Comments for Agape (A gathering of women)

Comment on We can all imagine by The Rev. Pamela Henry Fahrner

The Rev. Pamela Henry Fahrner — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 16:44:23 +0000

Mary,
Losing you will be a big loss! You clearly have much to say and I read your blog and learned a bit about perspective and perceptions from it/you. I’m happy for you and wish you well starting this new life in a new place. Since the move isn’t until summer, maybe you can make one more gathering and we can bid you a fond farewell. If not, thanks for your participation in this group. I’ll check your blog and share it with the group. Thank you, thank you and may God bless you and your journey.
Pam+

Comment on We can all imagine by Mary Boscaino

Mary Boscaino — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 16:21:24 +0000

Pam, I’m sorry I won’t be able to attend this weekend. I’ll, again, be heading to PA. If you or any of the members would like to read some of my recent posts, I’ve written for a couple of blogs, and one is:

http://networkedblogs.com/g2pC0

The last two posts were related to loss, both with regard to Japan, and personal loss. My posts are usually on Wednesdays, although I’ll be taking a break to start my own blog shortly.

This week, I’ll have a little post on heros, who stepped up and helped me tremendously following the loss of my husband. That will be posted on http://widowlady302.blogspot.com/ on Wednesday.

Again, your meetings are wonderful, and I only wish I could be here, but I’ll be moving to PA shortly, and will be making many trips there prior to my summer move.

God bless to you all, and take care!
Mary

Comment on Wishing you a blessed Christmas… by Mary Boscaino

Mary Boscaino — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 22:55:19 +0000

Pam,
Thank you for your warm Christmas greetings, and right back at you for a Wonderful Christmas and may the New Year bring you and Agape members the best possible blessings.

Thanks also for your mention of Prayables.com. I’ve been involved with it for several months as a blog post writer, and I’m loving the community it builds as we grow and evolve. I believe the site could be the go-to site for women of all faiths as they seek prayer, laughter and friends within an inter-faith context.

I look forward to more Agape meetings, too, in the new year! I really enjoyed the November gathering so much.

Comment on Gains and Losses by Kathie Smith

Kathie Smith — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 00:59:31 +0000

Hi Pam and friends,

Sorry I can’t make it tomorrow. The topic is a great one to ponder, reflect, and share. While all of the stories included in the material are quite dramatic, I do relate to them in my pyramidic life of growing experiences. When I have encountered my so-called ‘hits’, I also have found the old saying ‘when one door closes, another opens’ to have happened in a relatively short amount of time. I believe everyone has steps to climb or, maybe more dramatic, hurdles to jump and for me, with each one I have chosen not to dwell on the negative aspects that could or were there. I appreciate the readings because throughout them all, each individual has chosen to focus on something or someone other than themselves. There are people, projects, or events that can become healing agents and door openers; and they were present in the articles as well. Amen to their courage and examples as they enveloped themselves in outward reaching and healing tasks. The hurdles will never be forgotten – but another step to climb to the next phase of this wonderful life.

Comment on Schedule of Gatherings by The Rev. Pamela Henry Fahrner

The Rev. Pamela Henry Fahrner — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 02:15:54 +0000

Suzanne,
Thank you for your interest and your kind comments! The best way to learn about Agape is to “surf” the blog site with “About Agape” in the Pages section as a first stop.
As you have seen, our next Gathering is July 10th at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Oakland at 10 AM. You would be most welcome!
If you would like, I can add you to my e-mail list and you will receive notice and a reminder of each Gathering.
Thanks again. Look forward to welcoming you as a woman of Agape!
Pam+

Comment on Schedule of Gatherings by Suzanne Harle

Suzanne Harle — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 01:35:46 +0000

Hello Pam,

I knew from the Tuesday night bible study group that you are a wealth of knowledge, but did not know you are a Rev. and that you have this wonderful website/blog.

I am interested in attending the every 6 weeks gathering.

I would love very much to learn more and be a part of Agape. Prior to seeing this word hear I recently found this in the bible and was drawn to this word.

Suzanne

Comment on January 23rd Agape Gathering by Brenda Rathgeb

Brenda Rathgeb — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 01:35:21 +0000

Kathie states that forgiveness is the most difficult yet most necessary component of our every day living. She is so right! This is especially true when it involves family members—who can “push our buttons” or hurt us more deeply than our own? Making the first move toward reconciliation is not easy,but IT CAN BE DONE! It is so healing and energizing, and really does free us to be more loving and open.

Comment on January 23rd Agape Gathering by Kathie Smith (posted with Kathie's permission by Pam)

Kathie Smith (posted with Kathie's permission by Pam) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:08:38 +0000

The article that was most meaningful to me was the one about Immaculee Ilibagiza. I have heard her speak and she speaks so well about the importance of forgiveness as the first step toward healing – emotionally and physically. And if she can bestow forgiveness upon those who committed unimaginable horrors against her and her family, then certainly we in the western, privileged world ought to be able to also.
I am also reminded of a woman here in the USA whose daughter was murdered and the forgiveness she had for her daughter’s murderer. Not only did she forgive him, but she befriended him and visited him regularly in prison. (I have other stories of forgiveness that make such a difference for those who are able to “do” it) I believe that forgiveness is the most difficult yet most necessary component of our every day living. Without it, we stay in a box of resentment, bitterness, revenge and an unloving lifestyle of only wishing for more happiness. Countries with two opposing sects, who maintain constant revenge against one another for the killings that each opposing side inflicts upon one another, have no desire to forgive what has happened and be able to move on into a time of peace. Ireland and Northern Ireland are the closest I have ever seen to being successful at being able to stop the revenge and move on – at least so far. So forgiveness, as hard as it may seem, is something to consider daily! I believe it is energizing and opens up a world that allows a person to give more freely to all of mankind.

So that is my take on the readings.
Kathie Smith

Comment on Responsible Shopping by The Rev. Pamela Henry Fahrner

The Rev. Pamela Henry Fahrner — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:08:59 +0000

Re-use, re-cycle, and re-purpose. Re-gifting is a touchy subject, but any gift selected with the receiver in mind works for me. I actually like used books! The underlining/highlighting allows me to connect to the owners of the past.

Comment on Responsible Shopping by mabsf

mabsf — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:23:04 +0000

It’s my 2nd Christmas now where funds are – let’s say – tight. I also get more and more conscious about the mounds of trash you see after Christmas, so I decided to start buying used presents.
I had a bad conscience when I started, but as the mom of the 7-year-old I know that there are many of our toys that have still ‘play’ in them, just not with my little guy!
I started with WII games and DVDs since they come with the box.
I haven’t worked my way up to Legos (another favorite of my son) but I know that our Brio train tracks are going to be the gift for a 3-year-old son of a friend. Packaged in cute plastic bin, they are going to fit right in with the stuff he already has…
I also let grandparents and family know that ‘used’ is great with us – that’s important, since you don’t want to hurt anybodies feelings…
Amazon (amongst others) offers new/used options and is an easy starting point!