Originally Blessed!

an original blessing community


  April 24, 2014    
  eNewsletter from
  EVOLVEChesapeake

 

    Chesapeake Creation Spirituality Community   

 

 "Sharing a common dream 

of surrendering to this creative impulse 
to bring forth the future our hearts know is possible."
 
IN THIS ISSUE
April 27th Sacred Gathering
From the Pastor's Keyboard
Spring Community Meeting
Food Bank
Registration for Creation Spirituality Gathering in Pittsburgh
Theology of Listening
The Ospreys are Back!
Peace & Justice Conference
"Rabbi Jesus" Book Group
Try the $5 iGive Challenge
From Erine
More Ways to Support our Ministry
LGBT Wedding Expo
April Covenant Dates
Creation Spirituality Communities
Find Us on Facebook
Our Business Sponsors
Chuck Riley
Chuck makes a donation  to Evolve Chesapeake from every commission received through our community!  For your real estate needs in Maryland, the District of Columbia, Virginia, or across the country contact:

   

 iGive Logo

iGive.com

Check out Evolve Chesapeake's online bookstore at:
CCCS Sphere  
Join our Sacred Gathering on Sundays normally at 6 PM at the Annapolis Friends Meeting House, 351 Dubois Road, Annapolis, MD 21401. Click here for directions. 
Quick Links
Join Our Mailing List

 APRIL 27, 2014
 
6th Sunday on the Path of Transformation:  
justice * shalom * return * sustainability * healing
 relieving suffering * compassion * Interference
peacemaking 

Sacred Gathering at 6 PM
at
 Annapolis Friends Meeting House 
351 Dubois Road, Annapolis, MD 
 
"What's the Body Got to Do with It?"
Reflection by the Rev. Dr. Wayne Schwandt
  
Gathering Leaders:
Set-up/Put-away: Rick Stewart
Greeter/Usher: Dave Miller
Reader/Communion Assistant: Beth Lanier and Rick Stewart Offering Invitation: Suzie Robertson
Community Hour Host: Suzie Robertson

From the Pastor's Keyboard
The Rev. Dr. Wayne Schwandt

"How do you experience the Divine?"
 
Dave Miller reminded me at the last board meeting that we asked that question on our community retreat at Greenwell State Park back in March 2013.  Silence, relationship, love, body prayer, being alone, walking meditation, gardening, painting, photography, and nature I can imagine were and are the answers that would arise from our community.
 
It is the essential question, I think, as I seek to lead this community into reflection on how we are doing and what is our vision for our community.  Dare I name that our energy seems to be at low ebb? Maybe it's still the remnant of a winter that stayed way too long -- or maybe we continue in our time of being tired.  Or maybe we are bored.  Or maybe we don't care any more about what happens to Evolve Chesapeake.
 
If you care about the future of Evolve Chesapeake, please put the Community (Congregational) meeting on your calendars for May 18 from 4:30 to 5:30 PM in the Large Classroom at the Annapolis Friends Meetinghouse.  The Pastor's Report will have some hard observations about where we are and some aggressive proposals about our next steps. I am willing to throw out what is not working for our community and to remake it into something that works not only for the current Companions but for those who will come join with us. 
 
What is it we shall become as a Community which experiences the Divine at its center core?  What would you do differently?  With our sacred gatherings? With our outreach program? With our service in the world?  I will cast a vision at the community meeting, but then I hope we will sit as a circle of wisdom and share as deeply and honestly as we are able about our future together. 
 
In love and peace, Wayne
spring-word-flowers.jpg  
   Spring Community (Congregational) Meeting     
MAY 18, 2014
4:30 pm to 5:30 pm
in the large classroom at the Annapolis Friends Meetinghouse 
 
Please come to hear the bi-annual reports and participate in the discussions.  Be present and voice your needs and desires to help guide our community's journey forward through this year and into the future.
   
Evolve Chesapeake will elect two members to the Board of Directors.  Would you be willing to serve?  A copy of the Questionnaire for Prospective Board of Directors can be obtained by clicking here.

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Please help the food bank if you can, by bringing along a food staple or personal care product such as soap, toothpaste, laundry detergent, etc. when you come to Sacred Gathering. It is always appreciated.

