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Ponderosa S.A.G.E. Newsletter
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March 2005
by Carol Stevens
We are a unique fellowship. Part of the draw of our fellowship is that we do things a little differently than many churches we have attended in the past. We are very often spontaneous in our Sunday services. The first week of February demonstrated this fact. We had a surprise ceremony put on by Alfonso and Moreena Villanueva along with several young men from the group with whom they work. The purpose was to honor Rev. David for all he does to support those of us who attend. We gathered in a circle and they used a Native American ceremony to honor Rev. David with drums and song. It was very moving.
The following week was another interesting demonstration of our flexibility. From time to time we have used guest speakers when Rev. David is unable to be with us. One of the core members of our fellowship stepped up to the plate and offered to speak. Kristi Frodesen is neither a minister, practitioner, nor a public speaker. She is, however, someone who is passionate about this teaching and uses it daily in her life. She spoke simply and directly about the ways in which it works for her. I was quite touched by her talk. Thank you, Kristi.
Another of our core members, Pat Alice, is someone who is always there when you need her. She, too, stepped in and offered to speak the week of 1/20/05. Although I was unable to be there, I heard from others just how exciting and moving her talk was. She blended her expertise as a therapist with her knowledge and understanding of our principles and offered those present an opportunity to share their thoughts. We are very blessed to have such willing and talented people as committed members of our fellowship.
Monthly Business Meetings are held the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the home of Cheryl Colvin and Pat Alice on Shenandoah in Apple Valley. The upcoming meeting date is 3/17/05. This is your chance to see firsthand how we come up with some of the ideas you hear announced each week. Check out the information table for the latest minutes. Even though we come up with some very interesting and exciting ideas at the business meetings, we need the support of the fellowship at large to carry them out. We are in the process right now of developing some income-generating ideas that will enrich both our community and the church itself. There will definitely be opportunities for all of us to participate at whatever level we choose in these ventures. When you hear something that sparks your interest, see me or Pat or Eric for more information.
Monthly Get-together: We have decided to bring back our get-togethers at Pat and Cheryl’s house. We have dedicated the first Friday of each month to that idea. On Friday 3/4/05 we had our first one, with a movie, fun and food. Friday April 1st will be the next one. Listen to the weekly announcements for details.
Rev. David’s first book, A Book Of Weeks 52 Gifts for Inner Transformation. Like many others, I bought Rev. David’s book and have begun reading it. It is not one of those reads where you read it and then find a nice resting place for it in your bookshelf. This is a book to ponder, reflect upon, and use its tools daily. It has become one of my favorites that I use to start my day. I would love to hear from any of you who are using these tools and have a story of how it works in your life.
The “FANTA C” Program. You may have heard Rev. David refer to it from the pulpit and wondered what he was talking about. This is a nutritional clarification program. At first I thought this was going to be some kind of a diet/fasting program where I would have to deprive myself of all my favorite foods to see if it would help me to be healthier. Well, I was wrong on all counts.
Instead, this program is a means for the participants to gain clarity on their overall concepts and relationship to food. We each focus independently on the food-related areas we want to improve in our daily lives. Some are choosing to give up caffeine, some want to add more exercise to their daily regime or increase their intake of water, some just want to gradually move toward a more natural-foods diet. Whatever the individual’s choice, the group is there to be supportive. The setting is safe and intimate and allows each one to move at his/her own discretion and pace. We are using a chapter of Rev. David’s book to guide us each week.
T-Shirt Day – Super Sunday Don’t forget to wear your blue T-shirts on the last Sunday of each month and bring in your recyclables for Eric to turn in for cash for our youth. Cheryl Colvin still has many sizes left so check with her on Sunday to get yours. Children sizes $11; adult sizes $16.
Church Cookbook - We need your recipes. I know you have them. Just copy down your favorite one and stick it in your purse to give it to me on Sunday. Several people have remembered and I have a file forming already.
What we offer:
Prayer Box – Look for the colorful square box on the back table if you would like to have Rev. David pray for you. The information slips of paper are inside.
Tapes – We have copies of previous Sunday services available on the table for a nominal love offering.
Science of Mind Magazines – We have a number of past issues of the magazine available on the counter for anyone who wishes to take them.
Personalized coffee mugs – You will see these sitting along the edge of the counter. See Carol if you would like one with your name - $5.
Angel Volunteers – We have people who can be called upon to make house calls or phone calls for any of our members who need or desire it. See Pat or Eric for a name.
Recycle Sunday – The last Sunday of the month we bring in our recyclables to Eric Pearson to take in to support our youth church.
Food donations to Kids Repair - Remember to bring in non-perishable goods for the kids at Kids Repair.
As a fellow traveler on this Path, I often run across a passage in a book or on a tape that has special meaning to me. Any of you that have a poem or passage that is special to you, let me know and I’ll share it with our readers. The following is from the book, “Stillness Speaks” by Eckhart Tolle.
“You find peace not by rearranging the circumstances of your life, but by realizing who you are at the deepest level.”
Information Center:
Church phone number: 961-8223
(Please leave a message)
Our web site: www.ponderosasage.com
Radio Show: Balancing the Journey on
Sunday mornings at 8:00a.m. on
Stardust Radio 910 AM.
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