The Conscious Church

Fireworks
2020-07-04 20:00 (America/Detroit) | Crystal Lake, Wellston, MI, United States
1 hour before sunset. Fireworks over Crystal Lake in Wellston.
dan@theconsciouschurch.org, 616-929-5574

Work and Planning Day With BBQ Lunch
2020-07-04 10:00 - 16:00 | 1042 Michigan Ave., 1042 Michigan Ave., Baldwin, MI, 49304, United States
Work and planning day with bbq lunch at The Conscious Church of Baldwin
1042 Michigan Ave, Baldwin, MI 49304
dan@theconsciouschurch.org, 616-929-5574

Cookout, Bonfire, and Fun Stories
2020-07-03 20:00 | 9796 N. Kessler Rd, 9796 N. Kessler Rd., Irons, MI, 49644, United States
We will meet at the home of Mary Nalbach, on Harper Lake, 9796 N. Kessler Rd, Irons, MI. Camping is a possibility. For more information contact Mary: mary@theconsciouschurch.org 231-846-0159

Backpacking On The North Country Trail
2020-07-01 - 2020-07-03 | 11869 S. Old Tower Rd, 11869 S. Old Tower Rd., Baldwin, MI, 49304, United States
Please consider joining us for a 3-day, 2-night backpacking trip on the North Country Trail through Lake County. Stay at the Holland cottage, 11869 S. Old Tower Rd, Baldwin, MI 49304, on the evening of July 1, or arrive at the cottage on the morning of July 2. We will leave from the cottage located south of Big Star Lake, on the south end of Lake County, on the morning of Wednesday, July 1, at approximately 8:00 am. We will hike approximately 10 miles each day, camping each night, and will end our journey in the area of the Sweetfern Café and Emporium, 7595 W. 5 Mile Rd, Irons, MI 49644, near Sauble Lake, in Northern Lake County on the afternoon of Friday, July 3. This backpacking trip is ideally suited for the novice and beginner backpacker that is in average to good physical shape. This section of the trail covers a variety of terrain with a mix of flat ground and hills. It is mostly through wooded areas of the Manistee National Forest. Those sections of the trail that are through and over wetlands are primarily on elevated walkways and foot bridges so unless it is an extremely wet summer you should be able to keep your feet dry. The trail is marked and easy to follow. You will be with others that have hiked these sections of the trail in previous years. They will be available to provide tips and tricks for a successful journey. The trail has proven to provide an enjoyable time in the woods. For more information:michael@theconscsiouschurch.org; Dan@TheConsciousChurch.Org Search: North Country Trail, AllTrails App

Alpha & Omega Festival
2020-06-29 - 2020-07-05
Alpha & Omega is a celebration of the beginning and the end; the new and the old. We come together to recognize and to celebrate the new things, events, happenings, influences and influencers that are shaping our world on individual and group levels. We also recognize and celebrate those things that are leaving our world whether they be good or bad on an individual or group level.

Summer Solstice Northern Hemisphere
2020-06-21
The Summer Solstice has been celebrated in some way or another for thousands of years. During the month of June various religions celebrate seasonal holy days that are in some way linked to the Summer Solstice. On that day in the Northern Hemisphere there is more daylight than at any other time of the year.

Winter Solstice Southern Hemisphere
2020-06-21
The Winter Solstice has been celebrated in some way or another for thousands of years. In the Northern Hemisphere, the winter solstice is often connected with various religious holy days.

World Environment Day
2020-06-05
World Environment Day is designed to stimulate worldwide awareness of ecological issues. It is also focused on generating political action for environmental conservation.

Mirror Neurons- A Presentation and Group Discussion
2020-05-15 18:15 - 20:00 | 1438 Division Ave S, 1438 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507, United States
On Friday, May 1, 2020, 6:15 – 8:00 pm, our meeting topic will be Mirror Neurons
Debbie Aliya of Aliya Analytical will be presenting the topic of Mirror Neurons. A mirror neuron is a neuron that fires both when an animal acts and when the animal observes the same action performed by another. The neuron mirrors the behavior of the other, as though the observer were itself acting. Such neurons have been directly observed in primate species. Has their existence been confirmed in humans? What are the functions of the mirror system(s) in humans? Does mirror neural activity affect or support cognitive functions? Does this system provide the physiological mechanism for perception/action coupling? And, what does that mean anyway? Can the mirror neuron systems in the human brain help us to understand the actions and intentions of other people? Can mirror neurons actually be the basis of the human capacity of emotions such as empathy? There are many different types of mirror neuron. What are the current scientific discussions about mirror neurons and what are the potentials for understanding the role they play in animals?
Please join us for this meeting.
We meet at 1438 S Division, S of Hall Street, at NE corner of Garden and Division, north of the railroad tracks. We are in the same building as Conscious Resale. Yes, you may bring items to donate. Come early if you want to browse the store. Use the front door please. Plenty of parking on Garden St. The Silverline and the regular bus stop are at the next block south on Division.
As of 2/11/2020 the plans for food have not been determined. Sometimes Mary provides us with a meal, other times we go out. Please watch our website for updates or check the meetup app.

