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Citylights Update (Upcoming Sabbath: Sep 29)

Hello Lights,

Put it in your calendar!  Citylights is going to an off-off-broadway show!

 At a Bronx Catholic school in the 1960s, principal Sister Aloysius is suspicious of young Father Flynn’s relationship with one of his male students. She enlists the help of another teacher, Sister James, to prove Father Flynn’s suspected impropriety. Is it possible to do so beyond a shadow of a doubt? Find out in T. Schreiber Studio and Theatre’s revival of John Patrick Shanley’s powerful drama, winner of the 2005 Pulitzer Prize and the Tony Award.

“A beautifully balanced drama. Shanley is a writer working at the top of his craft, making the most of a muted but evocative palette in the pursuit of truth’s shadows. Here, for the first time in a long time, is a play that is about something.” —Chicago Tribune.

“An eloquent and provocative investigation of truth and consequences. A gripping mystery, tightly written.” —Time Out NY.

Show Doubt is hosting an All Faiths Night on Saturday, Oct. 20th @8pm. Tickets are only $10 with the discount code faith. There will be a short talk back with the cast and special guests following the performance. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling  212.352.3101
Last week, Sep 22, we had a wonderful visit from General Seminary student, Kerlin Richter. She facilitated a spirited discussion on identity in relationship to Galatians 3 “Who Do You Say That You Are?”. The discussion got so engaging that we missed some of the pearls that are unique to this important chapter. So, in the spirit of the freedom and flexibility that we cherish at Citylights, we are going to spend some more time with Chapter 3 again this Saturday!  So come Sep 29 for “Chapter 3 Take 2″ led by Rev. Vince. Please re-read Galatians chapter three again in preparation for our discussion.
Leadership Team met last week and here are some of the highlights:
1. We are about 5K in the black on our account which will pay summer and September bills.  Let’s keep on investing in our life together.  Sabin will keep us all informed.
2. We want to organize 4-in-1 Baby Shower Party for McCashes, Kojics, Buggels, and Poblacions but with no-shopping policy. The idea is not to purchase stuff, but to get together and celebrate fertility, family, community, and all of life!  People can bring hand-me-downs, creative gifts to bless the families, maybe gift-cards, or nothing except love.  (We are looking for ready and willing organizers.)
3. Young children and service.  We will start with special program for young children in a separate room, once a month, every 2nd Saturday, and a segment in our worship service for children.  We would develop several programs that we can rotate since kids love repetition. We are starting Oct 13.  I am stil in negotiation with Quakers for space. Sam McCash will coordinate.
4. We would love to have Caroling With Russell again this year.  Russell will decide about the date and have us practice a bit, and maybe some guidance of how to better love the elderly when we are there, teach us some Mandarin and other gestures of love we can learn.
5. Our series. Instead of having a two-part series on The Book of Ecclesiastes, followed by a series on Parables of Jesus starting Nov 3, we decided to extend Ecclesiastes into longer series and move Parables to January.  Advent Series will start Dec 1.
6. Special services will be Thanksgiving and Nov 3 for Ena’s baptism.  We will dedicate morning service of Nov 3 to learning about baptism and afternoon baptism service will be at Riverside Church at 6pm, followed by a big dinner party for Citylights family and Ena’s friends!  Stay tuned.
7. Citylights Thanksgiving dinner for Citylights family will be at Selmanovics. More info later.
8. We are introducing changes to our liturgy, subtle, but important.  For starters, we will not have music block anymore but will have music integrated with the service, and we will have Scripture reading on a regular basis.
9. Our next Leadership Team meeting will be on Oct 23, 6-8pm at Cosis on 13th and Broadway.
Carmen’s roomate Jennifer is still looking for a job.  Here is a message, so think of any opportunities you might connect her with.
Hi my name is Jennifer Brain and I am staying with Carmen Rusu, and I’m searching for a job in NYC area.  The type of positions I am interested/have experience in are: Administrative Assistant, Customer Service/Data entry, and Childcare/housecleaning. If anyone might know of something that is available please let me know by email to jbrain@southern.edu. Thank you very much, Jennifer
Every Saturday, instead of having Citylights priesthood running the show and speeching to a populace, we have our community serving our community.  So, when you are in the city, please let me know when you can do your part  helping organize, lead, share, or otherwise offer help for  one or more of services on the following dates (I would contact you over email so we can together determine how).
We have updated our Facebook Group! (http://www.facebook.com/groups/CitylightsCommunity/). Feel free to post information, pictures, events, and use it to work out organizational logistics. It is a closed group, so information is not public. Also, feel free to invite others who have attended Citylights in the past (an administrator of this group will have to approve their membership). Weekly updates will still arrive to your email inbox directly from Samir (You can subscribe or unsubscribe to the weekly updates by sending an email to samirselmanovicnyc@gmail.com).

