THE TRUMPET NEWSLETTER
February 2012 Newsletter
A NEW YEAR...2012
Since there are five Wednesdays in February, your church is trying a new approach for this month. We will be having a series of classes on “Introduction to Spiritualism and to The Memorial Spiritualist Church.” The classes will meet from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. for each of the five Wednesdays. There are being led by Ernest Leard, Licentiate Minister, and Rev. Lelia E. Cutler.
These classes are inter-active classes with plenty of time for discussion and for any and all questions and answers. We cannot possibly cover all the aspects of Spiritualism or the complete history, but we will have highlights about our history and the pioneers of our wonderful religion.
Subjects to be covered will include:
• The birth of Modern American Spiritualism.
• The nine Principles of Spiritualism
• The definitions of Spiritualism, Spiritualist, Medium, Healer, and Spiritualism as a Science, Philosophy and a Religion
• The objectives of Spiritualism
• The incorporation and official recognition of the National Spiritualist Association of Churches.
• The National organization, its structure, its board, and mission statement.
• Mediumship and its development
• Healing and its demonstrations and different modalities.
• Natural Law and Spiritualism
• The story of The Memorial Spiritualist Church including its history, ministers,
We are sure there will be other subjects to come up with the group attending, and we look forward to a joyful and uplifting learning experience.
MESSAGE CIRCLES AND SEANCE
On Friday evening, February 17, we will hold message circles with three or four mediums as needed to serve those attending. The mediums go from circle to circle and each person gets three or four messges. $15.00 donation
On Saturday evening, February 25th, Rev. Lelia Cutler will hold a séance at 7:30 p.m. Sign up early as there is a limit on attendance. $20.00 donation.
From the desk of:
Rev. Lelia E. Cutler, NST,C.M.
THE LOVE MONTH
February is the month when we celebrate Valentine’s Day, and the focus is on Love—loving ourselves, and loving our family, our spouse, our children, and each other. We can express that love by the simple act of giving a “Valentine”, or by being “there” for those around us who may need an ear, or someone to help in some way.
To many love is difficult to define—it’s a feeling, it’s a connection, it’s that special someone in your life. However, many define Infinite Intelligence or God as Love or the highest expression of love. Our connection to our God within gives us a feeling of special bonding, and a feeling of love—not only for that connection and ourselves, but expressed in our lives in so many ways. Let this be the February that we experience that ultimate feeling of love for humanity and the spiritual nature of our world.
We also celebrate the birthdays of former Presidents in the month of February—George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and the wonder of their accomplishments while on earth. Maybe we should have a special dinner with this idea in mind and have a birthday cake in celebration. Most people like cake, and it brings us together with a common bond. There are many reasons for holding a celebration during the year, and we should take advantage of these special occasions.
February 1st is also “National Freedom Day.” What a wonderful time to support those who insure we can have that freedom—our troops and our veterans. February 23rd is the anniversary of the Iwo-Jima Flag Raising—an image that is burned in the minds of so many. Our flag waving above any area of trouble gives us comfort and a feeling of security. As I have said before, just the image of the flag or seeing a flag waving in the breeze can bring tears to my eyes.
Let’s join together this February and share a “little love”. The luncheon on February 12th will have a Valentine’s Day theme, as well as celebrating the birthday of Abraham Lincoln, a Spiritualist. We hope you will participate and join us for lunch.
Bless you, LeliaElections at annual meeting:
Fred Brown resigned as Vice President due to health issues, and Margie Briggs was elected as our new Vice President. James McMillan was elected to fill Margie’s unexpired term.
Lynn Streeper was elected to the position of Secretary, and Ann Marie Croteau was elected to fill Lynn’s unexpired term.
Mary Kay Whitehead was elected for a three-year term as Trustee, and Dan Cheche was elected to a three-year term as Trustee. Congratulations are in order for each of these dedicated workers at our church.
Thank you for giving of your time and your effort.
HUGE THANK YOU:
Our members, friends, and especially Board of Directors of The Memorial Spiritualist Church want to say “Thank You” to Ann Marie Croteau for her years of service as our Secretary. Your hard work is much appreciated. May you know that we love you and send our prayers for healing daily.
