What's happening under the surface?

I'm fascinated by trees. You can never tell everything that's going on with a tree just by looking at it. There's a whole life that happens under the surface that you'll never know anything about unless you go looking for it. A tree may look bare, but below ground the roots are digging in, looking for nutrients and water. If a bunch of trees are living in close proximity to each other, their root systems enmesh, and the life of one tree can become directly tied to the life of the trees around it. Trees sustain each other in community, share their resources, and can even help each other get well in cases when a member of their tree community gets sick.I'm convinced that people should be more like trees.

In light of recent national events, many of us are wondering how to move forward and what we can do to help. Iwant to encourage anyone who might be reading this; who we are as a people of Justice, Inclusion and Family doesn't change, either individually or collectively. If you need a place to come and be, you are welcome here Perhaps we can come together, support one another and find a way forward together.

Rancho Cucamonga

The Family Resource Center in Rancho Cucamonga had a goal of feeding 300 families with their Fall Holiday Basket Food Drive. Collection ended on Thursday. Sacred Place donated 10 baskets of food on Tuesday. While speaking with staff at the resource center, I learned that only 30 baskets had been donated so far (and that number included Sacred Place's donation).

If you're anything like me, when you see a problem, you try to find a solution. So, after chatting with a few folks this week, I reached out to the city to ask about starting a GoFundMe page the goal being to crowdsource funding for the December Holiday Food Drive. I'm waiting for a response. This is something I feel passionate about, and Pastor Mathew said that I could share it here. If the city agrees to allow me to start a GoFundMe, we will make the link available. No one is obligated to give, but if you would like to help, thank you. Food Collection for December will end the week of December 15, I'll update you all with what I find out.

Claremont United Church of Christ

Claremont United Church of Christ is hosting two events in December and they're inviting any who are able to attend.

1. Trans Day of Remembrance and Celebration of Life, Wednesday, Nov. 20th at 7 pm.
2. World AIDS Day, Sunday  Dec. 1st at 7 pm for the interdenominational service, then candlelight vigil after service and reception.
   

More information will be coming in the next week about these events as plans are finalized. I was speaking with one of the organizers this week. He encouraged me, and by extension us as a community to come out to one or both of these events. It's good when our communities get together and support each other. Please mark your calendars, and if you are able please consider joining us as we gather in remembrance, grief, and hope for a better future.

Celebrate With Us

The RSVP for the Thanksgiving Luncheon on Sunday, November 24, is available here.

Please let us know that you are coming so we can make sure we have enough food. Our numbers each week vary based on our busy lives, so please help us plan and minimize waste. 

December is right around the corner.

We're still looking for a fun activity or two to add to our December schedule. If you have a suggestion, feel free to contact me.

We Want to Hear From You

We say each week that we want to hear your ideas and suggestions. Today I'd like to reiterate that a bit more strongly. Sacred Place seeks to be a place where we uplift one another and live out the ideals of Justice, Inclusion and Family as a mission and in our every day lives. You are all a part of that. Whether you currently attend in person, online, or are just casual observers that like to keep track of what's happening, you are important to us. As we enter into what seem to be even more interesting and uncertain times, we want to build a community of love, strength and support for all who want one.

If you'd like to chat, or if we can help make this a Sacred Place for you, please reach out.

Upcoming Schedule

All gatherings are at 11 AM unless otherwise noted.

Sunday, November 17 | Hope Rising: Isaiah || Sacred Story Hour (at 6 PM)
Sunday, November 24 | Thanksgiving Luncheon
Sunday, December 1 | Advent Festival (at 10:30 AM) + On The Horizon: Hope
Sunday, December 8 | On The Horizon: Peace

View the full list of events anytime on our website.