Update for December 5, 2021

C3 Teacher Kent Dobson is back with us for our Sunday Gathering at 10:00 a.m. at the Grand Haven Community Center and via livestream on C3’s Facebook page. What challenge or opportunity will Kent focus on this week in the ongoing series Born for These Times?

Ruth and Max Bloomquist visit us again this Sunday. They are such long-time favorite musicians, it’s like they’re part of our community—and don’t we think they are? Who is going to sing along? Did you know they’ve been playing together for over 40 years? 

COVID Concerns: West Michigan is seeing new record 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.

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 28, 2021

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
Your response to our year-end fundraiser has been extraordinary! THANK YOU!

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, we set a goal of raising $13,000 in additional donations by year end, enabling us to start 2022 on secure financial footing.

We are thrilled to let you know that during the first three weeks, we met our goal!

If you haven’t contributed yet and 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!  

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 our office to be put in touch with lead volunteers, and don’t forget to check the newsletter for a more details. 

Week 3@C3: For December–Adopt a Conestoga Hut

Our efforts for December will focus on the Conestoga Hut Micro-Shelter (CHMS) project which is underway at Lifeline Ministries in Holland. Five of more than 100 proposed huts are ready to be furnished. For December’s Week 3@C3, we are asking that C3ers band together in groups to provide furnishings for these five huts. 

Needed for each hut:

         • one set of twin bed sheets

         • one WARM comforter

         • one bed pillow

         • one set of towels and washcloth

         • two plastic storage bins with covers

         • one throw rug

         • one collapsible chair

Four portable heaters have already been purchased. One more heater is needed. 

Please contact Char Zoet for information about the heater, or to let her know that you have a group committed to furnishing a hut. Printable flyer here.

Vigil for Peace and Justice Will Take a Break for the Winter

After two-and-a-half years of weekly Vigils for Peace and Justice, our Grand Haven group has decided to take a break for a few months, beginning in December. We will return in April.

Our First Combination Book Discussion Group Meeting!

On December 7 at 6:30 p.m., we will gather in person at Kathy Tosa’s house and via Zoom for those either traveling or staying safe at home. Kathy lives at 221 Lafayette Avenue. There is ample parking on her street, and she has a large living room in which we can spread out. If you want to bring a small appetizer, we can make this a little holiday gathering! 

“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

Ask Joyce by email at joycevcawthon [at] gmail [dot] com 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

Pop-Up Book Sale at Spring Lake District Library

The Friends of the SLDL will hold a Pop-Up Book Sale on Saturday, December 4, from 10:00 a.mm.–2:00 p.m. at the library. Books will be 50 cents, or fill a bag for $5.00.

Sunday, December 5

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: Ruth and Max Bloomquist
• Meditation: Theresa Colby

11:00 a.m.: Talk Back, In Person