Also, our organist, Fred H. Brown, has served on the Board of Directors for about thirty (30) years, most recently as our Vice President. He has stepped down due to health reasons, but we want him to know that we miss him and are heartily thankful for all your hard work. Fred has been President, Vice President, Treasurer, Trustee, Organist, Choir Director, and a major supporter of our church for four (4) decades. He became a member of MSC in 1974, and has been a constant source of amusement and strength since that time. His musical talent is greatly missed. Thank You Fred—you are special in our lives.
ANNUAL MEETING:
The President’s Report:
Welcome to the start of a new church year. Our annual membership meeting is our own New Year’s celebration. We are looking for positive changes in the New Year.
During the past year we’ve added roof fans to cool the building, new windows in the restrooms to prevent the heat and cool from escaping, and new lights around the back of the building. We’re looking at fixing the ceiling in the kitchen and removing the tree by the back door as a precaution. The maintenance and upkeep of our church is a solemn responsibility. This old building is precious to us all, and holds many memories.
We’ve welcomed some new members: Bill Kelly, Kim and Ray Harrison, Teri Johnson, Maryann Perinni, Lee Pope, Rev. Christine Krithades, and Rev. Barbara (Bunny) Starr. Expanding our membership is how we see the church continue to live and thrive. We’re gaining two new members because the church they were a part of is closing. It’s unfortunate when any of our lights is dimmed. I know you all join me in welcoming our new members.
Some members have taken a lead with the “Growth Committee”. Karen Simon, Charlotte Miller, and Mary Kay Whitehead are to be commended for looking forward. Any efforts in a positive direction are to be celebrated. Thank you.
Rev. Lelia Cutler and the pastoral committee have been very active this past year. Through Rev. Cutler’s contacts, we have had some wonderful speakers; Rev. Richard Schoeller, Rev. Marrice Coverson, and Rev. James Ehrhart to name just a few. We’ve asked delegates to the annual convention to note speakers they would like to see come serve MSC.
Speaking of the convention delegates, we sent Lynn Streeper, Ernie Leard, Jim and Jan Watson, and myself to convention. As in the membership of the board, the delegates are volunteers. Having delegates from our church attend the national convention guarantees we have a say in the national business. In the coming year, the convention takes place on the west coast. This is going to be an added expense above the past few years to any delegates we send. We are going to try and raise a higher amount in the convention fund this year to help the delegates. Suggestions for fund raisers and any donations will be welcome.
In an effort to inform new people and refresh our folks that have been around a while, Ernie Leard and Rev. Lelia Cutler are conducting classes in February. “Introduction to Spiritualism” will take place on Wednesday nights in place of the regular service. Please spread the word. This would be a good time to encourage anyone you’ve been talking to about Spiritualism to come out and see what we’re about.
Congratulations to Ernie Leard for obtaining his Licentiate Minister credentials. He has worked hard on it.
As I mentioned before, our Board members and Delegates are volunteers. Along with Rev. Leia Cutler, Lynn Streeper, Mary Kay Whitehead, Charlotte Miller, Ernie Leard, Margie Briggs, Ann Marie Croteau, Karen Simon and Fred Brown, put in a lot of work making our church successful. As you may be aware, Rev. Carol Brown, Ann Marie and Fred have been ill lately. Their presence has been sorely missed. Love and Light to them.
Special thanks to Lynn Streeper. Lynn stepped up and has been helping Ann Marie with the Secretary’s duties. Lynn was instrumental in making our membership meeting happen. Thank you Lynn for your hard work.
To all our volunteers and workers, thank you. Not everyone is aware of the work and preparations that take place behind the scenes to support our luncheons, classes, and services. If I or anyone has forgotten to say thanks this past year, please be aware it is appreciated. Thank you.
I ask you to join me in a simple exercise when you are meditating. Take a moment to visualize the chapel filled up with people. Feel the warmth and joy of fellowship. Affirm us thriving and growing. This should only take a moment of your time and the positive vibrations will show results.
In closing, I ask you to forward any suggestions for lecturers, fund raisers, classes, or fellowship to the Pastoral Committee or board members. The success of our church rests with all of us.
