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Embraces people of all cultures, races, religions, and sexual orientations;
Allows people to express their doubts and ask important questions;
Sees science as a window into the wonders of the universe;
Serves and empowers rather than controls and manipulates;
Rejects dogma;
Gives people a chance to serve those in need, here and around the world.
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 RESTRAINT vs DOMINATE
They say: "pick your battles", but the two elephant seals just fight till one gives up! Everything is a big deal when lines are drawn in the sand.. or in our minds, and only complete victory will suffice. Yet both "winners" and losers carry inner and outer scars from such contention...we humans duel with weapons...also with barbed words which damage all who hear them...or say them. So we learn, if lucky, "restraint of pen and tusk" to elevate ourselves, and those with whom we mix. The best buffer is learning to use a "Mental Mediator" in whom we voice our worst instincts... BEFORE they happen! Once we really learn the "no true winners" aspect in the arena of senseless dominance, we can give up the Power of negativity, becoming easier and softer...happier inside and more res-"trained" in spirit!!!
Love, Chris
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January 27, 2010
Action!
 A terrible event, caused this time by an earthquake of great magnitude has taken place in Haiti. Around the world people and countries have responded. Some highly trained and very effective such as the units sent immediately by Israel, while others were slowed both by the massive damage and casualties and by being used to reliance on high tech devices, tests and drugs and someone to organize it all.
While most people who rushed to Haiti came to help, others rushed to Haiti to report on what was happening and hype whatever superstitions they might have about citizens of poor countries. They rushed in with camera crews and auxiliary people. They came into an airport with one runway, buildings damaged, being run by someone using a laptop on a card table to facilitate landings when space was available. They rushed into this crisis not only taking up air and landing space but many taking food, and lodging that were in very scarce supply, all to be able to turn this crisis into a drama on the world stage. At best this put so many of our world’s people in touch, shrinking our ability to see such pain and suffering and still remain aloof or reduce our readiness to see the people of Haiti as “other.” This juxtaposition of helper and voyeur should give us pause to ponder how best to be stewards and compassionate friends in the world and what kind of knowledge and training would best help in these kinds of disasters.
One reporter discovers a make shift clinic full of people. When asked if medical help had been there the people said some medics had been in and out a few times. One man sits with and helps the others but does not seem to be injured the reporter asks him “Do you have family here? The man answers, “No my family is all safe and OK so I have come here to sit with those who have no one to be with them.”
For me everything is held in that one sentence: “ I have come to sit with those who have no one to be with them.” Whether we do this literally and/ or virtually we are there also, sending healing, sending money, shoes, clothes, food, water, sending music, poetry, dance, books and helpers to those who have need.
Blessings,
Rev. Dr. Donna Lindsey [Back to Top]
  We are excited to present the first DVD of a musical concert at SOTH. Music Minister, Carver Cossey, and keyboardist par excellence Jerry Wilhoit have produced a DVD of their last concert at SOTH. Available now for purchase for the amazing price of $12.00. All proceeds will be donated to the 250 Fund. Contact Nancy Burch in the church office at 949.495.1310 or see Carver on Sunday mornings to get your copy.
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Shepherd of the Hills Service (in English) - 9:30 a.m. 