CENTRE OF LIGHT
DIVINE SCIENCE EXTENSION CAMPUS

MINISTERS
Helen Penfold
Mallory Kretzmann

FOUNDER
Rev. Dr. June Jones

  DECEMBER 2009 / JANUARY 2010  NEWSLETTER

MERRY CHRISTMAS
HELEN'S CHRISTMAS LETTER

If we consider the word "oasis", we normally think or perceive of it in relation to a wilderness or desert. It is defined as: a watering place; a fertile area; a haven or refuge; a sanctuary or shelter within a seeming desolate place. In our respective journeys through life today are we not really all seeking an oasis as we travel through sometimes rough terrain, storms, or droughts? What I really want to focus on in this message is the word, "within". All of life begins within, and proceeds out from, the Source.

I am sure you are all familiar with the term, "ripple effect". One of the most important ripple effects in our life's experience begins with you and me. Each of us, with our believing, thinking and acting, are setting up ripples. In fact some of us (quite knowingly) also "stir the pot" so to speak. The first ripple effect we feel or sense, comes from ourselves. I am referring here, predominantly, to the human level of life. This is when we are living and experiencing life at the relative sense; and it is here that we are more subject to the ups and downs of life and feel most out of control. It is also at this relative sense of being that we are most affected by these ripple effects of life.

Now, we need to consider that most of these (conditions, challenges etc.) are passing and temporary; yet it depends largely on how much we invest into them. When we focus on an issue or condition, we are (knowingly, or unknowingly) investing into that very thing - whatever it is. And as much as we focus on, or buy into, anything, we are in turn strengthening the ripple effect of that condition, issue or challenge. So many times the very things we don't want in our lives, use up all our energy and attention.

When we move beyond all this to the deeper meaning of what Life is really all about, our experiences match our growing understanding. And it is at this deeper level of understanding and conscious awareness that we perceive the true Source of all Life, and the "ripple effect" of this Truth is eternal!! It is when we choose to see more and perceive Life from an inner understanding that we are not shaken by what appears to be, on the surface.

We cannot be gripped by what is happening in the world and at the same time find peace. Let us come back now to that oasis that we all seek. Before continuing though, I must just tell you that during my busy schedule, I got a call from my daughter reminding me that I had promised to be at the "Moms and Tots" school my grandson attends, the next morning. This really stretched me time wise, and part of me resisted this intrusion into my day. I decided though, to be there, and what a gift it was. It was like being in a little oasis in that it reminded me that there is another way to live life. The little children in their simplicity; their joy in playing; their enthusiasm for the songs and music and movement, was so special. I was reminded of the suggestion that we "become as little children."

These little ones are still living so honestly, being true to who they are and expressing themselves accordingly. When we let go of all the clutter accumulated by seeming tidal waves of mental debris, and learn from these, our little teachers, it goes straight to that place within that automatically resonates with truth. And an experience like that does not have to be audited, scrutinized, or even considered - it is simply an authentic energetic exchange of truth: truth being expressed, recognized, and received, without human intervention. And it is this very human intervention that prevents us from reaching the oasis; it begins with the human effort to get there - and we try so hard sometimes, don't we?

It does not matter where we are geographically or otherwise in life - when we choose we can bring ourselves to the oasis experience. And we can do this because the true oasis is found at the core of our being. This is where we find sanctuary, spiritual nourishment, and peace. But ...... and it is a very big "but" ... we need to give up, or surrender, any human expectations or preconceived ideas. How often do we resist letting go of human intervention? We need to just be what we are in truth. When we do this we remove ourselves from the five sensory world with its sometimes tumultuous ripples of fear, change, and challenge.

One of the most important aspects of Jesus' teaching was in his statement: "I of mine own self can do nothing .....it is the Father within who doeth the works." He surrendered to truth and allowed that which created him to flow and express through him. The so-called oases in the world offer only temporary rest and sustenance, but the true and lasting nourishment comes when we stop and let that which we are in truth, be fully realized in consciousness.

The human mind cannot be spiritualized - we bypass it to that inner dwelling place, the inner oasis - the true kingdom that is not of this world. At the level of human experience we have a worried mind living in the future, with an unhappy mind living in the past. When we surrender both past and future and bring our conscious awareness to the Presence, (in the present moment) we consciously have a peaceful, God-filled mind.

Find the oasis within, especially as the world heads towards much outer celebration in the forthcoming holiday season.

Surrender to the moment:............... in the inner stillness, sense the Presence of God.

An inner peace from the One Source of all Life fills your entire being now,

And you experience an all-pervading feeling of balance and harmony.

From this place of Spiritual Union, a ripple effect of Truth is set in motion.............

There is only God!.........

And from this place of inner knowing, and with trust and joy, we let go of the ripple................

As with the deepest sense of gratitude in our hearts, we celebrate the Truth it carries.

United together now, in the oasis of the Holy Season,

We say: "thank you!"

Amen

DIVINE SCIENCE CLASSES:

We have enclosed (attached) a Class Schedule for 2010. Once again we offer opportunities, through attending the classes / workshops, to individuals who are intent on their own personal spiritual growth.

SUNDAY CARING:

Will parents please take note that the last Sunday for caring for children this year, will be Sunday 06 December. Jannette and her volunteers regret that there will be no Sunday Caring during the school holidays.

ACT SOCIAL COMMITTEE:

A report-back on the Moonlight Festival held in November: A big 'thank you' is extended to all convenors of ACT Stalls and all volunteers who worked hard and enthusiastically to make the event such a success. A special 'thank you' also to Roger Gilson, who shared his singing and musical talents with us; it was enjoyed by all, and really rounded off the proceedings. And 'thank you' to all who attended. The event brought in just over R8000-00.

The February 2010 letter will give details of anticipated events, walks, and movies for the next year.

WITH GRATITUDE - we thank each and every one of our ACT Family Members and Friends for your support of the Centre and the teaching of Truth. Remember this is your Centre, a touchstone, serving and honouring your spiritual growth; and whichever way you choose to invest in it, will bring forth true rewards - realization of the fruits of Spirit!

HELEN'S CHRISTMAS LETTER:

»»You will find Helen's letter attached

DATES TO DIARISE:

2009

Sunday - 20 December 19:00 Carols by Candlelight

(No morning service)

Friday - 25 December 09:00 (earlier starting time) Christmas Service

Thursday - 31 December 12:00 - 15:00 Silent Vigil in Sanctuary

2010

Sunday - 17 January 09:30 1st Service of the year.

*Please note that the ACT office will be closed from 29 December 2009, to re-open on Tuesday 17 January 2010.

In closing……………….

John Cardinal Newman, who lived in the 1800's stated the following:

"The foundations of the oceans, the vast realms of water which girdle the earth, are as tranquil and as silent in the storm, as in the calm. So it is with the souls of holy people.

They have a well of peace within them unfathomable; and though the accidents of the hour make them agitated, yet in their hearts they are not so."

Bountiful blessings ……..

Bountiful Blessings
MALLORY