C3 Teacher Kent Dobson will be with us again this Sunday at our 10:00 a.m. Gathering at the Grand Haven Community Center, and via livestream on C3’s Facebook page. This week, Kent continues his teaching on the series Born for These Times: Challenges and Opportunities.
Patty PerShayla (Pierzchala) has played for us several times, both in person and online. She’ll be back with us in person this week. Learn more about Patty through this interview with Revue magazine.
COVID Concerns:
West Michigan is seeing new record numbers of COVID cases, including cases in vaccinated individuals and sometimes even those with booster shots. Please know that C3’s Board of Trustees continually discusses our approach to gathering. Currently we feel comfortable with continuing to gather as we have been, chairs spaced apart, wearing masks. But we also wish to remind everyone that being in a large, public group poses a risk. We have had members test positive and inform close contacts. As cases are on the rise in Ottawa County, we may see more positive cases in our community. And we continue to assess. We encourage each person to do what is comfortable for them, to be responsible and stay home if they are feeling sick, and join us in the way that is best for them, in person or online.
Sundays at the Grand Haven Community Center (421 Columbus Ave., Grand Haven)
- 9:00 a.m.: Pre-Talk: In Person
Meet the morning’s teacher in a small group setting for an open discussion of the morning’s theme. - 10:00 a.m.: Gathering: In Person + Livestream on Facebook
Welcome, readings, meditation from a community member, teaching and music - 11:00 a.m.: Talk Back: In Person
A chance to share questions, comments and stories related to the morning gathering.
Additional Resources
- YouTube Channel: Weekly Teaching Videos*
- YouTube Channel: Weekly Meditation Videos*
- Podcast Channel: Weekly Teaching Audios*
*posted Sunday afternoons or later in week - Printable list of C3 Values
- Last week’s Newsletter: C3 Update for November 14, 2021
1. How did we get here? Is there anything sacred that has brought us this far? Is there anything good? What ideas are worth hanging on to?
2. Can we live without a falconer (Yates poem reference)? What is the source? To what are we connected?
3. What needs to be remembered in the age of the apocalypse?
Each week we provide a safe and welcoming environment for kids starting at 10:00 a.m., with masked and vaccinated adult caregivers only, and CDC-recommended safety measures in effect. If you are looking for a Sunday morning experience for your kids that includes C3 Values, creative activities, toys, books, games and outdoor fun (when weather permits), we are here to make it happen! Miss Mary is happy to be spending time with your kids, and hopes to see more of them soon. C3 Kids meet upstairs in the Woodbine Room. Click here to view the document “Safety for All in the C3 Kids Program.”
Last Sunday we kicked off our year-end fundraiser. Our goal is to end each year with a balanced budget, as we know this is a sign of a healthy, committed community. For 2021, that goal can be achieved by raising $13,000 by year end, enabling us to start 2022 on secure financial footing.
We are pleased to let you know that our fundraiser got off to a great start this week with donations totaling $4,400.
If you are able, please consider a year-end contribution to C3. We will have donation cards and envelopes available on Sunday. If you are unable to attend, please consider sending a check to the office: C3, P.O. Box 371, Grand Haven, MI 49417, or making an online donation via credit card or PayPal. Be sure to indicate “Fundraiser” on your donation. Your continued presence and financial contributions are essential to the ongoing work of C3 in the Tri-Cities area, West Michigan, and the world. Thank you!
News for Next Week’s C3 Update
Please submit items for inclusion in next week’s newsletter to Chrys Moelter-Gray by Tuesday evening, November 30th.
News from the Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees has assigned the management of the logo change process to Annie Wassmann and Tom Edwards. Committees, please look through your materials. If your committee or event needs an object or document with the new logo, please contact Annie or Tom.
The election for Board of Trustees is coming up in February of 2022. We will have two open seats and four members up for re-election. We especially are hoping to find someone interested in the Treasurer position. Our current Treasurer Mark Smith will be on hand for one more year to help with a transition. We also have a great, supportive board and a Finance Team who help the Treasurer. This person does not stand alone. If you are considering running for a seat, please also think if this could be the opportunity you’ve been looking for to work with a tight-knit group. We are happy to talk through any questions you have. See Sally Alderink, Beth Buelow, Teresa Colbry, Kim Crozier, Tom Edwards, Valerie Engeltjes, Charity McMaster, Mark Smith, Sandy Kate Stephens, or Rod Van Abbema.
Week 3@C3
This Sunday is your last chance to support the Greater Ottawa County United Way United for Warmth Winter Clothing Drive. C3 is collecting new and unused winter clothing items for men, women, and children, and United Way will arrange for our donations to be picked up and distributed to families in need of them. Bring these items to our Gathering on Sunday. United Way suggests:
- Coats, jackets, and vests
- Mittens, gloves, and hand warmers
- Hats and scarves
- Heavy sweatshirts and sweaters
- Snowpants
In a labor of love, C3 member Pam Park knitted eight hooded sweaters and a half dozen stocking caps for little ones.
