Common Street Spiritual Center

Book Discussion: Decolonizing Wealth
2023-11-01 12:00 - 12:40, 2023-11-08 12:00 - 12:40, 2023-11-15 12:00 - 12:40, 2023-11-22 12:00 - 12:40 (America/New_York) | Online
CSSC member and Outreach Coordinator for Family Promise Metrowest Paula Brown will facilitate a series of discussions related to Decolonizing Wealth by Edgar Villaneuva, a renowned activist, author, and philanthropy expert who offers a crucial perspective on wealth and philanthropy. As a member of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, Villanueva advises a diverse range of organizations on social impact strategies, working with philanthropic entities, Fortune 500 corporations, and entertainment enterprises. His work empowers communities, giving them control over their own narratives and representations while striving for increased visibility across all sectors of society. In “Decolonizing Wealth,” he examines the role of colonialism in philanthropy, the wealth gap, and the prevailing power dynamics in modern philanthropic structures.

Depolarizing Within, a Braver Angels Workshop
2023-11-04 14:00 - 17:00 | France
Polarization can be driven by how we talk with like-minded people about those on the other side. Too often, we stereotype, dismiss, or ridicule our fellow citizens who support the other political party, its leaders, and its policies.
This free 3 hour workshop teaches participants:
• How to be more aware of their own “inner polarizer”
• How to be critical without demonizing, dismissing or stereotyping large swaths of the population
• How to constructively intervene in polarizing social conversations with like-minded people.
Anyone interested in examining their own inner polarization and learning strategies to disagree without condemning or ridiculing others is encouraged to come.
The follow-up workshop, Skills for Bridging the Divide will be offered on Nov 11.

Joyful Warrior: Self-Care & Wild Wellness Circle
2023-11-11 10:30 - 12:00 | Meeting Room of CSSC
Come in cozy clothes for a rejuvenating self-care session and leave feeling uplifted and supported in your self-care journey.
Popularized self-care seems to be all about buying things and sitting in a bathtub, but this workshop goes into holistic, sustainable, and new approaches to self-care inspired by listening to your specific needs and Wild Wellness practices for wellness and wholeness.
Our circle consists of an opening grounding practice and a brief lecture that flows into open sharing.

Skills for Bridging the Divide a Braver Angels Workshop
2023-11-11 14:00 - 17:00
In our current polarized political environment, many people avoid or dread political conversations with friends or family members whose politics differ from their own. They worry, rightly so, that any attempts at political discussions will devolve into arguments and acrimony, and result in hurt feelings or anger.
Braver Angels Skills for Bridging the Divide Workshops teach skills for having respectful conversations that clarify differences, search for common ground, and affirm the importance of the relationship. They also give participants a safe environment to practice those skills.
This workshop is approximately 2 ½ hours long.

Interfaith Book Discussion
2023-11-11 15:00 - 16:30 | Islamic Society of Boston in Wayland, 126 Boston Post Road, Wayland, MA
Join in a groundbreaking discussion about how Christian views of the Prophet Muhammad are evolving to support greater interfaith unity.

