This week at C3
Lead Teacher Brad Ruggles teams up with Executive Director Shannon McMaster this week for More Than A Sunday: Creating Space to Grow.
Join us this Sunday for an inspiring Vision Talk, More Than A Sunday: Creating Space to Grow, with Executive Director Shannon McMaster and Lead Teacher Brad Ruggles. Together, they’ll explore where C3 stands today—our financial health, the opportunities that come with growth, and the exciting journey ahead as we work to secure a new gathering space by May 2026.
This is about far more than finding a building—it’s about creating a space that reflects the heart of C3: a community that’s welcoming, inclusive, and alive with possibility. How can we create a space that reflects C3’s mission as more than a Sunday morning gathering? How do we honor our values while embracing new voices, fresh ideas, and the changes that come with growth?
We can’t wait to dream together with you—see you Sunday!
We welcome Whorled, a trio composed of Thom Jayne, Keala Venema, and Mariko Venema, who bring a fresh blend of re-imagined Celtic, bluegrass, French Café, and jazz influences to their music. Our meditation will be shared by Charlotte Rozich.
📍 Location: Central Park Place, Mackinaw Ballroom, 421 Columbus Ave, Grand Haven)
⏰ Pre-Talk: 9 a.m. | Main Gathering: 10 a.m. | C3 Kids: 10 a.m.–Noon
💬 Talk Back: After the Gathering until Noon
📺 Livestream on our Facebook page
C3 News
Dine with Nine! ️
🆕 If you signed up for Dine with Nine, your host should have made contact with you to share their address and to ask what you would like to contribute to the meal on February 8. The event coordinators are Joyce Cawthon, Kathy Smith, and Mary Ackerson. Have questions? Contact Joyce.
News from the Board of Trustees
- C3 will join the Grand Haven Chamber of Commerce.
- The Board elected the following trustees to the Executive Committee: Teresa Colbry, Chair; Tod Wyn, Secretary; Andy Cawthon, Treasurer; Vice Chair, TBD.
- The Board will now hold their monthly meeting on the fourth Wednesday of every month. The next meeting will be Wednesday, February 26.
Mindful Living Update
Many of us are familiar with the concept of mindfulness and what it means to be mindful, but how do we make it intentional? Come, explore, and share this contemplative practice every third Wednesday of the month, starting March 19, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Loutit District Library, Program Room A. Chairs will be provided, but feel free to bring a cushion. Have questions? See or email Kerry FitzGerald.
Honor and Memorial Giving
- A donation was made in memory of our sweet friend, Connie Farell, by Don and Cindy Anderson.
- A donation was made in honor of all the Active Members who keep C3 going, by Deb Sikanas and Russell Radford.
Charter for Compassion
Outreach
Focus on Outreach
The C3 Outreach Team (currently Rod Van Abbema and Chrys Moelter-Gray) met with Executive Director Shannon McMaster to prepare information about Outreach to share at an Upcoming Gathering. Stay tuned for more information, or contact Rod or Chrys with questions, suggestions, or to join the Outreach Team!


