Sacred Celebration: Earth and Abundance

In honor of Earth Month, we call forth native wisdom and community truth. Along with special guests, Native Nation Dance Theater, we will journey together through a cycle of sacred celebration in story, song, stillness and movement.

At a time when natural and human-made disasters remind us of the need for humility in our relationship to the Earth, we enter into renewal, reverence and present moment awareness.

Program Highlights:

1. Engage - Native chanting led by the Native Nations Dance Company, spirit jam by Stephen Wise and the Common Ground band, and other musical treats.
2. Deepen - Personal story by Bill Marchiony, and essential questions about the Earth and abundance.
3. Connect - Guided meditation with clay and Native American music.
4. Express - A circle dance, wisdom sharing and ways to express our gratitude for the gifts of the earth.
5. Activate - Music and words of inspiration to send us on our way back into world to act on our own truth discovered during the day's journey.

Celebrants and Special Guests:

The Celebration Planning Team is a microcosm of the community - a collective of skills and paths collaborating to create an inspired journey for all. We are:  Rev. Joni Carley (Chair), Stephen Wise (Music Director), Bill Marchiony, Lara Vracarich, Carol Adams, Ron Volkman, and Noel Albertson.

This is the second month in our yearlong experiment in moving toward a more participatory, primal and purposeful ritual.  We welcome you as partners in this evolutionary journey.

Native Nations Dance Theater was founded by Vaughnda Hilton whose Native lineage is Seminole and Blackfoot. Vaughnda is a lead dancer and songstress of Native vocables (chants). Also featuring Delwin Fiddler on dance and flute is of the Lakota Sioux Nation from South Dakota a direct descendant of Sitting Bull.

Keepers of the consciousness of the ancient medicine wheel, their dancing creates a profound connection with Mother Earth.

Fellowship

Following the main program, there will be our usual community fellowship hour from 5:15 PM to 6:15 PM with a delicious light vegetarian dinner available for purchase from Spirit Foods.

Kids

Remember that we now offer a children’s program for 5-12 year olds. It's more than daycare.  Lessons are universal -- not from any one particular religious tradition. The primary text is “The Family Virtues Guide”, covering 52 virtues (such as courage, honesty, hope, and love) geared towards kids and families. The cost is $10 per family, payable at the beginning of each program. Scholarships are available.