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Thankfulness -

During the month of NOVEMBER
Rev. Glenda and Rev. Judy will present a four-part series of talks
focused on thankfulness. Among other ideas they will explore
ways in which gratitude unlocks the fullness of life, how the highest
form of appreciation is not uttering words but living them, and how
true thankfulness expects nothing in return.

Talk titles
for regularly scheduled Saturday and Sunday services are:

      November  
4/5 Plenty

                  11/12 Harvest

                  18/19 Gathering

                  25/26 Bounty
 

   
“After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible
is music.” 

Aldous Huxley 

Robert Fields: Appearing Sunday,
November 5, 12, 19 & 26.  Also

Saturday,
November 4, 11, 18 & Thanksgiving Eve, Wednesday, November 22

Family of Man: Appearing
Saturday, November 25 

NOVEMBER
SERVICES, CLASSES & EVENTS                                                            





Get a
complete listing of NOVEMBER’S calendar of events in the Book Boutique



Saturday Night Service:
Weekly 6:00 to 7:00pm

Sunday Morning Service:
Weekly 10:30 to 11:30am



“It’s a Wonderful World” Second Anniversary Celebration: Friday,
November 10, Mr. Stox Restaurant, RSVP by November 5




Thanksgiving Eve
Service: Wednesday, November 22, 7:00 to 8:00pm



Annual Fall Yard Sale: Saturday,
November 4, 6:00am to Noon, (call for details)Fall Outreach Project:
Saturday, November 4, 10:00am to Noon, (call for details)







IONS (Institute
of Noetic Sciences) Study Group: Thursday, November 9,       
7:00 to 9:00 pm, “Down the Rabbit Hole”: Part II,
Facilitated by Rev. Susan





Men’s View:  Monday, November 13 & 27, 6:45 to
7:45pm

Facilitated by Bob
Burnard and Friends          

Women’s
Wisdom Circle:  Tuesday, November 14 & 28, 10:00 to 11:30am     







Reiki Healing Circle: Tuesday, November 14 & 28, 7:00 to 8:30pm 

Facilitated by Stacie Buda and Friends





Essence to Essence,
Sunday Evening, November 19, 6:00 to 7:00

facilitated
by Rev. Danell and Friends 

A New Humanity: Thursday,
November 30, 7:00 to 8:30 pm

Facilitated
by Rev. Susan and Friends    

Course in Miracles: Monday Evening, 8:00 to 9:00pm
, Facilitated by Bob Burnard 
 



BOUTIQUE-WIDE DISCOUNTS 

The Book Boutique at Common
Ground offers a perfect place to shop for holiday giving. 
During the month of November all purchases of merchandise will
be given a 25% discount.    

Many book titles including
Ken Wilber’s latest book, Integral Spirituality;
Deepak Chopra’s, Peace Is the Way; books by Matthew
Fox; and a variety of classic and new releases are readily available. 
In addition, a well rounded and unique collection of meaningful children’s
books and a distinctive range of CD’s are also in stock. 

A new assortment of beautiful
silk and woven scarves has been carefully selected to offer an assortment
of rich colors and interesting designs.  A limited number of one-of-a-kind
‘altered-art’ box purses, silk wallets and coin purses, spiral theme
jewelry, unique cuff bracelets, necklaces, pendants and earrings round
out the boutique’s eclectic array of items.  Altar boxes, statues,
feng shui items, framed prints, and meditation beads continue to be
best sellers.   

Take time to check out the
Book Boutique’s unusual array of interesting items. 

Visit
the Book Boutique on weekends before and after services, during all
regularly scheduled classes and events; and, Tuesday through Thursday
from 12 noon till 4 pm.

Purchases
support the work of Common Ground.  Browse often. 

HOLIDAYS WITH HEART

It’s easy to find a spiritual
home for the holidays at Common Ground.  Enter the season this
year by joining the spiritual community at Common Ground for its traditional
Thanksgiving Eve service on Wednesday, November 22, from 7:00 to 8:00
pm. Rev. Glenda and Rev. Judy will lead the congregation through
a heartfelt experience of gratitude and appreciation for the fullness
of life. Glowing candlelight, thoughtful music and an inspirational
message will fill the evening with love and warmth.  Pumpkin
pie and hot cider will be served.   
 

