Welcome to 2022 on the calendar, and the beginning of a new teaching series at C3. Kent Dobson, Lead Teacher, will take another look at our C3 values, beginning in January with Common Humanity: we respect the dignity and worth of every individual. It’s a good thing to revisit our commitment to these values. Join us in person at the Grand Haven Community Center, or online at C3’s Facebook page, at 10:00 a.m.
Grand Rapids musician Patty PerShayla starts the New Year with us. She graciously joined us a few times last year. Described as “peace, love, and a giant crowbar,” she has a gritty, yet sweet, singing voice. Thanks, Patty, for getting our year off to a good start, musically!
COVID Concerns:
West Michigan continues to experience high numbers of COVID cases, including cases in vaccinated individuals and sometimes even those with booster shots, and now the Omicron variant adds an extra measure of concern. 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.
During this time of great stress for the healthcare workers, please display your C3 sign thanking them, if you still have it!
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.
C3 Teacher Kent Dobson
There is a lot more to discover and learn from Kent Dobson on his website, and by listening to his podcast “Hints and Guesses.”
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.”
C3 End-of-Year Fundraiser
The totals are in for our year-end fundraiser, and your response was overwhelming! Your donations amounted to $20,940! Your generosity will enable us to start 2022 on secure financial footing. We can’t thank you enough!
Week 3@C3 for January
This month we hope to provide items for the Community Free Store in Whitehall, run by the White Lake United Methodist Church. We will be collecting the following household and personal care items:
laundry soap
bar soap
shampoo
baby diapers
adult incontinence products
feminine hygiene products
These items can be brought to the Grand Haven Community Center on January 2, 9, or 16.
C3 and Friends Book Discussion Group
We meet at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom this coming Tuesday, January 4, to discuss Sharks in the Time of Saviors, a first novel by Kawai Strong Washburn.
“As Native Hawaiians, the Flores family has struggled with broken dreams and economic insecurity . . . Old Myths clash with new realities, love is in a ride-or-die with grief, faith rubs hard against magic, and comic flips with tragic so much that they meld into something new . . . A ferocious debut.”—Marlon James, author of Black Leopard, Red Wolf.
Please email Joyce at joycevcawthon [at] gmail [dot] com if you need to be added to the zoom invitation list.
Please Note: As we look ahead to February 1, we have a problem. Both Joyce and Kathy will be out of town and unable to host the Zoom meeting for our next book Caste: The Origins of our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson. Does anyone want to lead the group? Does anyone other than Joyce have a Zoom account we could use? Please contact Joyce if you can help out.
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 .
Want to make your life easier and more predictable?
Why not put your donations to C3 on autopilot?
No more having to remember to bring a check or cash!
No more trying to remember – did I or didn’t I?
It is a secure and easy set up — just call Carol Takas at Selby Accounting. Please direct any questions to Mark Smith at treasurer [at] C3westmichigan [dot] org.
Your ongoing support of C3 is greatly appreciated. Online donations can be made here. Checks should be sent to C3 Spiritual Community, P. O. Box 371, Grand Haven, MI 49417.
Community Events at the Momentum Center
Exploring Mental Illness Winter Series
The three-session series with focus on mental illness that was scheduled to take place at the Holland Momentum Center location has been changed to a virtual event via Zoom. Individuals can register for one or more of these presentations here. All sessions begin at 6:00 p.m. On January 11, Brett Van Tol, PhD, licensed psychologist, will lead discussion of “Bipolar Disorder and Depression.” Van Tol is affiliated with Pine Rest Holland Clinic. Kayla Moore, a licensed master social worker with Mercy Health, will address “Panic & Anxiety Disorders” on January 18. “Schizophrenia” will be the discussion topic on January 25, and will be led by Michele VanderSchel, LLP, a psychologist with Ottawa County Community Mental Health.
Town Hall on Religion and Racism
On January 24, the Town Hall series on Religion and Racism continues with Christianity and Native/Indigenous People. Register to participate in this Zoom session at the link. Prepare by reading An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz, available at The Bookman.
Sunday, January 2
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
Lead Teacher: Kent Dobson
Music: Patty PerShayla
Meditation: Bob Kleinheksel
11:00 a.m.: Talk Back, In Person
Tuesday, January 4
6:30 p.m.: C3 and Friends Book Discussion Group via Zoom
7:00 p.m.: C3 Men’s Group, C3 Office (1447 Washington, GH)
Sunday, January 9
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
Teacher: TBD
Music: Folias Duo
Meditation: Leslie Newman
11:00 a.m.: Talk Back, In Person
Follow Us + Share on Facebook
Each week we post information about upcoming Gatherings and other special events. Help us extend our reach and recognition by sharing our posts!
Instagram Photos Needed
We would love to feature photos of C3 members in action on our Instagram feed. Email your high res photos (or questions) to trustee Tom Edwards.