Our next Leadership Team meeting will be October 23, Tuesday, 6-8 pm at Cosi’s on 13th and Bwy.

Sabbath can’t come too soon, Samir Selmanovic, Coordinator, Citylights Community

27

09 2012


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Citylights Update (Upcoming Sabbath: Sep 22, 2012)

Hello Lights,

Last Saturday, Sep 15, we reflected on the bewildering text of Book of Galatians, Chapter 2 and bewildering person of Apostle Paul, led by Pastor Jay Bakker.
This coming Friday night, Sep 21, there is NYC premiere of movie Hellbound? in Village Cinema, featuring a number of our friends such as Frank Schaeffer and Brian McLaren. At 7pm showing, following the movie, I will be moderating a panel discussion with the director Kevin Miller, contributor Frank Schaeffer and others.  Come and bring your friends to Hellbound!
Movie Website with Trailer: http://www.hellboundthemovie.com/
This week read Chapter 3 of the Epistle to Galatians.  You can get the most out of our experience if you read the whole book of Galatians first and then relevant chapter every week.
This coming Saturday, Sep 22, our guest speaker will be Kerlin Richter, helping us discuss Chapter 3, “Who Do You Say That You Are?” Here is the blurb:
Kerlin Richter is the former editor of Hip Mama, the parenting zine and is currently an Episcopal seminarian in Manhattan. Through Galatians 3 we will wrestle with this statement, “If we are brave enough to put on Christ Jesus we are not who we thought we were.” We will discuss parenthood /gender / baptism / & loss of identity in Christ.
Our Rev. Vince Anderson has a birthday, so come and celebrate at the Union Pool where he will host the party with his Love Choir, on Monday, Sep 17, 10pm until you heart is full!
Every Saturday, instead of having Citylights priesthood running the show and speeching to a populace, we have our community serving our community.  So, when you are in the city, please let me know when you can do your part  helping organize, lead, share, or otherwise offer help for  one or more of services on the following dates (I would contact you over email so we can together determine how).
We have updated our Facebook Group! (http://www.facebook.com/groups/CitylightsCommunity/). Feel free to post information, pictures, events, and use it to work out organizational logistics. It is a closed group, so information is not public. Also, feel free to invite others who have attended Citylights in the past (an administrator of this group will have to approve their membership). Weekly updates will still arrive to your email inbox directly from Samir (You can subscribe or unsubscribe to the weekly updates by sending an email to samirselmanovicnyc@gmail.com).

Our next Leadership Team meeting will be September 18, Tuesday, 6-8 pm at Cosi’s just South of Union Sq.