Eugene T. Turner, III, President, Board of TrusteesBuilding Committee Report:
During the past year, we’ve added roof fans to cool the building, new windows in the restrooms to prevent the heat and cool from escaping, and new lights around the back. New light fixtures have been put up in the kitchen. We’re looking at fixing the ceiling in the kitchen, and removing the tree by the back door as a precaution. The maintenance and upkeep of our church is a solemn responsibility. This old building is precious to us all, and holds many memories. reports at the meeting.
Eugene T. Turner, III
Note: We have a couple projects for the building that will need additional funds. The removal of the tree, clearing the limbs from the oak tree on the corner, removing the ivy from the tree behind the church and trimming limbs on the tree to the west of the church will cost approximately $1,500 to $3,000. This one project could deplete our building fund. Any donations to the building fund are appreciated, and you can just mark your check or envelope: “Building Fund.” Thank you for all your help with the maintenance of our wonderful church home
FINANCIAL NEWS
December 31, 2011 balances for the General Fund and Building Fund were $8,538.60 and $1.154.59, respectively. The changes in cash in each fund for the year were an increase of $4502.34 for the General Fund and a decrease of $2,704.86 for the Building Fund balance. The change in Lyceum and Convention Funds were flat for the year and the Advertising Fund had no activity except to store $570.08 in donations made in 2010 and 2011 for the Hydesville Project. The net change in cash for all funds in 2011 was an increase of $1615.85.
Due to pending tree work and future projects for our building, at the annual meeting on January 17, 2012, Rev. Lelia Cutler moved and the motion was carried that $3000 be transferred from the General Fund to the Building Fund.
As always, your continued financial support of our church is truly appreciated.
Charlotte Miller, TreasurerPASTORAL COMMITTEE REPORT:
During 2011, We held the following classes and events:
A presentation by Carolyn LeCroix in February on prison inmates and how we can help.
A grief workshop in March
Presentations by the Healing Group of Virginia Beach on the last Wednesday in the months of March, April and May.
A Healing and Mediumship workshop and a Transfiguration séance by Richard Schoeller in March..
Public Speaking and Platform Decorum Workshop in April
The Health Expo on April 30, 2010,
A presentation by Lynn Sparrow on Spiritual Evolution in May
A Healing Workshop with Rev. James Ehrhart in May
We held a DVD, book, and VHS tape sale and exchange with Pizza in July
Breakfast at 6:00 p.m. followed by a forum in August
We hosted visiting mediums from Wales, The Rhees, and held a Spaghetti dinner in September.
We had a "musical evening" in October with Harry Dunstan and Kay Krekowsky
Also we had several special dinners, evenings of clairvoyance, and classes, including a Bingo and pot luck dinner in February, a pot luck and pound auction in March, and a couple student services.
The Development Class still meets every other Monday with the church circle meeting on the opposite Mondays.
Our visiting ministers for 2011 included the Reverends Brian and Lynn Kent from Rhode Island; The Rev. Marrice Coverson, from Chicago, Illinois; The Rev. Michael Pillsbury of Phoenix Arizona and Lily Dale, New York; the Rev. James Ehrhart and Joe
Owen from San Francisco, California; The Rev. Konstanza Morningstar , from Alexandria, Virignia; and the Rev. Richard Schoeller from Happauge, Long Island, New York.
We also had the Rev. Claire Daugherty, Associate Minister, and student lecturers, Thomas Clayton, and Betty Davis from the Development Class.
The Church Growth Team hosted a luncheon and baby shower in December and they have been active with holding meetings and involving our members in church activities.
Respectfully submitted,
Rev. Lelia Cutller, Chairman, Ernest Leard, Lynn Streeper, and Karen Simon
BYLAWS COMMITTEE APPOINTED
The President has appointed the Bylaws Committee for the coming year. Dan Cheche is chairman, and he will be assisted by Mary Kay Whitehead and the Rev. Lelia Cutler. The Bylaws are the controlling document of the church. If you have ideas, submit them to a member of the committee.
ADULT LYCEUM
In The Intelligent Heart: Transform Your Life with the Laws of Love by David and Bruce McArthur, David McArthur tells of how the loss of his wife by a man with a gun and the healing process that he went through as a result lead him to study in depth the transformative nature of Natural Laws. This study led him to leave a position as assistant attorney general in New Mexico to become a Unity minister.
