Reconnecting and Reflecting

At our first gathering after the summer break, Shelly led us through a "poem" writing exercise that enabled us to reflect on what happened in our lives this summer and envision what life this fall will be like. Below are excerpts from each of us!

We also enjoyed a food meditation on a strawberry which means we ate one strawberry very slowly and intentionally. We reflected on each sense and how that helped us experience the strawberry fully. Shelly reminded us to savor all that we experienced this summer just as we were able to savor that one strawberry. We were also reminded to fully experience everything we will encounter this fall no matter how busy we get. When life seems to be passing quickly, stop and check in with each sense.


I am from...
summer thunderstorms and fireflies
my tiny kitchen
sunny and spicy food
baby noises
a big, wobbly, mellow, creaky house full of raggedy chairs and books and cookies and the occasional flea
tarantulas

I am from...
"Avash!"
"Words are hard."
"I love you."
"Hella angry!"
"Fabulous!"

I am from...
Anja and Amanda
My amazing staff
Raquel, Valeria, y Gustavo
Julian, Jen, and Michael
Anna, Mom, Dad, and Tim
Jeff, Sebastian, Mirabelle, and Ethan

I will experience...
sunrise
coffee!
art class
my computer's fan
60 unfamiliar faces
that wonderful gym smell
beauty

I will experience...
New and old housemates
Barenblatt
Old and new friends
German and Art instructors
A professor with questionable fashion sense

I am hoping...
swimming
learning
to read hundreds of books
be close to my desk
energetic and empowered
academic triumph

I invite God...
to bring compassion into both peace and chaos
to give me strength
to heal broken communities
to make himself felt in my life
to help me make it to worship every Sunday

Welcome to Fall 2011

Weekly Wednesday Dinner and Program - Resumes August 24

Free fabulous food, caring friends and opportunities for spiritual exploration, service and text study. Undergraduate and graduate students are welcome.

When: 6:30-8:30 pm

Where: Durant House, 2330 Durant Ave – below Dana, across from the Berkeley Free Clinic – enter from the back of the house

Upcoming Themes

August 24 - Reconnect and Reflect

August 31 - Text Study – Who do you say that I am? asks Jesus

September 7 - Taize Worship and Spiritual Pilgrimage

Welcome Student Worship - Sunday, August 28

First Congregational Church of Berkeley, United Church of Christ

LGBT inclusive and affirming congregation

Be inspired and supported by our intergenerational, progressive Christian community. A great place to call home while studying in Berkeley.
When: 10-11 am

Where: Brick church on Dana btwn Durant and Channing (FCCB)/across from Unit 3, enter from Dana

Welcome Student Brunch - Sunday, August 28
Enjoy delicious food while meeting Progressive Christians at Berkeley - share tips on Berkeley life, get info on service opps, trips and weekly program. Undergraduate and graduate students are welcome.
When: 11:15 am - 12:30 pm

Where: Durant House, 2330 Durant Ave – below Dana, across from the Berkeley Free Clinic – enter from the back of the house