Sabbath can’t come too soon, Samir Selmanovic, Coordinator, Citylights Community

17

09 2012


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Citylights Update (Upcoming Sabbath: Sep 15, 2012)

Hello Lights,

Last Saturday, Sep 8, we started our new Fall series, conversing with the Epistle to Galatians. Rev Vince led us through Chapter 1 and our very own experience of homecoming.
This coming Saturday, Sep 15, we are starting the day with Yoga!  It will continue every 1st and 3rd Saturday from 9:30 to 10:45.  Please count on helping with paying for space, $10 per session. NOTE: No need to sign up for whole season.  Just come for the sessions you can.  To register and sign up for updates, please contact our Yoga pastor Carmen Rusu at: carpathian_air@yahoo.com, or  phone:  201-805-1739  See you on the mat!  Om and amen!
For our service on Sep 15, we will discuss Book of Galatians, Chapter 2. We are pleased to welcome back Pastor Jay Bakker to share his story of being transformed by Grace and how Galatians helped him on his journey, titled “Justified.” You can get the most out of experience if you read the whole book of Galatians first and then relevant chapter every week.
Our Rev. Vince Anderson has a birthday, so come and celebrate at the Union Pool where he will host the party with his Love Choir, on Monday, Sep 17, 10pm until you heart is full!
Carmen’s roomate Jennifer has visited us last week and is looking for a job.  Here is a message, so think of any opportunities you might connect her with.
Hi my name is Jennifer Brain and I am staying with Carmen Rusu, and I’m searching for a job in NYC area.  The type of positions I am interested/have experience in are: Administrative Assistant, Customer Service/Data entry, and Childcare/housecleaning. If anyone might know of something that is available please let me know by email to jbrain@southern.edu. Thank you very much, Jennifer
Every year during Summer months, balance on our Citylights bank account is low and the situation is particularly dire this year.  Here is a message from our treasurer Sabin Popescu:
Hello Citylights community, we want to be able to pay our obligations (stipends, space, insurance, and other expenditures), as we are starting a wonderful season this Fall. With everyone’s regular participation in funding the life of our community, we can confidently move forward. Please make a tax-deductible contribution by sending your checks to my home at 6 Wayne Ct. Ardsley, NY 10502, payable to Citylights Community.  Thank you! 
Every Saturday, instead of having Citylights priesthood running the show and speeching to a populace, we have our community serving our community.  So, if you are in the city any of these days, please let me know when you can do your part  helping organize, lead, share, or otherwise offer help for  one or more of services on the following dates (I would contact you over email so we can together determine how):
9/15/2012
9/22/2012
9/29/2012
10/6/2012
10/13/2012
We have updated our Facebook Group! (http://www.facebook.com/groups/CitylightsCommunity/). Feel free to post information, pictures, events, and use it to work out organizational logistics. It is a closed group, so information is not public. Also, feel free to invite others who have attended Citylights in the past (an administrator of this group will have to approve their membership). Weekly updates will still arrive to your email inbox directly from Samir (You can subscribe or unsubscribe to the weekly updates by sending an email to samirselmanovicnyc@gmail.com).

Our next Leadership Team meeting will be September 18, Tuesday, 6-8 pm at Cosi’s just South of Union Sq.

Sabbath can’t come too soon, Samir Selmanovic, Coordinator, Citylights Community

11

09 2012


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Citylights Update (Upcoming Sabbath: Sep 8, 2012)

