Moonrise Grandeur

Stone Soup 2/24/13

We're going for a 94% Waxing Gibbous Moon rising at 5:30 p.m.
We'll meet at 4 p.m. for our study on Mark 14:53-65 Jesus Before His Accusers.
Then we'll head up to a local mountain peak for a view of the moonrise before we share a picnic dinner and turn to watch the sunset. Dress warmly. Bring blankets, cameras, binoculars and telescopes. Pack a picnic for your dinner and we can share around with each other. Also bring your expanded capacity for awe and a friend.

They took Jesus to the high priest; and all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes were assembled. Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest; and he was sitting with the guards, warming himself at the fire. Now the chief priests and the whole council were looking for testimony against Jesus to put him to death; but they found none. For many gave false testimony against him, and their testimony did not agree. Some stood up and gave false testimony against him, saying, ‘We heard him say, “I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands.” ’ But even on this point their testimony did not agree. Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, ‘Have you no answer? What is it that they testify against you?’ But he was silent and did not answer. Again the high priest asked him, ‘Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?’ Jesus said, ‘I am; and
“you will see the Son of Man
seated at the right hand of the Power”,
and “coming with the clouds of heaven.” ’ 
Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, ‘Why do we still need witnesses? You have heard his blasphemy! What is your decision?’ All of them condemned him as deserving death. Some began to spit on him, to blindfold him, and to strike him, saying to him, ‘Prophesy!’ The guards also took him over and beat him.

Stone Soup for 2/17/2013

Last week we studied Reconciliation through eating, so we're going to practice it this Sunday.

We'll meet at the Wesley Cottage at 4 p.m. for a quick check in and some business and then we'll go eat with our community. If you are running late just meet at the Onion.

Below is the Slow Foods Foothills newsletter and potluck invitation.

Try to sit with someone new as we break bread together... "Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me."  Slow Food Foothills February Potluck The Purple Onion, Saluda Well, the good news is that Punxsutawney Phil didn't see his shadow, but the winter chill just won’t let go.  Join us for warm and wonderful mid-winter potluck gathering at the Purple Onion on Sunday, February 17th from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. Bring your best comfort food. Those attending are asked once again to bring your own place settings and a description of your dish, noting anything local.  Located at 16 Main Street in historic Saluda, The Purple Onion, www.purpleonionsaluda.com, offers a variety of ethnically and regionally inspired dishes. Owner Susan Casey takes great pride in offering the community the best in locally grown raised trout and organic, locally grown produce as well as a wide variety of live music. Susan is graciously opening her doors for this gathering to help chase away the winter blues.

Eating is Reconciling

Stone Soup for Sunday 2/10/2013

4 p.m. Wesley Cottage

Salad Bar Sunday

I'll bring lettuce and bacon bits. You bring what you want to go on your salad or with your salda.

We're looking at reconciliation through eating. Here's a quote from Chapter 5 of Making Peace with the Land. I believe our lives are different when we "bow our head before picking up the fork."

"When we appreciate how saying grace strengthens the memberships of creation, we also see that saying grace is a reconciling act. Being reconciled with each other means being in the presence of each other without shame. It presupposes that we have committed to make our lives into an offering of time, energy and skill that serves the need and the potential of others. When we say grace in an authentic way, our presence in the world becomes good news. The creatures we eat and those we eat with can be assured that our desire abides in God's desire that all creatures taste the heavenly delight that daily creates and sustains the world."

We will also look at starting a confirmation class for our kids, 7th grade and up. There are a few retreat opportunities that we can plan for also.

Plus we now have a basketball goal up. That means we can play some serious horse (and of course the game horse is by definition, not serious).

Email me if you don't have a book and you want to look at chapter 5 before Sunday.

Peace,
Rob