Deep Connection Mixer - An Evening Of Unforgettable Connections
2023-11-25 19:00 - 21:00 | Sanctuary at Common Street Spiritual Center, 13 Common Street, Natick, MA, 01760, United States
Have you ever attended a meetup or some other social gathering and gotten stuck in “small talk” that went nowhere?
Are you tired of polite, boring conversations that don’t light a spark and make you really feel something inside?
If you answered “yes” to either of these questions, then you’re going to love this.
This is a unique kind of social event where the focus is on playing games that create interesting conversations and profound connections with some warm and amazing people.
By participating in these eye-opening (and heart-opening) exercises, you’ll not only have a lot of fun, but you’ll learn a so much about yourself and the people around you.
And on a practical level, you’ll also learn tools that you can use in your everyday life to create deeper connections with others.
WHY COME TO A DEEP CONNECTION MIXER?
You’ll discover how you are truly experienced by others in fun, eye-opening, and compassionate ways.
You’ll learn to navigate those moments when you’re not sure what you’re going to say next, and surprise yourself at how interesting and creative you really are when you stop trying to manage how others see you.
You’ll learn how to share yourself more authentically in conversation, and that will serve you in other areas of your life as well.
Rather than having a night of boring small talk, you’ll actually get real with the people you meet… giving you the kind of deep, connected experience we often hope for at gatherings, but rarely experience.
And you’ll have a lot of fun!
Does that sound like music to your ears? This is going to be very different from what you typically experience at a meetup event. I’m excited to create this together with you!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where is it? – The event is held at the Common Street Spiritual Center in Natick, MA which is a beautiful facility for an event like this.
What time? – We start promptly at 7:00pm and go until 9:00pm (with a break in the middle). Please plan on arriving by 6:45pm so you have time to settle in and meet the other participants.
How much? – I wanted to keep this affordable for everyone, so it’s only $20 to attend. That is very inexpensive for a facilitated gathering where you are guaranteed to meet great people and actually have meaningful connections with them.
I’m looking forward to seeing you there.
Warmly,
Jason

Community Dialogue on Israel and Gaza
2023-11-26 12:30 - 14:00 | Common Street Spiritual Center, 13 Common Street, Natick, 01760, United States
We need each other. In this time of war and humanitarian crisis in Israel and Gaza, we are opening an inclusive and sensitive space for dialogue and listening.

Using a sharing circle format, we will share our thoughts and feelings, and listen to each other. The space will be free of hate speech, courteous, and respectful of all.

Our goal is to learn from each other, see how we can support each other in these times, and find ways to work together to create a more peaceful world.

Seven Sacred Talking Circles: Indigenous Wisdom from Within
2024-01-28 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-02-11 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-02-25 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-03-10 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-03-24 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-04-07 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-04-21 14:00 - 16:00 | Sanctuary at Common Street Spiritual Center, 13 Common Street, Natick, MA, 01760, United States
In honor of one of the primary principles of a Talking Circle, to be able to look into each persons’ eyes, we are holding space for 20 people at the most. You are welcome to sign up for as many, or as few, as you are called to and your schedule allows. It’s okay to over or under register and come back to the form and add or subtract a registration. If a Circle is filled you will be put on a wait list and be notified of that status, and you will be notified when a space opens. You should also expect an email a week or so ahead of time to confirm your registration. This will help ensure people on the wait list can get a spot that may have become available.

Register here: https://forms.gle/WK2jpJjKGkWNVAKf9

Sun, Jan 28 – Truth
Sun, Feb 11 – Humility
Sun, Feb 25 – Respect
Sun, Mar 10 – Love
Sun, Mar 24 – Courage
Sun, Apr 7 – Honesty
Sun, Apr 21 – Wisdom

The Seven topics are Seven Sacred Indigenous topics. How the Circle moves and what comes forth individually and collectively will be a result of who shows up on any given date. Each Circle will hold its own magic and connection to what is already embedded in you. Come and explore life through an Indigenous lens. You may be pleasantly surprised by what you find out about life and how you are called to walk in it!

Once the Seven Circles are complete, we intend to host a collective integration on Zoom where all participants can come on to share how things are moving, or have moved, since they participated in one or more of the gatherings. It promises to be a beautiful experience!

Wuniish – A gift and blessing to all from Medicine Story

Learner's Minyan Shabbat Service
2024-02-09 19:30 - 21:00 | Common Street Spiritual Center, 13 Common Street, Natick, 01760, United States
HaMakom’s Learner’s Minyan is an engaging, musical, interactive Shabbat service including traditional and contemporary elements. Rabbi Robin Sparr will provide opportunities to learn and ask questions about the rituals, music, prayers, and symbolism that comprise the evening service.

Community Dialogue on Israel and Gaza
2024-03-17 13:30 - 15:00 | Common Street Spiritual Center, 13 Common Street, Natick, 01760, United States
We need each other. In this time of war and humanitarian crisis in Israel and Gaza, we are opening an inclusive and sensitive space for dialogue and listening.

