the Messenger Published by the Swedenborgian Church of North America Volume 237• Number 6 • June 2015

SHS Changes Its Home and Name

By Jim Lawrence These past fifteen years have been there has been also a crucial years in an enriched profession- steady decline in the job market for full n a strategic planning and think- al environment in which we were able time ministers as our churches have ing process to address the chang- to re-tool and rebuild our profession- continued to struggle with the chal- ing landscape of the needs and ob- al academic leadership. During this lenges of ministry. At the same time, Ijectives of the program at the Sweden- period the SHS-at-PSR program sup- interest in Emmanuel Swedenborg, his borgian House of Studies (SHS) in re- ported the learning journeys of twenty- writings, and his influence continues lation to its historic mission, the SHS nine graduates who became ministers, to rise, and the opportunities for im- Board of Trustees voted unanimously as well as several non-ordained paths portant Swedenborgian outreach in to pursue application to the Graduate of learning, and there are at present scholarship are as strong as ever. To- Theological Union (GTU) as a Center twelve students in the SHS pipeline. gether, these factors are leading the of Distinction and worked through a The move to the consortium in Berke- leadership of the school to build two two-year process of study and negotia- ley has proven to be one of the most towers of student support: one that is tions with the GTU that culminated productive periods of ministerial for- focused on ministry and one that is with three successful unanimous votes mation in the history of Convention’s focused on academic outreach. Both in the governing structures of GTU. theological school.1 of these objectives will be empowered The Swedenborgian House of Stud- The issues that spurred the board to through the new institutional visibility ies will henceforth be known as the search for status within the GTU be- and freedom as a Center of Distinction Center for Swedenborgian Studies at gan emerging when the school and the at the GTU. the Graduate Theological Union (CSS Swedenborgian Church decided to ac- The transition involves institutional at GTU). commodate students studying at semi- shifts in relationships, but the school’s The Graduate Theological Union is naries other than PSR, When the li- offices and library will remain on the the largest consortium of theological censed pastor path opened up a new PSR campus. The “daily rounds” of schools and institutes in North Amer- line of students who were likely to be students, staff, and faculty will remain, ica, housing a wide variety centers and distance students, the need for our by all appearances, the same, but the affiliates, not just Christian but Jew- faculty to be so heavily engaged in productive outreach of the faculty and ish, Islamic, Hindu, and Buddhist, running the infrastructure of Pacific the visibility of the school will be en- through which about 2000 students School of Religion started to appear as hanced. pursue vocational paths to ordained an institutional model that needed sig- Go to page 94 for answers to frequent- ministries and academic paths that in- nificant adjustment. ly asked questions (FAQs) about the clude a broad array of PhD specialties. During these same fifteen years, change from the Swedenborgian House of The Swedenborgian House of Stud- Studies to the Center for Swedenborgian ies will thus conclude a fifteen-year 1 In 1866, the New Church Theological School Studies was established in Waltham, Massachusetts. Rev. Dr. Jim Lawrence journey as a house of studies within In 1889, it moved to Cambridge and in 1965, it one of the premier Protestant seminar- moved to Newton, both in Massachusetts, with is dean of SHS/CSS ies (and the oldest west of the Missis- the name Swedenborgian School of Religion. and professor of In 2001, it moved to Berkeley, California, and Swedenborgian Studies sippi): Pacific School of Religion (PSR), became the Swedenborgian House of Studies at and the History of which is an anchor school of the GTU. Pacific School of Religion. Christianity.

West Coast Retreat Proves “We Still Have Joy” • How Does the Garden Church Grow? More Inside FAQs about the Change from SHS to CSS • A Providential Path • FNCA Family Camp Contents: page 82 Mirror, Mirror: How We See Ourselves and Others—SCYL Retreat • Church and Association Statistics 82 the Messenger June 2015

The Editor’s Desk The 2015 Annual Convention Messenger Convention commences at 7 PM on Saturday, Supplements June 27, in Bridgewater, A Newer A Messenger supplement that Massachusetts consolidates the entire series of articles, Church? The 191st Annual “The Newer Church” by Rev. Dr. The world is awash Swedenborgian George Dole is available for download Convention in religious controversy The Year of at http://tinyurl.com/3m2qx3e (or go and conflict. Religious controversy and Regeneration to the www.swedenborg.org and click conflict have existed for all of record- on the annual convention link). These ed history, leading to wars, extermina- articles are background material for tions, terrorism, oppression, schisms, player in worldwide religious conflict. presentations and discussions at the and divided nations, communities, But modern technology also means annual convention. and families. that we have at our disposal the means In addition, statements of the can- The intensity and pervasiveness to reimagine what church can be if we didates for president of the Swedenbor- of this conflict in the twenty-first take advantage of the communication gian Church are consolidated in a Mes- century result in part from modern capabilities of that technology. That if senger supplement, also available at the communications technology, which presents monumental challenges. above web address. enables actions that exacerbate the Ken Turley has been speaking controversy. Instant communication and writing about our need to take means that anyone can become a advantage of modern technology to reimagine the “Newer Church” for the the Messenger twenty-first century, and George Dole © The Swedenborgian Church of North America has provided a theological framework Published monthly except July and August by To subscribe to the the Communications Support Unit of the Swe- Messenger online, for considering what the Newer denborgian Church of North America (founded scan this image Church will be, in a series of articles 1817, incorporated 1861 as the General Conven- tion of the New Jerusalem in the United States of with a QR reader (http://tinyurl.com/3m2qx3e) in the America), Ken Turley, president. on your cell phone Messenger. At the annual convention June 2015 or tablet. this year, we will have the opportunity Volume 237, No. 5, Whole Number 5400 to imagine a Newer Church together. Editor, design and production: Herbert Ziegler Copy editing and proofing: Robert Leith, Renée Contents —Herb Ziegler Hellenbrecht, & Trevor Communications Support Unit: Kristina Madjerac and Katie Pruiett SHS Changes Its Home and Name...... 81 Printing: Gnomon Copy, Cambridge MA The Editor’s Desk...... 82 Church Calendar Editorial Address: Letter from the President...... 83 Herb Ziegler, the Messenger • June 27–July 1: Annual Convention 2 Hancock Place Nominees for Elected 2015, Bridgewater MA Cambridge MA 02139 Positions in the Church...... 84 • June 28: Annual meeting of the Cor- Tel: 617.388.0252 Church and Association Statistics...... 86 poration of the New Church Theo- Email: [email protected] A Providential Path...... 87 logical School Business and Subscription Address: Iungerich Fund Grants...... 87 • July 1: General Council Post-Con- The Messenger, Central Office vention meeting 50 Quincy Street West Coast Retreat Proves • July 19–25: Paulhaven Summer Cambridge MA 02138 “We Still Have Joy”...... 88 Camp,Upper Mann Lake AB Tel: 617.969.4240 Mirror, Mirror: How We See Ourselves • July 25–August 2: Almont Summer Email: [email protected] and Others—SCYL Retreat...... 90 Camp, Allenton MI Subscriptions: free online subscription at FNCA Family Camp...... 92 * August 1–August 16: FNCA Summer www.swedenborg.org. Printed and mailed to US Camp, Fryeburg ME address, $20/year; to Canada address, $30/year; How Does the Garden Church Grow?.... 93 August 15 to all other addresses, $35/year; single copies, • : Application deadline for $2.00, Libraries & prisoners, free. Send check with FAQs about the Change 2016 Augmentation Fund grants address to Central Office. Other requests, write from SHS to CSS...... 94 • September 25–26: SHS/CSS fall Central Office. Passages...... 95 Board meeting, Berkeley CA Deadline for submissions is three weeks before September 30 Historic Chairs at SF Church...... 95 • : Application deadline the first day of the month of issue. for 2016 Iungerich Fund grants The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect Meet Us in Bridgewater!...... 96 • November 5–8: Fall General Council the views of the Messenger, the Communications Wayfarers Chapel 2015 Speaker Series. 96 meeting Support Unit, or the Swedenborgian Church. the Messenger June 2015 83

