Update for June 5, 2022

As summer begins we change our focus in the series Be of Value to the sixth in our list of core values, Well Being. Kent Dobson will talk about The Stark Nature of Being (And Why We Need Wholeness). 

Songwriters and storytellers Mallory Graham and Scott Tyler, known as The Rough and Tumble, provide the music. Look forward to close harmony, with songs from the lighthearted to the gut wrenching, with care for their listeners and integrity to their craft. Scott and Mallory have played for us at least once a year for the past five years!

Masks are optional now at our In-Person Gathering. The decision of whether or not to wear a mask will be up to each individual. 

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.

Membership Committee to Update the C3 Directory

With the COVID interruption, we have not kept our membership records up to date. So, for three Sundays, June 5, 12, and 19, we will be taking pictures to update our membership directory. For some, it will be your first time, for others it will be an update. The directory is a way for our members to connect to one another, and a picture is sometimes useful. Look for the camera in the Mackinaw Ballroom after the Gathering.

Many People Having Just a Little Courage

One of the reflections from the Civil Rights Road Trip that was shared last week was this:

One of the less dismaying aspects of race relations in the United States is that their improvement is not a matter of a few people having a great deal of courage. It is a matter of a great many people having just a little courage. — Margaret Halsey, 1946

     During Talk Back the suggestion was made to compile a list of the favorite civil rights and social just organizations supported by C3 members, so that many of us can have just a little courage to act. There will be a place in the lobby for a few weeks to note the civil rights and social justice organizations you find valuable and would like to bring to others’ attention. You may also share them by email with Chrys Moelter-Gray. They will be compiled and shared in the near future.

PRIDE Focus at Our Vigil for Peace and Justice in June

C3 has welcomed and supported the LGBTQ+ community since the 1990’s. We want to share that support and welcoming message with the greater community though our Vigil for Peace and Justice during June, but especially on Saturday, June 11. We would love to see a great group of C3ers join the Vigil for PRIDE Peace and Justice event that day from noon–1:00 p.m. along Washington Avenue in Grand Haven’s Central Park. Let your creative juices flow, make a sign promoting justice and equality for all LGBTQ+ folks (folx), and invite friends to join in this purposefully inclusive event. Can you put it on your calendar?

Week 3@C3 in June

For the month of June, we will be collecting for Every Woman’s Place in Muskegon. Needed are household cleaning supplies:

• laundry detergent
  
• surface cleaner
  
• bathroom cleaner
  
• toilet bowl cleaner
  
• window cleaner
  Note: no paper towels or toilet paper

Go to that aisle in your favorite store, and there you have it! These items will be collected at the Week 3@C3 table on June 5, 12, and 19.

Our Support for World Central Kitchen

Thank you to all who contributed to help our friends in Ukraine through gifts to World Central Kitchen last month. Happily we collected $2200. Great response!

C3 Men’s Group

Beginning next Tuesday, June 7, the C3 Men’s Group will meet at 7:00 p.m. at the C3 office at 1447 E. Washington Avenue, Grand Haven. For more information contact Phil Koster at 616-402-1751.

Did You Know?

Did you know that you can use money from your IRA to contribute directly to a charitable organization, like C3, without it being considered a taxable distribution? It may also serve as your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) for 2021. To make a qualified charitable distribution (QCD), be sure to consult with your tax advisor or financial representative before making this decision, because it is important to follow the guidelines and understand the process.

Donate via PayPal, it’s safe and secure!

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. Our tax ID is 38-1960212.

Pride Events

Here are links to some of the many Pride events happening in surrounding communities. Note that several of the events are happening this weekend.

•  Holland Pride/Out on the Lakeshore
  
•  Muskegon Pride
  
• Summary from Wood TV 8: 2022 Pride Month Events in West Michigan

LEDA Summit on Race and Inclusion

This year’s summit, Uniting Our Voices, takes place on Tuesday, June 7 at Hope College, with a virtual option also available. Read all about it and find registration information here.

March for Our Lives

First held in Washington, DC (and hundreds of other locations in the country) in 2018, following the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, another call has gone out to March for Our Lives on June 11.  A March is being organized in Grand Haven from 10:00 a.m. until noon (just before our Vigil for Pride Peace and Justice at noon). 

Holland Openly Secular Alliance (HOSA)

HOSA has resumed its Secular Summer Socials at The Bluestocking Bookshop (501 Butternut, Holland) at noon on June 26, July 24, August 28, and September 25.

Humanity for Prisoners June Newsletter

If you don’t already receive this communication from our community partner in your inbox, you can read it here.

Greater Good Resources to Take Action Against Gun Violence

With such suffering caused by gun violence in the past two weeks, here are resources that may be helpful in creating positive change, from the Greater Good Science Center in Berkeley, CA, and shared by Ellie Williams.