Future discussion dates and topics:
(subject to change. Check our website and the Meetup app for updates.)
Stay tuned to our website or to the Meetup app for details on future meetings.

National Day of Reason
2020-05-07
The National Day of Reason is a day when all Americans can come together to celebrate rational thinking. Anybody can take part in this inclusive day, regardless of their worldview.

The Meaning of Life- A Group Discussion
2020-05-01 18:15 - 20:00 | 1438 Division Ave S, 1438 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507, United States
On Friday, May 1, 2020, 6:15 – 8:00 pm, our discussion topic will be The Meaning of Life. Is there one universal meaning that we must seek to discover? Or, is life only what we make of it? Does the term ‘meaning’ imply a big G supernatural God must exist to provide the ‘meaning’? Is meaning universal? Have you found meaning and purpose? Do you even care?
The Jaycee Creed states, in part, “I believe… that faith in God gives meaning and purpose to human life.” Some believe that a supernatural God is necessary to have meaning, and meaning only comes because their God is the meaning to their life or their God provides the context for there to be meaning. Some believe that apart from God there can be no meaning. Some would not join the Jaycees because that section of the creed did not say, ‘that God gives meaning and purpose to human life.’ What do you believe? What does The Distinctions document tell us about meaning and purpose? How do those that do not believe in God find meaning and purpose? Is it necessary to find your purpose? Is a life without purpose a life that is doomed to dread and desperation? What does it mean to have meaning? Can you have meaning by helping others to find meaning and purpose? Is purpose necessary for there to be meaning? Is there one inherent, universal meaning out there for us or do we each have to create (find) our own meaning? And, all this time I’ve been meaning to say, “please join us for this discussion.”
We meet at 1438 S Division, S of Hall Street, at NE corner of Garden and Division, north of the railroad tracks. We are in the same building as Conscious Resale. Yes, you may bring items to donate. Come early if you want to browse the store. Use the front door please. Plenty of parking on Garden St. The Silverline and the regular bus stop are at the next block south on Division.
As of 2/11/2020 the plans for food have not been determined. Sometimes Mary provides us with a meal, other times we go out. Please watch our website for updates or check the meetup app.

Future discussion dates and topics:
(subject to change. Check our website and the Meetup app for updates.)
5/15/2020, Friday – Meetup, Discussion Topic: Mirror Neurons

Perspective: Time, Space, Age, Distance - A Group Discussion
2020-04-17 18:15 - 20:00 | 1438 Division Ave S, 1438 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507, United States
On Friday, April 17, 2020, 6:15 – 8:00 pm, our group discussion topics will be Perspective: Time, Space, Age, and Distance. How old is the universe? How do we know this? How large is the universe? How does the age relate to the size? How long ago was man able to measure the age and size of the universe? How is it possible to make such determinations? As The Distinctions reminds us, time would not be measured elsewhere in the universe by how long it takes our earth to orbit the sun. How would time be determined in some other solar system? In some other part of the universe? Is there such a thing as universal time? Can time stand still? Or, does it always march on in one direction? How does speed affect time? Is it possible to understand these concepts, or are we just not wired to be able to comprehend them? We live within ourselves all of our lives, barely able to comprehend aging and getting older, barely able to undr3erstand the 100 years +/- that some of us will live. Is our understanding of time relative to our lifetime and how we perceive it? Or, are we able to comprehend such amounts of time as a million years? Or a billion years? How about 13.8 billion light years? What is a light year? How can something described in time actually be used to measure distance? So many concepts to discuss and so little time. We get an hour and 45 minutes of discussion time. Will it be enough? Come and join the conversation.
We meet at 1438 S Division, S of Hall Street, at NE corner of Garden and Division, north of the railroad tracks. We are in the same building as Conscious Resale. Yes, you may bring items to donate. Come early if you want to browse the store. Use the front door please. Plenty of parking on Garden St. The Silverline and the regular bus stop are at the next block south on Division.
Food plans have not yet been made. Check the website and meetup as the date gets nearer.
Please join us.