Along with his parents, he studied the application of Natural Law as he ministered to a large group in his church and found that some Laws manifest more rapidly than others. He groups these Laws under a heading “Laws of Transformation” and this list includes the Law of Love, Law of Giving, Law of Forgiveness, Master Law of Relationships, Law of Faith, Laws of Mercy and Balance. Other universal Laws that are also discussed include the Law of Wisdom, Law of One and Law of Grace.
Come and explore with a group of like-minded friends, how to implement transformation in your life. We meet each Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. and look forward to seeing you!
Charlotte Miller, Lycecum DirectorCHILDREN’S LYCEUM
The children’s Lyceum meets at 11:00 a.m. during the morning church worship service. They learn about natural laws, God’s natural world, the principles of Spiritualism, and how to live life with joy and peace. It is delightful to have our children and teens sitting and learning together. If you are interested in helping or contributing to this learning experience, please come to church on Sunday morning. The children also work crafts and practice music and interact with each other on a simple and spiritual basis.
We do not teach mediumship to our children or teens, but they show interest and ability, and will be the workers of the future. May they learn that which is beneficial to each and for their growth.
FROM THE PRESIDENT:
EUGENE T. TURNER, III
Do you know what a "Joy Guide" is? A Joy Guide is usually a young appearing spirit that helps to raise the vibration around you. They usually act as door keepers during seances.
I was thinking we need to channel our Joy Guides a little more. Let's have a little more fun this year.
We should show respect to our religion, our church, and to each other but we should also look for the joy.
Spiritualism is the only religion that proves what we believe with every spirit contact. The spirit contact brings happiness to loved ones on both sides of life. We see tears of joy, sometimes laughter as they share a story, or the warm feeling when a loved one just wants to check in.
Let's look for the joy this year and have a little fun. Let's put our Joy Guides to work.
The classes on Introduction To Spiritualism will run on the Wednesdays nights in February. There will be some history of Memorial Spiritualist Church included. These classes are good for our new and old folks. Come out and learn new stuff or maybe reaquaint yourself with stuff you may have forgotten.
Come out too for the message circles and seance.
PICTURES FROM THE
2010 THIRD ANNUAL SPIRITUALIST EXPO
AND REVIVAL
Featured Expo and Revival Speaker
Rev. Marrice Coverson
The Psycomanteum Demonstration
Healing Touch for Animals Workshop by Lori Losetter
Meditation and Spiritual Healing Workshop
by Rev. Carol Brown
Jim & Jan Watson demonstrate Tai Chi
Healing Modalities Workshop
by Rev Lelia Cutler
"Reading the Iris" Demonstration
Whenever Spiritualists gather . . there will be food
ADULT LYCEUM
Within the first several weeks of the new year the Adult Lyceum will be ready to begin a new book. Our group has chosen The Intelligent Heart: Transform Your Life with the Laws of Love written by David and Bruce McArthur.
David McArthur is a researcher, lawyer, and Unity minister who teamed with his father Bruce McArthur, author of Your Life: Why It Is the Way It Is, a discussion of the Universal Law of Cause and Effect.
Their goal is to not only understand Universal Laws, but to test them and assist people in applying them as that actual transformation is brought to ordinary people. It is through this transformative process that the McArthurs noted a fulfillment and leap in consciousness that freed people from the world's limitations and opened them up to their higher creations.
They bring science into the discussion through their work with heart researcher, Doc Lew Childre and his Institute of HeartMath in Boulder Creek, CA. Childre has been developing the solid scientific data that takes transformation out of myth and into reality.
We hope you will consider joining our wonderful group which meets each Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. as we read this book and discuss points that pertain to our lives and the transformation process that we are all working on.
Charlotte Miller, Lycecum DirectorCHILDREN’S LYCEUM
The children’s Lyceum meets at 11:00 a.m. during the morning church worship service. They learn about natural laws, God’s natural world, the principles of Spiritualism, and how to live life with joy and peace. It is delightful to have our children and teens sitting and learning together. If you are interested in helping or contributing to this learning experience, please come to church on Sunday morning. The children also work crafts and practice music and interact with each other on a simple and spiritual basis.
Remember the children are our future, and as they learn about Spiritualism, it will keep our beautiful religion alive and well. Thank you for all your support.
