C3 inspires spiritual, intellectual, and creative exploration and action, led by the questions, “what are the biggest challenges we face on our shared journey, and how do we respond to those challenges?”
We have the privilege and pleasure of hearing our lead teacher Kent Dobson again this week, as we continue to declare that We Have Questions, and Kent asks What’s the Point of a Religious Life? Our musician will be Matt Gabriel, a familiar presence. Nelleke Knarr offers the meditation.
Our weekly Gathering takes place in the Mackinaw Ballroom at Central Park Place every Sunday at 10 a.m. Pre-Talk and Awakenings (meditation) precede the Gathering at 9 a.m. After the Gathering, enjoy a Small Bite and join Talk Back. Our C3 Kids meet at 10 a.m. in the C3 Kids’ area of the Mackinaw Room. The Gathering is live-streamed on C3’s Facebook page.
- Missed an email? Revisit or catch up on our website > Updates
- Need Event Information? Our website has a full event calendar > Upcoming Events
- 🆕 Last Sunday’s Teaching here and Meditation here.
🆕 Autumn Kickoff Bonfire and Social
Last Sunday evening about 50 people gathered for good food, interesting conversation, gazing into the bonfire, and of course, the Cornhole Tournament! Winners were Mary Ellen Mika and Gordy Alderink. The McMasters were champion bonfire builders and maintainers. As always, the food was abundant and fabulous, the weather was perfect, and the deer who watched from the sidelines were both entertained and entertaining! Many thanks to Joyce and David for organizing this fun event.
🆕 Did you know that we have a Community Life photo gallery on our website? There are 64 photos and counting, including 18 from last Sunday’s social. Just click on any thumbnail at the bottom of the page to view the gallery! Thank you to all our photo contributors (photos can be emailed to Tom Edwards).
Looking Back and Looking Forward
On October 22, we’ll look back over the past six years with Kent, as we will miss him when he and his family move to Georgia. After the Gathering, we’ll share our memories, thanks, and—of course!—food to commemorate his time with us.
On November 5, we’ll look forward as we hold our annual Community Meeting. This is a wonderful opportunity to join others as we plan C3’s future by electing new Board of Trustee members, approving the 2024 budget, and hearing about the activities going on behind the scenes.
Make plans now to stay around after the Gathering for these two special events that celebrate our history and our future!
Board of Trustees Election Nomination Period
The nomination period for Board of Trustees candidates ends this Sunday, October 1.Anyone interested in running for office should contact a current board member. Please consider applying and encourage other potential candidates to apply.
🆕 Summer Fundraiser Results 🎉
Thanks to the fundraising bike riders (Gordy Alderink, Andy Cawthon, Ira Engeltjes, and John Leitner) and the swimmer (Chrys Moelter-Gray), and all who pledged, over $4000 was raised! The exact figure will be shared after the September financial report is completed.
Small Bites
A huge thank you to Teresa Colbry, Cheryl Van Abbema, and Kathy Smith for being such generous Small Bites volunteers. As they step away, we welcome two new volunteers: Cindy Van Ittersum and Betty Porter, who have agreed to provide goodies on the first Sunday of the month (Cindy), and the second (Betty). We could use a couple more regulars, and some who’d be willing to sub when needed. Let Patti Baldus know if you’re willing! Thanks!
Change in Drop-In Hours at C3 Office
Becky’s hours at the C3 Office have changed. She will be in the office for drop-in visits on Mondays and Tuesdays from 12 to 2:30 p.m. Other times are available by appointment (call or text 616-842-1985). The office is located in the Third Coast Recording building at 1447 Washington Avenue in Grand Haven.
Adopt-A-Highway
Thanks to everyone who has already signed up for our fall Adopt-A-Highway cleanup tomorrow, Saturday, September 30. Meet in the CPP parking lot 10 a.m. If you have not signed up yet, just show up. More information on what to wear (sturdy shoes, etc.), zone assignments and safety video here!
For pre-event laughs check out this Seinfeld episode: Kramer Adopts A Highway.