Future discussion dates and topics (subject to change. Check our Website and Meetup app for updates.)
5/01/2020, Friday – Meetup, Discussion Topic: The meaning of life
5/15/2020, Friday – Meetup, Discussion Topic: Mirror Neurons

Consciousness and Soul- A Group Discussion
2020-04-03 18:15 - 20:00 | 1438 Division Ave S, 1438 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507, United States
On Friday, April 3, 2020, 6:15 – 8:00 pm, our group discussion topics will be Consciousness and Soul. What are they? Some individuals believe that consciousness is only possible because we have a soul. Is this true? Does science provide support? Science is getting very close to actually providing a basis of understanding for how it is that we are conscious. Do you think science will actually provide a complete understanding? And, the Soul! Is there such a thing? Or, is the soul just a concept? So much of our understanding of the world has changed over the past 200 years. Will our understanding of consciousness and soul also change? Will the terms become obsolete? How do you understand or describe these? Does The Distinctions document include descriptions of consciousness and the soul? Does it include these terms at all? Why or Why not? Have you developed a usable framework for these two terms or have you not thought much about them? Join us for this discussion as we broaden our understanding.
We meet at 1438 S Division, S of Hall Street, at NE corner of Garden and Division, north of the railroad tracks. We are in the same building as Conscious Resale. Yes, you may bring items to donate. Come early if you want to browse the store. Use the front door please. Plenty of parking on Garden St. The Silverline and the regular bus stop are at the next block south on Division.
Food plans have not yet been made. Check the website and meetup as the date gets nearer.
Please join us.

Future discussion dates and topics (subject to change. Check our Website and Meetup app for updates.)
4/17/2020, Friday – Meetup, Discussion Topic: Perspective: Time, Space, Age, Distance
5/01/2020, Friday – Meetup, Discussion Topic: The meaning of life
5/15/2020, Friday – Meetup, Discussion Topic: Mirror Neurons

Debbie's Trip to India
2020-04-03 07:30 - 09:00
On Friday, April 3, 2020, 7:30 – 9:00 pm, our group meeting will include a presentation by Debbie Aliya on her recent trip to India, with pictures.
We will meet at the Phoenix Gallery Ionia, 342 Main St, Ionia, MI 48846
If any of you would like to go for dinner before the meeting please call or text Dan at 616-493-4900 and he try to put a group together. You may also want to go to the gallery early to see their displays.
Please join us.

Fun With The Scanning Electron Microscope
2020-03-27 18:30 - 20:00 | Aliya Analytical, 3415 Roger B. Chaffee Memorial Blvd SE, Suite 210, Wyoming, MI, 49548, United States
On Friday, March 27, 2020, 6:30 – 8:00 pm, our group meeting will include a presentation and a demonstration on the scanning electron microscope. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) is a type of electron microscope that produces images of a sample by scanning the surface with a focused beam of electrons. The electrons interact with atoms in the sample, producing various signals that contain information about the surface topography and composition of the sample. WE will have some fun looking at various insects (bugs) and other items.
This meeting will not be at our typical location. Also note the start time of 6:30 pm.
We will meet at Aliya Analytical, 3415 Roger B. Chaffee Memorial Blvd SE, Suite 210, Wyoming, MI 49548. (there is no sign) Go west off from Roger B Chaffee Blvd by taking the first driveway south of Lousma Dr SE. Aliya Analytical is the second to the last suite in the second building west of the Boulevard. Google Maps has a good satellite picture of the location. If you get lost or can’t find us, call Dan 616-493-4900.
The details for food for the evening have not been finalized as of 2/11/2020, so please check our website or the Meetup app. Please join us.

Future discussion dates and topics (subject to change. Check our Website and Meetup app for updates.)
4/3/2020, Friday – Meetup, Discussion Topic: Consciousness & Soul
4/17/2020, Friday – Meetup, Discussion Topic: Perspective: Time, Space, Age, Distance
5/01/2020, Friday – Meetup, Discussion Topic: The meaning of life
5/15/2020, Friday – Meetup, Discussion Topic: Mirror Neurons

Spring Equinox Northern Hemisphere
2020-03-20 - 2020-03-21
The Spring (Vernal) Equinox is one of two days in the calendar year when day and night hours are almost equal to one another; it is also the first day of Spring in the Gregorian calendar.

Autumnal Equinox Southern Hemisphere
2020-03-20 - 2020-03-21
The Autumnal Equinox is one of two days in the calendar year when day and night hours are almost equal to one another; it is also the first day of Autumn, or Fall, in the Gregorian calendar.

