It is amazing how we can change in only one day. On Thanksgiving Day, we count our blessings, and the very next day – Black Friday – a national “consumption” day, we revert to “give me more.”
There’s nothing wrong with liking your stuff, but always wanting more is living the lie that it will make you happy long term. We jump from one short-term rush to the next, with no end in sight. It’s the “getting” and not the actual “having” that produces the endorphins.
Los Altos United Methodist Church has scheduled “The Longest Night: A Service of Solace” 7:30 p.m. Monday in the sanctuary, 655 Magdalena Ave.
The service, designed for those not feeling the holiday spirit, will offer a space of peace, reflection and comfort in a busy and sometimes difficult season. According to organizers, those who are grieving or feeling overwhelmed, tired, anxious or stressed may find the service helpful, but all are invited to experience an hour of candlelit prayer, meditation, music and a brief message.
Los Altos United Methodist Church has scheduled a free Thanksgiving dinner 2-5 p.m. Nov. 23 at the church’s Creekside Center, 655 Magdalena Ave.
The menu will include roast turkey breast, gravy, stuffing, honey-baked ham, garlic mashed potatoes, sweet potato pie, roasted vegetables, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie and ice cream.
Christ Episcopal Church of Los Altos formally instituted the Rev. Claire Dietrich Ranna as its ninth rector Sept. 16.
The service and reception, attended by approximately 200 people, celebrated the start of Ranna’s ministry at the church and its school, Ventana, which began in February.
Every year each faith community commemorates the anniversary of several special events, including those associated with the lives of its founder and other significant people within that community.
These occasions are times of collective joy or sorrow, and always a time of reflection.
Every year each faith community commemorates the anniversary of several special events, including those associated with the lives of its founder and other significant people within that community.
These occasions are times of collective joy or sorrow, and always a time of reflection.
Oct. 22 marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of the prophet-founder of the Baha’i faith, Baha’u’llah, which means “Glory of God.” This is a special and joyous event for all of the Baha’i communities around the world.
Baha’u’llah taught that there is one God who is the source of all major religions. The common purpose of these religions, he explained, is the education of humankind, which despite its diversity is one family.
Because of his teachings, Baha’u’llah spent 40 years of his life in exile and imprisoned. His extensive writings, which include prayers, commentaries and letters to both individuals and the rulers of the world, are a blueprint for the spiritual transformation of the individual and society.
“The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens,” Baha’u’llah wrote.
He called for the elimination of all forms of prejudice and for unity and collaboration among all the peoples of the world. He affirmed the equality of women and men and the harmony of science and religion. He called for the universal education of all children and the elimination of extremes of wealth and poverty.
Mountain View Mayor Ken Rosenberg has already signed a proclamation honoring this bicentennial. Baha’i communities of Silicon Valley – including Los Altos and Mountain View – will be celebrating the special occasion in the coming weeks. Two celebratory events have been scheduled.
Hamed Eshraghian is a Mountain View resident and member of the Baha’i community. For more information, visit mvbahais.org.
