WHOLEHEARTED LIVING
 A Season of Letting Go

During the month of OCTOBER Reverend Glenda and Reverend Judy will help us explore the energy of autumn; a season of change, a season of falling leaves letting go of summer branches, a season of harvesting the riches of what matters.

They will take us on a journey of discovery, a journey that will help us cultivate the capacity to embrace who we are, our divine selves; and to let go of who we think we're supposed to be or have come to think we are.

"Letting go is the bottom-line key to happiness," states Hugh Prather in The Little Book of Letting Go. Taking a look at what gets in the way of believing in our worthiness and letting go of prejudices, preconceptions, and prejudgments helps us face each moment with openness and enthusiasm.

Learning to let go is essential for spiritual renewal and wholehearted living.

During the month's talks, The Revs will invite us to take a look at the ideas, beliefs, habits and behaviors we're holding on to that prevent us from enjoying life.

Wholehearted living requires us to let go of anything that keeps us from loving ourselves and engage the world from a place of clarity, worthiness and courage.

"Within our human heart we all feel the call to be simple, to be present, to be real." Embracing our imperfections and vulnerability moves us in the direction of claiming our power and living a wholehearted life.

October's talk series is perfect for anyone who is ready to be kind and gentle with themselves as they work to discover who they are.

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:

The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are, by Brene Brown

The Little Book of Letting Go: A Revolutionary 30-Day Program to Cleanse Your Mind, Lift Your Spirit and Replenish Your Soul , by Hugh Prather

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 OCTOBER

October 6: Cultivating Gratitude and Joy ~ Letting Go of Scarcity and Fear of the Dark

October 13: Cultivating Laughter, Song and Dance ~ Letting Go of Being Cool and 'Always in Control"

October 20: Cultivating Authenticity ~ Letting Go of What People Think ~ Teri Wilder, guest vocalist

October 27: Cultivating a Resilient Spirit ~ Letting Go of Numbing and Powerlessness ~ Debbie Voltura, guest vocalist

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

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

2013 Newsletter Archives

 

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

OCTOBER SPECIAL EVENTS

NINTH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION ~ INVITATION EVENT ~ Sunday, October 13

IN-HOME BOOK STUDIES ~ The Gift of Imperfection, by Brene Brown ~ October and November ~ Inquire about locations at info@embracehumanity.com

ANNUAL FALL YARD SALE ~ Saturday, October 19, 7 am to 12 noon (off-site, inquire for details at info@embracehumanity.com)

HALLOWEEN POTLUCK LUNCH ~ Sunday, October 27, 11:30 am

THE GIFT OF IMPERFECTION GROUP DISCUSSION ~ Sunday, October 27, 1 pm in the Sanctuary

CARE PROGRAM

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

FOCUS ON THE ENVIRONMENT

RECYCLE SUNDAY ~ Third Sunday of the Month, October 20

Orange County Farm Bureau Certified Farmers' Markets

WHAT'S NEW?

Historical Exploration in Religion & Spirituality, with Dr. James D. Rietveld ~ Weekly THURSDAYS (drop in class), 7:30 to 9 pm ~ Love Offering

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, October 1 &15, 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, October 8 & 22, 7 to 8:30 pm ~ Love Offering

TED Talks ~ The first Friday of each month, October 4, 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, October 8 & 22, 10 to 11:30 am ~ Love Offering

VENUE EVENTS

35 for Life, with Mick Hall ~ Tuesday, October 1, 7 to 9 pm

Brain Built Spaces: Creative Design That Motivates Your Brain & Lifestyle ~ Mondays, October 7 & 14, 7 to 9 pm ~ $25 per person per class

Recreate You, with Stephanie Guiles ~ Thursday, October 10, 7 to 9 pm ~

The Real Authentic Self Workshop: Values ~ With Luke Benoit ~ Wednesday, October 16, 6:45 to 9 pm ~ $12 per person

Thich Nhat Hanh/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, October 12 & 26, 9:30 am to 12:00 pm ~ $20 per person

Development 2: Advanced students in spiritual and psychic awareness, with Bob Lewis ~ Saturday, October 26, 12:30 am to 3:00 pm ~ $20 per person

Orange County Spiritualist Gathering, with Medium Kathleen Vance ~ Wednesdays, October 9 & 23 ~ 7 to 8:30 pm ~ $10 suggested donation

Drumming for Wellness ~ Saturday, October 19 ~ 11 am to 12:30 pm ~ $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.

 

 MEET ME AT THE HOP
 Ninth Anniversary Celebration


Wow!

It's hard to believe it's been nine years since the founding of Common Ground as spiritual community. Who could have foreseen the awesome growth and important impact of The Revs' courageous decision to answer the call of spirit by taking a leap of faith in grounding the vision and mission that is Common Ground?

Now,with grace and grit, Common Ground has triumphed through it's ninth year as spiritual community. The community has settled into its beautiful new Sanctuary and is realizing a prosperous and expanding opportunity to continue its upward spiral.

The ninth year of success is very auspicious in terms of sacred energy.

Nine is the last of the cardinal numbers and is the most worldly and sophisticated of all numbers. Nine has global consciousness offering compassion to everyone. Nine embraces humanity, lives in the world and understands the connections between all of mankind. It is humanitarian, and sees no real difference between its neighbor next door and the person living in a very different culture and environment on the other side of the world. Nine is the least judgmental of all numbers, the most tolerant and the most conscious.

During its ninth year, Common Ground has been invited to step into the power and sacred energy of its vision of Embracing Humanity and Expressing Divinity.

How awesome is that?

As is tradition, a fun event is being planned to celebrate the community's anniversary.

On Friday, November 8th, the Sanctuary at Common Ground will be transformed into a 50's-style diner complete with black and white checked dance floor.