Hello Lights,

Welcome back to the city everyone.  Sabbatical from church is over and the hard and wonderful work of community life is before us, as we are gearing up for wonderful Fall season. This coming Saturday, Sep 8, we are on!
We are kicking off with a six-part series on the Book of Galatians, a loaded piece of ancient text. Are you reading?  This Saturday, Sep 8th, Rev. Vince Anderson will lead is in opening the Book of Galatians together, titled “I went away at once” (read Galatians 1).  Here is an invite from the Rev:
The apostle Paul went to Arabia and returned to Damascus. The letter to the Galatians is his manifesto of Grace that he formed during his travels. For this homecoming week we return to our beloved Citylights community with stories to tell of how we experienced the grace of Christ.
On Sep 8 our service will be followed by, hmm what shall we call it, FALL WELCOME BACK TO THE BIG WONDERFUL DIRTY CITY BLOWOUT BARBECUE AT ROSEMARY AND ALVIN’S PLACE PARTY.  Bring something to contribute to the meal, choose from the following: lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, sliced cheese, salads, fruits, chips, or something else to complement the burgers n’ stuff. The address is: 309 W.  111th St. (Ground Floor thru private entrance on the left side of building) b/w Frederick Douglass & Manhattan Ave.
Yoga class is back!  It will continue every 1st and 3rd Saturday from 9:30 to 10:45.  Please count on helping with paying for space and other costs, $10 per session. NOTE: No need to sign up for whole season.  Just come for the sessions you can.  There will be one session in September: Sep 15. To register and sign up for updates, please contact our Yoga teacher Carmen Rusu at: carpathian_air@yahoo.com, or  phone:  201-805-1739 See you on the mat!  Om and amen!
Every year during Summer months, balance on our Citylights bank account is low and the situation is particularly dire this year.  Here is a message from our treasurer Sabin Popescu:
Hello Citylights community, we want to be able to pay our obligations (stipends, space, insurance, and other expenditures), as we are gearing up for a wonderful season come September. Our current account balance is $500 and our Summer obligations are $3,500. With everyone’s regular participation in funding the life of our community, we can confidently move forward. Please make a tax-deductible contribution by sending your checks to my home at 6 Wayne Ct. Ardsley, NY 10502, payable to Citylights Community.  Thank you! 
Every Saturday, instead of having Citylights priesthood running the show and speeching to a populace, we have our community serving our community.  So, if you are in the city any of these days, please let me know when you can do your part  helping organize, lead, share, or otherwise offer help for  one or more of services on the following dates (I would contact you over email so we can together determine how):
9/15/2012
9/22/2012
9/29/2012
10/6/2012
10/13/2012
We have updated our Facebook Group! (http://www.facebook.com/groups/CitylightsCommunity/). Feel free to post information, pictures, events, and use it to work out organizational logistics. It is a closed group, so information is not public. Also, feel free to invite others who have attended Citylights in the past (an administrator of this group will have to approve their membership). Weekly updates will still arrive to your email inbox directly from Samir (You can subscribe or unsubscribe to the weekly updates by sending an email to samirselmanovicnyc@gmail.com).

Our next Leadership Team meeting will be September 18, Tuesday, 6-8 pm at Cosi’s just South of Union Sq.

Sabbath can’t come too soon, Samir Selmanovic, Coordinator, Citylights Community

06

09 2012


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Citylights Update (Upcoming Sabbath: Aug 12, 2012)

Hello Lights,

How is your Sabbatical from church-going going?  In case you are already aching for an ecclesiastical fix, you will have to visit other great churches in the city.
Good news, Meals on Wheels service for McCashes is all booked!  Thank you everyone.
Every year during Summer months, balance on our Citylights bank account is low and the situation is particularly dire this year.  Here is a message from our treasurer Sabin Popescu:
Hello Citylights community, we want to be able to pay our obligations (stipends, space, insurance, and other expenditures), as we are gearing up for a wonderful season come September. Our current account balance is $500 and our Summer obligations are $3,500. With everyone’s regular participation in funding the life of our community, we can confidently move forward. Please make a tax-deductible contribution by sending your checks to my home at 6 Wayne Ct. Ardsley, NY 10502, payable to Citylights Community.  Thank you! 
We are kicking off next season on Sep. 8 with a six-part series on the Book of Galatians, a loaded piece of ancient text.  Let’s start reading.  We are also looking forward to several changes in the Fall such as enhancing our children’s program, possible change of space in the same building, second season of Yoga classes, and some new components to our liturgy.
On Sep 8 our service will be followed by, hmm what shall we call it, FALL WELCOME BACK TO BIG DIRTY WONDERFUL CITY BLOWOUT BARBECUE AT ROSEMARY AND ALVIN’S PLACE PARTY.  Stay tuned!
During our Summer break, anyone form CL is welcome to organize outings, potlucks, trips, events and send me the info which I can distribute to all.
Every Saturday, instead of having Citylights priesthood running the show and speeching to a populace, we have our community serving our community.  So, if you are in the city any of these days, please let me know when you can do your part  helping organize, lead, share, or otherwise offer help for  one or more of services on the following dates (I would contact you over email so we can together determine how):
9/8/2012  
9/15/2012
9/22/2012
9/29/2012
10/6/2012
10/13/2012
We have updated our Facebook Group! (http://www.facebook.com/groups/CitylightsCommunity/). Feel free to post information, pictures, events, and use it to work out organizational logistics. It is a closed group, so information is not public. Also, feel free to invite others who have attended Citylights in the past (an administrator of this group will have to approve their membership). Weekly updates will still arrive to your email inbox directly from Samir (You can subscribe or unsubscribe to the weekly updates by sending an email to samirselmanovicnyc@gmail.com).