isolated is actually creating a mosaic that is more Letter and more a mingling of diverse elements that create a whole as different cultures encounter and absorb from the qualities, characteristics, habits, and language from one another. President So, while the landscape we are traversing is go- ing through sizable changes, it is important not to lose sight of the fundamental dynamics that don’t 2014–15 seem to be changing at all. First, every individu- The Year of Regeneration: al still goes through the life process of childhood, The Way of Change adulthood, old age, and death. Families still exist and seek to be that complex and contradictory mix Dear Friends, of nurturing a safe place to stay and an influencing Regeneration. Repentance. Reformation. and challenging place from which we leave. Indi- Regeneration. The cycle of Salvation. Cycling and viduals and groups still need and seek purpose and circling around and around, through the same areas the means of ensuring continued existence. And and issues over and over, yet always moving upward within all of this there seems to be a consistent and inward. We’d like to think that regeneration need, for at least some people, to find a place and will lead us out of the trials and temptations that sense of use, worth, and purpose within a spiritual plague us, and that we are able to overcome and community of some kind. The shape and function move beyond into new territory. And yet, what of that community may be completely unrecogniz- we find is, that yes, it often is new territory, but able compared to what we know traditionally, but we keep encountering the same kinds of trials and nonetheless, the dynamics which give it life will be temptations, only at more and more subtle levels the same. and degrees of difficulty. And so it is with this in mind that we head to There is no question that as a culture we are our annual convention and engage our theme: moving into new territory. The Digital Age is upon The Newer Church. The themes for this past year us, and things will never be the same again. The and the coming year, drawn from our seven-year technological advancements and the learning curve cycle of themes for the church, could not be more that goes with them are getting increasingly steeper. appropriate. As a church, as a people, as individuals, The environment is changing, and whether it is we are fully engaged in regeneration. And that is, just a big blip in the ongoing cycles of nature doing by definition, a state of ongoing change! There are its thing, or whether it is a major transformation phases, stages, pauses, and plateaus, but ultimately brought about by more human beings on the it is a constantly circling spiral upward and inward planet doing more and more activities that affect toward the realm of heaven and the God which is our environment with long term consequences, the at the center of all things. This convention is one fact is we have to deal with the changes that are stop along the journey—a stop which I fully expect happening. But more important, the culture we live is going to provide us with new fodder to chew on, in is advancing and changing at an ever increasing new wine and new wineskins with which to refresh rate. The cultural diversity brought about by and inspire our spirits, a renewed sense of purpose increased communication and intermingling of born of a more clearly focused sense of who we are mini-societies that were in the past much more Continues on page 91 84 the Messenger June 2015 Nominees for Elected Positions in the Church

he Nominating Committee recruits and puts forward nominees for election to of- Position to be Filled Term (Yrs) Candidate fices and positions in the denomination at Kevin Baxter††, Tthe annual convention. The Nominating Commit- President 3 Gard Perry†. Jane Siebert† tee nominates at least one candidate for each open position, with the exception of the Nominating Vice-President 1 Betsy Coffman*† Committee, where at least two must be nominated. Secretary 1 Karen Conger† The representative class directors of the SHS Treasurer 1 Polly Baxter*† Board are voted on by the delegates to the Annu- Stan Conger† General Council layperson (2 to be elected) 3 al Convention; the official ballot is cast by Gener- Rob Lawson al Council at the New Church Theological School General Council Minister 3 Sue Turley Annual Meeting. Communications Support Unit (COMSU) 3 Elizabeth Blair†† The at-large trustees are nominated by the Education Support Unit (EDSU) 3 Karen Feil* SHS Board and voted on at the annual meeting of Financial and Physical Resources the Corporation of the New Church Theological 3 Paul Martin*† Support Unit (FPRSU) School (SHS). The Nominating Committee is still soliciting Information Management Support Unit (IMSU) 3 Open Nadine Cotton* candidates, but as of the Messenger going to press, Ministries Support Unit (MINSU) 3 Chris Laitner the candidates listed in the table at right have been nominated for election at the 2015 Annual Committee on Admission to the Ministry (CAM) 3 Open (Unexpired 2-year term) 2 Page Morahan†† Convention. Board of Trustees of SHS, representative class Karen Conger†† 3 Nominations to all offices and positions can be (2 to be elected) Jennifer Lindsay†† made from the floor of the Annual Convention. Board of Trustees of SHS, at-large class John Titus 3 Candidate Statements (2 to be elected)** Robert Reber†† Nominating Committee (NomCom) David Fekete 5 Statements in the April and May 2015 Messengers (2 to be nominated) Carla Friedrich†† and the following candidate statements have been * Incumbent ** Nominated by the Swedenborgian House of Studies( SHS) Board of Trustees received by the Messenger to date. † Statement appeared in the April Messenger †† Statement appeared in the May Messenger General Council: Rev. Sue Turley Rev. Turley’s areas of expertise include training, development, crisis intervention, counseling, trau- ceived her MS in Education from Suffolk University in 1978. She ma counseling, women’s concerns and issues, man- received her Master of Divinity in Religion from Pacific School of agement, professional training Religion and was ordained as one of the first three women in the in chaplaincy, coaching, film Swedenborgian Church in 1980. She founded a nonprofit ministry production, grant writing, con- to those affected by AIDS in San Francisco. She has worked with sultation, student recruitment, victims of violence and coached women and men in their personal volunteer training and devel- and professional development. opment, and teaching and su- Susan is the proud mother of Pfc. Keith Jesse Moore, who tragi- pervision of professional chap- cally died while serving the US Army in Iraq in 2006. She has been lains and spiritual care part- married for thirty-five years to Clifford J. Moore, Jr., Esq. ners. She is Associate Clinical Her passion also lies in film development. Her latest completed Pastoral Education (ACPE) supervisor and chap- film isBroken Hearts Lifted Spirits: Mothers of the Fallen Speak Their lain at the Department Of Veterans Affairs, Mary- Truth. This film is about mothers who have lost their children in war. land Health Care System, which specializes in spir- It is an educational and training resource that includes a teacher’s itual care, chaplaincy, and supervising and train- manual for those who want to learn how to be an effective presence ing chaplains seeking national certification. She re- Continues next page the Messenger June 2015 85

