Red Cedar Zen's Annual Fundraising Appeal DONATE
Welcome to Red Cedar Zen's 2018 Annual Appeal page. We're reaching out to our supporters – members and beyond – to raise funds for general operations, retreat scholarships, and future rainy days. (Here, if you missed it, is our Annual Appeal letter.) Easiest way to make a donation is the big "DONATE" button up top.
Here's some stuff going on this year at Red Cedar.
Our Wilderness Program is in full swing. Some upcoming trips:
A sampling of upcoming retreats, classes, and ceremonies:
What else is new with us? This summer we inaugurated an inexpensive midsummer sesshin on Samish Island, led by Guiding Teacher Nomon Tim Burnett, who gave three dharma talks on the koan "The One Who's Not Busy." It was a wonderful retreat, with oryoki meals and an extended work period – the latter our dana to the Community of Christ, which also helped keep our costs low. We intend to offer this second Samish Island sesshin again next year.
Our Board of Directors has been considering our zendo home in Bellingham. Two years from now, when our lease is up, we can sign a new multi-year lease, but we might instead want, if possible, to purchase the building (it would need to be subdivided from the adjacent Majestic property), to rent or buy a building elsewhere, or to buy a property and build on it. This thought process is in its infancy, but the Board expects soon to start a sangha-wide conversation on the subject.
We continue to nourish our connections to the Bellingham practice community. Bellingham Insight Meditation Society, two recovery groups, and several small meditation groups all find a home at Red Cedar Dharma Hall. We've also maintained our connection with Let Love Be Our Legacy, an interfaith group in Whatcom County that promotes compassionate dialogue across diverse communities. And, newly this year, we’ve signed on as a Support Congregation with Family Promise of Whatcom County, an interfaith initiative that helps homeless families regain their footing by providing them with shelter, meals, and community.
We also, of course, have our regular weekly schedule, with sitting, service, and/or private interview Wednesday evenings, Friday midday, and Saturday mornings. If you've never sat with us, please know you're welcome. Here are a few words on getting started.
And more here about our dharma teachers and our lay-entrusted teachers, priests, and practice leaders. And, while we're on it, our archive of dharma talks by Red Cedar and visiting teachers since 2014.
We hope this summer finds you well in body and spirit. Please connect with us in whatever ways feel meaningful to you. If donation is one – lovely. You might also read this invitation to membership from Nomon Tim Burnett.
It's said that in the perfection of giving, dana paramita, giver, receiver, and gift disappear. You can read about dana paramita here.
Deep bow, thank you.