Originally Blessed!
 

December 19, 2014    
eNewsletter from 
EVOLVE,
the Creation Spirituality ministry of 
The United Church of Christ of Annapolis 
 


   Welcome to Creation Spirituality,   
a "Christianity beyond Convention!"
IN THIS ISSUE
December 21st Sacred Gathering with Evolve
Evolve's Sacred Gathering on Christmas Eve
From the Evolve Minister's Keyboard
Quote from Helen Keller
New Year's Eve Interfaith Celebration
Weekly Food & Goods Collection
Creation Spirituality Communities
December Covenant Dates
From Erine
Support Evolve's Ministries
Visit our Website
Our Business Sponsors
Chuck Riley
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:

   

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iGive.com

Check out Evolve Chesapeake's online bookstore at:
CCCS Sphere  
Join our Sacred Gathering on Sundays normally at 6 PM at
8 Carvel Circle
Edgewater, MD 21037
Quick Links
Join Our Mailing List
Via Transformativa 1c
Via Transformativa

December 21, 2014
at 6:00 PM 
   
  Fourth Sunday in Advent
 

"COMING OF THE DIVINE: Transformation" 
 
Reflection by The Rev. Dr. Wayne Schwandt
 
United Church of Christ of Annapolis
8 Carvel Circle,
Edgewater, Maryland, 21037

Gathering Leaders:
Set-up/Put away: Rick Stewart
Greeter/Usher: Sylvia Oliva
Reader/Communion Assistant: John Petrosillo
Offering Invitation: Rick Dove
Community Hour Hosts: Tim Mortimer & John Petrosillo

We continue our progressive spiritual journey! 

 
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Evolve's Christmas Eve Gathering
9:30 PM
"Candlelight Service of Lessons & Carols"
Wednesday, December 24th
 Welcome, Everyone!

From the Evolve Minister's Keyboard
The Rev. Dr. Wayne Schwandt
 
We continue our journey through the Four Paths of Creation Spirituality.   This Sunday we touch on the Via Transformativa:  the Path of justice, shalom, sustainability, healing, inter- ference, peacemaking, relieving suffering, compassion.  

We will gather this Sunday just as Earth is experiencing the winter solstice at 6:03!  We gather on this longest day of darkness and joyfully light our solstice bonfire with our hopes, joys, and dreams. We celebrate the renewed coming of the Light.

At 7 PM we will gather with neighbors from the Wilelinor Community and others from UCCA to sing Christmas carols along the streets of the neighbor- hood.  After 45 minutes or so, we'll return to Caton Hall to share our Community Hour.

Wednesday evening we will come together for our Christmas Eve Gathering at 9:30 PM for traditional and not-so-traditional telling of the birth of Jesus. We'll celebrate our hope that "LOVE IS BURSTING OUT ALL OVER!" with festive carols and music. 

While we await the rebirth of love in this world, let us make the work of our hands, feet, hearts and minds, the work of love.  We cannot wait for others to do the work -- it is ours to do in this season and always -- with the help of the Divine who dwells within and around us.

"Been traveling for days .. been traveling for years. 
. . . home is where the heart is."  

Come experience transformation through the Divine in our Sacred Gathering this Sunday evening at 6 PM.

Peace, Wayne

 

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I believe that God is in me 
   as the sun is in the colour
   and fragrance of a flower
   - the Light in my darkness,
   the Voice in my Silence.

- Helen Keller, thanks to 
Liz Stewart
 

THE 6th ANNUAL ANNAPOLIS NEW YEAR'S EVE INTERFAITH CELEBRATION
December 31, 2014

        Musical offerings at 6:30 p.m.
        Program at 7 p.m.

  Eastport United Methodist Church
          926 Bay Ridge Avenue, Annapolis
          410-263-5490
 A unique way to end the old year and celebrate the new!
        Prayers and readings led by members of participating
        faith groups, local agencies and area organizations.

        Sponsored by the Greater Annapolis Interfaith Network
 
Weekly Food/Goods Collection 
Help those in need by donating pantry staples (tinned meat and fish, boxed pasta products, infant formula, etc.) as well as personal care products such as laundry detergent, toilet paper, disposable razors, bath/shower soap, dish soap, deodorant, toothpaste, and feminine hygiene products. Bring your donation to our Community Table on Sunday and it will be delivered to the Food Bank.  NOTE:  At this time the greatest need is for food.  
CSC banner
Creation Spirituality Communities
is a network of communities ranging from intentional groups to alternative churches, which are grounded in the tenents of Creation Spirituality and revere the sacredness of all creation. Through study, ritual, celebration and action, these communities support justice, compassion, transforma- tion and sustainability for the Universe and for all living beings.  It is both tradition and movement, celebrated by mystics and agents of social change from every age and culture. 
To join our online community, Chesapeake Creation Spirituality Community, click on: http://originalblessing.ning.com 
December  Covenant Dates
Birthdays, Anniversaries, Covenant Dates
Dec.  11  Matthew Briggs Birthday
Dec.  13  Joshua Braelon Lekberg Birthday (2010)
Dec.  13  Lauren and Tony Slead Wedding (2003) 
Dec.  17  Roshi Chatlani Birthday  
Dec.  29  In Honor of Barry H. Cornwall (2002)
Dec.  31  Cynthia Brister Death (2004) 
Dec.  31  Meta Ann Snyder Birthday (d. 1998)  
   
From Erine
Erine Sedicum
I was sitting in Annapolis Mall yesterday people-watching.  I love people-watching, as people are more than just fashion but also attitude.  The feeling I was seeing was exhaustion.  People just seemed almost empty like going through the moments.  I enjoyed the moments when I could just sit and do nothing intelligent.  I sat there a good hour or so enjoying my strawberry lemonade and pretzel bites, writing.  I believe I said no more than 20 to 30 words to anyone, but silence was golden and it was nice to be invisible. 

As I left the mall, I realized that my mind was clear and I could almost see through the countless faces.   It is possible to see inside your world when it is crowded, but don't stay too long or else.  Here is what I got:  Give Presence, Not Presents.  It was something I already knew...I believe we just forgot as marketing doesn't see the heart.  Where are you Christmas?  Presence, Not Presents!!!
Fundraising for Evolve's Ministry 

 Holiday Shopping can Benefit Evolve    

Now is the moment for maximum help for Evolve Chesapeake.  That's why  iGive is donating Evolve Chesapeake an extra $5 for every new member that tries the iGive Button, even if they don't end up shopping.  Here's the special link you must use: http://iGive.com/welcome/warmwelcome.cfm?c=37903&m=840133.
Remember, iGive is totally free! 
 
It automatically makes sure that a portion of your purchases at over 1,500 stores means a free donation to the cause of your choice.  Shopping = Giving year 'round.  The Button makes sure every purchase counts, even if you forget.  Use an iPad or Android device?  It's very easy to help - just visit iGive.com and start your shopping there - or download the app.

Click here for more information about iGive. 

 
As of December 19th, Evolve Chesapeake has earned $1,708.58 through iGive.              
Check out the books and photo cards. 
On 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.   Rick's 5 x 7 photo cards are $3 and his matted photographs are $10.
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 Sacred Gathering with you.

Thanks to all who are reading our newsletter and all who send contributions that liven it up!  Send your poems, articles, photographs, news, announcements, etc. to: EvolveSylvia@gmail.com by Thursday night.  Your ideas on how we can improve Originally Blessed!! are also very welcome. 
 
An Altar - by Denise Linn    

Visit our website: www.EvolveChesapeake.com