This Week's News and Updates
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Wednesday, September 5 at 7:00
A special drumming and jam session to raise our collective vibration and send healing into our world. If you play an instrument bring it along! We will have drums available as always!
For those who need a different vibe, the loom will be available to continue weaving pads for pups or cats. These pads can be used in shelters.
Upcoming Wednesday evening activities:
September 12 - Game Night
September 19 - Celebration of the Autumnal Equinox
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Holy Spit
Rev. David Wynn
Last year I did a DNA analysis via the Ancestry website. They sent me a kit that included a vial with the instructions to spit into it until it reached the designated line. After I did that I added some solution, shook it up, and mailed it off. When I got the results, I was not all that surprised to find that I am a whole lot of Celtic with some Viking thrown in…it made a whole lot of sense to me.
It’s amazing how much information came from a bit of spit. Our spit is powerful. It contains a blueprint of who we are and were we come from. It is a tool that Jesus used on occasion. This week we will be watching as Jesus uses his rather shamanic tools to do some healing of deaf person. It’s as earthy and intimate as it sounds…his fingers in ears that cannot hear and his spit on a tongue that will restore a voice.
Part of my spiritual path has been through shamanic practice and the tools of creation to invoke healing. I’ve been very open about that part of me and it’s interesting how many “behind closed doors” confessions I’ve heard from folks who do similar practices but have been told that it is anti-Christian, or worse just downright evil. When folks ask me how I reconcile my earth-based practices with Christianity, I point them to stories like the one we are sharing this week.
Our creation is part of the healing of creation. It’s a beautiful gift. So, holy spit…let’s talk more on Sunday!!
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Questions on Medicare Coverage? Join us for an important discussion on your health benefits!
Location:
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital
6701 Oakmont Blvd. Fort Worth, TX 76132
Sponsor:
Coalition for Aging LGBT Tarrant County
Social Engagement Committee
P
rogram Features:
· Annual Medicare Enrollment and changes that may occur in the program
· Impact of benefit choices on the levels of care you may need
· Medicare, Medicare Supplements, and Medicare Advantage Plans
· Prescription Drug Coverage
· Medicaid/Medicare Programs in Texas
· JPS Health Network Tarrant County: JPS Connection, Supplements to Medicare
Information on benefit issues:
· What about Medicare benefits if I still work and have insurance coverage?
· Coverage for Specialty, Home Care, and Nursing Homes
· Travel coverage within and outside of the US
Advocacy:
Protecting Medicare and Social Security
Registration Requested:
Eventbrite.com
Search: Coalition for Aging LGBT
Coalition for Aging LGBT (214) 577-7976
3809 Perry Ave. Ste 305 cfa.lgbt
Dallas, Texas 75226
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Have you heard this one?*
Question: How do you eat an elephant?
Answer: One bite at a time. (Cue rim shot)
But seriously, have you ever tried to eat an elephant? I don't really mean eating an actual pachyderm, but have you ever been so overwhelmed by a problem, an evil in the world, maybe lack of mental health care or systemic racism or intractable poverty, that it seemed impossible? That it felt like you were trying to eat an elephant? In other words, have you wanted to help in a situation but find it so large and intimidating and complicated that you have no idea where to start? That's how it feels to me in the world right now. So many things are happening all at once - in our families, in our communities, in the political sphere, in the environment - that it feels like I have a seafood fork trying to consume 13,000 pounds of problems. It's tempting to just shake your head, to give up, to leave it to someone else.
Luckily, we are not responsible for solving the problems of the world. Rather, as believers, we are pointed towards our individual places of action by discerning the call of the Spirit. The Spirit moves and, if we are paying attention, we are equipped with just the right size fork and companions with which to share the meal. We will never "fix" everything, after all, we are only human, but if we listen and make a move, we can take a sizable bite of our share.
Heavenly Parent,
We confess that the troubles of the world confound us even as we are complicit in their creation. We live in a time of unimaginable turmoil. We watch in horror as your beloved children are treated like criminals just for walking down the street, visiting a park or entering their own homes; when poverty and homelessness and injustice, war and murder and destruction are the reality for so many; when the very earth herself is imperiled by carelessness and greed. We feel helpless in the face of such suffering -paralyzed at the elephant - sized task. Open our eyes, God, give us our forks, show us where to bite, equip us with the stomach to do what needs to be done, each as we are called to do. Let us show your grace and mercy and justice as we endeavor to be your people in the world.
Amen
*With sincere apologies to vegetarians everywhere.
Prayer submitted by:
REV. S. BRAE ADAMS
Provisional Pastor
Open Arms Metropolitan Community Church
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SECURITY
CORNER
by Lisa O'Grady
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Hi Folks,
Just dropping in to tell you that your security team is still out there watching the parking lot for us and monitoring the doors but we have taken a little break from meeting for the summer and will gather with you and do some training all together soon!
In the meantime, I wanted to tell you a little bit about something called “Cooper’s Colors” and ask you to adopt these not only at church but in your everyday lives as well.
What is it? Cooper’s Colors were developed by Lt. Col. Jeff Cooper as a simple way to be more aware of your surroundings. This means that you learn to shift up and down a scale of alertness in order to keep yourself safe. Here is how it works:
WHITE
This is an unaware and unprepared state of mind. "Daydreaming" or "preoccupied”, oblivious to possible threat. Your main enemy is reaction time. If you are not aware of your surroundings, and fail to see the suspicious character, he may overwhelm you before you can effective defend yourself. If you're caught in Condition White, you will need several seconds to even realize what is happening and respond. You simply don't have that much time.