Continued from preceding page linois Association. She also served on will be a beneficial contribution to the the Board of Trustees of the Sweden- Ministries Support Unit (MINSU). I to others who have suffered trauma borg School of Religion in the 1990s. would accept gratefully, the opportu- and loss. As director of the Swedenborg nity to be of service on this committee. Rev. Turley was selected by the Library, she is acutely aware of the National Association of Professional need for introductory educational MINSU: Chris Laitner Women (NAPW) VIP Division as a materials on Swedenborgian theology. It is a privilege to 2013/2014 NAPW Woman of the Year In the past year, she has developed be a nominee for the to represent the chaplaincy profession practical study workbooks of Divine Ministries Support for the state of Maryland. Providence for her local group and a St. Unit. Over the years, Rev. Turley is drawn to and passion- Louis group. It brings together into one I have been involved ate about charitable organizations, in- document the references Swedenborg in service to the Swe- cluding Gold Star Mothers and those makes to his other works to test the denborgian Church concerned with the environment, mar- usefulness of breaking down this work in many different ca- ginalized communities, and Veterans into manageable bits for the general pacities which has afforded me the op- and their loved ones. She is dedicated public. portunity to meet wonderful people, to to giving voice to those who find no Retired from a career in publishing see ministries finding a variety of ways room at the table. and consumer products, Feil is pleased to offer spiritual outreach and commu- to be nominated to continue on EDSU nity service, to witness the dedication General Council: Rob Lawson and welcomes the opportunity to dis- and creativity of entrepreneurial minis- A former fun- cuss ideas for study materials, posters, ters and lay people in establishing new draiser for public and guides that our churches and read- ministry opportunities and to learn broadcasting and ing groups would find useful in fur- the sometimes convoluted mechanisms radio, Rob Law- thering communicating Swedenbor- of support necessary for the establish- son is president of gian theology. ment and continuance of our denomi- the Bath Church nation’s various ministries at work in of the New Jerusa- MINSU: Rev. Nadine Cotton the world. lem. Before raising I have been I believe that my experiences within money for worthy organizations, Rob serving as min- the denomination on its Growth and was an editor for Simon & Schuster. ister for the Swe- Outreach Support Unit, the General He also served as poetry editor of the denborg Chapel Council, the Committee on Admis- Chrysalis Reader series (1985–2013), in Cleveland for sion into the Ministry, the Augmen- published by the Swedenborg Founda- over two years. tation Fund Committee, the Central tion. He continues to write and work Previously, I Committee for the online Swedenbor- as a freelance editor. Rob and his art- served as minister gian community, and other boards and ist wife Shelia Geoffrion live in Rock- and after-school committees, as well as having the hon- port, Maine. program director for the New Church or of serving as president of the Swe- of Southwest Florida. I have also denborgian Church, have given me EDSU: Karen Feil served as a hospital and hospice chap- some very good tools to be a produc- Karen Laakko lain. I served on CAM for two terms, tive member of MINSU. Feil has served on the Council of Minister’s Nominating I am a proponent of all types of EDSU for the past Committee, the SHS Board of Trust- ministry and I would be proud to be a two years, the last ees, and I currently serve as cochair for part of the Support Unit whose focus as chair. She is the the Social Concerns Committee and as is on assisting our ministries to be of director of the Swe- a representative to the National Coun- good spiritual and community service . denborg Library in cil of Churches for the Swedenborgian Chicago and has Church. Nominating Committee: been a member of the Swedenborgian I was ordained in 1997, and I believe Rev. David Fekete Church since 1982. She serves on the that through these many years of serv- I grew up attending the Detroit Board of Directors of the Swedenborg ing at the local and national levels, I Church of the Holy City. I have at- Foundation and as secretary of the Il- have gained knowledge and ability that Continues on page 86 86 the Messenger June 2015

Nominees and answered a call to the Edmonton while remaining deeply committed to Continued from page 85 Church of the Holy City, where I still the Swedenborgian Church. I look for- serve as pastor. I currently serve on ward to continuing to serve the Church tended Almont New Church Assem- General Council and as our denomi- on the Nominating Committee. bly since I was five years old and I have nation’s representative to the Faith and attended Fryeburg New Church As- Order Convening Table of the Na- SHS Board: John Titus sembly and Split Mountain Camp. I tional Council of Churches of Christ. As a Sweden- served as the Swe- I serve as camp pastor at Paulhaven borgian, I believe denborgian Church Camp in Alberta, am a regular lectur- strongly in be- Yout h L e a g u e er at Almont Summer School, and have ing “of use” in our (SCYL) president in served as an adjunct instructor at the world. My career my youth and later Swedenborgian House of Studies. In in higher education as chaplain as an or- Edmonton, I am the president of the as an administrator dained minister. Edmonton Interfaith Center. for nearly twenty- I hold a BA from I have published twenty-one articles five years, serving as Urbana Universi- in the Messenger, nine sermons in Our the dean of students at Urbana Univer- ty, an MTS from Harvard Divinity Daily Bread, and six articles in Clear sity and as director of student advise- School, and a PhD from the Universi- Blue Sky (the publication of SCYL). ment, counseling, and career planning ty of Virginia. I was ordained in 2006 I am interested in interfaith dialogue Continues on page 92

Church and Association Statistics Article I, Section 3, of the Constitution of the Sweden- adult, active members of a constituent body or who have borgian Church states that it is composed of “Constituent been accepted as members-at large-through Rite of Confir- bodies . . . which . . . unite with the Swedenborgian Church mation and by vote of the Swedenborgian Church.” in performing the distinctive uses of a church.” The con- Article IV, Section 2, states, “Every constituent body of stituent bodies are the associations and groups listed in the the Swedenborgian Church shall be entitled to two dele- table below. The constitution continues, “The members of gates and an additional delegate for every ten members.” the Swedenborgian Church shall be those persons who are The table below displays statistics as of December 31, 2014.

