Tag Archives: Calvary – Santa Cruz

The Rev. John R. Mabry

Explorations in Theology, A Weekend of Lectures at Calvary, Santa Cruz on May 16-17, 2014

featuring the Rev. John R. Mabry

The Rev. John R. Mabry
The Rev. John R. Mabry

Friday, May 16, 7:30 p.m.
A CHRISTIAN WALKS IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE BUDDHA

From December 2013 through March 2014, Christian pastor John Mabry went on a most amazing pilgrimage—to visit the most significant sites of the Buddha’s life, and to reflect deeply on what he saw, in conversation with his own faith. From there, his journey took him to Nepal, Thailand, Taiwan, and back to India as he followed the distribution and development of Buddhism around the world. Part travelogue, part history lesson, part comparative theological reflection, this lecture will recount highlights from his pilgrimage, revealing both the frailty and profundity of the human religious quest.

Saturday, May 17, 1:00 p.m.
I BELIEVE IN A GOD WHO IS GROWING: A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO PROCESS THEOLOGY

What if God is less person than process? What if God is growing and changing as the universe grows and changes? What if God needs us as much as we need God? What if nothing exists except actions? Welcome to the mind-bending world of Process Theology. In this lecture, Pastor and professor John Mabry leads us through the history of this theology in the West, focusing on the insights of its major trailblazers and visionaries. Along the way we’ll discover that reality is far weirder than we think it is, and solve some major theological puzzles along the way.

BIOGRAPHY

The Rev. John R. Mabry is a United Church of Christ pastor currently serving Grace North Church in Berkeley and Our Redeemer Lutheran in Oakland. He is the director of the Interfaith Spiritual Direction Certificate Program at the Chaplaincy Institute in Berkeley, and also teaches world religions and spiritual guidance at a number of Bay Area schools. He lives with his wife and dogs in Oakland and sings for the progressive rock band Mind Furniture.

Cost:  $15 per lecture, $25 for both lectures
Cash or checks payable to Calvary Episcopal Church
Reservations:  Call the church office at 831-423-8787
Download the event flyer.

20131005 Calvary GinSing Choir

9th Annual GinSing! on October 5 at Calvary, Santa Cruz

20131005 Calvary GinSing Choir
You are invited to GinSing! 2013, Calvary Choir’s annual gala of gin tasting and wine sampling accompanied with delicious hors d’oeuvres. This elegant evening will include solo performances by the Choral Scholars along with songs by Calvary’s Choir.

GinSing! is the primary fundraiser for scholarships awarded by Calvary to four deserving young music students in the community. In addition to the monetary assistance the scholarships provide, Choral Scholars attain the experience of professional performance, as well as exposure to the historical wealth of sacred music. Involvement in liturgical practice provides opportunities for Scholars to engage in our community of faith.

Tickets are available for $25 from Calvary Choir members or at the door on the day of the event. Click here for more information.

20130922 Cell Talk

Premiere of UK Award-winning Play, Cell Talk:1410, on September 22 at Calvary, Santa Cruz

20130922 Cell Talk
Please come along to see the UK award-winning play, CELL TALK: 1410 by Calvary parishioner, Dana Bagshaw. The story of this play is drawn from the writings of two women from 15th century England: the highly regarded mystic Julian of Norwich and her younger contemporary Margery Kempe — a more controversial figure, both then and now.

Julian, who lives in a cell attached to a church in Norwich, welcomes a troubled Margery for several consultations. Meanwhile Margery persuades her husband John to take a vow of celibacy, so that she can become a pilgrim.

Matt Matthews, known from his work with Santa Clara Players, provides his excellent direction. Ali Eppy is perfect as Julian of Norwich, and Shannon Gilligan Hemphilll’s portrayal of Margery is powerful. Rick Kuhn adds his delightful characterization of John Kempe, Margery’s long-suffering husband.

“One woman rooted . . . and one wandering . . . beautiful and inspired” says Peter Oswald, who selected Cell Talk as winner of a UK playwriting competition held while he was resident playwright at the Globe Theatre.

Outdoor performances with live music from the period will be held on Sunday afternoon, 4:00 to 5:30 pm. Click here for directions.

Repeat performances:
Sept. 29: First Congregational, 900 High Street, Santa Cruz
October 6: St. Jude’s , 20920 McClellan Road, Cupertino
October 13: St. Francis, 1205 Pine Ave, Willow Glen

Suggested donations: $10 seniors/students, $15 general, at the door. Proceeds to benefit Calvary Church Choral Scholars Fund and their Homeless Ministry.