Vigil for Peace and Justice
The Vigil for Peace and Justice continues through November, every Saturday from noon to 1 p.m. along Washington Avenue at Central Park.
Jean King
Humanity for Prisoners Presents The Voices of Humanity
The annual Fall Speaker Series for Humanity for Prisoners will have a new look this October, as their first film festival, featuring Behind our Walls, is scheduled for Friday, October 27, 7 p.m. at Central Park Place in Grand Haven. Further details here.
Caring for the members of our C3 Community is a shared communal responsibility, rather than a role reserved for a pastor, priest, or leader. Our C3 Community Care Team encourages members to support each other at time of need with notes, cards, phone calls, visits, meals, and transportation. C3 members are urged to contact the Community Care Team to inform them of life events, illness, or hardships, which can be shared with the C3 Community. To report a need or request help, or to help visit members in hospital, rehab or recovering at home, contact Cheryl Van Abbema: email or Mike and Charlotte Rozich: email.
Lynne Deur is undergoing multiple procedures to receive a cochlear implant. She and Jean will remain in Michigan until she has the implant and is comfortable with it. Cards can be sent to Lynne at 18332 N. Shore Estates, Spring Lake, MI 49456.
Jean Regester continues to recuperate at home, but is still unable to move around much or stand for very long. 🆕 A Meal Train has been created to assist with evening meals. If you’re able and willing to help, check it out at here.
Barb Van Leeuwen is undergoing the toughest part of her treatment for oral cancer now. She is grateful for the kind words received from C3 folks, letting her know that people are pulling for her. Cards or notes may be sent to Barb via text or email or at home: 2669 Weatherby Hills Drive SE, Grand Rapids 49546.
🐓 Note: Pam Park has a few dozen fresh eggs. Text her to reserve a dozen for $3, and she’ll bring them to C3 on Sunday.
🆕 Week 3@C3 for October
We will be collecting for the Muskegon Rescue Mission’s Thanksgiving Baskets Project.
Needed for the baskets are:
Packaged items:
- stuffing mix
- mashed potatoes
- macaroni and cheese
- brownie or cake mixes
- Canned corn and green beans
Muskegon Rescue Mission prepares to give away 1,000 Thanksgiving meal baskets. These items will be collected on the first three Sundays in October (October 1, 8, 15).
Travel-size Items
Every Woman’s Place takes contributions of travel size toiletry items—shampoo, conditioner, wrapped soap, lotions, nail files, floss. If you have any of these to contribute, bring them any Sunday to the Week 3@C3 table.
🆕 Sign Up for Sunday Dinner Group
Sign up at the Membership Table to join fellow C3ers for a meal at The Kirby Sunday evening at 5:30p.m.
C3 Book Club and Friends
We meet next on October 17, to discuss The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row by Anthony Ray Hinton. 🆕 The book for November 21 is The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi. Start thinking of three books to suggest for 2024, when we meet for our holiday party and book selection process in December.
C3 Men’s Group
The C3 Men’s Group meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays at the American Legion Hall on Harbor Drive. Contact Phil Koster for more information.
🆕 Honor and Memorial Giving Program
Last year the Finance Committee created a program for Honor and Memorial giving to support C3. Cards for this purpose are available at the Membership Table. The gifts, with permission, will be listed in the newsletter (names only, no dollar amounts). As always, your donations are invaluable to us, thank you!
This week we are pleased to mention a donation was made in memory of Marie Bahlke (Sarah Jacob’s mother), by Mark and Kathy Smith.
Your ongoing support of C3 is greatly appreciated. Online donations can be made here. Automatic donations can be set up by contacting Carol Takas at Selby Accounting. 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. Our tax ID is 38-1960212.
🆕 Public Health Department Support Rally
Last Tuesday evening, several C3 members attended the rally at the Fillmore complex to support full funding for the Department of Public Health.Julie Bratton, Charity McMaster, and Margaret Willey also stayed to attend the meeting of the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners, and made public comments in support of funding the Health Department at the requested amount. We thank them for demonstrating public support for our C3 value of Well-Being for all of our neighbors and community members.
