CENTRE OF LIGHT
DIVINE SCIENCE EXTENSION CAMPUS

  FEBRUARY 2006 NEWSLETTER

MINISTERS
Helen Penfold
Mallory Kretzmann

FOUNDER
Rev. Dr. June Jones

So many times in life we are at the threshold – right on the edge – of discovering who we are in truth. So many times we are almost “face to face” with ourselves. And …. then the ego steps in with its need to control – the moment passes – and we may feel a faint regret, yet at the same time we breathe a sigh of relief at not having “gone there” this time.

“Going there” requires moving into the unknown, yet, what is there to fear? Why would we rather expend our energy and attention on fighting the known foe, as it were, instead of choosing the peace, love and joy that is the kingdom promised us? The peace, love and joy that is not of this world. When I talk about the known foe, I am referring to the financial challenges, health problems, relationship issues, unemployment, etc., that occur in our world. You see, these are things we can fight. Yet who or what is doing the fighting? And who or what is going to win or lose the battle? And at what cost do we approach these quests to overcome situations and conditions? Situations and conditions that are of the human world and have nothing whatever to do with God.

Charles Fillmore of Unity, said: “Life to every person should be a journey in jubilance.” Many people reading or hearing this statement would be most cynical about it because most of the time we relate or measure everything according to the world of effects; the world around us. So, a likely response would be: “How can we be jubilant about life when such and such is happening / not happening?” and so on and so on. Once again we are restricting ourselves to only that which we know as humans.

So, what is it we need to be doing, knowing, or changing in order to participate in the jubilance of Life? For a start we can work with Cause instead of effect. We can choose to focus on remaining centered in the Cause of all life – God. Or we can choose to stay stuck in the quicksand of human struggle.

Years ago my children came home from school on a mission. A mission to grow beans. The bean seeds had to be placed in wet cotton-wool on saucers on the kitchen windowsill, and these soggy masses provided an interesting conversation starter for some days until germination took place and something was seen to be happening. It was very interesting to see, on close inspection, that the seeds appeared to have split apart, and out of the centre (apparently out of nothing), germination had occurred. The tiny first shoot and taproot could be seen. I was not in this teaching then, but have since thought it a wonderful illustration of Cause. Out of the seeming nothingness at the centre between the two halves of the bean seed – out of the invisible – the new plant had birthed itself. And even more interesting to see was that, as the little plants grew, so the two sides of the seed shrivelled and dropped off. Their part in the plan was complete. And to me this is much like us when we begin to understand more and more of Life; more and more of Truth – the Truth that is – we slowly let go of things that may at one time have featured high on our list of needs or desires.

The seed halves of the bean are like our bodies, the temples that house our souls. The originating idea of the bean’s possibilities lies unseen within the seed. But because we cannot see the idea does not mean it does not exist. The originating idea holding the potential of each soul, is to be found within each individual – unseen, but there!

It has been said often, that the most difficult of all things is: To Know Thyself! This takes us back to the threshold, that edge of discovery ………knowing who we are in truth, because it is this uncovering, as it were, of Truth, of Self, that will allow us to experience a life that is a journey in jubilance. Let us surrender and not “just stand there”, but knowing the truth, cross that threshold into the kingdom where the love, peace and joy (not of this world) are to be experienced. Let us accept the life of jubilance that is ours by Divine right. And let us accept it with gratitude!

DIVINE SCIENCE – BIBLE NEW TESTAMENT:
This class, presented by Mallory Kretzmann, will commence on Thursday 23 February at 7.15pm. Over the 10 weeks, the emphasis will be on the awakening of the spiritual nature of man as told through the birth of Christ. These lessons focus on an in-depth study of the inner meaning of the teachings and example of Jesus through his Christ consciousness. There is a list for names on the notice board. Bible – Old Testament is a pre-requisite for this course. Investment: R220-00

LENTEN SEASON – A TIME FOR PURIFICATION AND CLEANSING
The Lenten Season offers a wonderful opportunity to consciously choose to rise to a higher state of consciousness. Join Helen Penfold each Tuesday during Lent to share in a 40 day period of preparation for Easter. Meetings will include: Group discussion; meaningful ritual; meditation. Duration: 28 February to 11 April 2006. Time: 7.00 to 8.30pm. Investment: R150-00. A list for names is on the notice board.

THE SOCIAL COMMITTEE INVITES YOU TO A:

Valentines Banquet – 10 February

Join us to celebrate LOVE at a memorable dinner in a beautiful setting. The ACT Social Committee has arranged a Valentines Banquet for Friday 10th February at 7pm to be held at the ACT Centre swimming pool area, 2 Target Kloof. Price is R75 per person and includes a wonderful menu and table wine. There will also be a cash bar. If you enjoyed the Christmas dinner then this is another not to be missed. Friends, setting, music and delicious food……what more could you ask for! Menu follows – just to whet your appetite. Space is limited, so get your tickets from any of the following: Chris on 041-360-8360, Colleen on 041-581-4422, Manie on 084-811-4494, Grace on 083-568-4965, Marita on 041-360-7627 or the ACT office on 041-373-6181. Don’t forget your ticket on the day as there will be lucky draw prizes. See you there.

Valentines Banquet Menu

Arrival

Champagne & Strawberry Cocktail
Canapés with Camembert and glazed berry preserve
Broccoli, almond & cream cheese pate with Melba toast

Buffet from Cupids Cloud

Smoked salmon, chive and cream penne salad
Mushroom stroganoff
Spinach, black olive and potato pie
Grilled herb chickens with lime preserve
Butterfly roast Greek lamb with pink peppercorns
Romantic garden salad

Dessert Heaven

Clouds of meringues nests filled with pillows of strawberry mousse topped with Chantilly cream & wild berries

SPIRITUAL CINEMA CIRCLE:
At the time of printing, the details of the first movie for the year were unavailable.
Please note, however, that due to the Valentines function on 10 February, the movie has been re-scheduled for the following Friday, 17 February. Details regarding the programme will be on the notice board soon, and e-mailed out as well.

SINGING ON SUNDAYS:
On the last Sunday of every month there will be singing at the service. This is in response to a request by some of our members and thanks to the enthusiasm by Norma Moorcroft, is now happening.

In closing …… I share with you these words from Joel Goldsmith in his book – “God, The Stubstance Of All Form”:

“The mystical state of conscious – conscious oneness with God – is the highest state there is. In that state, the conscious thinking mind is merely the vehicle for the mind of God, the one universal Wisdom, which individualizes Itself as your mind and my mind.”

Bountiful Blessings
MALLORY