Saturday, April 26, 2008
The Story of the Scallop Shell
During the 12th and 13th centuries pilgrims traveled to Santiago de Campestela, a town in the farthest northwestern reach of Spain where in the cathedral, tradition says, the relics of Saint James the Apostle rest. Compestela became, after Jeruselem and Rome, the most famous place of pilgrimage in Christendom. Pilgrims were guided along the route by the scallop shell painted on signs and carved into buildings. Along the Camino de Santiago in the city of Leon the scallop shell continued to mark the route. Here they are made of brass and embedded in the city's sidewalks and squares. The scallop shell became the symbol of this pilgrimage.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Jesus is the Light, and we need no other Light
We continued our study on Christian Meditation with Alex last night with a Labyrinth walk led by Mary Garbesi. We learned a little of the history of labyrinths and of our labyrinth in particular. After walking the labyrinth, we discussed our thoughts and experiences with the labyrinth. Make sure to come next Wednesday for the final installment on Christian meditation!
Thanks Alex for teaching us a new song and for bringing in all the instruments! It definitely made up for the previous 'songless' Wednesdays!
Next month, Sarah will be facilitating Romans.
_______________________________________________
Please pray these prayers:
* bridge members - We didn't do individual prayers this past Wednesday. Please keep all the bridge members and their families in your prayers this week.
* Matthew Logan (Whitney's friend) - Friday night (4/18) a car jumped the curb and hit a group of people. He was walking on the sidewalk. He was taken to the neuro-ICU, where he had brain swelling and bleeding, so they had to put in a stint on Saturday. So far the doctors have kept Mat in a medically induced coma due to his head trauma. The pressure has gone down some, and if Mat continues to remain stable, they will take him of the sedation and paralytics on Thursday, so as to see if there is a response. The most recent update is he had some swelling overnight, so had to postpone the med withdrawal to add another drain.
* Whitney's brother - He's decided to request for a transfer from his naval station in Groton, CT. He has always struggled to fit in in life, and it has finally become too difficult for him to continue to work where he is stationed based on the treatment he receives from those he works with. Please pray for healing, strength, love to surround him, and that this situation will not exacerbate what he is already facing from his fleet.
* Jay and KAtherine Wolfe and new baby (see e-mails sent out by Peter) -Katharine collapsed due to a preexisting brain condition and she had emergency surgery for hemmoraging. The doctors are very concerned that she will have permanent brain damage. The family is asking that the prayers keep pouring in as we are all asking for a total miracle. Her husband Jay has asked that we begin to pray Mark 5:41 -- to believe that Jesus is speaking to Katharine. "He took her by the hand and said to her, "Talitha koum!" (which means, "Little girl, I say to you, get up!")" -- Mark 5:41
Praise God for:
* bridge members - praise God for all the wonderful things that we have in our lives. Enough to eat, clothing to keep us warm, a safe place to sleep at night, friends and family.
Thanks Alex for teaching us a new song and for bringing in all the instruments! It definitely made up for the previous 'songless' Wednesdays!
Next month, Sarah will be facilitating Romans.
_______________________________________________
Please pray these prayers:
* bridge members - We didn't do individual prayers this past Wednesday. Please keep all the bridge members and their families in your prayers this week.
* Matthew Logan (Whitney's friend) - Friday night (4/18) a car jumped the curb and hit a group of people. He was walking on the sidewalk. He was taken to the neuro-ICU, where he had brain swelling and bleeding, so they had to put in a stint on Saturday. So far the doctors have kept Mat in a medically induced coma due to his head trauma. The pressure has gone down some, and if Mat continues to remain stable, they will take him of the sedation and paralytics on Thursday, so as to see if there is a response. The most recent update is he had some swelling overnight, so had to postpone the med withdrawal to add another drain.
* Whitney's brother - He's decided to request for a transfer from his naval station in Groton, CT. He has always struggled to fit in in life, and it has finally become too difficult for him to continue to work where he is stationed based on the treatment he receives from those he works with. Please pray for healing, strength, love to surround him, and that this situation will not exacerbate what he is already facing from his fleet.