REGISTER NOW FOR A CREATION SPIRITUALITY GATHERING IN PITTSBURGH THIS SUMMER

 

Renew your friendships! Refresh your vision! re-Source! your CS Community! Gift your wisdom and skills to the Creation Spirituality movement! On June 20-22, 2014, the Creation Spirituality community will gather at First United Methodist Church of Pittsburgh for a time of spiritual renewal for ourselves and our communities. We will deepen our spiritual practices, body prayers, meditative art forms, ritual leadership, and spiritual wisdom to connect more deeply to Source and to enliven our compassionate action in the world.  Visit the  re-Source! website for information and to register.  

A word about the theology of listening in community 

From On Being in Krista Tippett's interview with Dave Isay, the founder of StoryCorps. The following was quoted from Dietrich Bonhoeffer's book, Life Together. 

"The first service that one owes to others in the fellowship consists in listening to them. Just as love to God begins with listening to His word, so the beginning of love for the brethren is learning to listen to them. It is God's love for us that He not only gives us His word, but also lends us His ear." .... "Christians .... so often think they must always contribute something, when they're in the company of others, that this is the one service they have to render. They forget that listening can be a greater service than speaking. Many people are looking for an ear that will listen. He who can no longer listen to his brother will soon be no longer listening to God either. This is the beginning of the death of the spiritual life."  Click here for more.

"The soul is contained in the human voice."  ~ Borges  
The Ospreys are Back!  osprey
Tom and Audrey are back on the Chesapeake Bay after wintering in South America.  They've built a new nest and laid two eggs.  You can follow them on the osprey camera and watch the eggs hatch and learn more about these beautiful birds.  Click here for the osprey-cam installed by the Chesapeake Conservancy. 

Peace and Justice Conference

April 25 and 26 

    The 29th Annual Peace, Justice, & Environment Conference, "Peace and Justice through the Generations: Passing the Torch for a Better World," will be held Friday, April 25th at St. Philips Episcopal Church in Annapolis and Saturday, April 26th at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis. 

   Sponsored by Maryland United for Peace and Justice/Institute for Positive Action, the program will examine how different generations can work together to create a more peaceful, just and environmentally secure world.

   Paul Chappell, Nuclear Age Peace Foundation, will speak on "The Art of Waging Peace" for the Friday evening program." A potluck dinner will begin at 6:30, with the speaker at 7:30.                                                                                            

   The Saturday program, from 8:35 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., will feature talks by Kristi Casteel on "I Refuse:  Joshua Casteel's Journey from West Point Cadet to Conscientious Objector and Peacemaker;" Kathleen McClellan and W. Kirk Wiebe on "The Criminalization of Whistle-Blowing;" and Senator Jamie Raskin, giving a Maryland General Assembly session wrap-up. Three workshop sessions will allow registrants to choose among a variety of peace and justice topics.   For a complete list, see MUPJ.org.   

   The Key School is one of three youth programs that will be awarded an annual Benjamin Peace Award.  They are honored for supporting the Teaching Peace Initiative.  

   To register, or to reserve a table to distribute or sell literature or other materials, download a registration form from MUPJ.org or contact Paulette Hammond at 443-418-5479.  Please RSVP by April 20th so organizers can order enough food.  Registration includes a continental breakfast and lunch with a vegetarian option.   

   Before April 20, the registration fee is $30 for individuals, with reductions for families, retired people, and students.  For details, see mupj.org or contact Paulette Hammond at 443-418-5479.  Scholarships are available.   

   Lunch will be catered by Lighthouse Caterers.   Entertainment will be by Max Ochs, who will offer a tribute to Pete Seeger.

 

Next Book Group Meeting Sunday, May 11th
This will be our third meeting with "Rabbi Jesus."  Join us at Annapolis Friends Meeting House from 4:00 to 5:30 PM.  We will continue our discussion of Chapters 5 through 8.  It is especially interesting as some members of the United Church of Christ of Annapolis, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis and Annapolis Friends Meeting have joined the book group. Contact Pastor Wayne if you need more information at (410) 353-5534 or SchwandtW@aol.com.

Before May Rolls 'Round,Try the April $5.00

iGive Challenge            

If iGive gets at least 1,000 new members a day during the month of April, it will donate $5 to Evolve Chesapeake for each new member that joins that month in support of Evolve Chesapeake.

