Hello Dear Friends,
I think I should reframe what we do on Saturday afternoons at the Clock Tower. I’ve been calling it a “bridge building” ministry, and that’s a good enough term, but “rapport building” seems better. Cedric is naturally skilled at building trust and rapport, as we walk the river every day, Sometimes he joins me when I distribute bagels and socks Cedric regularly receives compliments from my unhoused neighbor: “good looking dog,” “hello big boy,” “hello handsome,” “beautiful dog Father Joel!”
Cedric’s burly 85 pound body with cropped ears and broken tail give evidence that he was once a ring fighter before moving to Santa Cruz. His appearance belies a sweet disposition. Many have been licked or snuggled by Cedric’s powerful body before they ever hear the question: “Anyone need a pair of socks, lox or bagels.” People start talking - usually about pets they used to have - just like Cedric. More than once they ask if they can have Cedric. BUT rapport has been built and sometimes the door is open to a conversation about, housing, stolen property, mental wellness and even addictions. Come join us. I need someone to help hold Cedric back when there are other dogs around. Cedric is not so magnanimous towards his own species. But he’s improving and somewhere down deep inside him I think he’s beginning to understand that those other dogs are also created in the image of God.
Come join us this Saturday 9/23 at the Clock Tower at 12:30 pm when we will be back again with socks, bagels, lox, and meditation. Most importantly we will be validating the life in us all, created in the image of God. I always come away from my times at the Clock Tower with sense that God is profoundly at work not only in me but in my many unhoused friends. Also, we appreciate any clothing items you have to donate, or if you would like to support us financially in our bridge-building ministry contact usat Stillpoint: Joel@stillpoint.worldor (831) 419-8290 or https://stillpoint.world.
CenteringPrayer and Lectio Divina meets as always this Tuesday, 9/19 at 8 am and8 pm. Attached is the Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8352995499?pwd=RllrMlRrd2VTNFdZZW1hQTBTRDg3QT09
Our next retreat is only a month away, October 18th at VillaMaria del Mar. As always, we endeavor to experience God -- talking“about” God is always secondary. RSVP so our hosts can prepare the deliciousand healthy lunch that they always serve. Lunch is $20 and Stillpoint appreciates donations to cover printing andpreparations.
In the beauty of love,
Joel+