Our next Leadership Team meeting will be September 18, Tuesday, 6-8 pm at Cosi’s just South of Union Sq.

This update will take a break for two weeks.

Sabbath can’t come too soon, Samir Selmanovic, Coordinator, Citylights Community

12

08 2012


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Citylights Update (Upcoming Sabbath: Aug 4, 2012)

Hello Lights,

Last Saturday, July 28, was our last Sabbath together before our August Sabbatical. We took time to sit around the table, talk about our lives, and then recline for the Communion.  We will resume our services on Sept 8.
Last Saturday was also our last Yoga class for the Summer 2012. We will resume Yoga classes in the Fall, first class on Sept 15, and will continue every 1st and 3rd Saturday from 9:30 to 10:45.  Stay tuned!
During our Summer break, anyone form CL is welcome to organize outings, potlucks, trips, events and send me the info which I can distribute to all.
We have updated our Facebook Group! (http://www.facebook.com/groups/CitylightsCommunity/). Feel free to post information, pictures, events, and use it to work out organizational logistics. It is a closed group, so information is not public. Also, feel free to invite others who have attended Citylights in the past (an administrator of this group will have to approve their membership). Weekly updates will still arrive to your email inbox directly from Samir (You can subscribe or unsubscribe to the weekly updates by sending an email to samirselmanovicnyc@gmail.com).
Congratulations to McCashes, a family of four! Newest member:
Summer Brooklyn McCash
Born on 7/24/12
8lbs and 10 oz
22 in long
Sam and Sarah are ”hanging on there and getting to know our new family member.”  Sarah’s mom is leaving next Tuesday back to Cali and we are stepping in with meals!  Ready?
Kind of food:  yummy and healthy, bring one wholesome meal for the family and a guest or two, and maybe another item they can use next day
Location:  148th Street and Frederick Douglass (I will provide you with exact adress and directions once you sign up).
Let me know via email which of these dates or two you can bring food. We are planning this twice a week. It does not have to be on Mon or Thu. You can pick one day later or earlier instead.
Aug 9, Thu
Aug 13, Mon
Aug 16, Thu
Aug 20, Mon
Aug 23, Thu
Aug 27, Mon
Aug 30, Thu
We would like to organize a system by which young children will be served appropriately to their age and needs as a part of Citylights. If you would like to be included, let me know. 

Our next Leadership Team meeting will be Aug 7, Tuesday, 6-8 pm at Cosi’s just South of Union Sq.

Sabbath can’t come too soon, Samir Selmanovic, Coordinator, Citylights Community

02

08 2012


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Citylights Update (upcoming Sabbath: July 28, 2012)

