Hello SLLC Community,

The Spiritual Searcher weekend with Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III, his father, and cousin, was a phenomenal event. The high level of energy that the weekend generated was felt by everyone. I am so grateful to the entire SLLC community and leadership team for jumping in and attending to all of the details that were required to produce a very successful event. The partnership across the SLLC community, the church, staff, and community leaders was simply outstanding. I loved all of the Dancing in the Darkness book studies led by so many different people. A special thanks to Jen Bratka for managing the execution of so many moving pieces.

We are halfway through the Paul Knitter series based on his book; Without Buddha I Could not be a Christian during Thursdays at 10. Paul’s honest and well-thought-out articulation of some theological struggles he has navigated with the help of Buddhism has been fascinating. I have really appreciated the level of engagement of all those on the Zoom call.

Women Living the Question has finished David Brooks’ book, How to Know a Person. I understand that the book generated a lot of good discussion. The next selection is Pema Chodron's book, When Things Fall Apart.

Poetry Pop continues to be a big hit with the sharing of poems, stories and, of course, popcorn. On May 8, we will be sharing poems that reflect humor.

Once again, Group Spiritual Direction, led by Jodi Patton, has been very impactful for many.

The Tai Chi classes offered each Monday at South Campus, seemed to always be filled with graceful souls. Thanks to Diane Sturges, Sally Kriska, and Jeff Watts for their leadership. This practice will continue throughout the summer.

As I reflect on the program year and the variety of SLLC programs offered, I am struck by the depth of topics covered and the profound level of sharing that has taken place within the various groups. This is an amazing community. I am grateful to all of you for your commitment to lifelong learning and to one another.

Please let Jen and me know about books, topics, themes, and speakers that you believe to be high impact as we plan next year’s programming. We look forward to building on the momentum created this year, but we are going to need your financial support to continue to grow our programs and offerings. There are two ways that you can support the SLLC. You can consider making a one-time gift or even better, a recurring gift of any amount. The second way is to buy SLLC books and other items from Church Merch (see below). Your purchases help to cover the costs of the items and in some instances, generate proceeds for SLLC. Be sure to check out the NakedPastor's (David Hayward) merchandise. It is poignant and fun.  Thanks in advance for your consideration. You can click here to securely offer your donation.

I have a few of announcements to share:

1.      We have launched the SLLC Spirituality Podcast! Two episodes have just been published. We have posted the first two presentations delivered by Paul Knitter as he walks us through his book, Without Buddha I Couldn’t be a Christian during Thursdays at 10. Alejandro Rodriguez, with the Spirituality Network, and I recorded a podcast as we discussed our respective groups and our missions. I am really enjoying getting to know him. We will be posting that conversation soon. A big Thank You to Stewart Pitchford and Joe Martin for their help in getting the podcast launched! Please go out and listen to our two initial episodes and share them with friends and family:

·      Paul Knitter – Episode #1 – God and Nirvana 

·      Paul Knitter – Episode #2 – Jesus and Buddha

2.     Jen and I are working on the launch of The SLLC Summer Salon Series. Our plan is to continue to provide special programming throughout the summer with the help of some of our local partners. More information will be coming soon.

3.     On Sunday, June 16, 2024, I will be receiving my commissioning as a Minister within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) during the 10 am service at South. I invite you all to join me for that special day.

Blessings to you all,

SLLC Community, what are you reading?

A cornerstone of the Spiritual Life & Learning Center is literature.

We would love to hear what you are currently reading. We want to hear about the 'good', the 'bad', and the 'couldn't put it down'! Each month, in our monthly newsletter, we will feature the titles that are being read, your name, and a sentence or two of your thoughts about the book. Perhaps it will send someone racing towards your recommendation or away from the abominations.

Some titles may be considered for upcoming Holding Hope Book Discussions.

This month's submissions come from Jodi Patton and Dave W.

Jodi Patton:

• The Forty Rules of Love by Elife Shafak
• Rating: Thumbs Up
• Thoughts: "Rumi is a master of life in my opinion. He offers so much love and wisdom."



Dave W:

• Doubt by Adam Hamilton and The False White Gospels by Jim Wallis
• Rating: Thumbs Up
• Thoughts: "Both make great Bible Studies"

Our online store, First Community Church Merch, is now open with items from First Community, Spiritual Life & Learning Center, Camp Akita, and Heart to Heart.

Featured items from SLLC include:

• Stickers and Mugs from the NakedPastor, David Hayward (pictured below)
• Dancing in the Darkness: Spiritual Lessons for Thriving in Turbulent Times by Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III
• Jesus and the Disinherited by Howard Thurman
• Drums in our Veins by Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson
• Between Glory and Gloom: First Lesson Sermons for Advent/Christmas/Epiphany by Rev. Dr. Glen Miles
• Many clearance books for $5

Proceeds from these items and all the book sales go directly to the Spiritual Life & Learning Center.

An in-person store is available in Grace Hall at our North facility. Browse the items after church on Sundays or during the Gathering on Wednesdays! Items can also be ordered online and picked up at the North Reception desk or shipped to your home (for a fee).

Please email Sarah Richards or call (614) 488-0681 for questions or additional information. 

2024 IACO Annual Main Event

Sunday, May 19 4-7 pm

First Community North

Enneagram Institute of Ohio

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