Association Lay Number of Churches Ordained Ministers Members (Conference) Leaders Delegates Active Inactive Active Retired Active Inactive Total Eastern Canada (ECC) 2 0 2 0 0 107 25 132 12 Illinois 6 0 3 1 0 92 29 121 11 Kansas 2 0 2 1 0 78 0 78 9 Maine 3 0 9 0 0 120 116 236 14 Massachusetts 4 0 7 0 0 75 65 140 9 Michigan 1 0 4 0 0 65 20 85 8 Middle Atlantic 3 0 5 1 0 82 41 123 10 New York 2 0 1 0 0 25 33 58 4 Ohio 3 0 3 2 0 48 28 76 6 Pacific Coast (PCA) 6 0 19 3 0 226 116 342 24 Southeast 2 0 3 0 0 26 7 33 4 Western Canada 6 0 1 2 0 97 7 104 11 At Large 0 0 6 0 0 5 0 5 2 SCYL 2 Totals 40 0 66 6 0 1040 478 1518 125 the Messenger June 2015 87

Facilitating the monthly walks A Providential Path at Hour of Peace provided the opportunity to develop the soft eyes By Joy Barnitz of a facilitator, focused on each person having his or her own experience. A labyrinth is not a maze. A laby- Each walk is different for me, whether rinth has one way into the center, and a I am the facilitator or walker, alone walker returns on the same path. There or part of a group. Gradually I have are no blind paths. No matter how it come to appreciate the permeability twists and turns, you cannot get lost; of the experience: it as profoundly if you keep walking, you will end up in spiritual to facilitate for others as it is the center and, eventually, back at the for me to walk myself. The process of entrance. Labyrinths have been found certification required leading a number in many cultures around the world, in- of events, evaluations by three people of cluding on Cretan coins dating to the It travels with a basket of colorful foot those events, submission of a reflection sixth century BCE. coverings as no street shoes are allowed paper, and the materials I used or that I had begun my labyrinth journey on the canvas labyrinth. The labyrinth were produced in the course of these when a chance conversation at accompanies me to a bimonthly prayer events. I am excited to be a Certified the January, 2013, intensive for service at Sanctuary for the Arts Veriditas Labyrinth Facilitator, and I Swedenborgian seminarians catalyzed (www.sanctuaryforthearts.com) as a look forward to discovering new uses my focus. In the fall of 2013, Linda physical resource that lends itself to of the labyrinth in my ministry. Baker was telling me of her plan to reflection, repentance (the Greek word In addition to her restart Hour of Peace after a five-year translated as repentance means to turn certification as a hiatus at the Hillside Urban Sanctuary again, to change), reformation, and the Veriditas Labyrinth (www.hillsideswedenborg.org) and path of regeneration. Facilitator, Joy Barnitz mentioned that she was thinking of My labyrinth work at Hillside and received her Masters of Divinity from the Pacific including a labyrinth. My response Sanctuary for the Arts emerged from School of Religion in was “Great! I trained as a labyrinth an inflection point when a classmate Berkeley in May, 2015, facilitator. How can I help?” made a presentation on labyrinths in and her Certificate of With support from the the fall of 2011. That led me to sign up Swedenborgian Theology from SHS in May, denomination for the acquisition for an “urban pilgrimage” workshop 2014. She is a past council member of the San Francisco Swedenborgian Church and serves of a seven-circuit canvas Chartres- at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, on the Wayfarers Chapel Board of Directors. style labyrinth, Linda relaunched the home to two eleven-circuit, Chartres- Joy holds a PhD in molecular biology and Hour of Peace at Hillside with live style labyrinths. Conducted by Rev. Dr. consults in new product development in the music accompanied by facilitated Lauren Artress, who founded Veriditas biopharmaceutical industry. labyrinth walks in September, 2013. (www.veriditas.org) and brought This ministry, one of several spiritual the labyrinth to Grace Cathedral, gatherings at Hillside, has been held the workshop intertwined labyrinth Iungerich Fund Grants monthly (except for a summer hiatus) walks accompanied by live music with The deadline for submitting Iung- on the fourth Sunday of every month presentations on Hildegard of Bingen erich Fund grant proposals for 2016 is since then. The labyrinth has been used and discussions among participants. September 30, 2015. Email proposals by other groups that meet at Hillside, During that workshop, in March 2012, to [email protected] or including a workshop at the Pacific I had one of the most profound noetic Coast Association annual meeting in experiences of my life: I began to cry The Swedenborgian Church October 2014 (see Hillside’s Facebook as I stepped onto the labyrinth, tears 50 Quincy Street page for a video of this workshop). fell during the entire inward walk, in Cambridge, MA 02138 The labyrinth is designed to travel: the center something shifted and I The Iungerich Fund Grant Guide in its folded state it fits into a roll- danced all the way out. My personal is available from the above addresses about case that qualifies as checkable path had turned, and I set out to train or from the chair of the Iungerich luggage. So far, its travels have been by as a facilitator knowing only that it was Fund Committee, Chris Laitner, at car within the San Francisco Bay area. essential for me to follow this path. [email protected]. 88 the Messenger June 2015 West Coast Retreat Proves “We Still Have Joy”

By Douglas G. Stinson singing, poetry, chanting, prayer, and exclaiming to Henry James Sr., “Oh! simple movements. Music was featured You are experiencing vastation! You What was the number one com- at every gathering. The children and, must read the works of Swedenborg!” plaint about this year’s West Coast to be honest, the adults as well, loved This was the event that set James on the Swedenborgian Retreat? Too many ringing the chapel bell to call people path to becoming a noted American great choices! to worship. Lyman Dave Roberts, Swedenborgian theologian. The retreat was held at St. Dorothy’s Rosanna Mathers, and Jennifer Lindsay The only problem was that Devin Rest in the midst of the redwoods of were among those leading Matins and was competing with his wife, Suzanne, Sonoma County, California, about 70 Vespers. Joy Barnitz, Thom Muller, a certified Yoga instructor (and ace miles north of San Francisco. Thirty- Rev. Junchol Lee, Terry Lee, and Carol translator, among many other talents) three adults, some from who was conducting a as far away as Portland, workshop at the same time. Oregon (630 miles) and Suzanne solved the problem eight children participated by graciously offering “wake in two and a half days of up yoga” early Sunday learning, creativity, fun, morning on the deck and spiritual growth over outside the chapel. The the Memorial Day weekend. beauty of the surroundings Many of the participants and the graceful movements attend every year. They Seminarian Thom Muller (standing) leads the awed both participants and include active church “Going within—Exploring the Joy of Mindfulness” workshop. (on couch, L to R) passers-by. members, independent Rosanna Mathers, Andrew Jack Dodd and Michele Conyers. Consistent with the Swedenborgians, curious seekers, and Anne Fusco planned Sunday worship. theme of the retreat “We Still Have friends. This strongly suggests that Professor Devin Zuber of the Joy,” and a perfect follow-up to the Retreat meets spiritual needs not Swedenborgian House of Studies Devin’s workshop, Joy Barnitz offered fully addressed elsewhere, as well as opened our minds to learning with “Gardens from Tears.” She drew an providing a safe environment in which the first keynote workshop. Devin has analogy between personal vastation to encounter our theology. a knack for making the most esoteric and the changes to our world caused The retreat kicked off Friday by the dramatic success of our evening with a delicious sandwich species. Joy highlighted the buffet provided by Dawn Caldwell, influence Swedenborg had on late a fun ice breaker led by Tom nineteenth-century painters and Murphy, and a Compline worship environmentalists, such as William service led by seminarian Joy Keith and John Muir. Joy invited Barnitz and Carol Anne Fusco. participants to explore how this Then it was off to sleep in the retreat might be useful in the twenty-first center’s rustic, yet well-appointed, century by creating their own art, “houses” so we would be full of visual or literary. energy for Saturday’s activities. (L to R) Suzanne Zuber leads Rosanna Mather and Michele After lunch, in his workshop Participant-designed and led Conyers in wake up yoga on the deck outside the chapel. “Going Within—Exploring the worship played an important role in subject understandable and interesting Joy of Mindfulness,” seminarian the retreat. Saturday and Monday for any audience. This time the subject Thom Muller asked the question, “Can started with a Matins service before was vastation and the role it plays in practical mystical experiences play a breakfast. Vespers were held each conversion. Devin pulled examples role in our spiritual lives, as it did for evening before dinner, and there was a from the lives of Swedenborg and the Swedenborg?” Thom presented what full worship service Sunday morning. James family, among others. No one we know about methods Swedenborg Each worship service was unique will forget Professor Zuber acting the used to pursue his explorations of but typically consisted of readings, part of the older lady in the British spa Continues next page the Messenger June 2015 89

