With all the need in the world, have you ever just felt overwhelmed to the point ofinaction? Is there some basic guidance we can offer one another to stay fueled upliving a life for others beyond our self? Where is the best place to start? Come explorelessons from “Little Hummingbird”

This beloved children’s book by a brother-sister team of Aboriginal writers who comefrom the Palyku people of the Pilbara region of Western Australia encourages us to seethe value of and need for both “feathers and stones.” Come explore why in a dualistic,either or, society we really do need both and. We have “both and” within … Continue reading The Two-Hearted Numbat

(General Assembly Worship) The last few years have not been easy, including in our local congregations. Whole swaths of members have simply stopped coming; COVID is confusing, and polarizing; many ministers have joined the great resignation; and Pew studies and friends alike have pronounced the end of the local church. In this moment, when so many … Continue reading The Deal On Those Days

Barbara Brown Taylor coins the phrase “Holy Envy” in her book by that title. In it sheexplores what she envies about other faith traditions than her own, and whether she is“looking for greener pastures, or trying to make peace with the realities of her own?”Come explore why it is important to be careful about our … Continue reading Holy Envy

Because music gives space to so much more than words alone, come find refuge and renewal in the music of pianist Magdalene Myint.   Worship leaders: Tricia Garcia and Magdalene Myint.  Tech Chaplain: John Lehman  Tech Crew: Walker Wynkoop.

We welcome back former Modesto poet laureate Gillian Wegener, who will offer an experience of beauty through her poetry.  Poetry connects us to and expands on our own feelings, and is as Audre Lorde said “a vital necessity of our existence.”  Worship Leaders: Leroy Egenberger, Gillian Wegener, and Jude Markel.  Tech Chaplain: Dee Hawksworth Tech Crew: Todd … Continue reading Poetry: A Vital Necessity

The Declaration of Independence was actually signed on July 2nd, and then celebratedon July 4th. It seems the 3rd may be the perfect day between to reflect. Throughpoetry, our faith principles, our history and future possibility as a country and more,come explore where we are and what we may need to decide regarding where we … Continue reading Between the Signing and the Celebration

With all the ways out there to center, meditate or just plain regroup each day, I’mmaking the case for why breath prayer should be at the top of our list. Come considerthis ancient practice for the first time or be refreshed and renewed in it. We’ll explore it,practice it, and I’m pretty certain you will … Continue reading Why Breath Prayer?