Hello Lights,

Last Saturday, July 21, we concluded our “Psychology, Anthropology, Theology, and Commonsensology of Why Good People Are Divided by Religion and Politics,” looking at and wrestling with Matthew 7:3-5 in the age of polarization. The series has been inspired by the latest and loaded book by Jonathan Haidt titled “Righteous Mind.”  Reverend Vince brought us sheer joy with new songs!  If you want to learn more from Jonathan Haidt here is a site full of links including Bill Moyers, Stephen Colbert, Fresh Air:  http://people.virginia.edu/~jdh6n/
This coming Saturday, July 28, (last Sabbath together before our August Sabbatical), will be facilitated by Tanja Dejanova, thinking about and experiencing, “I, God, and Community.” Here is a blurb from Tanja.  Notice that we need everyone to participate in preparation for the service:
On the 28th we’ll be focusing on two things that all of us love: community and rest. I’d like for the service to take place with no chairs or table set up, with as many blankets, pillows, and floor mats around our sanctuary as possible. We often talk about the sharing part of our service stretching out “too long” – well, this time it can’t go too long! After all, we’ll be doing a whole month’s worth of it. (Not that you all won’t see each other during August, but however figuratively we’re getting separated from this community that we love, I think it should be noted). We’ll sing songs, stretch, read the Bible, share communion. I’d love to share one or more Bible quotes about community, how we build a relationship with God through and as a part of a larger “body of Christ,” yet how vital it is for us to go with God “by yourselves, to a quiet place and get some rest.” I’m not really sure what I would say about this, but I’ve been looking at some Bible texts … We need your help here:  Please bring blankets, mats, pillows, as well as texts, poems, prayers, things, and thoughts to share!
Our last Yoga class for the season was this Saturday, July 21!  We start in the Fall, Sept 15, and will continue every 1st and 3rd Saturday from 9:30 to 10:45.  Stay tuned!
We will have August sabbatical and come together again on Sept 8.  During that time, anyone form CL is welcome to organize outings, potlucks, trips, events and send me the info which I can distribute to all. July 28 will be our last service at Quaker place before the break.
We will soon need Meals on Wheels for McCashes.  We will need to organize swiftly, once the baby happens.  Everyone on standby!
We would like to organize a system by which young children will be served appropriately to their age and needs as a part of Citylights. I will be sending an email to all parents and those interested to help.  If you would like to be included, let me know. 

Our next Leadership Team meeting will be Aug 7, Tuesday, 6-8 pm at Cosi’s just South of Union Sq.

Sabbath can’t come too soon, Samir Selmanovic, Coordinator, Citylights Community

23

07 2012


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Citylights Update (Upcoming Sabbath: July 21, 2012)

Hello Lights,

I hope you are enjoying heat jubilee!  Ahhh …
Here is a pic from Luciana Elizabeth Buggel.  I love Lucyyyyyyy!  Here Lucy and her big brother Noah comparing their feet size.  Congratulations Jenny, Norm, and Noah!  You did it.
This coming Saturday, July 21, I we will be continuing  with “Psychology, Anthropology, Theology, and Commonsensology of Why Good People Are Divided by Religion and Politics (Part 2),” inspired by the latest and loaded book by Jonathan Heidt titled “Righteous Mind.”  Learned so much.  Can’t keep it in. Plus more songs created by Reverend Vince!
Our last Yoga class for the season is this Saturday, July 21!  In the Fall, it will continue every 1st and 3rd Saturday from 9:30 to 10:45.  Please count on helping with paying for space and other costs, $10 per session. Just come for the sessions you can. To register and sign up for updates, please contact our Yoga teacher Carmen Rusu at: carpathian_air@yahoo.com, or  phone:  201-805-1739 See you on the mat!  Om and amen! Recently, we had a Leadership Team meeting and here is some relevant information:
We will have August sabbatical and come together again on Sept 8.  During that time, anyone form CL is welcome to organize outings, potlucks, trips, events and send me the info which I can distribute to all. July 28 will be our last service at Quaker place before the break.
We will soon need Meals on Wheels for McCashes.  We will need to organize swiftly, once the baby happens.  Everyone on standby!
We would like to organize a system by which young children will be served appropriately to their age and needs as a part of Citylights. I will be sending an email to all parents and those interested to help.  If you would like to be included, let me know. 

As a reminder, here is our Saturday schedule:

9:30 – 10:45 Yoga Class with Carmen Rusu (all are welcome, donation $10) every 1st and 3rd Wednesday only.