Continued from preceding page paper. We quickly learned the fun of making swirls of the spirit. Then, using mindfulness interdigitating colored inks and meditation techniques, Thom let floating on water. Drop on participants search for the answer for a piece of paper, remove, let themselves. dry and voilà: marbleized Parents report that their children paper! Soon people from other beg them throughout the year, workshops were dropping “Can we go to the retreat this year?” in and asking, “May I try?” Watching the children instantly Everyone started sharing his Carey Smith teaches Anni Weiderhold how to marbleize paper. bond with each other on arrival is a or her new knowledge. For joyful experience for the adults. The getting to know one another, this was The retreat concluded with partic- children unabashedly pick any adult as good as any ice breaker. ipants enthusiastically committing to for help when needed. Rev. Junchol Other workshops included Singing continue the retreat next year, and to Lee conducted a series of activities in Community: Another Way to find ways to broaden the geographical specifically for the children, including do Church and Maori Mandala by diversity of attendees. Meditation for Kids and Bible Stories. Carol Anne Fusco, Introduction to In addition to all the leaders of Randy Weiderhold led the kids (and Meditation, by Rev. Junchol Lee, workshops, worship, and activities, some adults) in making patterns on and Dreamwork and Popular Music thanks go to Tom and Jen Murphy, T-shirts with melted wax and then as Worship by Moose Fullmer, based Dawn Caldwell, Andrea LoPinto, and dyeing the shirts bright colors. When on the ideas of Rev. Jeremy Taylor. It San Francisco Church Office Manager the wax was removed, the patterns proved so popular that an impromptu Dana Owens for handling the logistics were revealed. The drying shirts made second session was held. for the retreat. Joy Barnitz lined up a colorful decoration fluttering from a No retreat in the woods would workshop leaders and performed walkway’s railing. When there was no be complete without s’mores and a overall program coordination. The San special kid’s program, childcare was sing-a-long around the campfire. Jill Francisco Swedenborgian Church, the provided to free the adults to participate Duronslet provided the makings for Hillside Urban Sanctuary, the Pacific the s’mores. Terry Lee and Coast Association, and the Swedenborg Tom Murphy provided House of Studies provided financial the music. and other assistance. Skit night is a tradition To learn about the 2016 West Coast at the West Coast Swedenborgian Retreat, go to http:// Swedenborgian Retreat. tinyurl.com/d989nlk and follow the The adults were led by instructions Bill Danz (who channeled on the right a young Swedenborg of the page. at Uppsala University), Hope to see while his son, Steven, led you there the children. As usual, next year! the kids outdid the adults Douglas Stinson is the Children paint patterns in wax on T-shirts. with their creation “Joy (L to R) Grace, Anni, Katherine . of the Living Dead.” The treasurer of the last remaining humans San Francisco Swedenborgian in the workshops, but by and large the huddled behind a barricade in a vain Church, a children enjoyed watching out for each attempt to protect themselves from photographer, other and creating their own activities. zombies, who were either burning and a writer. He Carey Smith, one of those who buildings or gentrifying them. uses his PhD in came all the way from Portland Fortunately angels appeared and took physics when consulting and a former art teacher in Bryn everyone to heaven, proving that “after on the Athyn Pennsylvania, showed us a all the things we’ve been through, we development of The author about to “no failure” art project: marbleizing still have joy!” medical devices. marbleize paper. 90 the Messenger June 2015 Mirror, Mirror: How We See Ourselves and Others SCYL Memorial Day Weekend Retreat

By Kurt Fekete

ifteen wonderful teenagers gath- ered at Almont Retreat Center in Michigan for the Memorial FDay weekend Swedenborgian Church Youth League (SCYL) retreat titled Mirror, Mirror: How We See Our- selves and Others. At this retreat the teens discussed and learned about the healthy and unhealthy ways in which we view ourselves and others. We looked at how we rationalize, and ex- plored some ways we can redirect our thoughts and actions through being mindful and practicing self-reflection. League chaplain, Rev. Renée Machin- iak, Rev. Catherine Lauber, and Rev. Jennifer Tafel led the spiritual work- The SCYL group on their outing shops and worship while Lori Gay- heart, Rachael Sbrocco, and I facilitat- when looking at ourselves and others. on the porch or with a stroll around ed the rest of the retreat, supervised the She contrasted that with true unbiased the pond. recreation, and provided the delicious judgement, discernment, and fairness After dinner, it was Rev. Catherine’s meals for the group. for fellow human beings. She then pre- turn to facilitate the discussion The retreat kicked off around PM9 sented some ways to overcome judge- group. Catherine showed us the TEA on Friday evening after everyone ar- mentalism. After lunch, Rev. Renée led Triangle, a useful diagram to show rived from the surrounding cities and a session exploring the difference be- the relationship between thoughts, states. Pizza awaited the retreaters as tween sympathy and empathy to ad- emotions, and actions, and shared a video they arrived, and afterward we all sat dress a question posed by a teen. Sym- (www.youtube/UMIU-Uo8cZU) down for an evening meeting to go over pathy, she explained, is to feel pity and put out by Wellcast. We learned how logistics, rules, and the schedule. We sorrow for another person. It is “out- automatic thoughts (ATs) lead to the then launched into an icebreaker where side” the self. Empathy, on the other harmful illusion of full scale catastrophe I spread out forty black and white pho- hand, is feeling another’s pain or hap- and how to use the practice of RRR tographs and had each teen select a pic- piness “inside” the self. Both of Rev. (record, rationalize, and replace) to ture that represented or spoke to their Renée’s sessions were informative and manage AT’s. Rev. Catherine then led current presence of mind or emotional thought provoking. She had to depart the teens through an example of using state. We retired for the evening feel- after dinner on Saturday to prepare for RRR to solve a real life dilemma. ing tired yet exhilarated from rejoin- her Sunday morning worship service The rest of the evening was spent ing our close friends and excited with at the Royal Oak Church. We are so playing games, frolicking outside, or thoughts of being together for the next grateful that she was able to join us for enjoying a swing under the glow of the few of days. the day and share her knowledge and lamppost before we turned in for the Rev. Renée joined our group Sat- insights. night. urday morning to lead a session called Much of Saturday afternoon was Sunday morning we awoke to a The Most Common Way to Fog the spent lounging in the upstairs library, thick layer of ominous clouds over our Mirror. She asserted that judgemental- playing Ultimate Frisbee, or just enjoy- retreat center. Although the weather ism is our biggest challenge to conquer ing the warm outdoor sunshine sitting Continues next page the Messenger June 2015 91

