Dear Beloved Community at CCSM -
I don't know about you, but I always have mixed feelings about Labor Day weekend. On one hand, it can be a lovely chance to connect with friends and family and take a break to enjoy the outdoors. On the other hand, it tends to signify the "end" of summer, and time to get back to the busyness of the year with all of its rhythms and routines. This year, I'm not quite sure what it is that we are "returning" to as so much still seems uncertain and in flux!
But Penny's sermon from last Sunday reminds us that a lot of what it takes to rise strong is within us already. Although circumstances do have an impact, by telling ourselves new stories and shifting some of our patterns we can find the strength to begin anew, regardless of what might be swirling around us. And so much is swirling: in our lives, our communities, with the pandemic, in so many corners of our world.
And, part of rising strong for you this fall might be deepening your spiritual journey in some way. CCSM has so many groups and events that offer many opportunities to do just that. Please take a look at pages 14 and 15 of the Pine Tree in particular for a list of many of our groups. I invite you to discern whether the spirit might be calling you to something new through one of these offerings. And if you have an idea for another group or event that you would like to help to lead, we would love to hear from you. Chances are that others may be looking for just that sort of offering as well.
This coming Sunday, please continue to rise strong with our church community by joining us for worship online or in the sanctuary. Rev. Jorge will be preaching and Chris Yeh and Jim Schwandt will be offering us some very special music. I look forward to seeing you there!
May God's blessings abound in your life this week,
Sheryl
P. S. Many people noted that they really resonated with this Manifesto written by Brené Brown that we used to conclude our sermon series on her book Rising Strong. Here it is again!
Manifesto of the Brave and Brokenhearted
by Brené Brown, from Rising Strong
There is no greater threat to the critics
and cynics and fearmongers
Than those of us who are willing to fall
Because we have learned how to rise.
With skinned knees and bruised hearts;
We choose owning our stories of struggle,
Over hiding, over hustling, over pretending.
When we deny our stories, they define us.
When we run from struggle, we are never free.
So we turn toward truth and look it in the eye.
We will not be characters in our stories.
Not villains, not victims, not even heroes.
We are the authors of our lives.
We write our own daring endings.
We craft love from heartbreak,
Compassion from shame,
Grace from disappointment,
Courage from failure.
Showing up is our power.
Story is our way home. Truth is our song.
We are the brave and brokenhearted.
We are rising strong.
Don't forget to vote in the upcoming recall election—either by mail or in person. Inform yourself about the dates and about the process. There is a lot of contradictory information out there—CCSM Board member Sandy McNabb is happy to be a resource to answer questions: sandra.j.mcnabb@gmail.com; 650-594-0742