11:00 BREAKFAST (unless noted otherwise)

11:30 breakfast ends and SERVICE STARTS

1:00 SERVICE ENDS followed by 1 hour of great convo and cleanup

2:00 WE ARE OUT

As we like to say, don’t come late, don’t come on time, come early.  The best part of gathering is meeting people and sensing the silence which God is about to fill.

Our next Leadership Team meeting will be July 18, Wednesday, 6-8 pm at Cosi’s just South of Union Sq. Sabbath can’t come too soon, Samir Selmanovic, Coordinator, Citylights Community

20

07 2012


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Citylights Update (Upcoming Sabbath: July 14, 2012)

Hello Lights,

Again, Buggel family got a girl yesterday! Amen!  And Amen!
Next, McCashes!
And again, reminder, we are getting together tonight for a picnic/concert/fireworks in the Central Park.  Please review the information in the email I’ve sent you today. Here are more details on how to find us:  Get off at 86th St. on B/C trains and enter the Park to the Great Lawn.  Rosemary and Vesna will pick a spot on the West Side near the 86th St. entrance.  If you come from the East Side, walk across the lawn to find the group (it might be a formidable human obstacle course!).
Last Saturday, July 7, Cornel Rusu lead us through a conclusion of our series, “Christianity After Religion (Part 6): Spirituality After Spiritual Disciplines.”  It was crowded with people, thoughts, feelings, wonderfully intense.
This coming Saturday, July 14, I will be speaking about “Psychology, Anthropology, Theology, and Commonsensology of Why Good People Are Divided by Religion and Politics (Part 1),” inspired by the latest and loaded book by Jonathan Heidt titled “Righteous Mind.”  Learned so much.  Can’t keep it in. Will talk about an elephant and a rider, and six taste receptors. And Jesus. Plus four songs created by Reverend Vince!

Our Yoga class will be next week, July 21!  In the Fall, it will continue every 1st and 3rd Saturday from 9:30 to 10:45.  Please count on helping with paying for space and other costs, $10 per session. Just come for the sessions you can. To register and sign up for updates, please contact our Yoga teacher Carmen Rusu at: carpathian_air@yahoo.com, or  phone:  201-805-1739 See you on the mat!  Om and amen!

Recently, we had a Leadership Team meeting and here is some relevant information:

We will have August sabbatical and come together again on Sept 8.  During that time, anyone form CL is welcome to organize outings, potlucks, trips, events and send me the info which I can distribute to all. July 28 will be our last service at Quaker place before the break.
We will soon need Meals on Wheels for McCashes.  We will need to organize swiftly, once the baby happens.  Everyone on standby!

We would like to organize a system by which young children will be served appropriately to their age and needs as a part of Citylights. I will be sending an email to all parents and those interested to help.  If you would like to be included, let me know. 

As a reminder, here is our Saturday schedule:

9:30 – 10:45 Yoga Class with Carmen Rusu (all are welcome, donation $10) every 1st and 3rd Wednesday only.

11:00 BREAKFAST (unless noted otherwise)

11:30 breakfast ends and SERVICE STARTS

1:00 SERVICE ENDS followed by 1 hour of great convo and cleanup

2:00 WE ARE OUT

As we like to say, don’t come late, don’t come on time, come early.  The best part of gathering is meeting people and sensing the silence which God is about to fill.

Our next Leadership Team meeting will be July 18, Wednesday, 6-8 pm at Cosi’s just South of Union Sq.

Sabbath can’t come too soon,

Samir Selmanovic, Coordinator, Citylights Community

13

07 2012


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Citylights Update (Upcoming Sabbath: July 7, 2012)

Hello Lights,

I hope everyone is enjoying Summer, traveling, tanning, forgetting all the grit and grime of living in the city during the winter.

Last Saturday, June 30, Bo Eberle led us in thinking through “Christianity After Religion (Part 5): The Conscious Community of the Faith/less.” We had a solid contingent of guests, and great reports from Wild Goose Festival.