Continued from preceding page reflection of how we see ourselves. She Ryan’s seventeenth birthday with cake talked about taking a holistic view and ice cream and then played games threatened to turn for the worse for our of the self by carefully considering into the early morning hours. The scheduled afternoon outing, we would the mental, emotional, spiritual, and teens love the circle “sign game” and not allow raindrops to dampen our el- play it at every retreat. evated spirits. So after a brisk breakfast Monday morning, we slept in as late and a couple of pots of strong coffee, as we could, with some teens waking we joined Rev. Catherine in the lounge up just in time to be picked up by their for her second workshop. parents. We departed Almont with At this session, titled Self-Reflection, greater self-awareness and self-image as Rev. Catherine opened with an well as a better understanding of how activity where the teens wrote positive others see us and how we see others. messages on sheets of paper attached It is my prayer that this retreat to each other’s backs. She went on to topic helped foster the teens’ inner explain that self-reflection is defined confidence, reduce their bias and as careful thought about your own judgement towards the neighbor, and behavior and beliefs. She talked about increase their awareness of the beauty self-reflection in terms of repentance of human diversity. May all of us look and how Swedenborg wrote that we into the mirror with confident humility, should not only look at what we do acknowledging in our life but also what we intend Alex, Joey, and Mary take a break from golfing. the reflection as to do (our will). She then challenged a resplendent gift the teens to consider self-reflection by physical. She closed her session with an that was created to asking themselves four questions: what activity where teens created an artistic radiate love. inspired you, surprised you, challenged expression of “perfect self” through Kurt Fekete is the you, and made you feel connected collage, painting, and writing. youth director of today? After Rev. Jenn’s session, we the Swedenborgian After lunch, Rev. Jenn started her took our outing to Lake Nepessing Church. session, How We See Others. Jenn Golfland. We played a round of mini talked about how we see others as a golf, but the big attraction was the go-karts. We had much fun Letter from the President picking our cars and racing Continued from page 83 around the track. Since the go- karts run in any weather, when at the core—meaning that which never the sprinkles started, the racing changes, and who we are becoming— became more exciting. meaning that which always changes. We returned to the retreat This truly is an exciting time to center for dinner. After be a Swedenborgian. It is a time of dinner, Rev. Jenn gathered crisis and a time of opportunity. It is us together for our closing a matter of life and death: life as the communion worship service. eternal and inevitable and death, not as Rev. Jenn created a beautiful some final kind of end, but an end only and meaningful worship in the sense of metamorphosis. And we experience, with scripture can take immense comfort in knowing readings, a thoughtful message, that what we are experiencing is, in a variety of musical offerings fact, nothing more and nothing less from contemporary to classic, than the Second Coming manifesting and the Holy Supper. Many of and that at its core the transformational the teens were deeply moved at change we are already fully engaged in Bekka watches Angela, Mary and Kianna the service. is the Lord making all things new. write words of affirmation to each other. After worship, we celebrated —Blessings, Rev. Ken 92 the Messenger June 2015

Nominees FNCA Family Camp Continued from page 86

By Susannah Curie We are pleased to welcome our first and placement at Schoolcraft College Visiting Lecturer, Curtis Childs, who in Livonia, Michigan, has prepared me On the occasion of planning for my has become well known for his work well to serve on the Swedenborg House twenty-fifth annual trip to the Frye- on the Youtube video series, Off the of Studies (SHS) Board of Trustees. In burg New Church Assembly (FNCA) Left Eye, sponsored by the Swedenborg addition, my nine years experience in in Fryeburg, Maine, this summer, I Foundation, through which he con- the mental health system as a social am honored to be asked to share a bit tinues to find innovative ways to share work counselor helped me develop my about this year’s upcoming camp ses- Swedenborgian understanding with interpersonal skills to a greater level. I sion, August 1–16, 2015. the world. He will speak Thursday eve- served on the Swedenborg School of This year’s first week theme will be ning, August 6 at 8 PM on, “Hope No Religion Board during the transition focused on doctrine as we explore “The One Saw That: How I Ended up Tell- from Newton to Berkeley and for sev- Doctrine of Life,” and the second week eral years after on the SHS Board. I we will delve into the Word through also served on General Council several stories of “Mothers in the Bible.” years ago. The first week’s lecturers are My formal education began at Ur- Rev. Dr. George Dole, Rev. Alison bana University, where I completed my Longstaff, Rev. George McCurdy, Rev. Bachelors Degree while working and Hugh Odhner, Rev. Dr. Gard Perry, raising a family. From there I went to SHS student Lisa Sowold, and our Wright State University and earned a first Everett K. Bray Visiting Lecturer, Masters in Mental Health Counseling. Curtis Childs. The Visiting Lecturer Rev. Everett K. Bray lecturer Curtis Childs I have done some post-graduate work program is in honor of the late Rev. at Eastern Michigan University as well. Everett K. Bray, beloved father and ing Thousands of Strangers About Evil I am blessed to have been married grandfather of the Guiu family, whose Spirits and The Five Churches, a Casu- for forty-two years to my wife ,Bev; to- descendants are lifelong campers. al Lecture about My Experience of Be- gether we raised four wonderful chil- Rev. Bray was minister of the Church ing a Swedenborgian, and My Recent dren, and we are blessed with seven of the New Jerusalem in Cambridge Work Bringing Swedenborg’s Message beautiful grandchildren. I am retired and a lecturer at FNCA for many years to People Through the Internet.” but continue to serve Urbana Univer- from the 30s through the 60s. He was The Fryeburg New Church sity, volunteer for the Dayton Interna- a professor and later president at the Assembly camp experience has tional Peace Museum, stay active with New Church Theological School in the something for everyone: lectures, the group September 11th Families for 40s, 50s and 60s and mentor to many communal meals, porch-sitting, games Peaceful Tomorrows, and sing with the ministers of that time. He was a gentle and classes for kids and young people, World House Choir for Social Change. giant indeed, and his book Where swimming in the Saco River, and much I speak at many venues, including uni- Heaven Begins remains a favorite of more. It has drawn me back annually versities, churches, public forums, and many, including me. Second week for over two decades and is my place conventions, on issues of grief and loss lecturers will be Swedenborgian House for spiritual, emotional, and physical and peace and social justice. I have also of Studies student Julie Conoran, renewal. Check out the camp’s website, traveled on a book tour to promote my Rev. Susannah Currie, Rev. Alison www.fryeburg.org, to see the great fun book entitled, Losing Alicia—A Fa- Longstaff, Rev. Alison Lane-Olsen, we have each year and register for this ther’s Journey After 9/11. Rev. Dr. Gard Perry, and Rev. Ken summer. Join us! I believe strongly in our church, the Turley. Rev. Susannah Currie message of Emmanuel Swedenborg, is religious education in doing my part to make this world coordinator for the a better place for our generations to Fryeburg New Church come, and the transformative power Assembly and a 25-year camper. She iss pastor of love and wisdom. I would be deeply of the Bridgewater New honored to continue to serve on the Freyburg New Church Assembly Jerusalem Church in Massachusetts. SHS Board. the Messenger June 2015 93 How Does the Garden Church Grow?

