January 2008
The Light Bearer
Light of Christ Community Church
 
In This Issue
 
January Bulletin
 
Kabalah Class
 
Upcoming Events
 
New Class Forming
 
 A Christian Kabalah Class will begin in January for those who would like an introduction to the mystical approach that evolved out of Jewish tradition. Forming a rich foundation for Christianity, Kabalah is believed to be a major influence in the life of Master Jesus.
 
This class, offered by Sancta Sophia Seminary and taught by Rev, Carol Parrish, will begin January 16th with weekly sessions from 10 AM to noon on most Wednesdays. Classes will work around the seminary's schedule so that there will not be conflicting time schedules for students interested in other classes. This introductory section will conclude by May 1st.  
 
The cost is $10 per lesson and $40 for printed material for the first 8 lessons. We ask that you register early so we know how many packets to print.
 
Please contact registrar@sanctasophia.org
for more details.
 
Blue Capricorn
New Moon in Capricorn 
 
Rev. Robert Willson and Rev. Retha Banez will officiate our new moon service on Tuesday, January 8th at 8 AM in the chapel.
 
 
Lav Aquarius
Full Moon in Aquarius
 
Rev. Carol Parrish and Rev. Robert Willson lead our full moon celebration on Tuesday, January 22nd at 8 AM.
 
Thank You For Your Support
 
The work of Sancta Sophia Seminary and Light of Christ Community Church would not be possible without your support. 
 
advent
 
We thank all of you who contribute to the work in whatever way you are able.
 
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Contact Us 
  
 We love hearing from you! If you have a question or a comment, please write us at:
 
Dear Light Bearers,
 
As we step across the river of life into 2008, there are some real significant meanings to ponder. First, let us recall that 2008 is a "1" year, and that means a new beginning. Many persons are pondering what a "1" year in the last stage of the 25 years of transition might mean. Remember the last stage of this transitional period is entitled "acceptance." So for me, I believe we are accepting that the old way is done. We have been depressed about many hopes, dreams and wishes, so now we must figure out something else.
 
I want to call to your attention a unique flashing light to all of us: realize January l, 2008 is really 1-1-1. How is that for saying we begin anew! Here comes not one, but three "1's" to help us do it. Now the entire world, all of humanity, is forced to deal with a triple vibration of "1".
 
So we each have some things to do in a new way--so says our universal year. Inside that framework, you and I may have a personal year number to deal with. Mine happens to be a "5" (and I don't really like "5" years. They force choice and change; actually they give us the freedom needed to get into mischief).
 
Back to the "1" year. We can probably all see a number of things that are building to make us shift our consciousness. We need to be alert also to some of the astrological influences on the horizon. Pluto is moving into Capricorn, which tends to be reform-in-action. Pluto will be there for 27 years and will give all of us time to re-format our lives. Under this influence, we shall pass over 2012. I expect it not to be so nice at times: rebellions, revolutions, rethinking all will be stirring, and we can already see the world is set up for such.
 
International contacts, which in the past were not possible, readily let us know what is happening elsewhere. Financial concerns overseas rock us here, and we are not the trusting folks we were a few years ago. Most of us sense it is time now to "hunker down" and "wait out the storm". We are out of denial and more readily accept change and chance. Perhaps we are ready to try some new solutions.
 
These new ideas will not be as the concepts were "once upon a time", but must be seen in light of the Aquarian influence now with us. Even as Pluto enters Capricorn, the Sun is in Aquarius giving Pluto an up-to-date freshness--he will have a new style, but still be testy. The old influence is still there; astrologically Pluto is still Pluto no matter what some scientists have to say.
 
My suggestion is to calculate your personal year, and see how harmonious the new universal year (1) is with it. Also, you might consider having a very fine astrologer or numerologist look at your personal chart with you to see what you can see. I believe 2008 can be a year to be remembered.
 
planetsBlessings,
 
Carol
 
 
Sunday, January 6th, 10:30 AM 
Epiphany Sunday
"Following the Star to Holy Birth"
 
adventThe Feast of Epiphany marks the culmination of the Twelve Days of Christmas.  We come together on this Sunday to commemorate the coming of The Three Kings who followed the Star laying their three gifts at the feet of the Christ Child. Rev. Retha Banez invites you to join her in uncovering the esoteric meaning of this event.  Come and discover specific steps to take in a month-long journey in our personal quest as we strive to follow the Star of our own Solar Angel to the birth of the Christ within ourselves.    
 
Communion: Rev. Robert Willson
Officiator: Pract. Pamela Ramsfield
Music: Rev. Roberta Wilkes / Doris Pass
Hierarchy Meditation: Rev. Bonita Plymale
 
 
Sunday, January 13th, 10:30 AM 
"Baptism of Our Lord"
 
brendaBaptism marks the full commitment to a certain path. We think we know what Jesus the Christ was committing to so long ago. Rev. Brenda Cutrell explores what it means today. 
 