From the desk of: Rev. Lelia E. Cutler, NST,C.M.
January 2012 Newsletter
A NEW YEAR...2012
• Jan 1, 2012: The Prophecy Service… Rev. Lelia Cutler and Ernest Leard, Licentiate Minister, will share their prophecy for the coming year. This is an annual event, and we invite you to join us for the morning service. We are hoping the Rev. Carol Brown will be able to come in and share as well.
• January 8, 2012—We have instituted a monthly luncheon for fellowship at the church, and the January luncheon will be held on the second Sunday after the morning service. Plan to stay and enjoy the fellowship and the wonderful food prepared by our Spiritualist members and friends.
• On Wednesday, January 11, 2012, we will have a treat at the 7:30 service. Curtis and Jennifer Murphy will share with us about loving energies and give us insight into a life of “Gratitude.”
• Tuesday, January 17, 2012, we hold our annual membership meeting in the classroom at 7:30 p.m. We hope you can attend, but if not, please send in your proxy and be sure to name the person you wish to vote for you, and sign the proxy form. As long as they are given to the Secretary prior to the start of the meeting, they will be accepted. Thank you for supporting the business side of our church. Elections will be held for three positions, and the person elected must be present at the meeting.
• The Reiki workshop will be held on Saturday, January 21st from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. See write-up for details on page 3.
• A Chili Cook-off, accompanied by the sharing and sale of baked goods with prizes for the best chili and for the best baked goods. Come out at 6:00 p.m. and join in the fun.
From the desk of: Rev. Lelia E. Cutler, NST,C.M.
A NEW YEAR
As those who know me will remember, I always feel January is an opportunity to start fresh. I try to clean out something—a drawer, a closet, some file folders, or the filing cabinet each day of January, and sometimes it takes until February to complete my “to do” list. As I clean out a drawer or other space, it lightens my mood and my burden of living.
If we can relate this experience to everyday life, it will also lighten our attitudes toward our work, our friends, and toward our growth. Eliminating the fears of life cleans out our emotional storehouse, and eliminating our negative thoughts cleans out our mental attitudes toward people and things.
When we foresee change in our lives, we must release old ideas and old attitudes. That is also a cleansing. When we release an attitude or thought, it creates a vacuum and gives us an opportunity to attract new ideas, new goals, and new growth.
2012 is a “5” year. To me five means change. We are hoping that 2012 will be a year of change for the better. That the economy will improve, that more people will be employed, that money will flow more freely, and we can be more comfortable as we travel the road together. It is a political year, which will also create change in a lot of ways and not just the election of the President. There is much at stake in the coming elections, and I encourage you to vote your heart and mind for the greater good of this country and each person who resides in the United States. We will be listening to political ads for at least 10 months, and we need to learn all we can about issues and those supporting them. If we listen to our inner voice, and vote with our heart, I believe that all will be for the greater good in the future.
Our church will also undergo change in the coming year, and we trust that each of you will contribute your ideas and goals to that change. The Church Growth Team is active, and the departments of the church need your input and support. Thank you for all you do.
Bless you, Lelia Update on members:
Fred Brown, our organist and Certified Medium, is now at Harbor Pointe Nursing Facility in room 203. He appreciates visits and loves sweets. Please keep him on your prayer list.
Rev. Carol Brown is still recovering and is trying to regain her strength. She has had a long bout of illness, and misses MSC. We hope to see her soon. Also keep her on your prayer list .
Ann Marie Croteau is in treatment, and would love a card: 5567 Campus Drive, Virginia Beach, 23462. She is visiting family in New York and New Jersey over the holidays.
As of this writing, Ursula Rizzo is in DePaul Hospital.
REIKI WORKSHOP
Usui Reiki is a simple, natural system of touch healing that began in Japan through the discovery of a Zen Buddhist named Mikao Usui. The techniques are continuously passed down from teacher to student through a unique attunement process.
Reiki is a spiritual healing art, although it is not associated with any one belief system or doctrine, organized or otherwise. It is a holistic healing modality that encourages relaxation and relives suffering.
Reiki Level I will be offered at MSC in January by Karen Simon and Lynn Streeper.