Care and Concern
Caring for our C3 community is a shared responsibility. Community Care encourages members to support one another with notes, calls, visits, meals, and transportation.To share life events, illnesses, or hardships—or to request help—contact Cheryl Van Abbema by email or phone.
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- Lana Brock will have tricuspid valve surgery at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit on February 6. Cards of care, concern, and encouragement may be sent to Lana at 1856 Hendrick Road, Norton Shores, MI 49441.
- 🆕 Carol Schwemin recently had an ablation treatment of her spine and she hopes the procedure provides relief of long-term pain. Cards of support, care and concern can be sent to 6269 Durham Road, Whitehall, MI 49461.
Groups
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- Sunday Night Supper meets at Dr. Rolf’s Barbecue (971 W. Savidge St.) in Spring Lake, 5:30 p.m. this Sunday. Please sign up at the Welcome Table if you intend to come.
- C3 Men’s Group meets on Tuesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Choir Room at St. John’s Episcopal Church. Call Phil Koster with questions.
- C3 Book Club and Friends January’s meeting was canceled due to extreme weather. We will meet on Tuesday, February 18, 6 p.m. at Third Coast Recording (where C3 office is located, 1447 Washington Avenue, GH) to discuss North Woods by Daniel Mason.
- 🆕 Women’s Journey Our next meeting is Monday, February 24, at 6:30 p.m. at The Bookman.
Values in Action
Secchia Breakfast Lecture: Ethical AI in Business: Challenges, Choices, and Consequences
Join us Tuesday, February 18, for an insightful discussion on Ethical AI in Business. Keith Brophy, CEO of Mentavi, and Michael DeWilde, Professor of Management and Director of the Koeze Business Ethics Initiative, will explore the complexities and ethical considerations surrounding AI in the business world. Additional panelists will be announced soon. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with a timely topic that’s shaping the future of business. Click here for details.

Music Events with C3 Connections 🎶
- February 14, 7 p.m.: Spencer LaJoye and Kyle Joe in concert at Lowell Soundcheck.
- February 15, doors open 6 p.m., music at 6:30 p.m.: Candlelight Concert with Josh Rose at The Bookman, free, with general admission seating.

Community Events for Your Consideration 📣
Click on the links for more information.
- Monday, February 3: 7 to 8 p.m. Ottawa News Network Listening Tour, Holland Museum
- Friday. February 7: Sales at Grand Finale Café and Bistro (110 W Savidge St, SL) to benefit The People Center
- Saturday, March 8: 6 to 11 p.m. International Women’s Day Concert featuring Rabbitology (benefit for Every Women’s Place), Temple Lounge
- April 8–11, Civil Rights Road Tour, sponsored by the Momentum Center
Connections ✋
Make new friends, meet interesting people, tell them about C3! Check out all kinds of activities in the area at the Grand Haven Area Events Calendar, Calendar of Events for All Ages | Loutit District Library, and Spring Lake District Library Calendar
Calendar
Sunday, February 2
9 a.m. Pre-Talk
10 a.m. C3 Kids with Miss Mary and volunteer Patti Baldus
10 a.m. Gathering, In Person + Livestream on Facebook
- Lead Teacher: Brad Ruggles and Executive Director Shannon McMaster
- Music: Whorled
- Meditation: Charlotte Rozich
11 a.m. Talk Back
Tuesday, February 4
7 p.m. C3 Men’s Group (Choir Room, St. John’s Episcopal Church, GH)
Sunday, February 9
9 a.m. Pre-Talk
10 a.m. C3 Kids with Miss Mary and volunteer Renee Borton
10 a.m. Gathering, In Person + Livestream on Facebook
- Lead Teacher: Brad Ruggles
- Music: Beth Patterson & Carolyn Koebel
- Meditation: Nelleke Knarr
11 a.m. Talk Back

Brad Ruggles (he/him) joined C3 as Lead Teacher in May 2024. He is a former pastor that deconstructed and later left the faith he was raised in after 18 years in ministry. He and his wife Lisa enjoy adventuring and traveling with their two adult daughters. Brad’s interests are diverse and include backpacking, meditation, breathwork, yoga, sport kiting, and photography.
Beth Patterson (she/her) is a Universalist Christian singer songwriter, improvisational vocalist, and clinical social worker. Beth identifies as queer and her journey in reconciling faith and sexuality is reflected in her music as well as a movement toward love-centered spirituality. Beth recently released her second album Love Says which is available on Bandcamp.
Beth will be accompanied by percussionist/music therapist Carolyn Koebel, known for her eclectic musical collaborations throughout the region. Carolyn produced Beth’s latest CD and can be heard with groups including The Nathan Moore Affair, Grace Theisen, Samuel Nalangira, Great Lakes Brass, and many others.
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