Friends:

“The human body is nearly 90% water.  We are basically cucumbers with anxiety.”

~~Celebrating 80!  Arlene Reed invites everyone to her 80th birthday celebration during hospitality following worship on Sunday, April 29th.  She will be providing champagne, sparkling cider, and birthday cake to the festivities.
~~National Poetry Month – April has been National Poetry month… take your favorite Poet out to lunch!
~~Sublime Seas – Bill Carmel’s article on Akomfrah at SFMOMA has been published locally.  If the intersection of social justice and art is a passion of yours, you will thoroughly enjoy this article and the Exhibit.  The link:  https://www.danvillesanramon.com/blogs/p/2018/04/16/sublime-seas.  Of course, conversation with Bill is welcomed.
~~Sanctuary: Caminando Hacia la Libertad is a 2-day convening that serves to strengthen and organize people of faith in our sanctuary work across California.  Pr. Lucy will be attending and invites others to join her.  June 1 and 2, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm at the Islamic Cultural Center in Oakland.  Join us to learn tools and best practices to create moe prophetic path toward liberation.
~~Keep in your prayers: The Britt Family on the death of Don, Margaret Bender, Isaac, Sue, Ed K., Marshall, Madison soon to be baptized, Spoon, Mike’s dad, Drew, Liz, those living with grief, friends in Laurel Galan and Lwamondo Parish, for the people of Syria, for a return to the belief in and practice of truth; and pray for our Earth – that we learn to respect and care for our incredible home.

TODAY!  Last Friday Film  April 27th, 6:30p BBQ  ~   7:30p Film The Greatest Showman (2017) is a biopic with lots of singing and dancing about the beginnings of what became the famous Barnum & Bailey Circus. Hugh Jackman plays P.T. Barnum who introduced folks to “the curiosities” of the world; he celebrated those called outcasts and risked everything to give them a home. Spirituality & Practice says about the film, “Blessed are the inclusive.” Rated PG, parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children. Run time 1 hr. 46. min.

~~”Welcome to the Cancer Café“ by This one-woman piece about the courageous journey of a person dealing with an incurable cancer is a testament to the human spirit.  The piece is filled with insight, humor, depth, tenacity and soulfulness.   It is a deeply spiritual journey that inspires and up lifts.  Conversation with the writer/performer and her partner, Rabbi Chaya Gusfield, a full-time chaplain, follows.  Suggested donations are $18 and all proceeds go to the AriYael Jewish Healing Center.
~~50 Days of Prayer for Peace:  There are 50 days between Easter and Pentecost (May 20).  I invite you and friends to Pray for Peace each day for the next 50 days.  Pray for:

• Peace in our hearts • Peace in our community
• Peace among our loved ones • Peace with Korea; and
• “May Peace prevail upon Earth”(as our Peace Pole encourages)

~~SAT  MAY 19 7:00p:  Pure Delight Concert at Peace! MOZART and More!  A special invitation to Peace Members: With your advance reservation (by April 30th) you may attend this concert for FREE!  Reserved seating for this concert requires advanced reservations.  A portion of proceeds will benefit Eden Housing.  www.pacificchoir.org
~~Jazz Church West hosts the Lorca Hart Trio on Sunday, May 6 at 5 pm.  Drums, piano and bass with a Brazilian twist.  Spread the word.

“Our mentioning of the weather is neither perfunctory nor idle.  Perhaps we have a deep and legitimate need to know what the day is like, to see it and feel it in our entire being.  I myself am a part of the weather and part of the climate and part of this place and this day.  A day in which I have not shared truly in all this is no day at all.  This day and the feel of creation is certainly a part of my life of prayer.”  Thomas Merton

Easter blessings,
Pr. Steve