Our Yoga class is this coming Saturday, July 7!  It will continue every 1st and 3rd Saturday from 9:30 to 10:45.  Please count on helping with paying for space and other costs, $10 per session. NOTE: No need to sign up for whole season.  Just come for the sessions you can.  Sessions left before Summer break: Jul 7 and July 21. To register and sign up for updates, please contact our Yoga teacher Carmen Rusu at: carpathian_air@yahoo.com, or  phone:  201-805-1739 See you on the mat!  Om and amen!

Also on Saturday, July 7, Cornel Rusu will lead us not through a sermon, but through an experience, concluding our series, “Christianity After Religion (Part 6): Spirituality After Spiritual Disciplines.”  It will not be for faint-hearted.  Come ready to be challenged and challenge Cornel in return.  Here is Cornel’s gauntlet on the ground:

I will be facilitating the meeting this coming Sabbath and before you decide to attend, I want to warn you that I will do my best to make you uncomfortable, very uncomfortable!
I will not be cuddling you in nice verses to smooth your worries and cast away your fears but I will call them all in. I will not invoke heavenly peace and joy over you and I will make sure you don’t leave with the feeling that everything is going to be “all right.” I will tell you stories about my life that you don’t want to hear and read embarrassing passages from the Bible that you wish they were not there.  I will ask you uncomfortable questions and watch you struggle to answer. Overall I promise you will leave more confused that you came in. 
So help me God!

If this doesn’t scare you enough to stay home, then you must be as crazy as I am . . . You must be done with church and re-church and post-church, and post-post church, post-Christianity, and post-religion, and all other construction/demolition games that motivate the spiritual interest of the post and post-post, and post-post-post Christianity Christians. It means that you are looking for the same thing I am looking for, but I have not idea what it is and where to find it. I promise you that we will not find it…

Recently, we had a Leadership Team meeting and here is some relevant information:

We will have August sabbatical and come together again on Sept 8.  During that time, anyone form CL is welcome to organize outings, potlucks, trips, events and send me the info which I can distribute to all. July 28 will be our last service at Quaker place before the break.
We want to have Beach Vespers!  Everyone comes to the beach with the train on a Friday night for some comforting food, friends, and sundown.  The date we are thinking of is July 13.  Rose will be organizing. Stay tuned.
We will soon need Meals on Wheels for McCashes.  We will need to organize swiftly, once the baby happens.  Everyone on standby!

We would like to organize a system by which young children will be served appropriately to their age and needs as a part of Citylights. I will be sending an email to all parents and those interested to help.  If you would like to be included, let me know. 
Please participate in this new series.  Here is how:

We spend a lof of time saying “no” to religion of the past, but what is our “yes”?  Workign title of the series is ”Christianity After Religion,” focused on making our experience and discussions more re-constructive, rather than de-constructive (although sweet discipline of de-construction will always be at hand!). So, if you have a spiritual or life practice, way of being, or ritual that sustains you, please email me. We want to feature what we are really doing, believing in, hoping for, and practicing. If at all possible, I would love to hear from you, so we can learn from one another. It doesn’t have to be thought through, I will help you clarify and find a way to participate the way it works for you. Nothing is insignifiant or off limits.

As a reminder, here is our Saturday schedule:

9:30 – 10:45 Yoga Class with Carmen Rusu (all are welcome, donation $10) every 1st and 3rd Wednesday only.

11:00 BREAKFAST (unless noted otherwise)

11:30 breakfast ends and SERVICE STARTS

1:00 SERVICE ENDS followed by 1 hour of great convo and cleanup

2:00 WE ARE OUT

As we like to say, don’t come late, don’t come on time, come early.  The best part of gathering is meeting people and sensing the silence which God is about to fill.

Our next Leadership Team meeting will be July 18, Wednesday, 6-8 pm at Cosi’s just South of Union Sq.

Sabbath can’t come too soon,

Samir Selmanovic, Coordinator, Citylights Community

05

07 2012


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