Evolve Sacred Gathering

May 10, 2015 at 6 p.m.

8th Sunday on the Path of Transformation
and 1st Sunday after the Death of our Beloved Visionary-Founder and Pastor,
the Rev. Dr. Wayne E. Schwandt

United Church of Christ of Annapolis

8 Carvel Circle

Edgewater, Maryland 21037

Gathering Leaders:

Suzie Robertson
Set-up/Put-Away: Rick Stewart
Greeter/Usher: Dave Miller

Reader/Communion Assistant: Sylvia Oliva
Community Hour Hosts: John Petrosillo and Tim Mortimore

Our Beloved Pastor and Brother, Wayne Schwandt

October 19, 1949 - May 5, 2015

Suzie Robertson Speaks to Us Today

Our world has turned upside down, cracked open, turned inside out with the death of our pastor/mentor/friend, Rev. Dr. Wayne Schwandt. Truthfully, I am crying while I write this note to all of you. My tears are for Wayne, for his spouse Chuck Riley, for the beloved members and friends of the Evolve community, for the loss to the wider community in which Wayne was so involved with and in, and for myself. The path of Letting Go is not easy. I do find that during this tearful time I am traveling the three other paths of Creation Spirituality: Awe and Wonder, Creativity, and Transformation. The loud chorus of toad song on Wednesday evening, the literal and figurative seed planting, as well as the healing and compassion that cry out to me are all present. I invite you to explore the presence of the four paths God/the Divine call us to not only in good times but in times of sorrow as well. Join us at Evolve's sacred gathering this Sunday as we celebrate our experiences of the Divine in our lives.

"Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature--the assurance that dawn comes after night and spring after winter."

- Rachel Carson in Silent Spring

Wayne's Amaryllis. He shared bulbs with all the Companions.

"Amaryllis" is Latin for "name of a shepherdess."

Evolve Committee Meeting

On Tuesday, May 12

at 6 PM in the Church
office. All are welcome.

Please send articles, poems, news, photos, announcements, petitions, pictures, cartoons, and whatever else you might like to see in our newsletter to EvolveSylvia@gmail.com

by Thursday night. Thank you for reading Originally Blessed!!

Matthew Fox

A Letter to us from Matthew Fox

Dear Friends,

Like the rest of you I am deeply saddened by the sudden death of our friend and colleague, Wayne. He was a big man with a big heart and a big embrace of others. I liked how he learned to question and live on the edge of various church entities, not throwing stones but always trying to create anew--and this because he was always growing. My understanding is that he was working most recently with the UCC to reinvent his church.

In class he was a very thoughtful contributor. I remember especially my last class teaching at Wisdom University, it was a class on John of the Cross and Hildegard as I recall, and he made plenty of contributions both during and between class hours. I always felt that he both did the reading AND thought things through with a practical bent of How to apply this in my work as a pastor? The last time I was with him was at Susan Evan's home a year or so ago (?) where a number of people gathered to discuss the future of the D Min program; I was pleased that he brought his partner Chuck with him and as usual he made many thoughtful contributions. (He also sang heartily and in good tune, he had a great singing voice.)

I certainly extend my thoughts and prayers to Chuck at this heartfelt loss. The suddenness of his departure hurts of course but on the other hand one can say that it beats a long, drawn out or painful death for sure. Wayne was often full of surprises and his exit is only the most recent.

He was a very generous contributor to the work of Creation Spirituality both from his work on and with the board of CSC [Creation Spirituality Communities] and other causes that he pursued. I was pleased to be invited by him to his church several years ago to participate in the worship service there and to teach some. He will be missed by many. My prayers and thoughts go out to all as we undergo our separation. May he continue to support us and our work in his new status where "life dies but being goes on." (Eckhart)

Blessings to you all,

Matt Fox

NOTE: To see the Obituary, click Obituary. The following three blocks are some reflections from Companions. Many others may be viewed on Evolve's Facebook (link at bottom of newsletter) and by clicking on "Guest Book" when you are viewing the Obituary online.

From Erine Sedicum

As I sit here... I'm trying to form words and I have none. I'm trying to process all this and all I want to do is scream and ask someone to pinch me. It is my hope it isn't real but I know it is. It is my hope that... Tell my heart and my mind... There is no comfort.

Wayne always said, "Life is always changing and who I was before I am not now." So true about life... but Wayne was always - and I don't know how - saying what needed to be said. Life didn't scare him and he was... I'm sorry I can't find the words but the only one that comes to mind is LOVE.

