Spirit Speaks January February 2013 Volume 10 Issue 1 Let There Be Peace On Earth Honoring Presence. Nurturing Spirit. Enriching the lives of all we serve. Dr. Moira’s Message Dear Ones, The fire before which I sit, is burning warm and bright. Its flickering flames dancing through the logs are captivating. The Christmas tree to the left of me with all its magical creatures, birds, icicles and ornaments calls me away into its majesty and mystery! However, I must keep my date with you Dear Hearts, and happily be available to Spirit’s inspiration for us all as we head into the New Year. The wind now dancing playfully up and down and all around the chimney has just applauded my happy task! I loved our Christmas Candlelight Service. Did you? I so enjoyed the delightful treat of your warm company. Were we not thrilled by our children, our musicians, our singers? Were we not moved by “The Universal Child” video, fed by Spirit’s sharing and touched by the communion we entered into together? One mind thought, one heartbeat, throbbing and pulsating in the mind and heart of The One! As you see, the memory lingers bright and warm within me. Thank you for contributing to such wonder and joy. Paul’s words in 1:3-4 Philippians comes to mind now: “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you. You are always in every prayer of mine.” So here we are my friends, on the brink of a New Year. What makes the 1st of January different from any other day of the year, I ask myself; or the end of the year any different from the rest of the year? Perhaps it is the collective consciousness of newness that makes the New Year so special, so promising, so inspiring. Perhaps the end of the year provides us with the opportunity to tie up loose ends, complete things, get us to think a little more contemplatively, honoring what has been and becoming eager about what is to be in the coming year. Endings and beginnings give hope to the challenged, confidence to the inspired, joy to the dreamers, urgency to the visionaries and another chance to the disappointed. One thing is sure, The Cosmic Energy of the Universe calls us all to deeper, higher and wider experiences of the Centered Whole, The Unified Oneness every moment of clock time, and in the eternal pulse of the potent NOW! The key for you and for me is to be here NOW! Show up in the moment, whatever and however the vibe of the moment is. Being present to it makes all the difference in our individual lives and in all life. The question I am asking of us all is, “Am I ready in mind and heart for the New Year?” How many of us haven’t even yet given the New Year any thought? I know some have. Have you? I see vision- ing, imagining, dreaming, setting an intention, as so much more than states of mind. To me they are possibilities of what is to come, attitudes of growth and advancement. Why pass over such an oppor- tunity? Let us move into the year 2013 full of divinely inspired optimism, armed with intentions and decisions to be greater in our accomplishments than ever before. To go for what we have never dared to go for before – a deeper and more sacred relationship with ourselves, each other and every living thing. To achieve such a thing is to achieve Oneness – the understanding that The Absolute is “all in all” everywhere present and that there is nothing different from It – most especially YOU! What a vision! What an intention! What an accomplishment! IT CAN BE DONE BY YOU! 2 3 (continued) So how are we picturing the year ahead? As you form your picture, remember the picture will turn out to be the very same as your picture for tomorrow. Life happens one amazing day at a time! The following are some important keys, discovered by many successful people, in creating a successful and fulfilling New Year. These are not in order of importance. 1) Set an intention – make a decision. 2) Commit to its process and stick to it. 3) Take ACTION. 4) Stop being afraid of failure – failure is a method of learning. 5) Remember everything happens NOW. 6) Find something to smile or laugh about everyday and share it with someone. 7) Speak less and listen more. 8) Find some moments in the day to be still and quiet, in silence with yourself. 9) Let your first and last thoughts of the day connect you warmly with your Source – then chances are you’ll stay connected throughout the day and night. 10) Make a conscious effort to bless yourself, everyone and everything no matter what! 11) Be open and receptive to good always 12) When the feeling is to automatically resist – question your automatic response. 13) In all things give thanks. 