Solstice: A Night of Renewal and Reflection: Pre Winter-Solstice Service on December 20

As the calendar pages turn and we approach the year's shortest day, we invite you to join us in celebrating light and renewal. Our Winter Solstice service will be held on Wednesday, December 20, at 7 pm, aligning with our regular weekly Wednesday Evening Service.

A day before the actual solstice, this gathering symbolizes our commitment to coming together, honoring our traditions, and finding warmth in the community.

This year's solstice service offers a unique blend of reflection, joy, and anticipation. As the night unfolds, we'll gather around our community tree, a symbol of hope and the returning light. Adorned with handmade ornaments, our community tree reminds us that light, beauty, and warmth are within reach even in dark times.

We will light battery-operated votive candles in the season's spirit, casting a gentle glow that mirrors our inner light. This act of illumination is not just about the physical light; it's a symbolic gesture toward igniting the light within ourselves and each other.

Amidst the flickering candles, we will engage in the soulful tradition of singing. As Dacha Avelin beautifully expressed, "After the longest night, tomorrow we sing up the dawn." Our songs will be a rejoicing, an acknowledgment that the sun, and indeed hope, is ever-present.

This gathering is also a time for setting intentions. As we stand at the threshold of a new cycle, as Margaret Atwood eloquently puts it, "the year's threshold and unlocking," we invite you to reflect on the past and envision a future filled with growth and possibilities. It's a moment to breathe deeply, acknowledge the stillness, and prepare for the journey ahead.

And, as always, our gathering wouldn't be complete without the aroma of freshly baked bread and the comforting warmth of tea.

So, as Scott Awbrey says, let's take part in this sacred cycle, feeling the renewal of our own lives. Join us in celebrating the sun's rebirth, a reminder of the continuous cycle of life and renewal.

Warm regards,

Edward Viljoen, Senior Minister

Photo by Paolo Nicolello on Unsplash

Comments

You Determine Your Welfare - Special Wednesday "Pulpit-Swap" Service with Dr. Edward and Rev. Russ

The idea that you determine your welfare speaks to the Science of Mind idea that well-being grows from the choices we make in thought, practice, and community. Using the book "Basic Ideas of Science of Mind" as our guide, our Wednesday evenings have been exploring the use of our mind, emotions, and actions, to contribute to our spiritual welfare. This Wednesday, join Dr. Edward Viljoen and Rev. Russ Legear at a special location to continue the exploration. Some context: Each year our community makes space for our neighbors at the local synagogue to gather more fully for the High Holy Days. In addition to being a gesture of hospitality, it carries a deeper reminder that our welfare is shaped by the choices we make together. We, in turn, hold our Wednesday Evening service in their beautiful synagogue and you're invited to join us. Science of Mind teaches that the Creative Power of Life responds to the quality of our consciousness, and through spiritual practice we ...

"Spirit Is An Artist" - Wednesday Evening Service with Rev. Russ

Every breath we take, every new friend we make; the tallest snowy mountaintop to the darkest depths of the sea--all is an act of creation. In fact, because Spirit is all there is, that means that we, too, are endlessly creating. Whether we know it or not. In tonight's Wednesday Evening Service, we continue our exploration of the Ten Core Concepts of the Science of Mind and Spirit with the third--the creative nature of Spirit. We'll share in spiritual exercises designed to grow your awareness of your creative nature so you can tap into it to paint the life of your dreams. And all will be wrapped in an atmosphere of music, freshly baked bread, and loving community. See you soon! -Russ

"Living On a Prayer" - Wednesday Evening Service with Rev. Russ

Whether he knew it or not, Bon Jovi was affirming a powerful prayer in his iconic song, "Living On a Prayer." One of the lyrics goes like this: We've got to hold on to what we've got Cause it doesn't make a difference If we make it or not We've got each other and that's a lot For love - well give it a shot Whooah, we're half way there Livin on a prayer Take my hand and we'll make it - I swear Livin on a prayer Tonight in our continuing series exploring the ten core concepts of the Science of Mind and Spirit, we will explore prayer--known as Spiritual Mind Treatment in the Science of Mind--and how we can use it to shift our mind from a focus on all that appears wrong, toward a focus on life that is rooted in compassion, love, and possibility. See at the Center at 7pm! -Russ

Wednesday Evening Service

Search This Blog