Saturday, October 29, 2016

DYING AND LIVING


    This week, our Sunday Circle will be centered on preparation for Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) as we contemplate the process of dying and honoring the deceased from a peaceful, powerful perspective. 
 
    Every year for the past 24 years, we have spent the Sunday before November 2nd (Day of the Dead) focused on this important topic by engaging in a special blend of creative ritual, poetry, music, meditation and contemplation. A central feature of this process is the communal altar we co-create to honor deceased loved ones in our community. Each year since 1992, Edward (Butch) and Ruth Sagebiel, have been generously sourcing this traditional altar in the Circle through their art and artistry, as well as procuring the traditional sweetbreads (pan de muerto), marigolds and folk art figurines. Due to other family obligations, this Sunday will mark the first time that Butch and Ruth won't be there to add their resources to this communal effort. But we trust that others will step forward to help us carry on this wonderful tradition by bringing their photos, foods and mementos -- and we hope that YOU will be among them. 

    We're also fortunate to have a special guest speaker, Rev. Grant Lynn Ford, 
who will be sharing his wisdom and insights on the intersection of conscious living and dying. Grant is an eclectic thinker who is both an Old Catholic Abbott, and a respected New Thought Progressive Christian teacher; a lifetime member of both the Hymn Society and the International New Thought Alliance (INTA). He is the retired Dean of Sunshine Cathedral in Ft. Lauderdale, which became the largest Metropolitan Community Church in the world under his leadership. He is currently working as a church health consultant, while serving as Texas Rep for INTA. He also likes to laugh a lot: "Take life earnestly but not yourself too seriously. Breathe!"

    And we're delighted to welcome back the wise lyrics and silky smooth voices of Chris Pfeiffer and Kelly Quinn, better known as Full Moon Eye, who are celebrating the release of their brand new CD, "Landing." It's always wonderful when they return to San Antonio to share their sweet harmonies and gentle melodies, especially when backed by the Circle Band. Plus, we'll enjoy a new song from our a cappella choir, Circle Singers.
 
    All in all, it promises to be a splendid day to join us for this heartwarming, soul-stirring celebration of living and dying, and we hope to see you there. 

With gratitude and blessings,
    Rudi
PS:  This weekly newsletter is offered free of charge, but it is not free of cost. Your donations help make it possible for the Circle to provide this, and all of our events and programming! Won't you please take a few moments to make a financial pledge for 2017 by joining our Intentional Giving Circle HERE
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THANK YOU for holding the Circle in your heart by visualizing a generous flow of financial abundance. Thank you for supporting us as we continue our work of fostering a creative, inclusive approach to spirituality. We are deeply grateful.


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