The Value of Beauty- A Group Discussion
2020-03-13 18:15 - 20:00 | 1438 Division Ave S, 1438 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507, United States
On Friday, March 13, 2020, 6:15 – 8:00 pm, our group discussion topic will be the value of beauty. What makes something or someone beautiful? Is beauty universal? What is the opposite of beauty? Does society, norms and culture influence what we see as beautiful? If so, how does that happen? And why? Are you beautiful? What does The Distinctions document tell us about individual beauty? And, does that matter? Is beauty in the eye of the beholder? And what does that really mean anyway? How often do you think about beauty? Is it wrong to tell a stranger that they are beautiful? Awkward possibly; but is it wrong? Do you tell those that are in your life that they are beautiful? Why? Why not? Do we need to hear that we are beautiful? Is it wrong to not be attracted to that which is not beautiful? Does that set some apart while setting others on a pedestal? How has beauty affected your life? Is it possible to be mistaken about beauty? Like, do you change your mind when you get to know someone? Research is showing that we are wired to think our mates and partners are beautiful as we age. Do you concur with these findings? Why are kids perceived as being beautiful? Does it affect their survival and their prospering? Are you affected by other’s opinions of beauty? What questions do you have?
We meet at 1438 S Division, S of Hall Street, at NE corner of Garden and Division, north of the railroad tracks. We are in the same building as Conscious Resale. Yes, you may bring items to donate. Come early if you want to browse the store. Use the front door please. Plenty of parking on Garden St. The Silverline and the regular bus stop are at the next block south on Division.
Food plans have not yet been made. Check the website and meetup as the date gets nearer.
Please join us.

Future discussion dates and topics (subject to change. Check our Website and Meetup app for updates.)
3/27/2020, Friday – Meetup, Topic: Fun with The Scanning Electron Microscope
4/3/2020, Friday – Meetup, Discussion Topic: Consciousness & Soul
4/17/2020, Friday – Meetup, Discussion Topic: Perspective: Time, Space, Age, Distance
5/01/2020, Friday – Meetup, Discussion Topic: The meaning of life
5/15/2020, Friday – Meetup, Discussion Topic: Mirror Neurons

International Woman’s Day
2020-03-08
Woman’s Day dates back to the early 1900’s, a time of turbulent growth in the industrial world that saw growing demands for women to have the right to vote. It is an international celebration of the social, economic, and political achievements made by woman.

The Relevance of Truth- A Group Discussion
2020-02-28 18:15 - 20:00 | 1438 Division Ave S, 1438 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507, United States
On Friday, February 28, 2020, 6:15 – 8:00 pm, In our group discussion topic will be The Relevance of Truth. What it is and what it is not. Are there various truths? Or, is there only one truth? How do you define truth? How is it that others come to different understanding of what is true? How can you detect or determine truth? Can you believe something to be true when it is not? Can groups or society at large embrace false truths? Tell us what you think, or just come to listen to what others have to say. Does it matter if we disagree about what is true? i.e. is truth relevant in our everyday lives? Can other’s misconceptions about what is true and what is the truth affect the lives of those that disagree?
We meet at 1438 S Division, S of Hall Street, at NE corner of Garden and Division, north of the railroad tracks. We are in the same building as Conscious Resale. Yes, you may bring items to donate. Come early if you want to browse the store. Use the front door please. Plenty of parking on Garden St. The Silverline and the regular bus stop are at the next block south on Division.
Food plans have not yet been made. Check the website and meetup as the date gets nearer.
Please join us.

Future discussion dates and topics (subject to change. Check our website Meetup app for updates.)
3/1/2020, Sunday – Board Meetings, 2:00, 3643 Colby Ave SW, Wyoming
3/13/2020, Friday – Meetup, Discussion Topic: The Value of Beauty
3/27/2020, Friday – Meetup, Topic: Fun with The Scanning Electron Microscope
4/3/2020, Friday – Meetup, Discussion Topic: Consciousness & Soul
4/17/2020, Friday – Meetup, Discussion Topic: Perspective: Time, Space, Age, Distance
5/01/2020, Friday – Meetup, Discussion Topic: The meaning of life
5/15/2020, Friday – Meetup, Discussion Topic: Mirror Neurons

Darwin Day
2020-02-12
Darwin Day has experienced great success within the global community and has participation from all sectors of society. Events celebrate the wonder and beauty of both science and humanity. The event also serves to recognize and celebrate the achievements of a man who cast a bright, explanatory light on reality, our self-knowledge, and on the world of which we are a part of.

Thomas Paine Day
2020-01-29
Freethinkers Day, also known as Thomas Payne Day, is an opportunity to promote appreciation of freethought thought the life and works of Thomas Paine. Freethought supports reason over faith, and rejects arbitrary authority.

New Year Reality Revival
2020-01-01 - 2020-01-31
The New Year Reality Revival was inspired by an event held in California in the 90’s by the “Atheist United” group and ideas generated through the “Inquiring Minds Program. The event offers an opportunity to educate within our community. Event activities and materials focus on our current understanding of reality as illuminated by the discoveries and exploration of science.
