Carmel Valley Community Chapel

 

Pastor’s Page

The work of being a spiritual community is never done, but there are moments on the journey when it is important to pause, celebrate and give thanks. On June 22 we celebrated the recent marriage of Drew and Imren Carlson with a blessing in our Sunday service and a festive reception afterward with many honored guests. It was particularly moving for those of us who have known Drew and his family for decades. Thank you, Elizabeth Carlson, for the lovely reception!

 

On June 20 Dan and Judie Riley hosted many of us at their home for a potluck dinner and a concert featuring five talented musicians. It was really something special! The level of musicianship of the performers was top-notch, and the diversity of the program kept us all engaged and eager to hear what would come next. There is always something special about breaking bread, sharing stories, delighting in one another’s company and listening to amazing music together that unites us in a common experience of grace, beauty and connection. Thank you Dan and Judie!

 

About a week later we had another community-building event enjoying food, wine, music and good conversation—an afternoon tasting Spanish wines. We had 27 attendees and raised a little over $1,000 for the Chapel’s ministries. Thanks to Linnea Terranova, Susan Estes, Wayne and Kristi Clark, Harriet Busick, Elaine Brabeck, Melinda Stewart, and Karen Turner for the delicious tapas and/or assistance!

And coming up on August 1 is the annual luncheon for The Village Project. See the information below for all the details. The Village Project is a local non-profit service organization whose mission is “to meet the needs of the underserved African-American community, to provide services and advocate for the Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) and the LGBTQ+ community. . . . Our state and county-wide work benefits our constituency by providing free counseling and other clinical and educational support services to youth, adults, and families, who have been historically unserved, underserved, or inappropriately served by mental health and educational systems in  Monterey County.”

 

As part of our outreach and mission to the wider community we include The Village Project in our annual benevolence. This organization is uniquely equipped to serve communities that are too often ignored and neglected. And they have a focus on reaching children and family systems which helps to lay a good foundation for a better future by reaching young people before cycles of trauma, abuse and addiction take hold. So I hope you will join me in attending the luncheon at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel on August 1, at 11:30 a.m. If you are so inclined, please consider sponsoring a table (even if it is a little past the deadline).

Your partner in our shared ministry,

Rick Yramategui