Mapping Soul Country

Cartography (from Greek Χάρτης, khartes = papyrus (paper) and graphein = to write) is the study and practice of making maps. Combining science, aesthetics, and technique, cartography builds on the premise that reality can be modeled in ways that communicate spatial information effectively.

This is the subject for The Gathering on Sunday, June 23. We will draw a map of our "soul country. " If drawing a map and coloring it isn't your thing, writing is also an option.   All supplies will be provided for this fun time exploring our life's journey in a different way.

There will be no potluck this Sunday but if you would like yummy goodies to inspire you during this exercise, feel free to bring snacks.

Movie Night!

One of the cool things about The Gathering is that we're always doing something interesting!  For example, this coming Sunday we'll explore the evolution of the Bible.  "Evolution," you say?  In the same sentence as "the Bible"?  And the topic is not creationism or science, but the evolution of the Bible itself?  Yes, exactly.

Using a 25 minute clip from the PBS dvd series "Beyond Theology", we'll look at how various people interpret and make sense of the Bible and the changing meanings of some of the Bible's most well-known myths - for example, the Genesis story of creation. Get ready for a great discussion, which will be particularly timely given our recent Gathering at which we learned about Native American creation myths.

The "Beyond Theology" series explores the evolution of consciousness and examines topics such as the challenges confronting humanity and the changing representations of God.  Bill Moyers praises the series by saying, "This is an ambitious series with some of the most interesting voices in religion in America today. They take us beyond the current conflicts about religion and politics and show us a hopeful vision of faith based on the deepest longings of heart and mind."

Our financial offering will be designated for a relatively new local non-profit agency that's doing great work: Promises for Families, whose mission is to provide quality summer camp, after school programs and academic tutoring for children whose lives have been impacted by parental incarceration.

Also, You are invited to bring non-perishable food items to help support Project Dignidad.

Sunday, June 9
5:30 pm at 618 Locust

"The Gathering"for Worship

Sunday, 2 June 2013
5:30 pm, 618 Locust Street

After several weeks of special events, we will return to our foundation this Sunday evening by gathering for worship. We will take as our focus Luke 9:11-17, a story about Jesus and the sacred power of sharing food with each other. Our offering will be designated for the San Angelo Kids Eat summer nutrition program, and you're also invited to bring canned and/or boxed food for Project Dignidad. We will also join together in a potluck meal as a part of our worship experience with the theme "5 loaves and 2 fish", or anything you'd like to share with the community. If you'd like to help Karen co-plan and/or co-lead worship, please let her know.

Washuntara in Concert May 26

Washuntara is an Australian singer/songwriter based in Nashville, Tennessee. In addition to working on his label, Passionworks, he also conducts relationship workshops and Mens' Outreach to further his mission "to co-create passionate, powerful and authentic lives, that work."  

Washuntara has performed with some of the worlds greatest acts, including Sir Paul McCartney, the Eagles, the Moody Blues, Keith Urban, Jerry Lee Lewis, Garth Brooks and others. He has also been received at the White House with great enthusiasm by Barbara Bush. When he's not at The Gathering or on a silent Buddhist retreat, he travels the world performing at international events, festivals, and functions.

This will be a one-of-a-kind evening at The Gathering.  Don't miss it!  And invite all your friends, family members, co-workers, and even enemies to it- but only if you don't want to be enemies anymore.

Sunday, May 26 at 5:30 pm

618 Locust (off Houston Harte Expressway Access Road, south of Bryant Boulevard)

Service in Gathering

Sunday we will assemble the Church World Service hygiene kits. In the face of natural disasters, violence, or grinding poverty, Hygiene Kits can mean the difference between sickness and health for struggling families. These kits will be combined with others from across the South Central Conference UCC and given to Back Bay Mission in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Our potluck meal is simple-bring anything that is easy to fix or purchase or if you are pressed for time, just bring yourself. We always have more than enough food. We will enjoy being together and talking about our service project for June.

Sunday, May 19 at 5:30 pm
618 Locust

Gathering to Share Creation Stories

Gathering on Mother's Day
Sharing Creation Stories
Sunday, 12 May 2013, 5:30 pm,
618 Locust

Creation myths are stories of how the universe and its inhabitants came to be. They are found in nearly all religious traditions and are usually considered sacred. Creation stories are very important to a culture because they reveal the central worldview of a particular people and give voice to the values and beliefs held by the society that shares them.

There's not a more fitting time to explore some of our creation stories than on Mother's Day. Ann and Valerie will share several Native American stories and facilitate our conversation. We'll collect money to purchase the various components of Church World Service hygiene kits which we'll assemble May 19. Because it's the second Sunday of the month, we'll not share a potluck meal.

We offer a Prayer of Thanksgiving for the Women in our Lives who Fill the Role of Mother

She is a Valiant woman; her roots are firmly planted. The Kin-dom is within; her heart, treasure-filled.

She is a Joyful woman, for whom laughter is no stranger: a song to sing, a smile to give, a hand to clasp or embrace.

She is a Strong woman whose heart and arms withstand the pressures and the worries that each day unfolds.

She is a Patient woman waiting through storm and night for new life, new growth, rich harvest.

She is a Loving woman, ever giving and forgiving, ever caring and concerned.

She is a Sharing woman who with arms outstretched gives her gifts and treasures to those both near and far.

Gathering for a "Happy" Movie

Sunday, May 5, 2013, 5:30 pm, 618 Locust Street

Sunday night we will watch and discuss the 2011 documentary Happy. "The movie takes us on a journey from the swamps of Louisiana to the slums of Kolkata in search of what really makes people happy. Combining real life stories of people from around the world and powerful interviews with the leading scientists in happiness research, HAPPY explores the secrets behind our most valued emotion."

According to the movie, one aspect of being "happy" is helping others, and that's what we'll do with our offering. We'll collect money to purchase the various components of   Church World Service hygiene kits, which we'll assemble in May. These kits will be combined with others from across the South Central Conference UCC and given to Back Bay Mission in Biloxi, Mississippi. Our potluck meal theme is simple: anything that makes you happy and is movie-watching appropriate.