 

 


GRATITUDE

Common Ground is shared ministry. 
From its inception two years ago, Rev. Glenda and Rev. Judy recognized
the vital importance of being surrounded by a thoughtful and conscious
Advisory Team.  They invited a team of ten people to give them
prayerful guidance, wisdom, aid and comfort. This team continues to
be instrumental in the forward movement of the spiritual community and
the strength and confidence of its ministry team.   

Recently, two members of the
team have graciously found it necessary to retire from the team. 
Phyllis and Steve Nelson have served the spiritual community with
great enthusiasm from its foundation two years ago. They now need to
take personal time to focus on wellness.  Their hearts, their energy,
their wisdom and their dedication to the vision of Common Ground have
been unshakable.  The personal qualities they bring as a couple
and as individuals have been immense.  Their presence on the Advisory
Team will be greatly missed.  Rev. Glenda and Rev. Judy are in
deep gratitude for Phyllis’s and Steve’s willingness to give so
selflessly of themselves.

The entire
spiritual community will continue to hold Phyllis and Steve in deep
prayer and love. 

UNION

The spiritual community of
Common Ground is pleased to have been part of the recent wedding
ceremony and festivities in celebration of the marriage of one of its
foundational Covenant partners, Judith Freyer-Palmer, and
David Palmer. The couple’s romance began at Common Ground
and blossomed into a beautiful model of both human and spiritual connection.   

Rev. Glenda and Rev. Judy,
senior ministers at Common Ground, performed the ceremony in
the rose garden of David’s home church, Unity of Tustin. 
Family and many friends from both spiritual communities witnessed their
union. Grace and refinement surrounded the occasion, which was dressed
in soft shades of lavender and golden wheat.  The ceremony, its
setting, and careful attention to detail demonstrated a clarity of purpose,
passion for meaningfulness, and harmony.   In lieu of personal
gifts, Judith and David invited guests to make donations to
Common Ground, Habitat for Humanity or Seeds of Light. 
Spruce tree seedlings from The GreenWorld Project were given
as party favors to memorialize the day.   

The love
and blessing they express for one another will become a beacon of light
that will nourish them, their family, and their friends.
That light will reach out into the

heart
of the world. 
 

SHARED MINISTRY APPRECIATION
PARTY

Shared ministry is an important
part of the foundation of Common Ground.  Shared ministry is more
than ‘volunteering’.  It is not an ‘ought to’ or ‘have
to’ or ‘should’.  It is an invitation and an opportunity
for each person to bring forth their unique gifts to support spiritual
community.  The process of serving is equally important
to the accomplishment of a particular project.  Personal
growth and transformation is encouraged through focus on ‘facilitating
one another’s becoming’.  The gifts of each individual interact
and compliment one other so that the spiritual community becomes greater
than the sum of its parts – more awesome together than any single
individual could be alone. 

On
Friday, December 15, Rev. Glenda and Rev. Judy will host a shared ministry
appreciation gathering at Common Ground Santa Clara.  More details
will be released soon. 

COMMON GROUNDERS MAKE A DIFFERENCE

The purpose
of life is not to be happy - but to
matter, to be productive, to be useful, to have it
make some difference that you have lived at all.  ~Leo Rosten

Margaret Mead said that
we should never doubt the difference a small group of people can make. 
Common Grounders do make a difference! Through continuing outreach projects
and monthly giving we touch the lives of many who are in need. 
It is through this giving that we receive. And Common Ground has received
so much.  We are truly blessed. We are grateful to each one of
you for the love and service you give and the lights you are in the
world. Thank you for making Common Ground a place that glows with the
love of the Divine; a place that reaches beyond the self to a Self that
serves the whole. 

UPDATE: Don’t
forget! Please come to Common Ground Santa
Clara on November 4^th.   

      144
new hygiene kits have arrived! During the Annual Fall Yard Sale,
beginning at 10:00 am, we will work together to combine the hygiene
kits with your generous donations of new sox and other needed items. 
Common Ground will then deliver them to SPIN (Serving People
in Need) for distribution to homeless families.  Mary Anne Vaccaro,
team lead of the project, has information for those who want to help
SPIN deliver the kits.

      Yard
Sale items are pouring in! Bring your treasurers! Show up to have
fun and give a helping hand.  We need strong backs to set up the
sale and clean up, too!  Set-up starts at 6:00am and clean-up begins
at noon. Alys Sullivan and Sharon Miles are the team lead. 

Holiday giving will be the
focus of our December Outreach project.  Details will be announced
shortly. It will be of our final Outreach project for 2006. Kate
Ambrus and Jacqueline Miller are in the team lead position. Stay
tuned for more information. Outreach 2007 will be planned in January.  