This healing art needs to be experienced personally to completely understand it. In this four hour workshop you will be introduced to the history and techniques needed to practice Reiki. You will also receive the attuments necessary to raise your vibration and open you to the energy of Reiki, allowing you to share.
Please call the church and let us know if you are planning on attending so that we can prepare enough class material to include everyone.
We look forward to seeing you there and beginning your exciting journey with Reiki healing.
Lynn Streeper and Karen SimonFEBRUARY HAS A SPECIAL
FEATURE ON WEDNESDAY EVENINGS
February has five (5) Wednesdays. We are scheduling a special series of presentations for each Wednesday. Instead of a “New Member’s Class”, we are presenting a series of classes titled “Introduction to Spiritualism, and an introduction to The Memorial Spiritualist Church”. These classes are being prepared and shared by Ernest Leard, Licentiate Minister, and the Rev. Lelia Cutler.
We will cover topics including the NSAC Principles which are recited at each and every service, the definitions of terms, Natural Law, and there will be ample time at each class (evening), for questions and answers.
History of the Memorial Spiritualist Church will also be included in these classes, and some of the progress that has been made since 1939—the inception of MSC. We will learn the requirements for chartering a church, the reporting requirements to our parent organization, and have ample time to discuss our philosophy, as well as the science and religion of Spiritualism.
Look for a listing of topics to be covered on the February calendar, and prepare your questions for each class. These sessions will be in a class format, but held in the church chapel. Demonstrations of some of the elements may also be included. We hope you will mark your calendars to join us for these five Wednesdays in February and to learn with us as we share.
COMING LATER IN 2012
In March of 2012, we have a return visit from our friend, the Rev. Richard Schoeller. He will serve the church from March 1st through March 5th. He will be available for private consultations, and will present a Transfiguration séance. Watch the March newsletter for a listing of events during Richard’s visit.
In May, we will have the Reverends Bradley and Elizabeth Gosselin from Salem, Massachusetts visiting MSC. They will be here for a week and will present a workshop; Elizabeth will be available for spirit drawings with her readings. Watch future newsletters and calendars for these events, and other visiting ministers and special events at our church.
CHURCH GROWTH TEAM
The church Growth Team has made a lot of progress. We have a “sign-up book” in the vestibule of the church if you would like to serve as a “greeter”, an usher, or as a healer. As new people attend our church, it is always nice to have someone greet them and answer any questions they may have about the service or our religion. They will hand them a bulletin, and thank them for attending.
Ushers take up the offering, escort people to a seat, do any special errands needed in connection with the service, and work the lights for the healing portion of the service. If you feel you can help with one of these areas, please feel free to sign up and attend on Sunday mornings or Wednesday evenings.
Healers are required to have a commission as a healer from the NSAC, or be voted on by the Board of Directors of the church after attending the series of classes on Spiritual Healing. We have a lot of members who have attended the classes and are approved; however, if you would like to attend this series, it will be offered in March of the coming year.
The Church Growth Team has also helped the Spruill family as they expect new twins in the next month or so. Thank you to all those who participated in the “Angel Tree” gifts, and to those who contributed to the Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets. We have people who are experiencing challenges due to the present economy, and the baskets are well received. Thank you also to those who contribute to the church pantry. It is part of our ministry to help those who are in need.
The team is also preparing some advertising which they are making available around the neighborhood and at Old Dominion University, and other places with inquiring minds. There are many types of churches, but appreciate those who are helping with this team and with our church’s ministry.
FROM THE PRESIDENT:
EUGENE T. TURNER, III
Welcome to the New Year. The celebrations are over. 2011 has been tucked away. The New Year’s Eve party is our way of putting an end to the past year. We celebrate our victories over the past year. We come to terms with the lessons we learned.
The new year brings a lot of promise for new beginnings. We look forward to "What the New Year will bring us?". New challenges, new friends, and new victories. Sometimes we get to repeat lessons until we learn the right response. No matter how old you are. The advent of the new year makes us feel as if we have a clean slate.
No discussion of the new year is complete until we discuss "New Years’ Resolutions". We set lofty goals and wind up abandoning them shortly after the new year.
If you're going to have New Year’s resolutions, make the goals obtainable. Your long term goal may be to lose 50 lbs, but set the monthly goal at one or two pounds. Celebrate your progress for every ounce or pound. Use positive reinforcement. "I am, I can, I will". When you make your "New Year’s Resolutions" include attending church with us. We try to give you positive reinforcement. We're glad to see ya.