14) Seek to be patient and kind. 15) Honor yourself, respect yourself, love yourself, knowing God dwells in you, as you; knowing also that this is true of all others. 16) Give like you are the generosity of God. Choose to use these suggestions however you please. Perhaps go through the cycle once and then work on the ones that call to you the most. I do strongly urge you to use these stepping stones to your good however you choose to do so. They will bring about remarkable results for you and all you meet. I am knowing for each one of you dear and wonderful spiritual family members, a year rich in bless- ings, steeped in peace and love, flourishing in health and prosperity, thriving in joy and enthusiasm, full of awe and inspiration, powerfully transforming and full of fun and wonderful surprises. We are that joyous, loving, one heart, one mind spiritual community we experienced on Christmas Eve. Let us deepen that awesome experience in 2013 and make a beautiful difference in our world. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! You put a special smile on my face everyday. Great blessings to and through you every moment in everyday of your gifted lives. With great respect and love, Dr. Moira Sunday Lessons JANUARY FEBRUARY 6 Infinite Intelligence 3 Marriage 13 The Way Infinite Intelligence Works 10 Love—The Splendid Thing 20 What Infinite Intelligence Does 17 Love Never Fails 27 How To Use Infinite Intelligence 24 Life and Work 3 3 Volunteer Month We are blessed all through the year with our wonderful, dedicated and loving volunteers. From greet- ers, to ushers, to office and bookstore helpers, to hospitality hosts and hostesses to junior church teach- ers and assistants, to Operation Sparkle participants who make this place shine, to garden helpers, and all other areas, we send each of you a great big THANK YOU, tremendous appreciation, gratefulness and lots of love and hugs. You are all so very important to the harmonious operation of our center. We love and cherish you always, but the month of January is special. That is when we honor you and let everyone in the congregation know about all the good things you have done to support this center. We will celebrate all of you on January 27 with a wonderful dinner and delightful entertainment. All of our regular volunteers are invited to attend this event. We ask that you confirm your intention to at- tend the party by signing up at our table in the foyer. We look forward to seeing you there. Volunteer Party / Dinner Sunday, January 27, 2013 4:00 pm in Richelieu Hall Great food and entertainment featuring songs by Reverend Mary Morgan and Denise Fernald and Reverend Erin O'Donnell at the piano. The Joy of Volunteering Volunteer Meeting—Sunday, January 13, 2013 — 12:45 to 1:45PM —Richelieu Hall This meeting is for all of our wonderful volunteers (whether you have been doing this for awhile or you are a new volunteer), and most importantly for anyone who wishes to become a volunteer and has questions AGENDA Discussion of what constitutes a good volunteer What the volunteer represents. Importance of a positive and loving attitude. Training Session Questions & Answers Discussion of future meetings. I look forward to seeing you there. Rev. Erin O’Donnell Stanlee – Volunteer Director Pure Relaxation Meditation Wednesday Evenings, January 9th through February 13th from 7:00 to 8:00 PM OR Thursday Mornings, January 10th through February 14th from 9:15 AM to 10:15 AM Cost: $10 per class or register for all 6 classes and pay only $50. Relaxation is the key to better health, well-being, and better relation- ships. In this class series you will experience deeply relaxing guided meditations and discover how to: Stop the incessant stream meaningless mind-chatter. Create a positive mental atmosphere. How to stay relaxed throughout your day. The secrets to a better night’s sleep. How to stay centered in negative situations. How to handle negative people with grace and ease. You will leave this class series feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and empowered. Lake Arrowhead Retreat May 25-27 2013 $590 per person, double occupancy $685 per person, single occupancy $260 per child ages 5-14 $410 per teen ages 15-17 $50 Round trip bus ride It’s getting closer, so be sure to register and reserve your place at this exciting and inspiring Memorial Day Weekend Retreat. Dr. Moira will provide spiritually uplifting and motivating workshops. More information and details to come. The Lake Arrowhead setting is beautiful and serene; the lodgings at the UCLA Conference center are first class; and the cuisine is superb.