Wherever
a man turns he can find someone who needs him.  ~Albert Schweitzer 

Together
is better, and together we make a difference. 
Thank you

INTERFAITH MINISTRY CONTINUES
TO EXPAND

Common Ground, through its
affiliation with Emerson Theological Institute, is the setting
in which three newly enrolled students will work toward proficiency
in interfaith ministry and participate in ministerial internship. 
The students, Stacie Buda, Bob Burnard
and Nancy Harrison, have applied for Interfaith Ministerial Credential
Certification through Emerson under the mentorship of the senior ministry
team at Common Ground.  These students will engage in an Individual
Education Plan, which allows them the freedom to proceed through course
work at their own pace. In addition to completion of all prerequisite
and mandatory academic work, each student will be required to complete
an eighteen month in-service internship at Common Ground.  These
ministers-in-training will be highly visible in the coming months.  

Rev. Glenda
and Rev. Judy look forward to supporting the intention of these

three
fine students. 
 

ALLIANCE
FOR A NEW HUMANITY

As people come together in
conversation at Common Ground, the sanctuary continues to be the setting
for sharing common visions and creating new stories for humanity. The
purpose of the emerging worldwide dialogue movement is to explore what
it could look like if humanity were at peace, if every person were to
be actively compassionate, if every person were to be wholly nourished,
and if the earth and her atmosphere were nourished.
“A New Humanity” conversation group, facilitated by Rev.
Susan and friends, regularly
meets the third Thursday evening of the
month.  Visit www.chopra.com/article109.aspx for more information.

Focus
will be on Satsang/connection (gathering together to share wisdom),
Simran/inspiration (reflecting on the nature of the true self), and
Seva/support (service with devotion and compassion). 

LIVING PLANET:
REENTERING THE GARDEN by
Rev. Susan Chamberlain  

Recently, I again heard the retelling from Genesis of the fall of
man in the Garden of Eden based on the story of the apple, the seductive
viper, and the weak, vulnerable woman named, Eve. I was reminded of
the belief in Original Sin caused because Adam and Eve went against
God's commandment not to eat the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge. I thought,
too, of how this account has been taken literally for centuries by the
Abrahamic faiths of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam that have seen
woman as responsible for the punishment of all humanity, and the cause
for pain and suffering in the world. But, apart from seeing how Original
Sin has been laid at the feet of women, it was also evident that the
metaphorical implications of the story of the Garden of Eden still have
not been understood by many human beings. This is mainly due, to what
Matthew Fox, mystical theologian and scholar, might call their Non-Awakened
states. Indeed, he declares that humanity is not Awake to, nor does
it understand, its own divine cosmology that was born with the Big Bang
over 14 billion years ago.  It does not grasp the fact that we
are all the recycled molecular structure of God Essence as it expanded
itself out and into the universe. Instead, humans have chosen to see
themselves as separate from THE SOURCE, and only rescued to an immortal
life through the interception of God on their behalf. 

 

So then, how might a theologian such as Matthew Fox regard the Adam
and Eve account? Perhaps he would interpret the events in the garden
as human beings buying into their biological structure, mounting an
identity that overshadowed their divine essence, and turning away from
an original understanding of "SELF" to a materialized view
of small 'self' as one's true being. As this separation occurred, or
humans became trapped in the illusion of their body suits and their
worldly personalities, the ego allowed them to become increasingly more
detached from the reality of their interconnectedness to all of life
and the recognition that they and everything else were really ONE. The
garden had been that state of Original Awareness, and along with it
would have been the understanding that in and through the seen and unseen
was the force of LIFE, or GOD--Universal Consciousness.

 

Today, we hear increasingly more from master spiritual teachers and
mystics, progressive 

scientists, and futurists who speak of the Unity of Being, and we have
yet another opportunity "to choose once again" as A Course
in Miracles states. We developed an amnesia from which we are now
awakening, and we can once again see that the breath that is our very
life force is in sync with all the other living creatures of our earth,
and we are learning that the molecular structure that binds us together
in our own bodies, also binds us to the molecular structure of the trees,
animals, earth, seas, mountains, skies--with everything seen and unseen.
As beings who have been misdirected by the illusion of matter-- the
physical surroundings and biological aspects of creation that visually
appear as individual objects, we are finally awakening to the vast interconnections
in the universal terrain, so that each of us can recognize our place
in the tapestry of consciousness.  