I will miss the warm hugs that melted away so much stuff of everyday life. Peace filled places of anger, pain, and whatever else that came. I could bare my soul and not feel invisible... I thank EVOLVE and Wayne for that. Thanks for helping me through many battles and fires so I can help others.

We are Companions on a Journey and The Dancer Arises as we know we are a strong, loving community because we are a chosen family. Thanks for being Pastor Wayne... in Earth or in Heaven.

From Christina Borgoyn

I didn't know Wayne for very long. I was brought to Evolve Chesapeake by Erine Sedicum and Andre Hill. At the time, I had been searching for a very long time, spiritually. When I first stepped through those doors for Potluck Sunday, I immediately felt right at home. Wayne went out of his way to make me feel welcome. He was so sweet and compassion- ate, almost like a member of my own family, just the sort of the person you wanted around in your life. He was that magnetic.

I've since lost my way again, but Wayne has continued to be that bright shining star, guiding everyone with his radiating warmth. When I heard he had passed away, I was greatly saddened. But God would want us to celebrate his life, the love he emanated, what he did for others around him, including the community. He was such a strong person. He did not die in vain. Remember the good things he stood for.

He is the rose to keep on blooming. Through him, all things are possible.

Do not think for a second you are not loved.

We love you, Wayne.

From Sylvia Oliva

This was Wayne's 65th Easter, and I am deeply grateful he was here to celebrate it with us! The following is just a few of his thoughts I gleaned from his Reflection on that day:

"Jesus' message of transformation and hope, his faith in his God, [was that] the One who had created him - the One whom he knew to be as close as his next breath, the God whom he called 'Abba' - had seen fit to make that spirit of Christ known in the community after the crucifixion and after Jesus' burial."

Mary Magdalene, in the garden, experienced that death was not the end for Jesus, that "God is with us in the midst of all of life!" ... "We are often very much like Mary" in her mystical encounter with God. We too "have come to experience something greater than us"... "because we have been 'wired,' because we listen to our inner being, because we can look at the awe and wonder of creation and be moved to tears." As we say in our Sacred Gatherings, "All Creation sings of wisdom and spirit," - of life, death, and rebirth.

"I celebrate rebirth, resurrection! Do you know why I believe the community knew the risen Christ? Because I know this community has experienced the risen Christ. I've experienced the risen Christ in my life. I know you have experienced the risen Christ in your life. And I know that that ancient, ancient witness was because they, too experienced the risen Christ in their midst. They experienced the risen Christ in each other. In compassion, in rolling away the stones of the tombs of other human beings of aloneness, of poverty, of hatred, of misunderstanding, of neglect of our Mother Earth, of abuse of our Mother Earth, we become Christ to one another.

The Gospel of John says that Jesus' greatest message is: "I have come to bring you life, and that you might have it abundantly"... "Let's think about the ways we might bring more abundant life into this community of the United Church of Christ of Annapolis, and our neighborhood, and our city, and our county, and our state, and our nation, and our world."

"So, my dear sisters and my brothers... I can shout with joy, even at the grave, that Christ is risen! Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! because for me the Universe is a benevolent place, a place of love, a place which seeks to birth justice. And I for one will give my dying breath to celebrate that love, to birth that justice, and to create community. Amen."

X X X

Thank you, Wayne for teaching us by your words and your life how to connect with the Divine within us, among us, and around us. Thank you for your example of inclusive and "wasteful" loving, for showing us it's okay to be human, and for your continuing risen Presence with us now in our community. Peace and joy be with you in God's embrace.

Our Community Table where All are Welcome

NOTE: The following is a repeat article from the previous Newsletter, in case anyone missed it. Wayne shares the events of his last week with us, his vision, and the message we are called to bear of Creator's justice, peace, and joy in the world.

From the Minister's Keyboard, May 5, 2015

The Rev. Dr. Wayne Schwandt

I am on fire!

On Tuesday morning [May 5, 2015] I spoke with a group of Transgender, Bisexual, Gay and Lesbian people from Russia! I was invited by the Anne Arundel County Health Department to participate in this meeting about HIV/AIDS and the LGBT community. I was invited as the facilitator of the Gay & Bisexual Support Group but also because I am a pastor. Speaking through a translator our words inspired each other and our hearts met. "You are our kind of pastor!" the group said at one point! I will share more about this experience and how it helped me touch my core of commitment to the work we do in the world together. [Wayne's Reflection title that Sunday was to be "From Russia with Love".]