In a process facilitated by Sadik Kassim, Rabbi Robin Sparr, and Rev. Dr. Ian Mevorach, we will share our thoughts and feelings, and listen to each other. The space will be free of hate speech, courteous, and respectful of all.

Our goal is to learn from each other, see how we can support each other in these times, and find ways to work together to create a more peaceful world.

FREE and open to the public.

Awakening - Exploring The Dance Of Light & Dark
2024-03-28 19:00 - 20:30 | Sanctuary at Common Street Spiritual Center, 13 Common Street, Natick, MA, 01760, United States
Dear friends,
You are invited to join us for a unique and enriching spiritual experience at our gathering called Awakening.
This is definitely not a traditional church service. Awakening offers a space where individuals can come together to explore and deepen their spiritual journey in a supportive community setting.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT AWAKENING:
Brief Music/Meditation: Take a moment to settle in. Experience the power of mindfulness and connect with Spirit.
Interactive Exploration and Discussion: Explore both the light and dark aspects of life (and of yourself) with nuance and compassion instead of rules and judgment.
Engage in meaningful reflection, open dialogue, and explore innovative perspectives. Do you disagree with commonly held ideas about our Divine nature?
BRING IT!
This is a place where you have permission to share and explore your truth with other intelligent beings who have similar questions.
Stories From The Other Side: Hear stories from people who have had direct experiences with the other side.
Coffee / Chai Hour: After our gathering, join us for a relaxed coffee hour where you can connect with fellow attendees, discuss ideas, and deepen your sense of community.
IS THIS FOR YOU?
At Awakening, there are no experts or authorities dictating how you should think or live. Instead, we embrace curiosity and inquiry, encouraging questions that expand our possibilities and foster personal growth.
Come be a part of this experiment with us. Let’s create something beautiful together. All that’s required is an open mind and a willingness to explore.
Please RSVP to this event by grabbing your free ticket on Eventbrite. Your RSVP helps us ensure a meaningful experience for everyone.
We look forward to seeing you at Awakening.
Jason and Amanda

Cacao Ceremony - Living with Intention: Aligning Heart and Actions
2024-03-31 18:00 - 21:00 | Sanctuary at Common Street Spiritual Center, 13 Common Street, Natick, MA, 01760, United States
Have you ever found yourself just going through the motions in your life? What if you could align your heart with the actions you take to create the life you want? How would that change things for you?
This is a chance to look at how you’re investing your time and energy in creating your life in the following areas:
– Your relationship with the Divine
– Your connection to your body
– Your family relationships
– The friendships you’re growing and nurturing
– Your highest and most fulfilling expression of your work
– Your romantic partnership
We invite you to our special Cacao Ceremony this coming Easter Sunday. The theme is “Living With Intention: Aligning Heart & Actions”.
This event is designed to help you press the pause button, and look honestly at where and how you’re spending your energy. If you know deep down that something needs to shift in order for you to create the life you want, then this is for you.
The ceremonial cacao, a key part of our gathering, acts as a gentle guide, opening pathways to deeper understanding and connection.
WHAT YOU CAN LOOK FORWARD TO:
– Living with Intention Workshop: We start off with a session designed to explore the harmony between your heart’s desires and your daily actions. Engage in reflective exercises to uncover the disconnects, and learn actionable steps to align your most important intentions with impactful actions.
– Ceremonial Cacao Experience: Engage in a heart-opening Cacao Ceremony, enhanced by the unique, creamy blend of our ceremonial-grade Cacao from Prophecy Chocolate, enriched with almond milk, spices, vanilla, and maple syrup.
– Intention-Focused Meditations: These gently guided meditations will help you recognize moments where your actions can more closely reflect your heart’s true desires.
EVENT DETAILS & LOGISTICS
Where is it? – The event is held at the Common Street Spiritual Center in Natick, MA which is a beautiful facility for an event like this.
What time? – We start promptly at 6:00 PM and go until 9:00 PM (with a break in the middle). Please plan on arriving by 5:45pm so you have time to park, and then settle in and meet the others.
How to RSVP: Click the link associated with this posting to secure your ticket on Eventbrite.
We are looking forward to seeing you there.
Warmly,
Jason
P.S. – Please check the FAQ section at the Eventbrite link to make sure Cacao is safe for you. It generally is for most people, but it’s good to have a look to be sure.

