"A sense of separation from God

is the only lack you really need correct."

A Course in Miracles  

The Dalai Lama says the greatest challenge facing the world now is to realize our oneness. It doesn't matter whether we are two major factions in conflict in the Middle East or two strong-willed individuals destined to work together in the little town of Ojai, California. What can we focus upon that will open our hearts? It will surely not be our differences. It will be the place inside of us that can recognize each other and realize our sameness. No matter how far apart our egos have taken us, in the end, there is that within us which never separates itself from the other. How do we come together in that place?

That's where the power is. That's where all things are possible. The walls of defense come down; the heart opens. There is nothing to push against. We no longer feel threatened and we don't have to protect ourselves. Now we can build upon what we know about each other that reminds us of ourselves. I see you, but most importantly, I see myself in you. I can now see your strengths and your heart. I'm not afraid of you any more--that you will try to hurt me or take something from me. I see that there is more than enough. A surprise is that great personal healing can take place in the name of another. The hearts expand in harmony and remembrance.

That's the answer for reconciliation on all levels. How can I become quiet enough to listen to my own heart? When I do that, I am guided and directed in the most perfect ways. Thank you God for loving us so much!

Our affirmation for the day: I surrender completely to the power and presence of God within me!

In love and peace,

Rev. Karen Wylie

Guest Musician - Happy News

For those of you who attended the wonderful party at Sherry Owen's home on Friday, September 14, you will be happy to hear that David Gorospe who played the keyboards in the band that night will be playing at the Symphony of Life this coming Sunday, along with Patricia Cardinali. David writes some fabulous inspirational songs, one or two of which you will probably hear this Sunday. Plan on being there! Below are pictures of Patricia Cardinali, our Music Director, who is celebrating one year with the Symphony of Life and several of the individuals who helped to create the beautiful party environment at Sherry Owen's home.

Free Movie Tonight

Our spiritual cinema night this evening will feature Bonsai People, a documentary on the work of Muhammad Yunus and Grameen Bank to support the development of the world's poorest people. In 2006, Yunus and the Grameen Bank won the Nobel Peace Prize for giving microcredit loans to poor women. Since then, Yunus has pioneered an entire movement: social businesses--enterprises created for the public good, including health clinics, renewable energy businesses, technical and vocational schools, and even a yogurt-delivery service to improve childhood nutrition in impoverished rural communities. "Poor people are bonsai people," Yunus says. "There is nothing wrong with their seed; society just never allowed them the space to grow." To give them the space, Grameen, which means "village" in the Bangla language, offers micro-loans and community support groups to women in the poorest rural areas. There is even an interest-free program for beggars so that they can get back on their feet. As the women pay back their initial loans, they qualify for larger loans. Grameen boasts a 97% repayment rate. A discussion will follow the screening. Doors open at 6:30 and the movie begins at 7:00 p.m. Although the event is free, donations are gratefully accepted and go to Casa de la Luna Retreat, 710 S. La Luna Avenue. There is parking on the property.

Gratitude and Thanksgiving

Our thanks to Bob Quinn who does our announcements on Sunday morning and Angela Clerou who was our greeter this past Sunday and who also did our reading.   They are pictured below.

Also, our thanks go to Brian Pavelko who facilitated our children's program and to our beautiful children who make our chidlren's program possible. Some of them are pictured below.

Symphony of Life Book Club

We have a wonderful book club at the Symphony of Life which meets on the first Friday of every month at one of the participant's homes. We meet at 7:00 p.m. for a lively discussion of the month's current selection, followed by a wonderful dessert treat. For the month of September, we have been reading "Amaryllis in Blueberry," by Christina Meldrum. You are welcome to join in at any time. Our next meeting will be held on Friday, October 5th. Contact Peggie Williamson, (805) 640-2450, for the location and further information.

Special Event in October

Bob and Tiese Quinn cordially invite Symphony of Life members and friends to attend a Rites of Passage Event for Tiese's birthday. There will be a Wise Woman Crone Ceremony & a Men's Empowerment Ceremony held concurrently on Sunday, October 7, 2012, from 12:15 - 1:30 p.m. at the Ojai Woman's Club following the service, 441 E. Ojai Avenue. (A Crone Ceremony honors elder women who claim their wisdom medicine.) We would like to know if you are attending so that we can prepare the proper amount of celebration items and food. Respond to: tiesequinn@aol.com.

New YouTube Video 

Check out the home page of our website to see our YouTube Video!  

Visit our SOLSC Website

Please go to www.solsc.org to visit our community website.

Visit SOLSC Facebook