We Are Back! Wednesday Evening Service In-Person

If the Creek Don't Rise

In American slang, "... the creek don't rise" implies that strong intentions have been frustrated by unforeseeable but uncommon events, like weather! We've been meeting in person for ou mid-week service since the end of 2022, interrupted only once by a downpour of rain that made it difficult to get around Santa Rosa.

Nevertheless, we continue to have a strong commitment to our Wednesday Evening Service and look forward to seeing you at 7 pm. We meet in the Social Hall, where we serve cookies and tea and sometimes home-baked bread! The service is casual, with some meditative music, a message, and sometimes a spiritual practice.

A New Series

We are starting a new series this week, January 25, reviewing a paraphrased, modern English version of the first four chapters of The Science of Mind by Ernest Holmes. Dr. Edward will provide handouts and conduct a fill-in-the-blank process as we go through the paraphrase together!

January 25, The Thing Itself - Dr. Edward

February 1, What It Does - Dr. Edward

February 8, The Way It Works - Rev. Russ

February 15, How To Use It - Dr. Edward

Why a Paraphrase?

The Living Bible, unlike most translations of the Bible, is a paraphrase by Kenneth N. Taylor, written to make the text accessible to younger readers who might have difficulty with the King James Version. Remembering how much I enjoyed reading The Living Bible and how it provided for me a stepping stone to look at other classic translations, I saw how valuable a paraphrase of Ernest Holmes’s classic, The Science of Mind, would be for those beginning their study of metaphysics.

As I began the task of paraphrasing the first four chapters of The Science of Mind and Spirit, it occurred to me that the text resembled language transcribed from a spoken recording. Frequently, I came across paragraphs or sections of the book that more logically belonged in different chapters, as well as phrases that were redundant or awkward in the written form. I went about paraphrasing the text, attempting to present the first four chapters in well-organized thoughts using simplified language.

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Wednesday Evening Service with Dr. Edward Viljoen – New Location Tonight!

Join us for our evening service This Wednesday, October 2, at Congregation Shomrei Torah (2600 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95404) from 7:00 to 7:45 p.m . New Location Our usual location at the Center is being used for the High Holy Days celebration, so we’re gathering at this new spot for one night only. The Cathars of France Dr. Edward Viljoen, who recently returned from a European vacation, will lead the evening with a fascinating discussion about how we form our personal beliefs about life. He’ll share stories from his travels through Southern France, including his time in the land of the Cathars—a Christian sect from the 12th to 14th century whose beliefs stood in stark contrast to the dominant church of their time. Their tragic history raises powerful questions about what happens when deeply held beliefs are challenged. How do you respond when your beliefs are questioned? In this casual, engaging setting, Dr. Edward will guide us in reflecting on how we came to our own be

Dr. Edward Viljoen at Wednesday Evening - Recovering from Betrayal: Lessons from Holy Wednesday

Betrayal can leave us reeling, lost in a sea of shattered trust and emotional turmoil. Yet, within the stories we've inherited, there are paths forward, lessons on resilience, and recovery that resonate through time. Holy Wednesday, often overshadowed by the more prominent days of Holy Week, offers profound insights into the nature of betrayal and the steps toward healing. Dr. Edward will talk about the story of betrayal, understanding its impact on our peace, and the steps we may take to heal from it. The Story of Betrayal Holy Wednesday marks a pivotal moment in the Easter narrative—the day Judas Iscariot chose to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. This act wasn't a mere transaction; it was a breach of deep, personal trust. Judas, one of the twelve disciples, had walked alongside Jesus, sharing in the journey, the teachings, and the miracles. His betrayal set in motion the events leading to the crucifixion, a cornerstone of the Easter story. Understanding the Impact B

What Do You Believe Now?

Dear Community, I just love this old photo of me and Music Director Christopher Fritzsche. And, I love that I get to work with him at the Center. But that's not the point of this message. :) I invite you to gather with me on Wednesday, November 8th at 7 p.m. for our Evening Service, where I'll talk about my own journey with Science of Mind, which began at a time when the world was less inundated with information. Today, with a deeper understanding of the nuances of human emotion, neurodiversity, social dynamics, and mental health, I find it enriching to revisit and question the ideas that initially drew me in. The concept that our thoughts have creative power prompted me to ask questions and seek out answers that were both invigorating and, at times, challenging. I've come to appreciate an approach that values evidence and personal growth over accepting ideas at face value. Our gathering is open to all, irrespective of individual beliefs about the divine. Instead, we fo

Wednesday Evening Service

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