November 6, 2015 newsletter from 
                  EVOLVE,
          the Creation Spirituality Ministry of 
the United Church of Christ of Annapolis       


If all creation had been whispering the story of its own spirituality 
 for 13.5 billion years... we would call that story 
creation spirituality

Evolve's Sacred Gathering November 8, 2015 at 6 pm

                                                                Photo by Rick Dove                                  
7th Sunday on the
Path of Emptying
 
United Church of Christ of Annapolis
8 Carvel Circle, Edgewater, MD 21037
Phone:  443 485 5979 


Reflection/Communion Celebrant: The Rev. Terry Fitzgerald
'Welcomer' & Navigator:  Suzie Robertson
Set-up/Put-away: Tom Good & Rick Dove
Reader: Sylvia Oliva
Greeter, Bread Provider & Community Hour Host: Dave Miller
   
Continuing our progressive spiritual journey.
The Rev. Dr. Wayne Schwandt
World AIDS Day Tuesday, December 1

This year's program will be at the United Church of Christ of Annapolis, from 6:30 to 9:00 pm.  The theme is "The Art of Healing," and it will be in memory of the Rev. Dr. Wayne Schwandt.  Doors open at 6:30 pm and the program starts at 7:00 pm.  Refreshments following the service.

November Covenant Dates, Birthdays, and Anniversaries 
Nov   3   Chuck Riley and Wayne Schwandt Anniversary (1985)
Nov   9   Beth Lanier Birthday
Nov  11  Yolanda Kresslein Birthday (d. 1999)
Nov  19  Scott Bowling Death (2014)
Nov  22  William E. Riley Death (1999)
Nov  26  Esther J. Hosley Birthday (d. 2006)
    
2 Fall Work Days for UCC Annapolis 
 
The Building and Grounds committee has scheduled official workdays for Saturdays, November 7 and 14 from 8 am-1 pm.  Anyone who can come and work on the prioritized list on one of these days will be assigned a task.  Committee and B&G [Buildings & Grounds Committee] volunteers can work any of these days.  Also, I will be working on the church grounds on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8am-11am and will welcome anyone who can come and assist with various projects on these days as well.

Individual commitments are whatever time you can offer on any day that you can help out.  If you are available on a day other than those above, give me a call at (703) 628-0927 or send e-mail: bill@docglass.com, and I will provide a task for you to work on.

Thank you all for your commitments to UCCA,
Bill Mitchell, Buildings & Grounds Chairperson

A Community of Transformation (ACT) program at
Unity by the Bay Church, 4 Pointless Forest Trail, Annapolis MD
 Sunday, November 8, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm
 
Touching the Spirit Within...through
Dances of Universal Peace
Cathy Palmer and Musicians Stream Ohrstrom & Christa Palmer
 
The Dances of Universal Peace are simple, meditative, joyous, multi-cultural circle dances that use sacred phrases, chants, music and movements from the many spiritual traditions of the earth to touch the spiritual essence within ourselves and recognize it in others. They promote peace and integration within individuals and understanding and connection within groups worldwide. There are no performers or audience: new arrivals and old hands form the circle as everyone chants and moves together.

"Here, then, lies one of the deepest lessons and indeed salvific powers of grace from the death of Jesus: that neither he nor we can be true to the kingdom/queendom of God, that is we cannot live out our vocations as royal persons who awaken others to their royal personhood, without a willingness to let go radically.  To let go even of our fear of death, of our clinging to this life, to the light and the pleasure of the Via Positiva."

- from Original Blessing by Matthew Fox, Path II, p. 166 

The Greening of the Church November 29
We will green our church during the 11:00 a.m. Service on the First Sunday of Advent, which will be November 29th.  Let's do this together and have fun!

Our BEST for you!
Third Thursday Community Meal at UCC Annapolis November 19 

Next dinner is November 19 at 6:30 pm: a delicious meal by the B.E.S.T. catering program of the Light House Shelter. Please RSVP Lisa at office@uccannapolis.org
 or phone  410-266-8596 ext. 200. Suggested donation $15 per person; $6 for the younger ones 16 and under. 

CSC Banner from ning
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.   

Announcement from Charlie:
 
An Afternoon with Chagall at St. John's College

Caritas Society is pleased to present "A Movie and An Author," on Sunday, November 8 at 3 p.m. featuring the movie Chagall and a presentation and book signing by Stanley Meisler, author of Shocking Paris: Soutine, Chagall and the Outsiders of Montparnasse. 

Chagall is a 1963 academy award-winning documentary about the artist voiced by Vincent Price.   Shocking Paris tells the story of the School of Paris, a group of Russian Jewish artists in the 1920's and 30's who became a fixture on the Paris art scene.

The movie and book discussion will be held at the St. Johns College Francis Scott Key Auditorium and guests will be able to visit the companion exhibit of Chagall's etchings next door at the Mitchell Gallery.
 
Doors open at 2 p.m. and a wine reception will follow the presentations. Tickets are $20 before the event and $25.00 at the door. Tickets for raffle baskets of wine and gift certificates to area cultural events can also be purchased during the event.

Ways to Support Evolve's Ministry
Photo by Rick Dove

Check out 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: 5x7 photocards @$3 and beautifully matted photographs @$10.  Buying these will help support Evolve's ministry.  
Climate Action & News 

COP21 Climate Summit
The COP21 Climate Summit in Paris is coming up in three weeks.  World leaders and thousands of activists will be there to fight for a global plan to address climate change.  President Obama will attend and speak of his plans.  

Maryland Endorses Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions 40%
The Maryland Commission on Climate Change - made up of union leaders, businesses, environmental groups, and six Republican cabinet members from the Hogan administration - voted unanimously to endorse upcoming legislation that would slash Maryland's greenhouse gas emissions 40% by the year 2030. The size of these pollution cuts plus the bipartisan nature of the commission make this vote one of the top environmental stories of the year in Maryland.
Invitation to Climate Activism from....

"A budget deal is finally moving through the Senate - but those in Congress who want to see the Paris climate summit fail are threatening to block the U.S. commitment to the Green Climate Fund, an international fund to help vulnerable nations adapt to and mitigate climate change. We need to stand with those suffering from the worst impacts of climate change and support the Green Climate Fund today.
"As people of faith, we have a moral responsibility to advocate for those whose lives and livelihoods are threatened by climate disasters. As Americans, we have a special obligation to help vulnerable nations build renewable energy infrastructure and adapt to the changing climate.
"But if we don't take action now, this important step for climate justice could be lost. Add your name to urge Congress to support the Green Climate Fund!"
Evolve Committee of the United Church of Christ of Annapolis
Evolve@UCCAnnapolis.org | 443-485-5979
 
Committee Officers:  Suzie Robertson, Moderator... Dave Miller, Treasurer...
 Charlie Green, Recording Secretary... Sylvia Oliva, Financial Secretary

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