We were never banished from
a beautiful garden of greenness and solitude. We turned our backs on
it when we abandoned our Oneness with God. Matthew Fox related to the
way in which humans have dealt with our planet, its elements, and the
varied life forms by controlling and dominating them as if they are
a collection of objects here specifically to benefit our desires and
needs, instead of honoring each aspect of creation and recognizing the
creator within the creation. Father Thomas Berry, noted cultural
historian and cosmologist, says that instead of life on earth being
"a collection of objects, it is a community of subjects".
Each and every life form has its own purpose and place within the scheme
of existence no less significant than our own places within creation.
Today we have yet another chance to turn our eyes with awakened awareness
to the beautiful earth and her many creatures. We have an opportunity
to look into the eyes of animals and to see the same life force-- divine
consciousness emanating from within them that emanates from us as well.
For Matthew Fox, each time humans commit an act of destruction against
nature, Christ is crucified again upon the cross. Each baby harp seal
that is clubbed to death is Christ crucified again, and each war with
its senseless killing and devastation is a thousand or more crosses
once again rising above the hills of Golgotha.  

Awakening to
the sacredness of all life is returning again to the garden. Upon your
return, take a long look at the home you have missed for so long and
greet again your friends, the streams, the hills, the forests, the wildlife
that once were your brothers and sisters in Spirit.

They are waiting
for your return.

PRAYER
                                                                                                 

Common Ground has its foundation
in prayer.  A prayer box is located in the sanctuary for anyone
who needs prayer support.  There are no fees for prayer at Common
Ground.  Members of the ministerial team and ministerial students
are available for prayer support after services.  Anyone who needs
pastoral care or has special circumstances is invited to call (714)
573-2546 to contact Rev. Glenda or Rev. Judy.

The grace
of God is equally available to everyone in every circumstance. 

 

SEPTEMBER TITHES

Common Ground Interfaith Spiritual
Center reaches out to the global community through its spiritual practice
of conscious giving. Giving back to the world is an important aspect
of its mission and vision. A balanced integral approach is reflected
in conscious selection of 501c3 qualified programs and institutions
to which Common Ground provides its tithes each month.  

Recipients of September
tithes include: Seeds of Light, helping children and families
affected by the AIDS crisis in South Africa; Irvine Animal Shelter,
providing shelter for abandoned animals and spreading the message of
responsible animal care; and Silent Unity,
serving people of all faiths from all parts of the world through a worldwide
prayer ministry responding to thousands of prayer requests each day.
The organizations to which Common Ground tithes are meaningful programs
where people from the spiritual community and its friends are already
serving with heart and hand. 

Common
Ground is truly blessed and in turn
becomes a blessing in the world.

þUPCOMING
EVENTS - Mark Your
Calendar Today

HOLIDAY
OUTREACH, DECEMBER 2006, DETAILS TO BE ANNOUNCED

SHARED MINISTRY APPRECIATION PARTY AT COMMON GROUND SANTA CLARA, FRIDAY,
DECEMBER 15, 6:00 TO 9:00 PM

CHRISTMAS EVE,
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 5:00 TO 6:00 PM 

WORLD PEACE DAY
CELEBRATION, SUNDAY,

DECEMBER 31, 4:00
TO 5:00 AM.   REV. DANELL

NEW YEARS EVE, SUNDAY,
DECEMBER 31, 5:00 TO 6:00 PM

OUTREACH 2007 PLANNING
SESSION, JANUARY, DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED 

Reiki Healing Circle:

Reiki Healing Circle: Second and Fourth Tuesday, 7:00 to 8:30pm 

Facilitated by Stacie Buda and Friends



REIKI (pronounced Ray-Key) is a method of holistic healing based on the application of Universal Life Force Energy. Reiki is offered via a light touch or with the practitioner's hands hovering inches over the body. The recipient is fully clothed and seated in a chair in the healing circle. It is a simple, natural healing technique that aids the body in releasing stress and tension by creating deep relaxation. Reiki is like a warm, gentle radiance flowing through and around a person, treating the body, mind, emotions and Spirit as a whole. Common Ground’s healing team includes trained and qualified Reiki Level II and III practitioners. Facilitated by Stacie Buda, Lora Lopez, Danell Passalacqua, & Janet Woods-Abrams

Call for DETAILS.

