Sydney Avey
Dynamic Woman — Changing Times
Making Changes
Making changes requires adjustments. Ten years ago, I radically altered my life to write a novel. Now it’s time to prune activities that have grown like tree suckers to encourage healthy growth in other areas.
The Church Rummage Sale
I avoid shopping rummage sales ever since I spent two years clearing 60 years of stuff out of my parents’ house. To my surprise, I enjoyed volunteering at our recent church rummage sale. Besides raising money for missions, I saw multiple benefits to the community.
Creative Joys: Anatomy of a Hymn
Have you ever thought of writing a hymn? I was challenged in a Hymnology class to do just that. Under the guidance of our church music director, Dr. David Wilson, I adapted a poem and pianist Vitaly Serebriakov set it to music. On March 10, we introduced Dust and Ashes to the congregation at Christ Church in Goodyear, AZ. I’m sharing my notes on the process, hoping to encourage others to try their hand at hymn writing.
The Relevance of Faith: Observing Lent
Because the relevance of faith is under siege in our culture, I’m attending a lecture series titled What’s Happening in 21st Century Religion? The audience is diverse. That’s good. I want to know what people are thinking about the role of religion and faith in their lives.
My Life Story; Clyde on Staff Training
Clyde here. No proud feline who’s done well for himself fails to give back. My sincere desire is to inspire my feral and semi-feral brothers and sisters to lead healthier lives by using their human resources wisely. In Chapter Two of my life story, I discuss staff training.
Art Exhibit, a Short Course in World Religion
For years I’ve ignored art exhibits that feature Eastern religions. At a glance, I wasn’t drawn to images that held no relevance for me. But when we were invited a to Member’s Exhibition Preview to view Wondrous Worlds: Art & Islam Through Time & Place at the Phoenix Art Museum, we accepted.
My Life Story, Guest Post by Clyde
My staff has suggested I tell my life story. Though I rarely post on my Facebook page, I’m told my fanbase is growing. (I’m too lazy to check.) So, here goes:
I was born in a barn in Chinese Camp, a Northern California Gold Rush town that once housed thousands of Chinese laborers. Historians say these immigrants worked mines that yielded a total of $1.5 million in U.S. dollars. But, that’s history. Today, Chinese Camp is Historical Landmark 423, population 126, not counting me. I don’t live there anymore.
Words of Peace
Christmas gives us special moments of unity. Our celebration may feel like a too-short intermission in our daily lives, Or we may experience an extended time of worship and visits with family and friends. Either way, the time comes to box up the tinsel and lights and express our last wish for peace, love, and joy. We wonder, why can’t we keep the Christmas Spirit of “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” all year round?
Shopping for Christmas?
Shopping for Christmas gifts seems less fun with each passing year. My memories of Christmas shopping have little to do with purchasing gifts. The magic was standing on the pavement outside Macy*s in San Francisco ogling artistic window displays.