"You have heard music and singing in Our Community. These must be looked upon as a part of the labor. . .One can become accustomed to making use of art as a condensation of forces. A work of beauty can produce not only a heightening of activity but also a sharpening of forces. One should accept this fact consciously and learn to make use of emanations of creativeness. . . One's being quivers in spirals of light, and light rings out."

Agni Yoga, New Era Community, section 224 

Sunday, September 4, 10:30 a.m.

Labor Sunday

"Surrounding the Community with

Sound & Sacred Readings"

Rev. Mary Jane Dicus, Rev. Dr. Susan Hamilton, Rev. Mark Throckmorton

Life is a continuum of vibration in which each living thing has its own rate of frequency. Even though we may not hear or feel all of the different vibrations, they are interacting with us all the time. We, in turn, affect these frequencies through our own sounds and actions. Join us for this unique music-filled service as we permeate the sanctuary with the vibration of sacred tones, songs and words from sacred readings. Together, we can be an instrument of Divine harmony for our community and our world while we also nurture our hearts, minds and spirits through the resonance of our collective voice.

"Courage! Prepare for the In-Breath"

Sunday, September 18, 10:30 a.m.

"Inner Wisdom"

Rev. Cynthia McGinnis

As we find our own way along the Path, each of us a Co-Creator with the Divine, there are great gifts of Wisdom. Incorporating the practices of contemplation, chanting, toning, music, and movement, please join us for an experiential opportunity to tap into the unlimited wealth of Inner Wisdom.

Officiator: Rev. Mary Jane Dicus
Communion: Rev. Tom Simota
Hierarchy Meditation/Offertory Blessing: Rev. Tom Simota
Music Minister: Rev. Mary Jane Dicus 

Sunday, September 25, 10:30 a.m.

"Abundance and Plenty: Gifts from God"

Rev. Steven Chase

The world is plagued by economic woes and uncertainty, but we live in the richest country in history and still have children going to bed hungry! Today's lesson reflects on the source of our abundance and how we choose to use these gifts. Are we using them as a disciple of the Master's should handle them? Join us as we come together to consider the options and opportunities.

Save the date, tell your friends,

and plan to be there!

 CONNECT GROUPS  

September 1 

Prayer Shawl Group, First Thursday, Fellowship Hall, 7:00 p.m.

The prayer shawl group meets to knit and crochet shawls and lap blankets with prayers, love and good wishes for those who would benefit from these comfort items.

Once a year we gather these items at our November Sunday Blessing service and take them to nursing homes, oncology units and the like as our service work.

All are welcome to join us, beginners and advanced needle workers. We are interested in teaching those who wish to learn to crochet or knit.

September 13 

Monthly Wellness Center Healing Circle, Second Tuesday, Wellness Center, 7:00 p.m.

The Sparrow Hawk healers are hosting a monthly healing circle in the Wellness Center. Different healers will plan a new healing modality each month providing diverse experiences. All are welcome, so please join us.  

September 15
Monthly Toning Healing Circle, Third Thursday, Sanctuary, 7:00 p.m. 

Those who participate in the toning circle come together for the purpose of experiencing the vibrational qualities of our crystal toning bowls, the healing power of chanting and the haunting sound of the free notes. Participants can choose to surround themselves with the energy of one individual toning device, or experience them all at once. Most importantly, the presence of each individual adds to the power of the group. All are invited to join in this experience.

September 25 

Orin Meditation Group, Fourth Sunday, Sanctuary, 1:00 p.m.

Join the meditation group that holds short group meditations guided by channeled visualizations and meditation from the Orin material. Rev. Maggie Webb Adams-Karjens from Iowa introduced this material to seven village folks about two years ago. The group believes these meditations have drawn the attention of those [in body and in spirit] who are in alignment with the higher plan by attracting people, resources and those with a servant heart to assist the journey of Light of Christ Community Church, Sancta Sophia Seminary and Sparrow Hawk Village.

If you are interested in meditating with a group of like-minded individuals, to add your positive energies to the healing and restoration of all levels of consciousness, humanity, Mother Earth and the solar systems beyond us -- come join us in body or in spirit. We welcome all to unite in our efforts to send out a positive, healing vibration into the ethers.

September 29 

Blessings of the Cosmos Group, Thursday, Sanctuary, 7:00 p.m.

Pastor Retha Banez invites all who would like to participate in a monthly group called "Blessings of the Cosmos," based on the Neil Douglas-Klotz Aramaic work highlighting nearly two dozen of Jesus' most powerful benedictions. His book reminds us that each one is a promise that "every person might become a son or daughter of God, living in wisdom and compassion, as Jesus did." Join Pastor Banez as she leads us through one of these powerful blessings each time we meet accompanied by a beautiful, guided body prayer. We are also working with and practicing the Aramaic Lord's Prayer.  

The Celestial Hierarchy of Virgo

Virgo by Johfra

The Celestial Hierarchy of Virgo rules from August 23 to September 23. Called the Lords of Wisdom, these holy ones help us learn to use the resources we discover as the heart opens. They encourage the mind to allow its abundant abilities to be guided by the heart, and to open to the feminine quality of "just knowing." We become wise, not just with the knowing of the rational mind, but by transmuting knowledge to wisdom.

This hierarchy introduces us to the symbols of wheat, stars, and the Madonna. Mystery teachings state that wheat is a gift to Earth from Venus. Symbolically, it promises that our needs will be met. The Madonna calls all of us to allow the tender mother to guide our minds, not just our hearts. When we experience the hierarchies of water (Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces), we become well aware of the emotionalism in a new kind of knowing. The mental make-up transforms into soul knowledge. The symbol of the virgin also reminds us of the process of self-sacrifice -- giving all one has to offer -- and the transformation, transmutation, and transfiguration one must undergo on the Path of Initiation.

The symbology of the celestial virgin, rich in meaning, conveys the idea that one has to give up one stage to move to a more mature one. The Divine Feminine guards and protects the child-like initiate. Virgos have visionary qualities that bring hope and expanded awareness.  

Adapted from The Book of Rituals--Personal and Planetary Transformation by Reverend Carol E. Parrish-Harra � 1990, IBS Press, Santa Monica, CA, & 1999, Sparrow Hawk Press, Tahlequah, OK.