Dear Sangha,
Our December Board meeting saw the introduction of three new Board members: Tom Patterson (Secretary), Terence Kissack (at-large) and Anette Libman (at-large). Tom replaces Reuel Young as acting Secretary, much to Reuel’s relief as he slips into a new role as at-large member.
Welcome Tom, Terence and Anette! And thank you, Reuel, for your extended double-duty service.
Changes are also afoot on our Guiding Council of teachers, with Lorene Jabola resigning and Mary Stancavage stepping up as her replacement. While we’ll be sad to see less of Lorene, we look forward to her continuing to teach regularly in our Sunday program.
We’re excited by the years of teaching experience and fresh perspective Mary brings to the Guiding Council table. She has practiced meditation, yoga, and cultivated a spiritual practice for over 30 years and in 2009 was empowered to teach Buddhadharma. Mary is based in the Los Angeles area and teaches classes, retreats and does individual mentoring, including work with underserved communities, in hospitals and rehab centers, and mentoring incarcerated youth. She likes to travel to the desert for teachings and looks forward to becoming an even more present part of our sangha.
“A few years ago I began to investigate the concept of living with an undefended heart. I believe this is the root of what the Buddha asks us to do in his teachings and it is now the lens through which I see the world. How do we defend ourselves and how do we free ourselves? This has been a rich journey that continues with ever unfolding subtlety. I look forward to joining with you on this path towards freedom.”
As we announced in a recent mail, all Sunday programs have moved to an earlier time slot, from 3 – 4:30 p.m. Talks on the second and fourth Sunday are being held in-person at the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Desert, located at 72425 Via Vail in Rancho Mirage.
Come join us for a cozy spot of warmth and community as the desert winter closes in. We look forward to meeting you there!