By Rebecca Esterson c o m m u n i t y lately. The Garden Church has been events. At the promoted via social media by Nadia ur newest Swe- opening work Boltz-Weber, founder of House for All denborgian con- day, the Church Sinners and Saints, and author of the gregation, the welcomed over bestselling book Pastrix. Endorsement GardenO Church, led by thirty people from has also come from Doug Pagitt, Rev. Anna Woofenden, all walks of life founder of Solomon’s Porch, church continues its launch this and communities planting expert, and leader in the year as it opens its gates to build the Emergent Church Movement. and begins to plant spiri- Rev. Anna and Lara Hughey foundation of the The Garden Church continues to tual and physical seeds. from Green Girl Farms garden. May 17 receive active support and mentorship On May 1, the Church opened the was planting day, which generated a from Sara Miles, founder of the gates on its six-month “Pop-Up Gar- lot of excitement among participants, Food Pantry at St. Gregory of Nyssa den and Gathering Space” in the heart who celebrated their vision by planting Episcopal Church and author of Take of old-town San Pedro, California. This project is a collabo- ration with Green Girl Farms, who bring their expertise in organic gar- Worshiping together in the Garden Church dening and gardening education. something for each donor, sister this Bread; Jesus Freak; and City of God. The congregation meets weekly in church, and supporting entity. We also receive support and mentoring this beautiful space to work, worship, Word is getting out well beyond from Carol Howard Merritt, pastor and founder of the UnConference, and contributor to Christian Century, a biweekly magazine on issues of faith, which has featured the Garden Church twice (http://tinyurl.com/p2r6ubp). The excitement expressed by these internationally recognized religious leaders and media outlets testifies to the strength of the Garden Church’s vision and to the passion and hard work of our pastor, Anna. You are invited to connect with this growing ministry online at http://gardenchurchsp.org/ and on Building garden bed Facebook. Rebecca Esterson is a member of the and eat together on Sunday afternoons, the local community, and we want Garden Church Board of Directors. and the gates are open throughout to let you know about some exciting You can contribute to the Garden Church at the week for other gardening and publicity the church has received http://tinyurl.com/nztvwfa. 94 the Messenger June 2015 FAQs about the Change from SHS to CSS

Following are answers to frequently with all rights and privileges but will vising Swedenborgian students wher- asked questions (FAQs) about the Swe- not need to play numerous community ever they are, most student advising denborgian House of Studies (SHS) at roles that were integral to PSR life as a will be with GTU students rather than Pacific School of Religion (PSR) be- faculty member. Faculty have a greater PSR students. coming the Center for Swedenborgian sense of independence while enjoying Studies (CSS) of the Graduate Theo- as much engagement as desired. What will we lose from not being a logical Union (GTU). part of PSR? How will this transition affect the po- Answer: Living closely within a Why has the board of trustees elected to sition of the dean of SHS? community has its joys and satisfac- move from operating as a house of stud- Answer: The dean will become the tions, and that will be missed in some ies within a single multi-denomination- dean of CSS and will have more en- ways. al seminary to operating as an affiliated gagement with the other center direc- center within a multi-faith consortium of tors and with the core doctoral faculty What are the financial implications of theological schools and centers? of the GTU. the transition? Answer: The new institutional re- Answer: We anticipate a moderate lationship within the constellation of How will the change affect the attrac- increase in operational costs since we institutions of the Graduate Theologi- tiveness and reputation of the academic will no longer be taking advantage of cal Union allows our faculty to com- degree programs offered to our students? the human resources (HR) services of mit more of their time and energy to Answer: Students will continue to another school, but we still project a do the work of serving Swedenborgian have the same academic degree pro- balanced budget. students and doing Swedenborgian grams available to them at PSR, other scholarship, and the new identity will seminaries, or the GTU, but the vis- How will this transition affect the provide greater visibility in the world ibility and reputation for Swedenbor- business operations of SHS? for Swedenborgian studies. gian Studies at the GTU increases. Answer: In its affiliation with PSR, SHS used PSR as the employer and was What will the transition mean for stu- How will the change affect the attrac- subject to the policies and procedures dents’ academic journeys? tiveness and reputation of our faculty? of PSR. For our new status, we have Answer: Nothing changes for stu- Answer: Since the GTU is better engaged TriNet, a professional em- dents, except there will be more CSS known for scholarship, this move en- ployer organization for our HR needs, support available to them. hances visibility and recognition of our which will enable us to design employ- faculty. ment policies to fit our needs and to How will this transition affect the take advantage of the support system preparation of students for ordination by What will become of the PSR Certifi- of a large organization. General Convention (the Swedenborgian cate of Swedenborgian Theology? Church)? Answer: We are in the process of How will this transition affect the Answer: There are no changes in- changing the PSR Certificate of Swe- current staff and faculty members? volved for student ordination journeys, denborgian Theology to the GTU as a Answer: The faculty and staff will except there will be more CSS support Certificate of Swedenborgian Studies. benefit from greater flexibility to cov- available to them. er their needs, and employment poli- How will the change affect our ability cies can be tailored to suit the particu- How will the transition affect the to interact with the faculty and students lars of CSS rather than abiding with- faculty? of PSR? in the employment policies of another Answer: The faculty’s time will be Answer: Both boards (SHS/CSS institution. freed up considerably. As “regular fac- and PSR) have agreed to continue to ulty” at Pacific School of Religion, the have a limited affiliation that entails Where will the new center be located? faculty of SHS had become central mutual support, and PSR will remain a Answer: For the time being, we players in running the school. Now preferred seminary for Swedenborgian will remain at its present location on the faculty will be faculty of the GTU students. However, in addition to ad- Continues next page the Messenger June 2015 95

