White Towels
by Richard Jones

I have been studying the difference
between solitude and loneliness,
telling the story of my life
to the clean white towels taken warm from the dryer.
I carry them through the house
as though they were my children
asleep in my arms.

At Sunday's service we'll explore the idea of listening: learning to listen to ourselves, each other and the world around us.

Kate Munger, Director of the Threshold Choir, and members of the San Francisco and other Bay Area Threshold choirs will join us. Kate and the choir will share their music as well as teach us new songs. We'll listen to one another and fill the Sanctuary with sweet harmonies.

Worship Associate Claire Weber, will join Rev. Jacks on the chancel to share a credo.

Tune in!

Our morning offering will be shared with the Threshold Choir.

Come Sunday and join in making art and preparing for a theatrical mini-celebration to take place in the the courtyard immediately after the the July 19 church service.

Bring your ideas, your friends, summer house guests, and your creative selves to this art/celebration/alternative worship, led by Rev. Denis Paul, in cooperation with Faithful Fools and ArtSeed.

Summer Arts 2009 takes place every Sunday this summer from 10 am to 12:15 pm, meeting in the Chapel. This Lifespan Religious Education program is for children 5 and up and adults of all ages.

Ready to Teach and Volunteer for Children's Religious Education in 2009-10?

Whatever your gifts or talents, our children and youth programs would like to have your help! Contact Nancy Buffum to let us know you'd like to lend a hand, and we'll find a place for you to be part of the CRE family. Send Nancy email or phone her at the church at 776-4580.

You are invited to attend the free reception for the artists whose work is currently displayed on the walls of the Kings Gallery. See their paintings and talk to them about their art.

Harriett Golfos Santroch's collection Landscapes Here and There is exhibited in the Starr King Room.

Harriett paints what her heart directs and from the joy she feels putting her brush to canvas. Her favorite subjects are whimsical Greek islands, magical Maui, winding California roads, vibrant canyon landscapes, and colorful Mexican images.

James Waldon's Sunrise and Sunset Landscapes are displayed in the Martin Luther King Room.

James first painted at age 8, influenced by his father, a still life and landscape painter and by his mother. Both had met at the Chicago Art Institute. James studied art formally four years in San Francisco, and has painted professionally for many years. He has selected sunrise and sunset images from the many, many paintings in his home studio

Elizabeth appreciates the value of spiritual support from our church community.

Pick up a bumper sticker for your car or window at the Greeter's Table or office this Sunday!

Thanks to Ruth Cowan who made a lead donation to fund the initial production. The stickers cost the church $2.75 each. You're invited to donate whatever you feel appropriate to the Society's marriage equality efforts when you pick up your sign.

The monthly Full Moon Ritual of the Pagan Interest Circle will focus around a story of Amaterasu, the Shinto goddess of the sun.

All respectful participants are welcome to join in celebrating the strength of the summer sun and our own strengths, basking in the warmth of our imaginations.

You are invited to come with a small mirror or two to help reflect the Sun Goddess's light back to her.

If you are able, please bring food for sharing after the ritual.

Meet the artist at a question and answer talk from 4 - 5 pm, and enjoy a free reception from 5 - 7 pm.

The show is titled The Many Shapes of Leonard Breger and will be on exhibit through August 9th. MarinMOCA is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 11 - 4, and admission is free.

photos by Sonnie Willis

The Congregation commemorated the Fourth of July in a courtyard BBQ celebration last week. Thanks to Sonnie for the pictures of people enjoying the food and community.