CENTRE OF LIGHT
DIVINE SCIENCE EXTENSION CAMPUS

  JULY 2006 NEWSLETTER

MINISTERS
Helen Penfold
Mallory Kretzmann

FOUNDER
Rev. Dr. June Jones

I recently heard a radio advert which indicated very definitely that down the road in years to come, only 8% of people are going to have sufficient funds for their retirement. The question in my mind then, was: “what happens to the rest of us?”

Do we worry about this statistic? Do we believe it, and if so, do we then have sleepless nights? What options do we have?

And this brought me to the next question in my mind: “What do we really believe, in life, about life?” Because it is out of, or from this belief, that we experience life. It is always first in mind and then in manifestation; from the invisible to the visible. What is it that gives us our security in life? Where do we find protection, a sense of safety and being supported? Where do we turn for assurance? On what do we place our reliance, our trust, our hopes, faith and even our convictions? So many questions, yet entertained in our minds so often.

One of the first things we need to understand, is that as spiritual beings (not humans!) we ultimately fall under the law of spirit. We do not fall under the mental law – the law of the world. The law of mind (mental law) indicates that “whatever you sow, you shall reap”. The law of spirit supersedes this: “what is born of spirit, is spirit”. Each of us has come forth as a divine idea from spirit, and no amount of wrong thinking (human thinking) can change what we really are in God-mind; what we are in Truth.

Yet, we relate very often, (most often?) to life, at the level of mental law which keeps us tied to the world of conditions and to the seeming evil all around us. This is the world view that says: “there is lack and poverty and disease etc. etc……”; the world view that says only 8% of the population will enjoy a sustained retirement.

We are dazzled by the so-called “prizes” that the world offers, yet attaining any of these seldom serves to satisfy us for any length of time. Material gain is fine, and the getting of things, but all this does not fulfill the questing soul. At some stage or another in our lives we get the sense of, or yearn for, something more – something beyond this world.

Our souls yearn for truth, and the quest in our busy daily lives – our seeking for fulfillment – comes from that desire rooted deep within the core of our being; that desire to “get back to” what is true. Through awareness, we can choose to know that the law of spirit supersedes all human activity; and while we take part in the world at a certain level, our truth is governed by the originating law of God. God is my individual consciousness, and yours. And in the understanding of this (the embracing of it) in consciousness, we will inevitably enjoy the fruits thereof. We do not deny the human mind. It plays its role by acting (for us) on the understanding, wisdom and guidance which we receive when, in consciousness, we connect with God.

In the silence, inevitably, we find the peace, the harmony and joy that is not of this world. It is the peace and harmony that no amount of worldly devastation can change. It is the peace and harmony of God that is forever.

Here, at our Centre, in our teaching of Truth, our reference point is the Omnipresence of God. Invest in tomorrow by living today to the full in the conscious awareness of the Presence of God. The benefits of this investment are unlimited, are subject to no earthly conditions, and are freely available to all who desire and choose to partake of them. Paradoxically then, being a part of the 92% is a gift, as it pushes us to investigate other options; to explore and choose the high road through life – that road that ultimately leads to Truth; our true destiny!

“MAKING SPACE FOR SPIRIT”:

You are invited by Sandra Ritchie to join her in a four week course of study and discussion on the following: Omnipresence & Conditioning; Spirit & Ego; Relationship & Love; Authentic Self. The course commences on Tuesday 01 August. Time: 7:15 – 08:30pm. Cost: R80-00. There will be a list for names on the notice board in the hall or you may call the office to book your place.

SUBSCRIPTION RENEWALS:

Should your subscription as a Friend of ACT or Member be due for renewal, you will receive a form enclosed for your convenience. For those on the e-mailing system, a form will be popped into the post, under separate cover. We look forward to your prompt responses, as this assists us greatly in keeping our administration system up to date. Please remember to inform us of any change of address.

News from the ACT Social Committee: (Chris Baz)

The Sacramento Trail hike in June has come and gone. Other than a little wind we had good weather for the time of year and everyone once again enjoyed the day. Popular consensus of this years hikers was that we should do it more often. Well we are going to do just that but maybe wait for warmer weather and also try out some different trails. We will let you know.

Next event on our social calendar will be an evening out with an Italian flavour.

Event: Tuscan Buffet

Date: 4th August 2006

Time: 6:30 pm

Venue: Villa Tuscana, Summerstrand

Meal: Italian with table wine.

Other: Music, cash bar, good company, and great prizes

Cost: R75 per person

Please support us for this event as it is always more fun when the venue is full. There will be a notice and booking list on the notice board at ACT. Alternately you can book by speaking to any committee member or phone ACT during office hours, Tuesday to Friday, or phone Chris on 082-852-3031. We do request that any booking must be paid for by the 30th July 2006.

That’s all for now. We will keep you posted of coming events in future newsletters.

FORTHCOMING ATTRACTION:

A weekend retreat is being planned for September. This will take place over the weekend of 23, 24 and 25 September, at the Ritchie’s game farm at Kaboega. Accommodation will be available for 14 people (sharing) and further details will be available closer to the time, on the notice board, and in the August newsletter.

JULY BIRTHDAYS:

07 Nava Govender

20 Harry Petrie

25 John Coyne

As you celebrate, may these days serve to remind you of who you are in Truth! Happy Birthday from us all!

SPIRITUAL CINEMA CIRCLE:

Friday 14 July at ACT at 19h15

With great humor and self-reflection, this movie deals with how we navigate the passing of a parent. Elaborating on how our deepest and most hidden emotions are often the underlying cause of outer "issues," Scott Cervine tackles the fear of commitment in this film with some very surprising results!

Written, directed by, and starring, Scott Cervine

[12 minutes, in English]

BY THE SEA

Lena's life is falling apart on every possible level, and it seems there's nowhere to go but out. A homeless man becomes her angel for a day, convincing her to take a leap into the unknown possibility of what her life could be. As she follows a series of coincidences into a new job at a beach resort, she discovers a past she never knew about, finding guidance where she least expects it. A story about leaving old behaviour behind to make way for a new life of love and fulfilment, By The Sea is a sweet, entertaining journey where the past comes to visit to help heal the future

Directed by Dean Barnes, written by Dean H. Huh and Dean Barnes

[94 minutes, in English]

Entrance: R15,00

Heaters and hot coffee will keep you warm!

In closing …… I share with you these words from his book, The Wisdom of the Self, by Paul Ferrini:

“The only thing that is predictable about time is that you can never catch up to it. The future is always ahead of you and the past is always behind you. No matter how hard you try, you cannot bring either one into the present.

At best, you can bring yourself into the present. In those rare moments when you or I do that, past and future fall away in opposite directions, like twin shells of an egg, leaving only the yolk. Being in the present is being in a timeless state, a state free of guilt about the past, or expectation about the future.”

Bountiful Blessings
MALLORY