Passages Historic Chairs at SF Church

Deaths By Doug Stinson to be known as the Arts and Crafts 1 Edith Goddard Pangaro entered the style. Within two years, the style had spiritual world on October 12, 2014. On Sunday evening, June 7, people spread across the country, with many She was 90-years old and a lifetime gathered in the sanctuary of the San claiming to be its originator. The style Swedenborgian—baptized at the New Francisco Swedenborgian Church to was promoted by and is most often York New Church by the late Rev Ar- hear Tim Hansen, associated with thur Wilde. Up until her death, she author, designer, Gustav Stickley, a was the longest and oldest living mem- and preservationist, mass producer of ber of the New York Church. Her par- explain how 120 Arts and Crafts ents, Frederick W. D. and Elisabeth years ago a small furniture. Layton Goddard were lifetime mem- group of artists and The first pieces bers of the New Church. architects in the created in that style With her husband of sixty-five years, orbit of Rev. Joseph are the very chairs Lawrence, she lived in Center Harbor, Worcester, the the congregation New Hampshire. She was a member of church’s first pastor, sits on each Sunday the New York New Church and an as- created a new style morning. The man sociate member of the Fryeburg New of furniture, one who built them, A. Church in Maine. that resonated with J. Forbes, always Edith was the great-granddaughter a developing late Tim Hansen and the Swedenborg Chair referred to them of the Rev. John Goddard, minister at nineteenth and early simply as the Chair. the Newtonville Church (Massachu- twentieth century American culture Historians call it the Swedenborg setts) for thirty of strength and stability (as opposed Chair. years and, prior to power) and peaceful, harmonious 1 Freudenheim, Leslie M. . Building with Nature: to that, minis- enjoyment of the home, which came Inspiration for the Arts & Crafts Home. 2005 ter of the Cin- cinnati Church for thirty-five Fair, and a dedicated Swedenborgian. ho; two daughters, Deidre E. Smith of years. Her great- Edith and Lawrence were married Mattapoisett, Massachusetts and Di- great grandfa- at the New York New Church in 1950, ane V. Lundquist of Longmont, Colo- ther, Rev. War- and their four children were baptized rado; seven grandsons; and one great ren Goddard, there. granddaughter. was minister at the North Bridgewater A Memorial Service was held in her She loved the Swedenborgian (now Brockton) New Church in Mas- honor at the New York New Church Church, lived by its teachings, and was sachusetts for thirty-five years. She was on January 12, 2015. In addition to most generous in her giving. And, sad the grandniece of Daniel Burnham, her husband, Edith is survived by two to say, she is the last of Goddard fam- noted Chicago architect of “The Plan sons, David L. of Sausalito, Califor- ily—a family that served the church for Chicago” and the 1893 World’s nia. and Dana G. of Post Falls, Ida- well.

Continued from preceding page What will happen with the Sweden- How will this transition affect the borgian library and research collection? relationship of SHS with General the PSR campus that we’ve inhabited Answer: The library will remain in Convention? since 2001. We anticipate relocating its present location on the PSR cam- Answer: There should be no chang- within three years, when PSR begins pus for the near term, but will be relo- es resulting from this transition. its campus consolidation plan, which cated within three years. The Sweden- Dean Lawrence and members of the will entail the demolition of the build- borg Library catalog will continue to SHS Board of Trustees will be avail- ing where SHS is housed and elimina- be accessible through the GTU online able to answer questions and address tion of rented space. catalog. concerns at the annual convention. The Swedenborgian Church of North America 50 Quincy Street Cambridge, MA 02138

Address Service Requested

96 the Messenger June 2015

About the Meet Us in Bridgewater! Swedenborgian Church The Online Swedenborgian Community

Emanuel Swedenborg was Visit our table Listen to Our Live Broadcasts born January 29, 1688, in Stock- We invite you to visit our table, Whether or not you can attend in per- holm, Sweden. Although he nev- SwedenborgianCommunity.org (SC. son, you’ll enjoy our live BlogTalk Ra- er intended a church denomina- org), at the 2015 Annual Convention in dio (http://tinyurl.com/ozll424) broad- tion to be founded or named af- Bridgewater, Massachusetts. casts from Annual Convention, where ter him, a society was formed in Our minister, members of the Cen- convention attendees will be interviewed London fifteen years after his tral Committee, and volunteers look for- live. Broadcasts will be live on Thurs- death. American groups even- ward to talking with you and answer- day, June 25, and Sunday, June 28, at 9 tually founded the General ing your questions. Registrants get a free PM EDT. Convention of Swedenborgian Churches. personal logo sticker for your name tag. As a result of Swedenborg’s Visit Us Online spiritual questioning and in- Join Us at the SC.org Dining Our Sunday evening prayer services sights, we as a church exist to Table to Share a Meal (9 PM EDT) now include audio and mu- encourage that same spirit of We will reserve a table during one sic from BlogTalk Radio. inquiry and personal growth, meal so that we can have a special table Two of our Thursday chats each to respect differences in views, to eat together. Come and learn about month are broadcast live on BlogTalk and to accept others who may SC.org or come meet your friends from Radio—you can phone in questions or have different traditions. the on-line community. comments and join the conversation. In his theological writings, Swedenborg shared a view of God as infinitely loving and at the very center of our beings, a Wayfarers Chapel 2015 Speaker Series view of life as a spiritual birth- Please join us for our Speaker Series at Wayfarers Chapel. ing as we participate in our own Streamed Live at http://tinyurl.com/qxkt9hp creation, and a view of scripture Time: 12:00–1:00 PM PDT as a story of inner life stages as Dates: 2015 Speaker Topic we learn and grow. Swedenborg July 19 Rev. Harvey Tafel The History of Wayfarers Chapel said, “All religion relates to life, August 16 Dr. Siva Mohan An Introduction to Ayurveda and the life of religion is to do good.” He also felt that the sin- September 13 UCI professor Cecilia M. Lynch Religious Humanitarian in World Politics cerest form of worship is a use- October 11 Linda Chollar, HHP, ChT Mindfulness Meditation for All Day ful life. November 15 Kichul Oh L.Ac. Natural Health Solutions