistrano mission. Her tribal name is Juaneno Band of Mission Indians/Acjachemen.

    Her ministry is called Song of the Earth, a Native American Healing service in an outdoor sanctuary.

    "A very basic premise of our traditions and teachings is that all life is sacred. But the most important thing to get is, if all life is sacred, then so am I."

    Reverend Adelia represents North America and participates in an organization called the United Religions Initiative, a global organization that is made up of individual groups called cooperation circles.

    She is deeply aware of global issues and keeps informed of the cooperation circles' work all over the globe.

    Currently, in the Middle East there are cooperation circles in Egypt, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Lebanon and United Arab Emirates where the work is done on a grassroots level by both adults and youths.


    Reverend Adelia is an awesome example of how living the compassionate life creates a better world for everyone and at the same time brings meaning and significance to one's own walk in the world.

    She says: "My life is wonderful ... I love the work I do. I love people and I love this Earth. I have a deep faith and know that service is the key to happiness."


    This is a 'don't-miss' Sunday at Common Ground.

     


     COMPASSION AND PEACE
     Kindness in Action

    peace compassion September at Common Ground will begin the fall season with compassionate outreach and focus on peace.

    In collaboration with and support of SARAH and Compassionate Action Network International, various activities and events will take place throughout the month.

    A vigorous program of collecting non-perishable food items to support "Move Your Compassion Can" is already underway. Two of the four huge barrels provided by Second Harvest Food Bank have already been filled to overflowing. The food collection project will run until September 21st.

    On Saturday, September 14th, cold weather clothing will be collected and sorted for distribution to the homeless population in the local area. Distribution will take place the following day, Sunday, September 15.

    An assembly line of sandwich makers and lunch packers will take place in the kitchen at Common Ground on Sunday, September 15th, beginning at 1 pm. After the bagged meals are prepared, a Peanut Butter Brigade will take them to a local area frequented by folks without permanent homes. The nutritious snacks and cold weather clothing will be made available for anyone who is in need.

    Anyone wishing to serve is invited to participate in this meaningful outreach.


    Paying attention to intentional random acts of kindness will be encouraged throughout the month.

    Everyone is invited to be mindful of ways to show kindness and compassion and keep a tally of their random acts.

    The idea of tallying kindness may sound silly, but setting an intention to help create a more compassionate and kinder planet is a BIG spiritual practice. The energy of the intention itself will create change.

    Plus, the idea is fostered by the Compassion Games concept that will put Common Ground on the Compassion Map for the current Compassion Games 2013 ~ Survival of the Kindest program.

    Tally sheets are available at Common Ground. Results will be reported to the Compassion Games on an anonymous basis.


    And then, on Saturday, September 21st, Common Ground will sponsor and host an event in support of International Day of Peace, Footsteps Around the World 4 Peace.

    Participants are invited to gather at Common Ground at 10 am in preparation for departure on the walk at 10:30 am. The walk will be an easy stroll through local neighborhoods. Those making the walk are encouraged to create and carry signs featuring ideas of compassion and peace.

    Those who are unable to make the one-mile walk are invited to sit in contemplation in the Sanctuary at Common Ground.

    Upon return from the walk, a peace bell will be rung at precisely 12 noon in coordination with peace bells all over the world. There will then be a time of peace prayers and music in the Sanctuary followed by a tasty international potluck buffet lunch.

    Everyone is invited to bring a table-ready dish to share.


    Focusing on compassion and kindness is good for everyone.

     


    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 bring loving-kindness and compassion into each situation in which you find yourself