Dream Group – 11:45-1:15 -  May 20, June 3, July 15

We believe we each have a soul. Yet, how often do we spend time connecting with this inner aspect of our being? What is the language of our interior? And what might it be inviting in our lives now? Perhaps dreams are inviting us to become aware of unconscious patterns of belittling or undercutting ourselves. Or maybe, a nightmare relates how we are avoiding or running away from intimacy in relationships. Or possibly, dreams are sharing how our values or views constrict our lives and available choices. Dreams can guide us in our everyday experiences. They are an opportunity to develop a relationship with our inner being and become familiar with its intuitive way of communicating. This process honors a sacred relationship with our souls that helps reveal the Divine’s presence already in our lives.

Course in Miracles – 7:00-8:30 every Thursday

A Course in Miracles is an internationally recognized day-by-day self-study program based on the practical application of the power of forgiveness and the attainment of peace of mind. The Course is a unique blend of psychology, Christianity and Eastern philosophy. First published in 1975 by the Foundation for Inner Peace, it teaches that forgiveness is the key to universal happiness, and how changing the way you are seeing the world works better than trying to change the world itself.

Hillside Choristers – 1:00-2:30 every Friday

We meet on Fridays from 1:00 until 2:30 to sing! Sometimes we rehearse songs or hymns for Sunday’s worship service, sometimes we practice show tunes. We have piano and guitar accompaniment. All voices, all abilities are welcome! It’s been proven that singing is good for your health, so please join us!

Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting – 8:00 every Wednesday (beginning July 11)

No regular worship services are scheduled at this time, while the congregation works with a consultant to determine Hillside’s future.

• Biggest dog
• Smallest dog
• Looks most like owner
• Bravest dog
• Best trick
• Most talented (you define the talent)
• Longest tail
• Shortest tail
• Happiest tail
• Naughtiest dog (tell the story)
• Most accident prone dog (tell the story)
• Best costume (the dog – not you)
• Many, many more……

Most Like Owner

Gort – Best In Show

Watch this video of the Best Trick and of Gort winning Best In Show! 

I hope you can join me Sunday to welcome our worship leader, Devin Zuber.  He is currently assistant professor for American Studies, Literature and Swedenborgian Studies at the Pacific School of Religion and Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley.  His message is titled “Heaven in a Wildflower.”  Here is a little tease for you:

“Our experience of beauty in nature (a feeling of wonder at a sunset, a mountain, the stars) can often be a spiritual one.  How can such natural encounters not only feed our spiritual needs, but better inform our environmental practice?  What can the Swedenborgian tradition offer for practical, responsible living on this fragile planet in the 21st century?  While our list of environmental crises seems to be constantly increasing (nuclear disasters, species extinction, global warming), this sermon will explore the importance of cultivating a core of wonder and hope at the prolific beauty of this world. The title of the sermon comes from a poem by the Romantic William Blake, who will be a point of reflection in my words.”

What an appropriate message for us as we celebrate Earth Day!

I’m not sure how to tie Hallifax & Jeffrey (www.hallifaxandjeffrey.com) to Earth Day, but no doubt by announcement time on Sunday morning I will have found something!  The viol duo will be joining us to play prelude and postlude music, and during the service as well.

And, of course, there will be some special food at coffee hour to celebrate Earth Day!  Do come!

Love, Linda

5:00 – Lessons and Carols

6:00-8:00 – Holiday Potluck

8:00-10:00 – Bay Area Circle Dancers

At 5:00 we will have a service of Lessons and Carols, telling the Christmas story through narration and song.  We’ll have a potluck dinner from 6:00-8:00.  The church will provide a hearty beef stew and a vegan lentil stew  — please bring a side dish or dessert.  Due to food allergy issues, please do not include any nuts!  Beginning at 8:00 the Bay Area Circle Dancers will hold their regular 4th Friday dance session, which all are welcome to attend. 

We’ll have a big fire in the fireplace all evening, and hot spiced cider to drink.  Please do join us!!

Sit by the fireside, sip hot spiced cider and sing your favorite holiday tunes!  Sunday, December 12, 4:30-6:30 pm.  Please join us for some fun and relaxation!

Please come to this fundraiser for the Food Bank of Contra Costa County!  We’ll be serving pumpkin pancakes from 9:00 until noon.  Wear your Halloween costume!  Explore the Haunted Garden!  Bring a donation of non-perishable food.  Any type is welcome, but we are particularly requesting cases of baby food.  It is always needed, and rarely donated.

Sunday, October 31, Halloween