Gathering for Nourishment, Rest & Renewal

This Sunday, June 26, will be our last regular Sunday evening Gathering for a few weeks. We will gather for a time of what we do so well: reflect on and discuss together a sacred writing and how the writing intersects with, inspires, challenges, and furthers our spiritual pilgrimages. Our offering will be designated for The Gathering. While we will not share a potluck, feel free to bring light snacks if you'd like. We will gather at 5:30 pm, 618 Locust Street.

July will be different than years past - following the recommendation of the "UCC New Church Start Guru" Rev. Cameron Trimble, the Worship Planning Workgroup has graciously offered July as a mini-sabbatical for me. We have been gathering weekly for two years now! And bi-weekly for some years before that, so it's time for some personal spiritual rest and renewal. While I will still be working at my Hospice of San Angelo day job, I will also take some vacation time from there.

I very much appreciate The Gathering caring for me and recognizing the value of sabbath time. I also appreciate and affirm Gathering participants taking responsibility for the July Gatherings. I do, however, regret I won't be participating in the July Dinner Gatherings! A delightful aspect of The Gathering is the diversity of participants, and a frustration is that we go in so many different directions, it's hard to get to know each other. Ann Light and Nancy York have planned a wonderful way of getting to know each other more intentionally. July 10, 17, and 24 Gatherers will join together in small groups to share dinner and conversation. You may participate in one, two, or all three Sundays. I have no doubt the evenings will be nourishing and satisfying in many ways: spiritually, intellectually, physically - and just plain fun! These are also great times to include people interested in The Gathering but afraid to come to "church." To be included or just to know what's going on, contact Ann or Nancy.

In addition, Ann Light has volunteered for "e-newsletter duty", so an e-newsletter or two will be coming your way during the month. Many thanks to Ann for keeping everyone in the loop!

Because of the July 4th weekend, we will not meet Sunday, July 3. We will gather back together as one community Sunday, July 31, 5:30 pm, 618 Locust Street. I'm looking forward to it already!

Honored to be Creating Sacred Community with You,

Karen