Thanksgiving Feast
This year’s community feast will be held in honor of Pete Theune, who helped get it all started. Since food donations are not being accepted this year, C3 Outreach Team has sent $250 to St. Mary’s to help with the purchase of food for the Feast. Individual donations to fund the feast are also welcome, by sending a check (with “Thanksgiving Feast” notation) to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 406 E. Savidge Street, Spring Lake, MI 49456.
A few C3 members will help preparing for, delivering, or handing out meals. Please let Phil Magnan know If you are one of these people, by text 616-402-4783 or email. Thanks for pitching in!
ICYMI (in case you missed it): Video of HFP Speaker Series
Doug Tjapkes, son Matt, and concert pianist Veena Kulkarni-Rankin were featured in this year’s Humanity for Prisoners Speaker Series Event. C3 has long supported HFP’s work, and we supported the fundraiser again this year with a $250 donation. If you missed the event, you can click here to watch the video of Doug’s great talk and Veena’s wonderful piano music.
Vigil for Peace and Justice
We want peace and justice for all, so we will stand weekly and ask for peace and justice! Even Chester (Leslie’s canine companion) stands for peace! Our location remains Washington Avenue at Central Park in Grand Haven. All are invited to join us from noon–1:00 p.m. We have lots of signs to choose from, or create your own! Bring a chair to sit, if that works better for you, be sure to dress for the weather, and have peace in your heart!
C3 and Friends Book Discussion Group
On December 7 at 6:30 p.m., we will discuss 21 Lessons for the 21st Century by Yuval Noah Harari.
“How do computers and robots change the meaning of being human? How do we deal with the epidemic of fake news? Are nations and religions still relevant? What should we teach our children? Yuval Noah Harari’s 21 Lessons for the 21st Century is a probing and visionary investigation into today’s most urgent issues as we move into the uncharted territory of the future.” — Goodreads
There are two options to attend December’s meeting—via Zoom, or Kathy Tosa has offered to host at her home in downtown Grand Haven. This way, snowbirds and those who prefer the comfort of home can attend via Zoom, and those willing to gather can enjoy the discussion in person. Joyce will host the Zoom meeting from Kathy’s house.
Might this also be a small holiday celebration? If everyone brought a hearty appetizer to share, we could make it a small safe gathering. If you have any objections to this plan, please email Joyce at joycevcawthon [at] gmail [dot] com. Also ask Joyce to add you to the Zoom invitation list, if you weren’t on it previously and wish to participate by Zoom.
January 4: Sharks in the Time of Saviors by Kawai Strong Washburn
C3 Men’s Group
The C3 Men’s Group meets in person every Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. Until further notice, the group will gather at the C3 Office, located at 1447 Washington, Grand Haven. For additional information contact Phil Koster at 616-402-1751.
Thanksgiving Feast 2021
Do you know of anyone who would enjoy a free Thanksgiving dinner? Let them know about this year’s community Thanksgiving Feast! The full dinner with all the trimmings will be available by delivery or curbside pickup at St. Mary’s Church on Thanksgiving Day (November 25). Note that you need to call 616-842-1702 by 3:00 p.m. on Friday, November 19 to request a meal. See the flyer here.
Town Hall on Religion and Racism Part 3
The next town hall on Race and Racism is scheduled for Monday, December 13, from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. The topic is Interfaith Perspectives on Racism. It is not necessary to have attended the previous sessions to register for this meeting, but it is necessary to register. Zahabia Ahmed-Usmani from the Kaufman Interfaith Institute and a C3 Guest Teacher in 2018, will be one of the panelists. Click the registration link above for details.
Join in the Holiday Spirit: Salvation Army Red Kettle and Angel Tree Campaigns
Just like last year, C3 members will ring the bell for this Christmastime fundraiser at Leppinks in Ferrysburg on December 15 and 16, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. both days, in one-and-a-half-hour shifts. Sign up sheets will be available at Sunday Gatherings, or you can email Betty Jean Porter with your available times. It works to have only one at the kettle or two for each shift. This campaign will provide housing for six families, stock the Food Pantry, provide Thanksgiving and Christmas assistance, utility assistance and Pathway to Hope programs.
Our local Salvation Army distributes toys and gifts donated by community members to families in the community through the Angel Tree program. There are already more requests for help this year than last year. If you want to help families with gifts, you can use the gift registry at Walmart here to purchase requested gifts.
Saturday, November 20
12:00–1:00 p.m.: Vigil for Peace and Justice, Central Park (421 Columbus Ave., GH)
Sunday, November 21
Grand Haven Community Center (421 Columbus Ave., GH)
9:00 a.m.: Pre-Talk, In Person
10:00 a.m. Gathering, In Person + Livestream on Facebook
- C3 Teacher: Kent Dobson
- Music: Patty PerShayla
- Meditation: Leslie Newman
11:00 a.m.: Talk Back, In Person
Tuesday, November 23
7:00 p.m.: C3 Men’s Group, C3 Office (1447 Washington, GH)
Thursday, November 25
12:00pm-3:00pm Community Thanksgiving Feast (St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Spring Lake)