Goodness Weekly 3.14.22
“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”
― Mother Teresa
What's Good This Week
We’re grateful for beautiful spring weather and gentle breezes that enabled us to keep our doors open during this past Sunday’s worship in the chapel. Neighbors walking by were able to hear the sounds of singing voices and a couple even came inside to join in.
Good Neighbors
If you are able to meet any of these needs please send us a note at: hello@chariscollective.org
Ongoing needs from Afghan families:
Bicycle for 10 year old boy
Pressure cooker (regular, not Instant Pot)
Swing for baby (2)
Larger area rugs
A message from Jess
“Use your anxiety as a call to action”
Our friend Taylor sent this NY Times article recently, sharing that we can lessen our own anxiety by doing something for someone else.
On Sunday we explored Jesus being tempted in the wilderness as told in the book of Luke. We consider the Lenten wilderness we’re in—this period of global trauma for so many—it is tempting to become overwhelmed by it all and become paralyzed.
Studies show that actively working toward helping others boosts our resiliency and decreases our anxiety. I know in my own life that when I’m feeling particularly selfish, whiny, or resentful, getting outside of myself to do some small act of love shifts my perception.
This week, we challenge you to find a way to tangibly care for someone else each day. Want to get really radical? Make a commitment to choose love at every decision this week. We can’t fix all of the devastation in our world, but we can ease a moment of it for someone.
Oh—and let someone else do nice things for you, too.
Yard Sale
We need your help! Get outside and do a little service—you can help our community by volunteering for the Charis Neighborhood Yard Sale.
There are several different ways to volunteer for the event, in addition to donating your household goods to be sold.
Journey Groups
We have a new way for you to become more deeply connected with the Charis community. Journey Groups are weekly gatherings intended to create space for people to connect in a small group to explore different spiritual topics and grow together. By joining a group, you commit to regular participation. Currently there are three different groups you can join. Groups will begin meeting the week of March 20th.
Please email hello@chariscollective.org if you are interested in joining a group.
Food Theology:
Spend time around the table together as this group explores food theology! Each friend will have the opportunity to host or co-host a dinner for the group. Once a month the group will venture out to find new food & drinks for their food theology. Gatherings are held on Sundays at 7:00pm, locations to be announced.
(Ideal for young adults)
Centering Prayer:
Learn about and practice centering prayer while exploring its impact on your spiritual journey in a small group setting. Gatherings are held on Sundays at 3:15pm at the Sunset Ridge Church building.
Men’s Group:
This group will use Richard Rohr’s “Falling Upward” as a framework for discussing the transition from the first half of life into spiritual maturity. Sessions will include centering prayer and guided discussion. Meetings are held on Wednesdays at 7:15pm at the Sunset Ridge Church building.
(Ideal for men over the age of 25)
Upcoming Events
Sunday, March 20, 4:30pm Outdoor Worship
Saturday, March 26, 8am-2pm We're hosting a Neighborhood Yard sale! Donations of gently used household items are currently being accepted for the sale. Proceeds will support the Charis Park project. More details at chariscollective.org/yardsale
Sunday, March 27th, 4:30pm Liturgy & Worship in the Chapel
Morning:
Good morning God, the world feels like it’s falling apart
and in many moments taking me with it.
I feel helpless and hopeless and want to crawl
back in bed until it’s over
Yet, here we are, a new day
-breath in my lungs
-a beating heart that longs for the day
when all things are made new
Give me the strength to carry love into this day
To leave flowers in my wake
I cannot do great things, but help me do small things
with great love
Amen
Evening:
Thank you for this day God
for the reminder that I never walk alone
Tonight I lift up the moments that I loved well
and thank you for the courage
I lift up the moments I failed to love
and thank you for the learning
Wrap all those I carry in my heart tonight
The war-torn, the hungry, the hurting, the lonely
-in the shelter of your mighty wings
Amen