* Jay and KAtherine Wolfe and new baby (see e-mails sent out by Peter) -Katharine collapsed due to a preexisting brain condition and she had emergency surgery for hemmoraging. The doctors are very concerned that she will have permanent brain damage. The family is asking that the prayers keep pouring in as we are all asking for a total miracle. Her husband Jay has asked that we begin to pray Mark 5:41 -- to believe that Jesus is speaking to Katharine. "He took her by the hand and said to her, "Talitha koum!" (which means, "Little girl, I say to you, get up!")" -- Mark 5:41
Praise God for:
* bridge members - praise God for all the wonderful things that we have in our lives. Enough to eat, clothing to keep us warm, a safe place to sleep at night, friends and family.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Mission Project for 2008 Annual Conference: VIM healthcare kits.
Mission Project for 2008 Annual Conference: VIM healthcare kits.
This is a project that we have participated in in the past and will do again this year.
See http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/getconnected/supplies/ for more information.
Items needed include: gallon sized plastic bags, hand towels (15" x 25" up to 17" x 27", No kitchen towels), washcloths, large, sturdy combs (not pocket-sized), nail files or fingernail clippers (no emery boards or toenail clippers), bath-size bars of soap (3 oz. and up), toothbrushes (single brushes only in original wrapper, No child-size brushes), adhesive plastic strip sterile bandages, $ to purchase toothpaste (in $1 increments, they no longer accept toothpaste and ask for $1 per kit to purchase in bulk).
Thank you everyone who signed up to bring items:
Alex, Ellen, Rachel, Noel, Ashok, Rebecca, Sarah, Shannon, Erin , Kellie, Paul, and Michelle
If you weren't at the last bridge meeting and would like to contibute, we still need 15 hand towels (I forgot to put them on the sign-up sheet). If you would like to bring other items we will continue to make as many kits as possible and can donate partial kits to other groups in the church to finish. We will collect items throughout April.
This is a project that we have participated in in the past and will do again this year.
See http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/getconnected/supplies/ for more information.
Items needed include: gallon sized plastic bags, hand towels (15" x 25" up to 17" x 27", No kitchen towels), washcloths, large, sturdy combs (not pocket-sized), nail files or fingernail clippers (no emery boards or toenail clippers), bath-size bars of soap (3 oz. and up), toothbrushes (single brushes only in original wrapper, No child-size brushes), adhesive plastic strip sterile bandages, $ to purchase toothpaste (in $1 increments, they no longer accept toothpaste and ask for $1 per kit to purchase in bulk).
Thank you everyone who signed up to bring items:
Alex, Ellen, Rachel, Noel, Ashok, Rebecca, Sarah, Shannon, Erin , Kellie, Paul, and Michelle
If you weren't at the last bridge meeting and would like to contibute, we still need 15 hand towels (I forgot to put them on the sign-up sheet). If you would like to bring other items we will continue to make as many kits as possible and can donate partial kits to other groups in the church to finish. We will collect items throughout April.
May 3 - BIG SATURDAY
May 3 - BIG SATURDAY Please note: we will be working on SATURDAY even though it's called Big Sunday. We took a final vote at the last bridge meeting and have come up with a project. There is a lot of work to be done and is centrally located for bridge members. I have signed us up as a group (if you look at the project it will say full). Please let Shannon know if you plan on coming as we need to make sure that we have a group. Phoenix House in Venice helps men with serious histories of drug addiction and incarceration reclaim disordered lives. They've asked us to help them convert a 900 square foot space on their property "from an eyesore to a landscaped area where their clients can relax and be at peace." It's a b-i-g Big Sunday fix-up project, involving new sod, plants, pouring concrete, and some "very patient painters." This great project, right on the beach, will involve lots of hard work, and loads of good spirit. Venice, CA 90291 Saturday, May 03, 2008 09:00 AM To: 04:00PM
May 30/June 1 - Bridge spiritual retreat
May 30/June 1 - Bridge spiritual retreat We have secured a place to stay for the retreat!!
THE PLAN:
The bLT hopes to organize two retreats a year -- one focusing on fellowship and the other focusing on spiritual renewal. This upcoming retreat is our spiritual retreat; so the focus will be on spiritual renewal, not who finished the most bottles of wine :) To that end we will capitalize on our location and spend some time in the woods by going on a small hike or walk, engaging in some contemplative readings and discussions -- ie, bible studies :) -- and a few other activities in that general theme.
If anyone has anything they really want to do, let Sarah know and she make it happen. Do I hear hula hoop team building anyone?
So, for those who were wondering what we do on our retreats... it is basically a Wednesday night meeting stretched out for a weekend. Time filled with fellowship, fun and study... or to quote our Mission Statement: adults gathering for the purpose of Spiritual Growth, recognizing Spiritual Growth as encompassing elements of study, fellowship, and service.