YELLOW
Relaxed alert. There is no specific threat situation. You don’t
expect
to be attacked, but are simply aware that the world is a potentially unfriendly place and that "today could be the day I may have to defend myself". You are alert and aware of your surroundings. You are difficult to surprise, so you do not make an easy victim.
You should always be in Yellow whenever you are in unfamiliar surroundings or among people you don't know. You can remain in Yellow for long periods while "taking in" surrounding information in a relaxed but alert manner. When something catches your attention, you assess it. If it's not a threat, dismiss it. If it is a threat, start getting ready mentally to deal with it.
Anything or anyone in your immediate vicinity that is unusual, out of place, or out of context, should be viewed as potentially dangerous, until you have had a chance to assess it. When you pick up on something that’s out of place, you immediately escalate one level on the scale, to Condition Orange.
ORANGE
Specific alert. Something is not quite right and has your attention. You shift your primary focus to determine if there is a threat. The difference between Yellow and Orange is this specific target for your attention. Your mindset shifts to "I might have to defend myself against
that person
today", focusing on the specific target which has caused the escalation in alert status. When you shift upward to Orange, you begin to focus your attention on this individual that caught your eye, but you do not drop your guard.
As you assess, you start to play the "What if…." game in your mind, to begin formulating a basic plan. If he acts suddenly, when you have at least a basic plan for dealing with him already in place, you can react quickly. In Condition Orange, you set a mental trigger: "If that person does "X", I will need to stop him".
RED
Condition Red is the fight or flight. It means stop him or escape. Your mental trigger (established back in Condition Orange) has been tripped. You must act now with a decisive and aggressive action.
Summary
– unless you are in your home with your doors locked and alarm set you should always be in a state of “yellow” awareness. If you are walking into the store or to the ATM machine, be aware of what and who is around you. Have a plan for the “what ifs”. An attacker is more likely to take advantage of the person on the phone or the one fumbling with their car keys.
At church when you pull into the parking lot, we are relatively safe. But take a look around when you get there. If you see an unfamiliar person or persons please stay in your car until you are sure you can get inside and let someone know. Call someone inside or if you feel it necessary, call 911. Please do not confront anyone.
Thanks and have a SAFE WEEK!!!
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Classes coming soon:
September 15, 2018 - 5:00PM-8:00PM "Wings"
Do wings make your imagination take flight? Take home a uniquely textured piece of art to add to your collection, choosing from several designs, textures, and painting styles.
Class Fee: $60
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October 13, 2018 - 5:00PM - 9:00PM "Mosaic Tiles"
Love the look of mosaics, but hate grouting or heavy materials? Here’s the answer! You’ll create a mosaic canvas using lightweight hand textured (already made for you) clay tiles. Complete your masterpiece with a unique finish of layered metallic and iridescent paints.
Class Fee: $70
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November 17, 2018 5:00-9:00 "Stencil Magic"
Using an unexpected material found at your local hardware store, stencils, and paints, you’ll take home an artwork that is sure to get lots of compliments! Whether you enjoy muted colors for a softer look or bright and bold designs, the choice is up to you.
Class Fee: $70
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January 5, 2019 5:00-7:00PM "Fun with Clay"
Looking for something fun to do with the kids?
Kids AND adults
love creating with clay. You’ll be using air dry clay (each person will receive a one pound package) and provided tools and assistance. The clay objects you form can be taken home to finish drying and be painted.
Class Fee: $75 which includes one adult and one child eight years or older.
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An Invitation from:
Saint Anne United American Catholic Church
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With praise and thanksgiving, to Almighty God, we joyfully announce the Ordination of the Rev. Mr. John P. Luft to the Order of Presbyters.
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When:
Saturday September 22, 2018 at 2:15 PM
Location:
Agape' MCC Sanctuary
4615 E. California Parkway
Forest Hill, TX 76119
The parish of Saint Anne has been meeting Sunday evenings in the Agape' MCC Sanctuary and have become part of our Agape' family. Congratulations Rev. John!
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- 09/01 Mickey Howell
- 09/06 Seth Wynn
- 09/12 Lisa Davenport
- 09/16 Larry Hollis
- 09/21 Faith Ashton
- 09/22 Gail Russell
- 09/22 Trigg Davenport
- 09/23 Letty Cruz
- 09/25 Vida Trevino
- 09/29 Saige Ashton
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Sunday - September 09, 2018
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Call to Worship
-
Tibetan Bowl
Morning Meditation
-
Rev. David Wynn
Song of Intention
- "Welcome" -
Community
Words of Welcome -
Rev. David Wynn
Time of Greeting -
Community
Time With Our Children -
Trish Ashton
Response - "This Little Light of Mine" -
Community
Song of Preparation - "Need You Now" -
Community
Bringing Words of Life - Mark 7:31-35 -
Ward Thulin
Song of Response - "Need You Now" -
Community
Time of Teaching -
"Holy Spit" -
Rev. David Wynn
Centering Song - "Hear Our Prayer" -
Community
Community Prayer -
Rebecca McDonell
Prayer Response - "Hear Our Prayer" -
Community
A Time of Offering -
Cassy Batts
Celebration of Holy Communion -
Rev. Robert Myers
Song of Sending Forth - "Lifesong" -
Community
The Sending Forth -
Rev. David Wynn
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