November 2004 Worship Services

Ministerial Cognitions

We are here, together, like-minded people, arriving after different journeys, ready to respect and learn from each other, ready to search together for the meaning of our puzzling lives, indeed for the great puzzle and wonder of life itself. Our journey is not ended, but we now take it together in companionship. As we travel, may we grow in wisdom and as spiritual people. Let us be aware of the great miracle that our different paths have led us to discover each other. Let us today become more aware of those things for which we should never cease to be thankful. --- R. Vallance, New Zealand

I recently met with some of the members and facilitators of our many Covenant Groups. For those of you who are not familiar with our Covenant Group, these are small groups designed to bring people together to share their many spiritual journeys. We have small groups that share Buddhist Meditation, Family Games, Religion in Contemporary Films, Spiritual Studies, and Women's experiences in the New Moon Woman's Circle.

Within these groups, people commune with one another. They share their lives with oneanother. They open up themselves, their ideas, their beliefs, their hearts, with one another.

As I talked with the members and facilitators of these groups, I heard these members say that the groups are doing more than sharing experiences; the members of these small groups are supporting each other through life's many hardships. You see, as they get to really know each other, they care more about the well-being of each of the people in their small group. When a member goes through a hospitalization, the group is there to support them. When a member goes through a job loss, the group is there to support them.

When a member needs help with child care, the group is there to support them.

This small group ministry allows each of us the opportunities to know the other members of Spindletop in unique and wonderful ways. How often would you have the opportunity to meet with like-minded people to discuss the movie, Fahrenheit 9-11 or The Passion? How often would you have the opportunity to join in Buddhist Meditation and discuss various Buddhist texts? How often would you have the opportunity to join with other families, playing games and sharing life experiences with members young and old? How often would you have the opportunity to discuss Bishop Spong's Rescuing the Bible from Fundamentalists? How often would you have the opportunity to make chalices while discussing your spiritual journeys with other women?

You too could join one of these covenant groups, or you could start one of your own; you could start a Christian Studies group, a drumming group, a Humanist Studies group or some other small group ministry. We each have the opportunity to share our faith in unique ways with one another, as well connect and support one another as we get to know each other, as we get closer to one another.

Ministry is more than what a minister does at church; ministry is how we share with one another on our many journeys, and how we work together and how we care for one another within our faith community. We each have the opportunity to do ministry within our church, and share in the ministry that is offered.

We have much to be thankful for in our wonderful, exciting, stimulating, caring faith community. Let us today become more aware of those things for which we should never cease to be thankful.

Rev. Tom

Worship Services:

November 7

Loneliness and Solitude by Dr. Donna Birdwell, member

How do we deal with being alone? American culture makes a big deal about "privacy" and yet we seem almost afraid to actually be alone, resorting to TV, radio, cell phones, etc. to keep us company. Complicating things even more, we find that most religious traditions make solitude and solitary practice (prayer, meditation, retreat) a centerpiece of spirituality. This Sunday, we will come together and explore what it means (or can mean) to spend time alone. Please observe silence upon entering the meeting room.

November 14

The Lost Books of the Bible: The book of Thecla by Rev. Tom Capo

In Bart Ehrman's The Lost Christianities: The Battle for Scriptures and the Faiths We Never Knew, we are introduced to Thecla. She baptized herself, she was a woman and she did it herself. What blasphemy! She defied marriage and fought man-eating porpoises. Come and learn about some of the books rejected by the Christian Bible.

November 21

Breadsharing: Our Annual Breaking of Bread Together by Rev. Capo

This is our annual intergenerational service. Sharing bread is an ancient custom that grounds us as a faith community. We will explore this custom and share with one another our experiences of sharing bread.

November 28

Colleges for Crime, Warehouses for the Unwanted: Why American Reform Institutions Don't Work by Jack Lawrence, member