If you still have any questions (or suggestions for the retreat) please let the bLT know.
Thanks! Sarah
The Wrightwood United Methodist Church has graciously allowed us to stay in their church and use their facilities. The cost of the retreat will be $30 per person, but if you can't afford it please talk to one of the bLT members and we will help you out. Please let the bLT know if you are planning on attending by either signing up on the board in the bridge room or emailing shuntting@gmail.com or signing up on the evite: We would like to get a ballpark figure soon for planning purposes, so the sooner you an let us know the better (it would be extremely helpful if you respond even if you are not sure YES/NO/MAYBE). (you can always go back and change your answer if you are a maybe) Hope to see you all there!!
THE PLAN:
The bLT hopes to organize two retreats a year -- one focusing on fellowship and the other focusing on spiritual renewal. This upcoming retreat is our spiritual retreat; so the focus will be on spiritual renewal, not who finished the most bottles of wine :) To that end we will capitalize on our location and spend some time in the woods by going on a small hike or walk, engaging in some contemplative readings and discussions -- ie, bible studies :) -- and a few other activities in that general theme.
If anyone has anything they really want to do, let Sarah know and she make it happen. Do I hear hula hoop team building anyone?
So, for those who were wondering what we do on our retreats... it is basically a Wednesday night meeting stretched out for a weekend. Time filled with fellowship, fun and study... or to quote our Mission Statement: adults gathering for the purpose of Spiritual Growth, recognizing Spiritual Growth as encompassing elements of study, fellowship, and service.
If you still have any questions (or suggestions for the retreat) please let the bLT know.
Thanks! Sarah
The Wrightwood United Methodist Church has graciously allowed us to stay in their church and use their facilities. The cost of the retreat will be $30 per person, but if you can't afford it please talk to one of the bLT members and we will help you out. Please let the bLT know if you are planning on attending by either signing up on the board in the bridge room or emailing shuntting@gmail.com or signing up on the evite: We would like to get a ballpark figure soon for planning purposes, so the sooner you an let us know the better (it would be extremely helpful if you respond even if you are not sure YES/NO/MAYBE). (you can always go back and change your answer if you are a maybe) Hope to see you all there!!
Please pray these prayers:
Please pray these prayers:
* Chris - waiting for results of tests. Pray that everything comes out clean. Also pray that she and her husband find an answer to their financial difficulties.
* David - Pray that he learns how to study Spanish and give him the discipline to do so. Pray that he finds the right people to help him study.
* Zack/Grace (Alex' brother and his wife) - Pray that now that they are living together again they can improve their situation and get their son, Trent, the medical care that he needs.
* Daisy/Hooper (bunny) - pray that Sarah finds the right words to help Anna cope with the situation of putting him to sleep
* Nicole and her husband (Rebecca's sister) - Pray that she will come to terms with her difficult marriage and take steps to protect herself
* Brian (Shannon's nephew) - pray that he is able to understand that his actions have consequences and learns how to get along in the world
* Suri (Rebecca's boss' mother) - pray that she recovers from her heart attack without lingering medical problems.
* Rebecca - pray that her meeting with her boss goes well as they discuss her future with the company.
Praise God for:
* Zack (Alex' brother) - has found a job in a restaurant
* Chris - Is doing well as a checker
* Chris - waiting for results of tests. Pray that everything comes out clean. Also pray that she and her husband find an answer to their financial difficulties.
* David - Pray that he learns how to study Spanish and give him the discipline to do so. Pray that he finds the right people to help him study.
* Zack/Grace (Alex' brother and his wife) - Pray that now that they are living together again they can improve their situation and get their son, Trent, the medical care that he needs.
* Daisy/Hooper (bunny) - pray that Sarah finds the right words to help Anna cope with the situation of putting him to sleep
* Nicole and her husband (Rebecca's sister) - Pray that she will come to terms with her difficult marriage and take steps to protect herself
* Brian (Shannon's nephew) - pray that he is able to understand that his actions have consequences and learns how to get along in the world
* Suri (Rebecca's boss' mother) - pray that she recovers from her heart attack without lingering medical problems.
* Rebecca - pray that her meeting with her boss goes well as they discuss her future with the company.