I was also fortunate this week to participate in the Third Conversation about Race and Racism with Annapolis area clergy. Our conversation was very poignant given the events in Baltimore this week. I met with a wide diversity of pastoral leaders in Annapolis as we wrestled together with the artifacts of white privilege. It is a difficult but very important topic to be addressed in our communities. I was thankful to have worked on World AIDS Day activities with many of the participants. A colleague and I were able to bring to the conversation concern also about heterosexual privilege in our society and the struggles lesbian and gay people face in the ministry.

We live in exciting and challenging times as we seek to bring the Good News of a Loving Creator to the world. Our vision of a Loving Creator who calls forth justice, peace and joy is one the world needs to hear. The ways in which this message is celebrated is as different as the communities represented by the clergy who participated in this discussion, but we are called to be unified in overcoming the systemic injustice which contributes to frustration, violence, discrimination and death.

Peace, Wayne

- from "Waftings from the Ether"

Creation Spirituality Communities

is a network of communities ranging from intentional groups to alternative churches, which are grounded in the tenants of Creation Spirituality and revere the sacredness of all creation. Through study, ritual, celebration and action, these communities support justice, compassion, transformation 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. Our online community, Chesapeake Creation Spirituality Community, is waiting for you to join: http://originalblessing.ning.com.

Weekly Food/Goods collection at EVOLVE

   Please bring an item of food or laundry detergent, bath soap,
   toothpaste, etc. whenever you are able. Place it near our
   Community Table and Suzie will take it to the food bank. The
   needs of our neighbors are great.

May Covenant Dates

Birthdays, Anniversaries, Covenant Dates

May 4 Adri Eathorne and Kim Hinken Wedding (2013)

May 5 The Rev. Dr. Wayne E. Schwandt Death (2015)

May 5 Adri Eathorne and Kim Hinken Holy Union (2007)

May 6 Linda J. Kahl Death (1998)

May 9 Robert Brian Eathorne Birthday (d. 2013)

May 11 Sean Patrick Riley Birthday (2003)

May 11 Cynthia Brister Birthday (d. 2004)

May 14 Rick Dove and Tom Good Wedding (2011)

GAIN (Greater Annapolis Interfaith Network) PROGRAM

Thursday, May 14 at 7 PM at the Annapolis Friends Meeting House
351 Dubois Road, Annapolis, MD 21401

How Will Climate Change Affect You And Your Family?

Come hear what problems may come to people who have health problems and limited resources. Find out how climate change may affect your family and friends, your neighborhood and your resources. Cindy Etgen from Maryland Department of Natural Resources will speak, along with Dr. Scott Eden, a Medical Consultant. Open discussion will follow the presentation. Free for all; refresh- ments will be provided. For more information or directions contact Liz Vanden Heuvel at 410-267-9009 or click here.

Fundraising for Evolve's Ministry

SHOP OR SEARCH ONLINE WITH THE IGIVE BUTTON.
Join iGive and be a part of the first and largest online network of shoppers, online stores, and worthy causes dedicated to turning online shipping into much-needed donations. iGive is totally free. You can also raise a penny per search at iGive every time you search the web. Try iGive's search engine and you'll see that fundraising for Evolve can be easy and free. Click here for more information about iGive.

As of May 8th we have earned $1,805.89 through iGive.

Photo by Rick Dove

CHECK OUT THE BOOKS, PHOTO CARDS AND COASTERS

On our Welcome Table in Caton Hall 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. Rick is also selling his beautifully crafted tile coasters with nature photographs for $5 each.

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.

... at our very deepest, most private, secret places, all we want is to be loved. That's all we want. And yet it is so difficult. It's about transforming ourselves into being the love that we want to get."

- Pastor Wayne Schwandt

Join us May 24th for Sacred Circle Chant/Dance. All are Welcome!

Step by Step: A Worship Jam
Sacred Circle Dance Tutorial from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0QS9QYu-r8

"Step by step and round and round, carry me to holy ground. Center is calling, Earth still revolving; something lost and something found."

Come join our friendly sacred circle dance / chant group in Caton Hall on Sunday, May 24th at 4 p.m. All are welcome! No experience necessary, as we are all learners. Click on the tutorial for a little sample and to view more tutorials.

Evolve Chesapeake Spring Congregational Meeting

was scheduled for later this month. The Board will advise us
of the date of this meeting as soon as it is able. All Companions
(all regular attendees and friends, regardless of membership status) are welcome to attend; although only Members may
vote, all voices are heard in our community.

All Members are encouraged to be present to share in the business of our community.

- From Evolve's Facebook cover photo

Our Facebook Page

Visit our website: www.EvolveChesapeake.com

Evolve has closed the post office box, so please update your records
to show our address as: 8 Carvel Circle, Edgewater, MD 21037