Happy Holy Days, friend!
Recently, I journeyed to my
compassionate helping spirits with the
sincere intention to be shown the perfect
place for us to meet in-person to honor the
Winter Solstice together. Much to my
surprise, spirit gave me a clear vision of
a church!
And this was not just any church.
The Community United Methodist Church in
Half Moon Bay CA was founded in 1867, and
the small Historic Chapel is the oldest operating
church in San Mateo County. So, the space
and property is alive with benevolent
spirits.
I was impressed with the
church's Inclusion
Statement on their
website. "All persons are individuals of
sacred worth. We recognize that there are
differences among us, but believe that we
can love alike even though we may not think
alike." (excerpt) Sure enough, Pastor Lisa
Warner-Carey walks the talk, and she
embraced the idea of hosting our
event.
After giving some thought to this
choice for our sacred circle, I had to
acknowledge again the profound wisdom of my
spirit teacher. I was raised Methodist back
in the midwest, so that provided my
religious foundation before I began my
Buddhism meditation practice in
college.
About 13 years ago, I attended the
showing of a documentary film that was held
in the sanctuary of this same Community
United Methodist Church in Half Moon Bay
CA. The film was about the Shipibo people
of the Amazon, a shamanic indigenous tribe.
To support their culture, I bought my first
hand-made shamanic rattle from them in this
church's Social Hall. This was many years
before I began seriously studying
shamanism!
Spirit has guided me full
circle.
