The Open Circle - Santa Fe

03/05/2026

03/05/2026

March 1-- The second Sunday of Lent, SCRIPTURE, JOHN 3:1-17
Rev. Lynne Hinton brings her first Sunday reflection of The Open Circle's 2026 sabbatical time. She encourages us not to be so hard on Nicodemus (or ourselves) for being "slow on the uptake" to understand the grace of God's plan through his son, Jesus.

Rev. Lynne points out hat Nicodemus has transformed from a Pharisee sneaking in the darkness of night to ask Jesus questions, to over time, he becomes a man who replaces the world-view he had clung to, by openly associating himself as a Jesus-follower.

Later, we read in JOHN 19:38-40, on the day of Jesus's crucifixion, Joseph of Arimathea asks Pilate for permission to take down from the cross the body of Jesus.
Nicodemus brings an abundance of perfumed ointment made from myrrh and aloes, and sheets of linen. Nicodemus now openly, tenderly, and lovingly wraps the crucified body of Jesus. according to Jewish burial customs, as he and Joseph prepare the body of Jesus to lay it in a new tomb before the Sabbath begins.

May we also, by THE GRACE of GOD, stayed vigilant to the tender sounds of God's calling.

03/04/2026

GREAT NEWS!
The inaugural "Opening the Circle" podcast is up!
Available on both "Apple Podcasts" and "Spotify"...

Created for seekers, wonderers, and doubters alike.
You are welcome in this shared exploration—
opening the circle,
together.

Episode 1- THE WAY: In this inaugural episode of Opening The Circle, we explore what it means to be on "the way" in our spiritual lives. The path of growth and awakening is one of dynamic movement, accepting uncertainty, and cultivating inner commitment. What might we need to let go of to enter a deeper, more expansive relationship with God, the Self, and the Living Mystery? The Way is a journey of unlearning, transformation, and ultimately, becoming more fully alive.

Sources:
Luke 9:51-62 (New Revised Standard Version)
First line of Dante’s Inferno
Excerpts from “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost
The first line of the Tao Te Ching
Marion Milner’s book published under the pen name Joanna Field, A Life of One’s Own, as quoted by Maria Popova in her newsletter The Marginalian
The Middle Passage: From Misery to Meaning at Midlife, by James Hollis
John Sanford - The Kingdom Within: The Inner Meaning of Jesus’ Sayings
Irenaeus - 2nd Century Christian Theologian

Reflection by Rev. Tiffany Curtis;
Original Music by Elizabeth Fagan;
Produced by Kirsten Rudberg

03/02/2026

LENTEN MID-WEEK MEDITATIONS - Wednesdays, 12:30-12:45 PM, Zoom meeting ID: 850 9527 4874

01/13/2026

Scripture Reading: Matthew 3:13-17
Reverend Tiffany speaks about the power of water to cleanse, to dissolve, to renew... We can experience a daily baptism of spiritual renewal and are reminded we are deeply beloved by God.

01/05/2026

Epiphany 2026 - In Matthew Chapter 2, the Magi follow a star seeking a newborn king--- the Messiah. They are warned in a dream to return to their home using a different route.
In Scripture, to return by a different road means a conversion, a transformation, or a change to the mind and heart has taken place.

09/14/2025

Pics from the Pollinator Planting Party! (8-31-25)

07/23/2025

At the July, 2025 Disciples of Christ General Assembly in Memphis, Dr. Bernice King said, "We have the power of God... Miracles are waiting to respond to the muscles of our faith."

03/27/2025

The Third Sunday of Lent- Reading: Exodus 17:1-7
Reverend Tiffany Curtis reflects on the complaints of the people (manna and water were provided to allay the fears of starvation and thirst) who were led by Moses.
In our own time, in the Wilderness, we are practicing how to belong to God and to one another. Jesus taught us to pray to request of God provision of living bread and water, and to walk with us. We are not alone, we are slowly transforming.

03/18/2025

Second Sunday of Lent- 3/16/25
John 3:1-17
Nicodemus, a scholar in his time, approaches Jesus (in the dark) seeking answers to questions beyond the knowledge he'd spent a lifetime acquiring.
We too seek God's Love, Wisdom, Grace, and Inspiration.
Can we extend the boundaries of self into unknown territories?
Can we too be born of the Spirit with God's help?