What Did You Offer on Sunday?

Many of you were present Sunday for the "Sowing Our Seeds" ceremony for our "Celebration Garden." Members of Northaven processed out of the sanctuary and to the garden site and offered small symbols of personal meaning, that will now forever become a part of the labyrinth foundation.

After the ceremony was over, several members commented that it might be meaningful to hear what others shared and why. So, if you wish, please leave a "comment" below and describe what you left, so that others might be inspired by your story.

It's always powerful to hear each other's stories, and this is yet another way we can share with each other, as this process proceeds.

Question:
What "symbol" or item did you leave as a part of the Celebration Garden ceremony Sunday? Why did you choose it? What does it mean to you? Also, if you wish, share any other thoughts and feelings about the garden below as a "comment" to this blog entry.

(Note: you will be asked to either sign in to leave a comment, or leave it as "Anonymous." If you do not have a Google or Blogger account, Anonymous is a perfectly fine way to leave a comment. You can always sign your comment if you wish to include your name. If you do have a Google account, you should be able to sign in using those credentials.)

Immigration Reform Vigil

Here is a video from KXAS Channel 5, covering the Immigration Reform Prayer vigil that was hosted at Northaven Church on August 23rd, 2009.



And here are some pictures posted by the sponsoring organization, "Welcoming Immigrants Network."

The Contemplative Life: Female Mystic Perspective, Sep. 14

2nd Monday Series
September 14 – Ginger Georgulas – Female Mystic Perspective of the Contemplative Life

The objective of The Contemplative Life series is to provide an overview of the distilled wisdom of Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, and other major religions that converge in contemplative practice. The presentations are intended to be intellectually sophisticated (but not academic), experiential, and practical. Without seeking to blur the distinctions between religious faiths, we want to engage together with mutual respect to understand our common core.

Since May we have considered Buddhist, Vedanta Hindu, Sufi, and Jewish perspectives. The September presentation moves us into a different realm by looking specifically to female Christian mystics and understanding some distinctive aspects of how women approach spirituality. Ginger Georgulas will provide examples of female mystics in different eras of history and add further depth to our understanding of the contemplative life.

The Second Monday Contemplative Life series will be followed by a retreat at Northaven led by James Finley October 16-18, with the topic: "Jesus and Buddha - How the teachings of Jesus reflect the Four Noble Truths."

Monday, September 14, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Northaven UMC
11211 Preston Road
Dallas, Sanctuary

Ginger Georgulas, Female Mystic Perspective of the Contemplative Life
No charge.

Ginger Georgulas has had a life-long interest in spirituality and is particularly attuned to the ways in which women experience spirituality. After many years in accounting, Pastor Georgulas followed God’s call to ministry and was ordained in 1991. She served Lutheran congregations in Hawaii and California. In 2001 she retired to be near her two youngest grandchildren. She has since served as an interim pastor, conference dean, seminary student mentor, chaplain for a local chapter of Lutherans Concerned (GLBT Lutherans), and women’s retreat leader.

Previous Presentations:

May 11 - Ruben Habito, “Buddhist Perspective”
June 8 - Pravrajika Brahmaprana, “Vedanta Hindu perspective”
July 13 - Yusuf Kavakci, “Sufi perspective”
August 10 – Geoffrey Dennis, “Jewish perspective”

Future Presentations:

October 1 (Thursday) – Father Don Fischer, St. Joseph Catholic Church—Christian esoteric tradition of Centering Prayer

Click here or more information about the 2nd Monday Series or to register.

You may also call Northaven at 214-363-2479.

Construction Pictures of the Celebration Garden

These pictures are of the construction of the Celebration Garden at Northaven Church. Phase one of the garden is under construction now. Learn more about the garden here.

Construction Pictures

Welcome Chris Reed!

New Youth Director, Chris Reed, has started his job at the church this week. He's still unpacking boxes and getting settled, but everyone is thrilled that he is here in Dallas and now officially with us.

Along with organist Andy Packard, we'll welcome Chris to Northaven this coming Sunday morning.

Test Blog

Hey Friends:

We're working on creating a new blog for Northaven UMC.

This is work in progress.

Please visit often and see how we're doing!