JANUARY 2025 Newsletter
“To live in the present moment is a miracle. The miracle is not to walk on water. The miracle is to walk on the green Earth in the present moment, to appreciate the peace and beauty that are available now.” Thich Nhat Hanh
Meditation Every Monday Evening 7pm
In-Person:
In the Sanctuary of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Ventura (UUCV)
5654 Ralston Street, Ventura, CA 93003 CLICK HERE for map and directions.
And By ZOOM:
https://zoom.us/j/99075852073 Meeting ID: 990 7585 2073 Passcode: bewell
One Tap Mobile +16694449171,,99075852073#
Practice Schedule
Sitting meditation 20 minutes
Walking meditation on our outdoor walking path 10 minutes
Dharma reading/talk 10-20 minutes
Sitting meditation 20 minutes
Dharma sharing 10-20 minutes
Dāna: practice of generosity 5-10 minutes
Please join the Friendship Sangha of the Heart for a
A DAY OF MINDFULNESS
with
Rev. Kusala Bhikshu
Saturday January 25, 2025
9:30am to 4:00pm
at the
Unitarian Universalist Church of Ventura
5654 Ralston Street, Ventura CA
In addition to Dharma Talks by Rev. Kusala the day will include
Seated Meditations
Mindful Movements
Mindful Lunch
Walking Meditation
Deep Relaxation Meditation
Dharma Sharing
Bring your own vegetarian sack lunch
$35 Donation Suggested
SPACE IS LIMITED
To reserve your spot please reply to
FriendshipSangha@gmail.com
Buddhist Book Group
We invite you to join our sangha’s Buddhist Book group. We read and discuss books, some Buddhist, some not, to expand and enrich our personal practice and to get to know one another better. Our current selection is: The Sun My Heart, by Thich Nhat Hanh. We will meet to discuss this book in February. Please send a text to Lisa Otero (805-766-1342) to let her know you are reading the book and wish to join us for this discussion.
Mindful Hiking and Walking Meditation Group
Join us for mindful hikes! A few of us get together to climb hills and spend quiet time in nature. Our hikes are 2-5 miles in length, involve up to a 1000 foot elevation gain, and are usually planned just a few days in advance. We hike in the nearby Santa Monica mountains and local wilderness areas (Arroyo Verde Park, Harmon Canyon, and Wildwood Regional Park). If you have hiked with us before and want to be informed of upcoming hikes, please renew your interest by sending Lisa a text at 805-766-1342. If you have never hiked with us before, please call Lisa at 805-766-1342 to discuss your interests and availability.
Unitarian Universalist Buddhist Fellowship
You might be a Buddhist exploring Unitarian Universalism or a UU interested in learning more about Buddhist practice within our faith tradition. For those who have a clear commitment to Buddhist practice within Unitarian Universalism, you can find connections to practice groups in UU congregations, to the biennial Convocation sponsored by UUBF, sermons about UU Buddhism, and links to our newsletter, Facebook group, and other resources. Explore, Enjoy, and Contact us if we can help with you with questions about UUBF or UU Buddhist practice.
Go to UUBF.org for more information
Dana: The Practice of Sharing Our Time, Energy or Money
At our Winter retreat on December 14, 2024, the caretakers selected the following charities to receive our monetary Dana each month in 2025:
January 2025 – Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network -Animal Local
The Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network is a nonprofit organization that rescues, rehabilitates, and releases birds, reptiles, amphibians, and terrestrial mammals in Santa Barbara and Ventura Countieswhile educating the public about living in harmony with wildlife.
February 2025- Doctors Without Borders - Human Global
March 2025 – Unitarian Universalist Church of Ventura
April 2025 – Santa Barbara Channel Keeper- Environmental Local
May 2025—Malala Fund- Human Global
June 2025- Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation
July 2025– Planned Parenthood of California Central Coast- Human Local
August 2025- World Wildlife Fund - Animal Global
September 2025- Deer Park Monastery
October 2025 - Westminster Free Clinic (WFC)- Human Local
November 2025 – Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)– Environmental Global
December 2025 – Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation
If you wish to offer a monetary contribution you may leave cash or a check addressed to Jean Bramer in the Dana basket at church on Monday night or mail your Dana checks addressed to Jean Bramer, PO Box 5408, Ventura, Ca 93005.