Men’s View:

Men’s View: Monday, Second and Fourth Monday every month 6:45 to 7:45pm
Facilitated by Bob Burnard and Friends

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

My friend was so touched by your service... said Robert was awesome, you two
were inspirational and she told me the touching story of the young emperor-to-be
and his seed.

Last night she was able to be passive and absorb the wonderful messages given by
both of you and Robert’s wonderful musical gifts.

SHE LOVED BEING THERE and came away refreshed and enlightened.

I just wanted to take a minute and thank you again for such a wonderful service
yesterday. There are no accidents in this world. I cannot tell you how much I
really needed to be at the service. I found tears running down my face during
the meditation, not of sadness but of joy and peace. Thank you.

You are both doing such great work in the world, and we'd like to see Common
Ground continue to grow and prosper. We both relate to the messages that
you share each week and they help us to deal with the issues in our daily
lives. I am facing some changes related to my job right now, and your
recent talks have been particularly helpful to me in dealing with that
situation. I find myself trusting God to handle things rather than living
in fear of the unknown. What a difference!


I have been to your
website and read what you are doing – it is great and it says all of the things
that I personally want to hear.

What wonderful things are blossoming at
Common Ground!! I’m so grateful for you both!

Dear reverent, loving,
peaceful, divinely guided Reverends,
It is such a gift to all of us to be
able to observe two beautiful souls
"walking their talk."

Thank you
for listening, comforting, and praying for us. Prayer is such a powerful healing
instrument, and I really felt comforted knowing all would be well.

Thank
you for the information on the uploaded talk from last weekend. I REALLY needed
that one, although it wasn't apparent to me until after the service. I'm
rethinking my role as Princess Smarty Pants... That story really made me
THINK!!!

What a Difference You Make,
Thank you for being a part of
my life

The energies and teachings at Common Ground are so fulfilling. I
look forward to living closer so I can participate more. I'm anxious to hear how
the search is going for a new sanctuary/spiritual center.

Speaking of
inspiration, I just read your " WOW! We have some important news to share"
message. I've recently received some news that provides a similar reminder that
my own 'perfect' plan owes its perfection to my willingness to let it be
informed by those "nudges from the Universe", giant or otherwise. Your message
is such a positive model in so many ways, and it came at the perfect time, so I
just have to say "Thanks!"

I'm taking the fact that I actually miss the
experiences I had at Common Ground last weekend as an indication that I want
more. :-) We very much appreciate the warmth and the genuine spirituality we
found at Common Ground. Thanks again for making us feel so welcomed.

It's such a pleasure to see an overall picture of Health in thought,
message and relationships. It offers hope to all who seek.

You two are
such blessings to me!
I pray daily for continued expansion for Common
Ground. I am so grateful to know you and also for the integrity and energy you
give to all that you do.


As usual, last night’s service was so
inspirational and I love spending time with all of you.


I am a
student of A Course In Miracles and also a member of Al-Anon's 12-step program.
Common Ground seems to be a natural progression in my spiritual path.

Have a comment?

Creativity !

During the month of MARCH Rev. Glenda and Rev. Judy will present a four-part series of talks focused on the power of creativity. They will explore how awakening imagination can arouse creativity to heal and transform lives, lead to fuller potential, bring joy alive, and increase compassion.

Creativity: Where the Divine and the Human Meet, by Matthew Fox, and Inspiration: Your Ultimate Calling, Wayne Dyer’s most recent book, will be resource material for the entire month of March. Both books are now available in the Book Boutique at Common Ground.

We are alos excited about launching our blog and starting to interact with the world at large.

Robert Fields: Appearing every Sunday in March and also Saturday March 18

Family of Man: Appearing Saturday, March 25

Creativity: Where the Divine and the Human Meet, Thursdays, March 16, 23 & 30 and April 6, 7pm to 8:30pm

Rev. Glenda and Rev. Judy will facilitate an exploration into the work of Matthew Fox during this provocative four-week book study. Fox says, Creativity, when all is said and done, may be the best thing our species has going for it. Discover how Fox answers these questions: What is creativity? How essential is creativity to our human species? Where does creativity come from? Is any place more intimate than the place where we create? What do we do with chaos? What are the obstacles to creativity? Matthew Fox states, We are creators at our very core in creating we tap into the deepest powers of self and universe and the Divine Self. Come explore creativity. Embrace living as art in itself. Love Offering.

Just added:Matthew Fox Blog - Link to Matthew Fox Blog for further reading and to stay informed.

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