In their best months, iGive gets 1,000 to 1,500 people joining each day.  So tell your friends about this good deal and we can meet the Challenge. There are over 1,400 participating stores and the average shopper raises $30 - $100 a year for their cause.  New members can sign up to support any cause, including our community, of course.  Joining is absolutely free and no purchase is necessary.  New members are only required to try the iGive button anytime before July 15th. 

   
If you have any questions, contact iGive at http://support.iGive.com. 

Why not share this with your friends!

Evolve Chesapeake has earned $1,632.55 thru iGive as of 4-24-2014.  

From Erine
 
  There are moments when we are like trees
  and things take over
  leaving us feeling falling into somewhere
  But sometimes there is the sunrise
  and it comes from within
  if we trust that the decision we make
  we understand the risk...


More Ways to Support our Ministry  
Check out our Welcome Table in the lobby. There are books for sale by Bruce Chilton, Matthew Fox, John Shelby Spong, Marcus Borg, and others.  You'll also find Rick Dove's large selection of nature photography:  5x7 photocards @$3 and matted photographs @$10.  Buying these will help support Evolve Chesapeake's ministry.  
 
And remember, your used cell phones and empty ink jet and toner cartridges can also help fund our ministry.  These items fit nicely in the offering basket along with remembrance of time and talent you have offered to our ministries and your financial gifts.  Bring them to Gathering with you.  
 'SAME LOVE, SAME RIGHTS' LGBT WEDDING EXPO      
Sunday May 4th, 2014 from 12:30 to 3:30 PM         

     Crowne Plaza Rockville, 3 Research Ct, Rockville,MD

You & your partner are invited to the 'Same Love, Same Rights' LGBT Wedding Expo in Rockville on Sunday, May 4th! Dozens of gay-friendly exhibitors will participate, eager to help you and your fiancee plan the ceremony of your dreams!  Photographers, DJs, Officiants, Wedding Planners, Venues, Jewelers, Invitations & more...  FREE Raffle Giveaways, LGBT Plan-   ning Tips & Trends!  FREE TO ATTEND - Couples, singles, and allies interested in marriage rights are all invited.  RSVP through www.SameLoveSameRights.com.
Rainbow Wedding Network, PO Box 2434, Weaverville, NC 28787; phone 828-645-8750    
April Covenant Dates
Birthdays, Anniversaries, Covenant Days  

April   2  Tony Teano Birthday
April   3  The Rev. Kathy Baker Birthday
April   6  Robert Brian Eathorne Death (2013)
April   9  George H. Kresslein, Sr. Birthday (d. 1997)
April 19  Esther Elizabeth Grosperrin Birthday (d. 1999)
April 19  Edward Lardizabal Birthday
April 20  Caroline Gaulke and Debbie Smith Holy Union (2002)
April 22  Daniel Teitjen Schellhorn Death (2008)
April 24  Roy D. Woods Death (2005)
April 26  André Hill Birthday
April 26  Zybia (Cy) Hosley Birthday (d. 2013)
April 26  Zybia (Cy) Hosley Ninetieth Birthday (2010)
April 26  Ralph Ferrante Death (2003)     

You can become an individual member of Creation Spirituality Communities or sign up  as a participant in the online CSC logo smallcommunity for free. Join our online community, Chesapeake Creation Spirituality Community and take part in the discussion.  You can get more information and/or sign up by clicking on the following link: http://originalblessing.ning.com.  NOTE: This website is well worth checking out, with its interesting videos of Matthew Fox and others on different facets of Creation Spirituality.  You'll also find news of upcoming conferences and much more.
Thank you to all who read this newsletter and to all who send contributions that liven it up!  Please send your poems, articles, news, photographs, announcements, etc. to:  EvolveSylvia@gmail.com.  And we would love to know how we can improve our newsletter. 


When you do things from your soul,
you feel a river moving in you,
a joy.
Jalaluddin Rumi

Find us on Facebook 

If you have a profile on Facebook, become a fan of CCSC (Evolve Chesapeake) 
by clicking here.  Upload pictures, start a discussion, invite friends.
 
Visit our website: www.EvolveChesapeake.com
  and other great websites under Quick Links in the top left column. 
And join us in Sacred Gathering this Sunday.