Originally Blessed!
 

December 26, 2014    
eNewsletter from 
EVOLVE,
the Creation Spirituality ministry of 
The United Church of Christ of Annapolis 
 


 Creation Spirituality,   
"Christianity beyond Convention!"
IN THIS ISSUE
December 28th Sacred Gathering with Evolve
Weekly Food & Goods Collection
Winter Solstice
A Christmas Poem from Joel
December Covenant Dates
Creation Spirituality Communities
New Year's Eve Interfaith Celebration
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
Photo by Dave Miller


December 28, 2014
at 6:00 PM 


  First Sunday
  of 
  Christmas 
 

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 Dove & Tom Good
Greeter/Usher: Dave Miller
Reader/Communion Assistant: Rick Dove & Tom Good
Offering Invitation: Beth Lanier
Community Hour Hosts: Chuck Riley & Wayne Schwandt

We continue our progressive spiritual journey! 

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.  
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Photo by Erine Sedicum

Our "Bonfire" burned brightly last Sunday as we celebrated Winter Solstice.  At the same time there was
a new moon.  And we went caroling
in the neighborhood!

From Twelve Lessons by Kate Spencer,  an Amazon ebook and
paperback, about the Solstice:
     
"This is a super powerful time for us to end cycles, welcome in new beginnings and releasing what no longer serves us.  This is the darkest day and marks the beginning of spring, regrowth, rebirth and a journey into the light.  Ask yourself what you need
to let go of in order to evolve and walk into the light.  What do you want in your new cycle?"   
     

A Christmas poem by Little Sister Joel of Jesus 

 

Joy has something to do with suffering

as the Christmas Crib with the Cross.

Light has something to do with darkness

as being found with being lost.

 

Joy has something to do with tears

as when God wipes them away.

True power has something to do with powerlessness

as the Christ Child in the hay.

 

Joy has something to do with sadness

as forgiveness with hurts.

True importance has something to do with humility

like God's coming to earth.

 

The book of Scriptures and the book of Creation

speak of all these things

and of how joy

has something to do with suffering.

 

Yes, joy has something to do with pain

as when a child is born.

Suffering has something to with blessing

but must be transformed.

 

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) 
        
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 
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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
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 25th, 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. 
 

Visit our website: www.EvolveChesapeake.com