Communion:
Rev. Retha Banez
Officiator: Rev. Bonita Plymale
  Music: Rev. Roberta Wilkes / Doris Pass
Hierarchy Meditation: Rev. Peggy Eaton
 
 
Sunday, January 20th, 10:30 AM
Ecumenical Sunday / Carol's Sunday
"The Meaning of One Humanity"
 
adventThis is a remarkable time to be alive. People around the world are searching for ways to discover the hidden oneness that weaves us together. We usually think in limitation, and the concept of One Humanity challenges us to include those we do not like, understand or fear. You and I, as we try to be leaders, are uniquely struggling to "work the puzzle" in which we find ourselves. Many are dedicated in word, but fail to realize the responsibility the Hierarchy places on us when we step into the fiery energy of the higher way. Spirit depends upon the ones who would be wise to carry the work forward. Rev. Carol Parrish examines how we can do that.
 
Communion: Rev. Carol Parrish
Music: Rev. Roberta Wilkes / Doris Pass
Hierarchy Meditation: Rev. Steven Chase
 
 
Sunday, January 27th, 10:30 AM   
"Oblivious to Awareness"
 
peg eatonWe can all name one defining moment when our reality got blown away! One moment before, we thought we KNEW. Then a word, an event, or an insight altered our consciousness forever. We "can never go home again," because our reality has changed. Rev. Peggy Eaton will help us explore these moments in time, using examples from the congregation of their defining moments. We will explore ways to speed up our alteration process so that we can move from being oblivious to becoming aware.
 
Officiator: Rev. Robert Willson
Communion: Rev. Marjorie Stuth 
Music: Rev. Roberta Wilkes / Doris Pass
Hierarchy Meditation: Rev. Connie Swan
 
 
LCCC Schedule of Events
 
Morning Meditation
8 AM, Monday - Friday
 
World Healing Meditation
7:30 PM, Monday
 
Aquarian Rosary
9 AM, Saturday
 
Discipleship Class
6:30 PM, Tuesday
 
 
meditator lake
 
 
Please note the following schedule changes for January:
Twelve Days of Christmas Meditations from Dec. 26 - Jan. 6
Meditation at 9 AM on January 1
Special meditations on January 8 & 22
 
 
Upcoming Seminary Events
 
February 2
GRADUATE PROGRAM ORIENTATION
 
February 4 - 8
GRAD WEEK I: CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY: Christianity: The Fulfillment of Christ's Mission
Rev. Dr. John Nash
Christianity was a very human response to the Christ's message of love, inclusiveness, and expanding human consciousness.  It has exhibited broad diversity of beliefs, observances, attitudes and behavior.  Christianity's 2,000-year history reveals saintliness and depravity; turmoil, disagreements and reconciliations; episodes of glory, tragedy, comedy, rejoicing and sadness.  Nevertheless, Christianity's mysteries continue to impress us, along with the insights of its mystics, the attainments of its scholars, and the selflessness of those who serve in Christ's name.
 
The course will examine Christianity's origins, failures and successes and will explore what can be done to ensure that Christ's vision for humanity and the world is realized more completely as we move into the Aquarian Age. $500
February 2, 3, 9
WELLNESS GUIDE PROGRAM: Wellness of Spirit
Director, Rev. Linda Oliver, RN
We know that advancement on the spiritual path is enhanced by meditation. As guides, we learn how to teach others the science of meditation and explore universal laws with their everyday application to life. Understanding the difference between spiritual emergencies and physiological problems and their treatment is an important function of the wellness guide. Spiritual wellness-the alignment of inner and outer selves-can be activated by utilizing ancient, as well as contemporary, wisdom of both East and West.

This is one of three components required for Wellness Guide certification. Note: Wellness Guide Program classes begin on the Saturday morning prior to Graduate Week and continue on the Sunday prior and the Saturday following Grad Week. Wellness Guide enrollees also participate in Grad Week activities with other seminary students. $500 Grad Week plus $200 Wellness Guide Week-Ends ($700 total)
February 2, 5, 7
SPIRITUAL MENTOR PROGRAM: Prayer and Meditation:
The Mystical Experience in Self and Others
Director, Rev. Carol Parrish
The Spiritual Mentor Program prepares individuals to assist those who seek a personal relationship with the Divine Essence within themselves. A Spiritual Mentor is a catalyst, confidentially interacting with the seeker to stimulate the process of relating and responding to God as personally understood. This work transforms the mentor as well as the seeker.
 
This is one of three components required for Spiritual Mentor certification. Note: Spiritual Mentor Program classes are scheduled in conjunction with Graduate Week. Spiritual Mentor enrollees also participate in Grad Week activities with other seminary students. $500 Grad Week plus $200 Spiritual Mentor activities ($700 total)
February 18 - 22
INTERMEDIATE ASTROLOGY
Dennis Acrea
Prerequisite: Basic Astrology or the equivalent, including knowledge of signs, houses and planets. $225/250, incl. lunch
February 26 - March 2
29TH ANNUAL INTENSIVE: The Sancta Sophia Showcase
Rev. Carol Parrish and Team
Creative, stimulating, and fun, this annual event is a time to share the deep insights and spiritual growth of the Seminary's students, advisors, and faculty. Join these like-minded individuals, who gather to strengthen the inner call to which they resonate. Through a variety of inspiring presentations, we gain a deeper grasp of esoteric teachings and how they can help us better perceive our part in this era of transition. A great time for a first visit! $500, incl. lunch, dinner, housing
 
The ideals which have lighted my way, and time after time have given me new courage to face life cheerfully, have been Kindness, Beauty, and Truth . . . The trite subjects of human efforts--possessions, outward success, luxury--have always seemed to me contemptible.
--Albert Einstein