Praise God for:
* Zack (Alex' brother) - has found a job in a restaurant
* Chris - Is doing well as a checker
Thursday, April 10, 2008
8 Minute Meditation by Victor Davich
Greetings friends,
Thanks for your participation and sharing last night at the Bridge. Here are the instructions for meditation this week.
Remember, I am challenging you to meditate for 8 minutes once a day until we meet next. Enjoy it!
Just One Breath
Preparation:
Set a timer or watch 8 minutes or just look at a clock
Find a comfortable position to sit
Gently allow your eyes to close
Take a long, deep inhale that sweeps up your current worries, hopes, and dreams. Hold it for a moment. Then gently and slowly "sigh" it out.
One more time. Deep breath. Release any remaining tension.
Start your meditation.
Meditation instructions:
Relax
Notice the place in your body where you are most aware of the sensation of breathing. It may be your chest, diaphragm, or nostrils. There is no "right" place.
Gently direct your attention to that place.
Observe the natural rise and fall of the breath.
Allow...allow...allow. Thre's no need to become involved or figure anything out.
Thinking? No problem. Simply notice your thoughts. Let them go and return to your focus point.
It often helps to focus on a word or a phrase if you find your mind wandering (like a Bible verse or the a fruit of the spirit - PEACE for example)
Continue to focus on the breath.
Whenever you lose focus just notice that you are thinking about it and then let it go and return to your focus.
Instructions come from: 8 Minute Meditation by Victor Davich
It's that easy. Good luck and I'll see you next week. We will be sharing our experiences, learning new meditation techniques from Christian history and more.
All the best,
Alex
Thanks for your participation and sharing last night at the Bridge. Here are the instructions for meditation this week.
Remember, I am challenging you to meditate for 8 minutes once a day until we meet next. Enjoy it!
Just One Breath
Preparation:
Set a timer or watch 8 minutes or just look at a clock
Find a comfortable position to sit
Gently allow your eyes to close
Take a long, deep inhale that sweeps up your current worries, hopes, and dreams. Hold it for a moment. Then gently and slowly "sigh" it out.
One more time. Deep breath. Release any remaining tension.
Start your meditation.
Meditation instructions:
Relax
Notice the place in your body where you are most aware of the sensation of breathing. It may be your chest, diaphragm, or nostrils. There is no "right" place.
Gently direct your attention to that place.
Observe the natural rise and fall of the breath.
Allow...allow...allow. Thre's no need to become involved or figure anything out.
Thinking? No problem. Simply notice your thoughts. Let them go and return to your focus point.
It often helps to focus on a word or a phrase if you find your mind wandering (like a Bible verse or the a fruit of the spirit - PEACE for example)
Continue to focus on the breath.
Whenever you lose focus just notice that you are thinking about it and then let it go and return to your focus.
Instructions come from: 8 Minute Meditation by Victor Davich
It's that easy. Good luck and I'll see you next week. We will be sharing our experiences, learning new meditation techniques from Christian history and more.
All the best,
Alex
Please pray these prayers:
* Chris - waiting for results of tests
* Sarah (Paul's friend) - expecting a baby soon
* Todd/Autumn (Kelli's brother/fiancee) - stressed about upcoming wedding in HI and all the 'advice' they are getting
* Daisy/Hooper (bunny) - pray that he hangs in there til Anna gets back from vacation
* People taking the PE this weekend - (Praise - Sarah already passed!)
* Ruby (Shannon's stepmother) - mother passed away
* David (Whitney's coworker) - Please say a prayer for my coworker, David. He is only 39 years old and is in the hospital now after having a stroke. They say he is awake but cannot speak.
Praise God for:
* Anna (Sarah'a roomate) - vacationing with family
* Ellen/Alex - LOved their trip to DC
* Ashok - his middle brother is getting married
* Sarah (Paul's friend) - expecting a baby soon
* Todd/Autumn (Kelli's brother/fiancee) - stressed about upcoming wedding in HI and all the 'advice' they are getting
* Daisy/Hooper (bunny) - pray that he hangs in there til Anna gets back from vacation
* People taking the PE this weekend - (Praise - Sarah already passed!)
* Ruby (Shannon's stepmother) - mother passed away
* David (Whitney's coworker) - Please say a prayer for my coworker, David. He is only 39 years old and is in the hospital now after having a stroke. They say he is awake but cannot speak.
Praise God for:
* Anna (Sarah'a roomate) - vacationing with family
* Ellen/Alex - LOved their trip to DC
* Ashok - his middle brother is getting married
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