Karen Cotton, Margaret Willey, and Ryan Cotton
🆕 Series on Racial Reconciliation at St. John’s Episcopal
Last Monday, St. John ’s Episcopal Church in Grand Haven offered the first in an 11-part series, Sacred Ground, a film-based dialogue on racial reconciliation. A schedule of classes and a registration page can be found online.
🆕 Series on Climate Change and Faith at First Presbyterian
A four-part series on Climate Change and Faith is being held at First Presbyterian Church in Grand Haven on October 8, 15, 22, and 29. Click here for more information.
🆕 Dinner and Movie Night October 15
The monthly Dinner and Movie Night at the Momentum Center in Grand Haven takes place on Friday, October 13, and features Elemental, a film which illustrates that embracing diversity and truly seeing people for who they are can lead to deeper connections and understanding among people. Dinner begins at 5 p.m.(pot luck items welcome but not necessary) and the movie starts at 6 p.m. This film will also be shown at the Holland Momentum Center on Monday, October 9, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., with free popcorn.
Construction at Spring Lake District Library
We know that you’re all readers, so here’s a link to information about the construction going on at the Spring Lake Library.
Freedom and Justice for All Capitol Rally
Join several organizations, including Grand Haven’s Justice Through Storytelling (and founder Kelly Lynne) at the Capitol in Lansing on Saturday, September 30, 3 to 5 p.m., to support clemency and criminal justice reform. More information here.
Saturday, September 30
10 a.m. Adopt-A-Highway Clean-Up (meet at CPP parking lot)
12 p.m. Vigil for Peace and Justice (Washington Ave. at Central Park, GH)
Sunday, October 1
All events held in the Mackinaw Ballroom in Central Park Place (421 Columbus Ave., GH)
9 a.m. Pre-Talk & Awakenings
10 a.m. C3 Kids with Miss Mary and volunteer Eleanor Hills
10 a.m. Gathering, In Person + Livestream on Facebook
• C3 Teacher: Kent Dobson
• Musician: Matt Gabriel
• Meditation: Nelleke Knarr
11 a.m. Talk Back
Tuesday, October 3
7 p.m. C3 Men’s Group (American Legion, GH)
Saturday, October 7
12 p.m. Vigil for Peace and Justice (Washington Ave. at Central Park, GH)
Sunday, October 8
All events held in the Mackinaw Ballroom in Central Park Place (421 Columbus Ave., GH)
9 a.m. Pre-Talk & Awakenings
10 a.m. C3 Kids with Miss Mary and volunteer Char Kole
10 a.m. Gathering, In Person + Livestream on Facebook
• C3 Teacher: Kent Dobson
• Musician: Kyle Rasche
• Meditation: Leslie Newman
11 a.m. Talk Back
C3 teacher Kent Dobson helps people orient their life to be in deeper relationship with Mystery, the shape of their own soul, and to a meaningful sense of their unique voice in the world.
Kyle Rasche (rhymes with Kashi) has carved his place as one of West Michigan’s most dependable songsmiths of the poetic, soul-bearing sort. 2021 saw his foray back into the solo-songwriter world, with a pile of new songs, and an updated list of accolades—including being named a finalist in Kerrville Folk Festival ’s prestigious New Folk Songwriting Competition.
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C3 Spiritual Community Office
1447 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 371, Grand Haven, MI 49417
Becky Park, Office Manager
Office Hours: Wednesday 12:30–2:30 p.m., Friday 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., or by appointment
Automatic donations are handled by Carol Takas at Selby Accounting.
Please direct any questions to Shannon McMaster.
C3 Board of Trustees
Chair: Sally Alderink
Vice-Chair: Teresa Colbry
Secretary: Valerie Engeltjes
Treasurer: Shannon McMaster
Beth Buelow
Andy Cawthon
Kim Crozier
Tom Edwards
Kathy Humphrey
Wayne Johnson
Rod Van Abbema
Newsletter Submissions and Editor: Chrysteen Moelter-Gray.
Newsletter Designer: Annie Wassmann
Copyright © 2023 C3 Spiritual Community. All rights reserved.