In February we're going to try something new. Rev. Lelia Cutler and Ernie Leard, LM, are going to present "Introduction to Spiritualism" classes on Wednesday nights instead of a regular lecture. There will be some history of MSC included. Old and new folks should enjoy these classes. I'm looking forward to it. I look forward to seeing all of ya'll in this New Year.
The annual MSC membership meeting is 17 January, 2012; it is scheduled to start at 7:30 pm. A change from last year: “proxies don't have to be mailed, they can be presented by the holder at the beginning of the meeting.” We hope to get maximum participation. Happy New Year and God Bless.
WINTER
Winter! I really love this time of year. It’s pretty stark out, and cold, but it’s beautiful too. Winter in Tidewater is so much more mild than PA or New England. Not much snow, and no ice. I haven’t worn my Winter coat since I’ve been here, and I moved in 2000.
This is the time of year that I love to make a nice hot cup of tea and catch up with friends I might not have been able to reach through the year. Everyone is so busy. But when it’s 30 degrees outside, I am inside toasty warm and sharing my last few months with friends far away.
After the rush of December, January is really quite nice. There are things to do and places to visit, but there’s not the crazy awful crush of the holiday season. I’ve had my visit with my family already, and will see them again in a few months. Now it’s time for me to reach out in other directions, to more friends and family.
2012 stretches out in front of us, a blank slate, ready for our decisions and actions. What will you make yours? I’m hoping to write more, both the Morris Pratt course and letters.
Will you start the year by coming to the membership meeting? I hope so. There’s a lot to be done at MSC, and we very much want your input. How do we make it better?
Maybe you’re thinking of coming to the healing classes in March with Reverend Cutler. They will be great! We can always use more healers in the church.
The Reiki class is in January and that will be great. Karen Simon is going to lead a group in the use of Reiki energy for healing. Everyone will become a Level I practitioner in just one session.
Think about coming out for something new. Any thing that interests you would be the place to start.
Mostly, this year, I want to spend more time and energy listening to that still small voice within. It’s there, I hear it occasionally. Now it’s time to really pay attention, focus and find what is in my heart to do. Discover what my soul needs to proceed with. It’s much easier to get quiet and meditate during the long cold nights of Winter, than when the sun is out and the out doors beckons.
By the time Spring begins it’s arrival, I hope to be much more able to get answers and really know what I want to do. This year will be a revival of many things, and the start of even more.
Are you doing everything you want to do? Keeping in touch with your inner wisdom? Know the direction you’re headed? I hope so. If not, why not use the beginning of this new year to seek the answers that will guide you? Take some time to meditate. You don’t need to spend hours doing it.
If you take no more time than our healing meditations during services, you’ll be much more aware and focused than not.
Whatever you decide to do, I wish you a new year filled with joy, hope, peace, family, challenges and love! It’s all around you. Enjoy!
Lynn StreeperFINANCIAL NEWS
For the month ended November, 2011, our General Fund and Building Fund balances were $6,454.94 & $2,130.77, respectively.
We are always grateful for the generosity of all who love this church.
Charlotte Miller, TreasurerThe Auxiliary:
Come out to the annual membership meeting to find out what the church has accomplished n 2011. We will have a president’s report, the treasurer’s report, an audit report, a report from the Pastoral Committee, and a report from our auxiliary.
For those who wonder what the auxiliary supports, come out to this meeting, and ask your questions, or give your suggestions. The Auxiliary raises funds by selling snacks and drinks. They purchase these snacks and drinks, but they also purchase the paper goods for the church (toilet tissue and paper towels), and make sure a supply of plates, cups, and napkins are available for use in our social events. The Auxiliary also tries to raise enough money to pay for the candles when they are ordered. When possible, the auxiliary also makes donations for the building fund, the convention fund, and other special needs. This year they purchased ten additional chairs for the classroom.
If you can help with this phase of the church, please contact Rev. Lelia Cutler, or Karen Simon. They are helping with the auxiliary at this time. New appointments of committee chair persons and committee members will be made following the annual meeting. The president appoints all committees. Look for other reports at the meeting.