Dating with Clarity & Confidence ~ A 3 Step Guide to Master Dating Profiles
2024-04-07 16:00 - 19:00 | Common Street Spiritual Center, 13 Common Street, Natick, 01760, United States
In this workshop, we will cover the first module of our dynamic course, followed by a mixer opportunity at the end!
This is a course that facilitates self-reflection and self-awareness as a means to craft a genuine and engaging online dating profile, bio to pictures. It includes exercises and guides to uncover the fundamental reasons for seeking a partnership, an inquiry used to create a personal bio including interests, achievements, & values, as well as a framework to identify partner attributes and differentiate between essential and negotiable qualities in partners.
It encourages deep introspection to lead to more meaningful connections.
To register, please email Jenica at j.c.radack@gmail.com
We offer a comprehensive yet simple program covering a wide array of aspects from creating the bio to creating the first messages and dates!

Creating the Great Turning
2024-06-26 19:00 - 21:00, 2024-07-24 19:00 - 21:00 | Moon Room @ Common Street Spiritual Center, 13 Common Street, Natick, 01760, United States
Are you concerned and overwhelmed about the dire threat to our biosphere from the climate crisis?
Do you long to serve the healing of our world in a more powerful and effective way?
If so, please join us for
Creating the Great Turning
A 2- hour monthly gathering to reinforce our interdependence, honor our grief for this world, explore new perspectives on these complex problems and manifest a life-sustaining society.
Our interactive approach uses “The Work That Reconnects.”, developed by Joanna Macy and others, which integrates systems thinking, deep ecology and deep time, spiritual traditions and undoing oppression.
We highly recommend listening to the first episode of the podcast “We Are the Great Turning” before the meeting, as it provides an excellent introduction to The Work That Reconnects process.
Join us on Wednesday, June 26th, from 7-9 PM in the CSSC Moon Room.Co-Facilitators
Laura Hake
Michael Corthell
Colleen Puzas
Each of our co-facilitators has extensive experience creating safe spaces for learning and building community, along with a deep love for our good green Earth.
Our only request is that you are present and ready to begin promptly at 7 PM.
Meeting Schedule
We plan to meet monthly. You are welcome to join us for as many meetings as you would like.
July 24, 7-9 PM, CSSC Moon Room
August 21, 7-9 PM, CSSC Sanctuary
Join us as we embark on this journey of understanding and action for the healing of our world.

Awakening - Exploring The Dance Of Light & Dark
2024-07-14 18:30 - 21:00 | Moon Room @ Common Street Spiritual Center, 13 Common Street, Natick, 01760, United States
Dear friends,
You are invited to join us for a unique and enriching spiritual experience at our gathering called Awakening.
This is definitely not a traditional church service. Awakening offers a space where individuals can come together to explore and deepen their spiritual journey in a supportive community setting.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT AWAKENING:
– Brief Music/Meditation: Take a moment to settle in. Experience the power of mindfulness and connect with Spirit.
– Interactive Exploration and Discussion: Explore both the light and dark aspects of life (and of yourself) with nuance and compassion instead of rules and judgment.
– Engage in meaningful reflection, open dialogue, and explore innovative perspectives. Do you disagree with commonly held ideas about our Divine nature? BRING IT! This is a place where you have permission to share and explore your truth with other intelligent beings who have similar questions.
– Stories From The Other Side: Hear stories from people who have had direct experiences with the other side.
– Coffee / Chai Hour: After our gathering, join us for a relaxed coffee hour where you can connect with fellow attendees, discuss ideas, and deepen your sense of community.
IS THIS FOR YOU?
At Awakening, there are no experts or authorities dictating how you should think or live. Instead, we embrace curiosity and inquiry, encouraging questions that expand our possibilities and foster personal growth.
Come be a part of this experiment with us. Let’s create something beautiful together. All that’s required is an open mind and a willingness to explore.
Please RSVP to this event by grabbing your free ticket on Eventbrite. Your RSVP helps us ensure a meaningful experience for everyone.
We look forward to seeing you at Awakening.
Jason and Amanda

