Returning as musician for her first visit of 2022 is Sandra Effert. She joined us three times last year, once virtually and two more times in person. What sets her apart are her colorful and spellbinding piano compositions, as her songs spark a journey through the nuances of human emotion.
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
10:00 a.m. C3 Kids: In Person (Woodbine Room)
11:00 a.m. Talk Back: In Person
A chance to share questions, comments and stories related to the morning gathering.
Lead 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.” Poem by Kent Dobson, shared with C3.
Annual C3 Meeting
On Sunday, February 6, we will hold our Annual Community Meeting. It is essential that we achieve a quorum in order to accomplish the business aspects and election of trustees. Members can participate by attending in-person or by submitting an absentee ballot or proxy, either of which is available from the C3 office. Contact Office Manager, Jeff Baldus, by email frontdesk [at] c3westmichigan [dot] org or phone at 616-842-1985 (Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday). Absentee and proxy ballots need to be returned to the C3 office by Friday, February 4. Note: If you plan on mailing your ballot to the office, please remember the current postal delays and plan accordingly. If you need to update your member information or become a member, cards will be available each Sunday at the Welcome table.
Week 3@C3 for February
The People Center in Spring Lake is our February focus for Week 3@C3. On February 6, 13, and 20, we will collect the following items for The Pantry at The People Center.
Volunteer Opportunity at The People Center
C3 has quite a long history of involvement with The People Center in Spring Lake, and Patti Baldus serves on the board there. The Outreach Team encourages C3ers to support this organization, and Karen Reenders, manager of the People Center, is inviting C3 members to volunteer for the particular current need to sort, organize and hang clothing donations. There are usually six volunteers a week for this task, but currently there are only three, who will be gone for the month of February. One, two, or three people can work at a time, typically once a week for about two hours. This position does not entail working with the guests (although a guest may be “shopping” while you are working). If you’re not sure if you want to make this a weekly commitment, you could just help out in February while the other volunteers are away. Contact Karen Reenders at 616-844-6710 to volunteer.
C3 Men’s Group — Now Meeting by Zoom
With most members out of town during the winter months, the C3 Men’s Group has resumed meeting via Zoom on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. To join via the Zoom link, contact Phil Koster at 616-402-1751.
C3 and Friends Book Discussion Group
Please note: There will be no C3 Book Club meeting in February! But you do have an assignment that is due when the C3 and Friends Book Discussion Group meets via Zoom on Tuesday, March 15, to select the stellar books to be read and discussed for 2022. Click here to read the attached document about the book selection procedure.
Donation of Stocks, Bonds or Mutual Funds
We are excited to let you know that we are now able to accept donations of stocks, bonds, or mutual funds. Did you know that when you donate stock to charity, you’ll generally take a tax deduction for the full fair market value? And because you are donating stock, your contribution and tax deduction may instantly increase over 20%. If this sounds like an option for you, please talk to your financial services representative and if you have any questions re: process, please see me. Thank you for your ongoing support of C3!
Mark Smith, Treasurer Treasurer [at] c3exchange [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. C3 is a 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Organization EIN#38-1960212.
Momentum Center is looking for help. Maybe you can lend a hand.
There is need for volunteers in several roles at both locations—Grand Haven and Holland, from Donut Runner to Staff Support to Instructor and beyond! Click here for a list of volunteer positions, with links to a more detailed description of each position, and contact information to ask questions or volunteer. Note that one qualification for each position listed is “social conscience and a desire for a more peaceful and just world.” Who among us doesn’t fit that qualification?
Community Micro Pantry
This is just a reminder that there is a Micro-Pantry located in the alley between Washington and Columbus Avenues in Grand Haven that is open 24/7 for community members in need of food or supplies. Anyone can drop off donations of shelf-stable food, personal or household supplies at any time—just add them to the pantry! Especially helpful are easy-to-prepare, nutritious foods. Leave what you can; take what you need.
Support Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Ottawa County
During Talk Back when she was at C3, Barbara Lee Van Horssen discussed the need for the community to support the efforts of Ottawa County’s Office of DEI. There is an excellent video on the webpage linked above, which describes the important work being done by this office to make Ottawa County the place Where You Belong. Unfortunately with the current political climate, there is an effort to undermine and defund the work of this office at the county level. Please take twelve minutes to watch the video, then contact each of the County Commissioners to express your support of the important work of the Office of DEI in Ottawa County. Here is a model statement of support you can use as inspiration, and the contact information for Justin Roebuck, Ottawa County Clerk, who can deliver your letter to each commissioner. This is certainly one way to put our C3 Values of Common Humanity and Diversity into action
Sunday, January 30
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: Kent Dobson
Music: Sandra Effert
Meditation: Beth Buelow
10:00 a.m.: C3 Kids, in Woodbine Room with Miss Mary
11:00 a.m.: Talk Back, In Person
Tuesday, February 2
7:00 p.m.: C3 Men’s Group via Zoom
Sunday, February 6
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: Kent Dobson
Music: Jonas Dobson
Meditation: Charity McMaster
10:00 a.m.: C3 Kids, in Woodbine Room with Miss Mary
11:00 a.m.: Annual Meeting, In Person