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Ponderosa S.A.G.E. Newsletter
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Ponderosa S.A.G.E. Fellowship
October 2005
by Carol Stevens
REV. DAVID’S EXPERIENCES FROM HIS TRIP TO TEXAS:
Rev. David returned to the pulpit on Sept. 25th and shared with us some of the experiences he gained during his trip to Texas. Several of us had the opportunity this week to meet with Rev. David. He relayed his experiences in more detail so that I could showcase them in this month’s newsletter.
He said there were three main areas that crystallized the experience for him:
Number 1, this was truly a heart-to-heart recognition of oneness, human being to human being. Everything else seemed to fade into insignificance as he worked with those whose lives were devastated by this disaster.
Number 2, being of true service means responding to the moment-to-moment needs of others as they present themselves. This requires that you go through your own mental/emotional “stuff” instantly in the midst of action.
Number 3, to be able do this means letting go of all preconceived ideas of what you or others should do or be.
The group of diverse people that made up the San Diego volunteers was not well acquainted with each other before the trip. Yet the process of working together as a team for a single cause brought them very close together. Once they arrived, they were “trained” by the organizations in charge as to how to relate to these people whose lives had been turned upside down. They had to adjust to the rules and regulations set down by the “powers that be,” and at the same time be spontaneous and responsive to what they encountered. All of Rev. David’s ideas of what he intended to do went out the window once he got there and saw the situation as it was. Instead, he simply looked into the eyes of those he came in contact with and asked a question: “Are you Okay?” Many said they were. Others were hostile and frustrated and wanted only to be left alone. But there was a third group who said, “No, I’m not okay.” It was this last group of people to whom he gave his attention.
He found himself focusing on the immediate need of the individual, whether it was to intercede in a dispute between polarized parties, to help someone go from one place to another unimpeded, or simply to get a blanket for their cot that night. The details were unimportant. The real focal point was to be of service in the moment in whatever way was important to that person.
The pictures and the stories that went along with each face held us spellbound, and only vicariously were we able to understand the enormity of this situation and the part our minister played in its process. Rev. David said that this experience made an indelible impression upon him, and that the things he saw and people he met will stay with him forever.
We are so grateful to Rev. David for being who he is. We know that the growth and wisdom he gained through this experience will be shared with us each week as we see Oneness revealed and know without a doubt that God is all there is.
Fall Classes – Sign up NOW!
Rev. David is facilitating another class this month entitled “MVP Program, Better Lives for Busy People.” The pilot for this class was held last August when eight people committed to devote six weeks to intensive sharing and practical application of Spiritual tools. The result for those who completed the program was phenomenal. If you’re truly ready to go to the next level and rid yourself of blockages in the areas of finances, health, or relationships, take the leap of faith and funds and join this class. Registration forms and details are on the information table.
Eckhart Tolle Group meetings to begin Wednesday, November 2, 2005 @ 10 a.m.
As a devotee of Eckhart Tolle, author of The Power of Now and Stillness Speaks, I decided to become a group-meeting site for the purpose of showcasing his work. These once-a-month meetings will begin 11/2/05 at 10:00 a.m. at the home of Carol Stevens. Call 961-8223 if you have an interest in attending.
How About that Music?
Have you noticed the man with the guitar (Steve Nagy) up front on Sunday mornings? We now have live music! What do you think? We are open to suggestions and feedback. Let Eric know if you have any favorites you’d like to hear.
September Guest Speaker –
Rev. Gary Kuebler was our guest speaker on September 18th. We have had the pleasure of hearing Rev. Kuebler on a couple of occasions and he’s a hit every time. Ask Eric for a CD if you missed it.
Update on Counseling Center.
The Counseling Center is now servicing clients each week on Wednesday afternoons and evenings at the Oasis facility. They are filling up fast and are looking for possible locations other days of the week. If you know of anyone who would be amenable to letting CCC use its offices after hours, please contact Patricia Alice.
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 10/20/05 and you are encouraged to be there to participate in the ongoing business of this church.
Monthly get-together. This month’s get-together will be a Texas Hold ‘em card game on Friday, 10/21/05 at 6:30 p.m. at the home of Patricia Alice and Cheryl Colvin. Bring a dish and plan on having a great time.
Kid’s Sunday, October 2, 2005:
Last Sunday we were heartened and enter-tained by our youth church. They dressed up in clown costume and pantomimed a clown version of Jesus’ parables as a “strange” narrator read them to us. The big picture here was the feeling of oneness and family we felt as we “let the children lead us.”
What we offer:
Prayer Box – Prayer requests for Rev. David.
CDs & Tapes – Copies of the service are available on CD right after service.
Science of Mind Magazines – Past issues available on the back table.
Personalized coffee mugs –See Carol if you would like one with your name - $5.
Angel Volunteers – These are our phone-tree ladies who keep you informed of upcoming events.
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 8:00 a.m. on
Stardust Radio 910 AM.
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