The theme for this year's party will be "Meet Me at the Hop".

"Really really good" sliders and signature fries will be catered by one of Orange County's finest Gourmet Food Trucks, The Flip Truck. There will be beef, chicken, tuna, vegetarian and gluten-free choices.

'Soda jerks' and Ruby's-style waitresses will take orders and serve food. After dinner, everyone will be invited to go to the 'Soda Fountain' to create a DIY sundae complete with a variety of toppings, nuts, whipped cream, and of course, a cherry on top.

Robert Fields will be rocking the house with 50's-style dance music. Remember the Bunny Hop, the Bop, Swing, and Rock and Roll?

Dust off those blue suede shoes, white sports coats with pink carnations, polka dot dresses and poodle skirts. Join the fun by dressing the part. (or not)

Invitations will be handed out in person at Common Ground on Sunday morning, October 13. Be sure to be there to get yours. Everyone is invited.

 

 COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY
 Covenant Dedication

Common Ground has no membership, however, interested individuals are invited to consider becoming part of Covenant Fellowship, which is a committed relationship between Common Ground spiritual community and someone who expresses a desire to make community part of their spiritual practice and who wants to further the vision and mission of Common Ground.

Covenant Fellowship is similar to membership but is actually a much deeper commitment.

Unlike becoming a member of an organization simply by making application, paying fees and/or stating intention; such as with political parties, churches, social organizations, etc.; Covenant Fellowship with Common Ground carries with it a deep commitment to regularly contribute time, talent, and gifts toward the purpose of the spiritual community.

There are no required beliefs, however, those entering into Covenant Fellowship must be willing to embrace religious humility and acknowledge ecumenism that lets all spiritual traditions speak for themselves.

There is no requirement for tithing. A person's giving consciousness is not monitored.

Anyone who wants to make community an important part of spiritual practice is welcome and invited to participate in activities at Common Ground.

The decision to enter into Covenant Fellowship is a very deep commitment. While everyone is invited to consider Covenant Fellowship, everyone is equally encouraged to prayerfully consider whether or not such a commitment serves their highest personal interest. Only those who are ready to do so are encouraged to make the choice to enter into this covenant.

On Sunday, November 10, at 12 noon, those who are ready to enter into Covenant Fellowship will be honored in a formal dedication ceremony.

Current people who have already made a commitment to Covenant will present the Dedication Ceremony and host a welcome reception for friends and family immediately following the ceremony.

Anyone interested in Covenant may complete a Request Form and forward it directly to The Revs.

More information will be available as the Dedication date nears.

In the meantime, questions can be answered by The Revs, Stacie Buda, Debby Riddick, Sharon Miles, Alys Sullivan, Dianne Maresh, Lynne Pendleton, Bob and Pat Gover, Tom and Denise Blanchard, Marsha McNamara, Mary Anne Vaccaro, Holly Harris, Nancy Berg, Ruth Ann Miller, David Palmer, Peter Crabb, Christine Arrigoni, Kristine Zarate, Tamani Deering, Judy Carroll, Chuck and Judy Doty, Barbara Fukuda, Allison Haynes, Linda Elms, Cally Sofio Malchow, Lillian Nader, Carol Marshall, Donna Young, or Jan Bates.

 

 IN-HOME BOOK STUDIES
 Sharing Ideas

During the months of October and November there will be opportunities to come together in small groups to explore the groundbreaking work of Brene Brown, author, teacher, research professor and speaker.

Small groups will be invited to read and discuss Dr. Brown's book, The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You Are and Embrace Who You Are. The material in the book deals primarily with aspects of vulnerability, courage, worthiness, and shame.

Several people in the Common Ground community will open their homes on various days of the week at specific times, both day and evening, to accommodate weekly book study gatherings.

On the last Sunday of each month, October 27 and November 24, immediately following the potluck lunch events, there will be a 1-hour general gathering in the Sanctuary to engage in a whole-group discussion of the book.

Sign-up sheets are available at Common Ground.

This is a perfect opportunity to get connected in spiritual community and to strengthen bonds of friendship. Everyone is welcome.

 

 FYI
 What's Happening?

Get ready for our December Compassionate Outreach.
Animal shelters take in thousands of dogs, cats, bunnies, and other pets in Orange County each year! Daily feeding, shelter and medical care is provided. In December Common Ground will donate used blankets, towels and other items to support this meaningful cause. Start collecting now. More details to follow.

Common Ground Adventures Hiking Group Resumes in November
Save the date, fourth Sundays of the month from 3 to 5 pm. More information to follow.

Shop at Common Ground.
The GreenLady Boutique & More offers a great way to be a conscious consumer. Start shopping early for the holidays. Most items priced under $20. Designer labels, contemporary styles, and all sizes are available. Look for holiday gift items arriving weekly.

Calling all crafters, bakers and artisans!
Plan to participate in Common Ground's Holiday Boutique on Sunday, December 8. Get ready now. More information soon.

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. And, help Common Ground pay its rent!

 

 PRAYER & MEDITATION
 Do everything with a mind that lets go



Do everything with a mind that lets go.
Do not expect any praise or reward.
If you let go a little, you will have a little peace.
If you let go a lot, you will have a lot of peace.
If you let go completely, you will know complete peace and freedom.
Your struggles with the world
will have come to an end.
insight meditation - achaan chah



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:

Harold Payne, guest musician ~ November 3
Ninth Anniversary Celebration ~ November 8
Covenant Dedication ~ November 10
Thanksgiving Potluck Lunch ~ November 24
Advent ~ December 1

Daniel Nahmod: Music as Message ~ December 1 Holiday Boutique and Open House ~ December 8
Holiday Potluck Lunch ~ December 22
Christmas Eve ~ December 24
New Year's Eve ~ December 31