Creating the Great Turning
2024-08-21 19:00 - 21:00 | Sanctuary at Common Street Spiritual Center, 13 Common Street, Natick, MA, 01760, United States

Peace Vigil for Love and Unity
2024-10-08 20:30 - 22:30 | Common Street Spiritual Center, 13 Common Street, Natick, 01760, United States
This past year has seen so much violence, hatred, and division. Since the horrific attack on Oct 7th, in which many innocent Israelis were murdered, Gaza has been decimated and countless Palestinian lives have been lost. Children are starving and being murdered. Many Israelis and Palestinians are still in captivity. All people deserve to be free. Genocide is being perpetrated in many places around the world, in Sudan and in Congo. Our government continues to deny its responsibility for the suffering in our global human family.
Bring your hearts and the pain, grief, medicine of your authenticity to be held in safety. We are coming together to touch this great suffering, to grieve together, and to find hope and purpose through the cultivation of compassion, wisdom, and love.
People of all beliefs, backgrounds, and spiritual paths are welcome. We will build a common altar and create a non-judgmental and loving container where healing can take place. All will be welcome to share poems, songs, and prayers, and to speak their truths in a sacred circle. All voices are needed in this movement for liberation of all people.
We are a diverse community, and we need to listen and learn from each other, and to find enough unity to work together for peace and justice.

The Book of Bob
2024-10-10 19:00 - 21:30 | Sanctuary at Common Street Spiritual Center, 13 Common Street, Natick, MA, 01760, United States
Let’s get together and feel alright, in this experience of the love, wisdom, and power of Bob Marley’s story.
Alex DeGroot and friends will create a vibe of celebration, learning, and spiritual seeking through music, history, truth-telling, open sharing, dance, and many other ways of connecting with the Book of Bob, the revelations that he brought for humanity through his music.
Everyone is welcome, of all backgrounds, lifestyles, beliefs, and even music tastes. The event is free and open to the public.

The Uncommon Cafe
2024-10-19 09:00 - 11:00 | Sanctuary at Common Street Spiritual Center, 13 Common Street, Natick, MA, 01760, United States
The Uncommon Cafe offers simplicity, quality ingredients, love and intention. Grab a drink, learn more about your drinks ingredients, and build a deeper relationship with your morning brew. We will offer Prophecy Chocolate’s own ceremonial cacao. ethically sourced coffee from Karma Coffee, and a homemade tea blend made by Colleen Puzas. Share a drink, open your heart, and build community while starting your morning with intention. Come and visit us this Saturday at the Common Street Spiritual Center in Natick, MA from 9-11am!

Lessons Across Faith: Exploring our neighbors' traditions
2024-11-04 18:00 - 19:30
Join us in reading through a collection of stories and sharing our own stories encountering persons of other faiths. All are invited to join this conversation, whether you belong to a religious group or are atheist or agnostic. The book is available through Amazon or through your local library : “My Neighbor’s Faith : stories of interreligious encounter, growth, and transformation.”
3 sessions – Monday nights 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM on Zoom. Nov. 4, 11, & 18
**the 4th session in person Sunday Nov. 24** at 4:00 PM – 6 PM
at the Center for Interfaith Collaboration, 130 Newton St., Weston, MA 02493. Refreshments & meet the editor(s).
Co-facilitators: Deborah Mitchell (Christian), and Fran Pollitt (Baha’i Faith)
RSVP if you are interested!
Deborah: deborahmitchell25@gmail.com, 617-894-8771
Fran: francespollitt@gmail.com, 207-252-9647
ZOOM INFO:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82922561903?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 829 2256 1903
Passcode: [REDACTED]
