Rivers Way Community

We will begin our theme of the Quaker Peace Testimony on Sunday evening (1/8/12). First we will eat a simple meal and then move into meditation and dialogue around the query: What is a nonviolent response to conflict and how have you notice this kind of response in yourself and in your interactions (community and global)?

When: Arrive at 6pm, we will meet till 7:30pm

Where: Tigard Area Chamber of Commerce

Bring: Something to share for dinner

RiversWay Women,

This Saturday, 1/7, we will have a “girls night” together at my place. Kristin thought it would be good to have an art-type activity (I agree). Since it is the beginning of the year and a good time to talk about what we are hoping for the new year, let’s spend the evening creating collage journals. We can also watch a movie and hit the hot tub – or just sit around and talk/laugh etc. In the morning, I will led us through a meditation – walk through the park before heading home.

Greetings RiversWay,

We had an amazing time in the Canadian Rockies and are eager to host you tonight at 7pm.  If you have cookies or dessert you would like to share, please bring them.  This will be a time to sing, pray, and reflect on how Christ continues to come to us.  We will keep this time to an hour due to bedtime for Amy and our new family member from Kenya, Rich or Mumo, flying in late tonight.

Lots of love!

Mel, Gil, and Amy

Greetings to all,

I am having a lazy Saturday morning while trying to keep my “to do” list out of my mind. In our community we often talk about paradox. I am thinking that this is one.

In any case I wanted to remind you all as I am reminding myself that we will be having a traditional Christmas dinner tomorrow [12.18.11] evening. Please bring your favorite side dish to complement the roast turkey breast.

I am looking forward to our conversation around the table on simple as “spirit led restraint” and in our circle on advent. You are my community and I look forward to enjoying your company.

Blessings

Elaine

We are meeting tonight (Sunday 12/11), 6:00pm, at Tigard Chamber of Commerce. Gil is making yummy Ground Nut Stew – I say yummy b/c Gil is a great cook! There will be a time of reflection on “simple as spirit led restraint” and advent. Looking forward to being together.

darla

Hey friends, It is S&L Day on Sunday (12/4). There are three opportunities to join us. First – Gil and his team will be sorting and distributing food beginning at 11am at the Samuelson home (16540 sw copper creek dr, tigard 97224). Second – I will be leaving the address above (my home) at 12:45pm to meet our friends without homes at Rosalita’s laundromat. If you want to come, show up at my home at 12:30pm. Third – we will be meeting back at my home at 3:30pm (to 4:30pm) to reflect on our experiences during S&L and also to continue with advent. You are welcome to join us for as much or as little as you would like.

Darla

Hi friends,

We will be meeting at the Tigard Chamber of Commerce at 6pm for a simple meal and I will be sharing pictures from India and sharing about our time there. I look forward to seeing you all tonight.

Regards,
Crystal J. Roy

“That which is most sacred and profound to us must be properly protected as well as expressed” ~Henri Nouwen

–
darla
darla.samuelson (skype)

How did I get so lucky to have my heart awakened to others and their suffering?
Pema Chodron

Yes, the suffering of others is real…

Yesterday we met our friends without homes at 1:00 at Rosalita’s. We put laundry in the washers, sat and ate homemade sandwiches, and took those who wanted showers to TUM for warm showers. The rest of us hung around and talked while the clothes were cleaned and dried.

One of our friends talked about his daughter’s baby who died. Another mentioned he was going to start over in Colorado. I find that meeting our friends once a month is a simple work. It takes a just enough coordination to make it all work and create a safe space for connection and dialogue. The piece that I enjoy most is the relationships. We are greeted each month with news about family and friends. I wonder, “Why should my friends without homes trust us/me?” The only answer I have found is that we have a consistent presence in their life. Once a month, on the first Sunday of every month, for the last fours years etc..

We served about fourteen people yesterday; a few had homes but came for sandwiches, food from the Trader Joes donation, clothing, and/or conversation. The rest live in tents or under bridges near the Fanno Creek in Tigard. There were eleven volunteers helping with S&L ~ far beyond the days when it was only Elaine, Jason, and I.

Back at the Samuelson home we had our double garage full of donated food from Trader Joes. The food went to at least six homes. The rest was distributed to migrant workers west of Tigard.

It was a beautiful day yesterday in many different ways. Being awakened to others suffering and standing in it with them on a consistent basis – this is our greatest privilege.

Darla

Hi All,

Tomorrow 11/6 is Showers and Laundry Day. Gil and his crew will start sorting food at my house at 11ish. We will meet our friends without homes at Rosalitas Laundromat at 1 pm.

Darla