Pastor‘s Corner- Raising the Bar

We have enjoyed the teachings of Rev. John White as he has visited us during the last middle of February.  In my opinion, he is an excellent teacher who brings forth just the right blend of lecture, past experiences and practical application for the students in his classes.  His goal is to help teach people what he knows and he knows a lot.  I believe this is one of the underlying desires that brought him into the work of becoming a medium. 

Another great opportunity was continuing to learn from Shanna Spalding who was with us in January and Richard Schoeller in early December.  I am looking forward to experiencing the mediumship and teaching of Bill Coller who will be with us in the end of March. 

Our goal at the SOM and through the education program of the CMC, has been to find and bring to Sarasota the brightest and best mediums and teachers that our country and the world has to offer.  Of course we have to do it in respect to making it financially attractive to the teachers and yet affordable to attract students.

Giving our friends and members the opportunity to learn from some of the most accomplished mediums and teachers in the world today, raises the bar as to their perception of what can be accomplished with discipline, meditation and practice.  That is what we on your ministerial staff are striving to do with the education program at the SOM and CMC.  The more you learn, the more you can demonstrate the truths of Metaphysical Christianity to others.  In this way, we are helping to set free others from the bonds of fear and ignorance.  I know of no greater joy in life than this.  Take every opportunity to learn from these gifted teachers for there was a time when they were in your place wanting to learn all they could.  The student becomes the teacher and the teacher becomes the student.

Blessings and Peace,
Rev. Tom

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March Workshops/Classes

Spiritual Counseling Certification with Rev. Tom and Rev. Tim

Session IV: Mar 1, 8, 15, 22 & Apr 5     7:30pm-9:00pm    EducationCenter   $10/class

Vibrational Healing with Rev. Tom

Session II: Mar 4, 11, 18, 25, Apr 1 & 8    7:30pm-9:00pm

EducationCenter     $10/class

The Teachings of Benu/Gabriel with Karen Cook

Saturday, March 6, 2010- Yea, Though I Walk Through the Valley

Sunday, March 7, 2010-God Said, “Let There Be Light”

1:00om-4:00pm       SOM Sanctuary      $50 for each/ $75 for both

Spring Detox with Trish Engert

Saturday, March 13, 2010  9:00am-10:30am     Flexer Hall     $22

Psychic Saturday-Cancelled

March 20, 2010      

An Evening with Spirit with Bill Coller

Friday, March 26, 2010      7:00pm-9:00pm       SOM Sanctuary       $10

How to Give Private Readings with Bill Coller

Saturday, March 27, 2010  9:00am-4:00pm       Davis Hall      $75

Developing Clairvoyance, Clairaudience and Clairsentience with Bill Coller

Sunday, March 28, 2010    2:00pm-5:00pm       Davis Hall      $45

Bereavement Workshop with Bill Coller

Monday, March 29, 2010   7:30pm-9:30pm       Davis Hall      $30

 

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Join us for a “Lasagna & Green Bean Dinner”

Hosed by the SOM Congregational Care Committee

Date: March 13, 2010

 Time: 4:00pm-7:00pm

Place: Davis Hall

                       Cost: $7.00 with children under 5 free

Twice Blessed Treasured!

Start cleaning out your closets and hidden spaces.  If an item hasn’t been used during the past 6 months, why are you holding on to it?  Let’s pass those things on to people who will use them.  Bring in gently used items such as clothing, jewelry, house wares, books, garden items, furniture, etc. Saturday, April 24, 2010is the day of the annual SOM Elegant Yard Sale from 9:00am-3:00pm.  Ruth Ann Smith, Jayn Albury and Kathy Curtin are the co-chairpersons.  Merchandise can be brought to Davis Hall starting Monday, April 12, 2010. Volunteers are needed to help price, arrange and work at the sale.  This is a major fundraiser for the church.  We need your help!

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                                  Hailey McGee                    3/8

                                               Rainy Murray                     3/17

                                               Lyn Mulder                        3/18

                                               Rick Newman                     3/25

                                               Tom Newman                     3/25

                                               Sonny Shake                     3/29

                                               George Ackerman               3/30

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Benu Two
 

The Shrine of the Master is hosting the multi-dimensional channel Karen Cook who channels Benu, also known as the Archangel Gabriel.  He teaches love and shares with us his knowledge and truth from the highest realms of the Universe.

The workshops for 2010 will be held on Saturday, March 6 and Sunday, March 7.  Both will be from 1 pmto 4 pm.  The topics have just been chosen by Benu.  The workshop topic for Saturday is “Yea, Though I Walk Through the Valley”.  Sunday’s workshop topic is “God Said Let There Be Light”.  The cost for the each workshop is $50 or a total of $75 for those who want to take both workshops.

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A Note from the Board

Many thanks to everyone who was able to make the AGMon January 9th.  We were able to look at all of the year‘s events and review the business aspects of the SOM.  For those of you who were unable to attend, we offer a brief synopsis.

The financial report highlighted the need for more income to be generated to support the running costs of the church.  To this end, we would like to introduce Pledge cards which are used in many of the other churches in the area.  This is purely voluntary and we want to emphasize there is no obligation on anyone, but there is a need to encourage everyone to think about what the church means to them and how best they can support it.  As was noted separately from the financial report, the contributions for the year 2009 totaled $48,785.  The operating costs far exceeded the contributions and we were compelled to draw from the investment funds.   We ask for your continued support. 

We had a unanimous vote to continue the services of the Pastor Rev. Tom Newman, and the candidates for the 2010 Board were accepted as presented.  Thank you all for your confidence and support.

The rental properties continue to be a drain on the financial resources, the work being done is essential to keep them up to an acceptable standard in an increasingly competitive rental property market.

The church properties (Chapel, Sanctuary, Education Center and Davis Hall) are also in need of major repairs which must be acted on soon, to avoid even more serious problems in future.

Jayn Albury gave us a short presentation on forming a Congregational Care Service.  Becoming involved in this service, will provide an opportunity for anyone interested to participate in the functions and needs of the church.  Thank You Jayn for taking the lead on this.

Ideas for extension of the Healing garden were discussed and we are getting quotes to extend the small iron fence and repair the wall.  There will be more input sought once the fence is completed.

We have a wonderful line up of Guest Speakers for the coming year so look out for the flyers.  Everyone had an opportunity to give their input for the David Thompson visit which is scheduled for June, so start saving your dollars to experience as much of their program as you can.

In an attempt to keep everyone informed on what the Board is doing and how your contributions are being spent throughout the year, a brief synopsis of the monthly Board meetings will be published in Focus each month.  Please feel free to contact any Board Member if you have any questions. 

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Welcome Scottish Medium Bill Coller

The Shrine of the MasterChurchwelcomes Scottish medium Bill Coller to Sarasota!  Bill travels throughout the world teaching classes on mediumship and giving hundreds of evidential readings. While in his 20’s, Bill studied with some of England’s great mediums and is considered to be one of the best in the world.  His readings demonstrate accurate and evidential spirit communication.  Bill is based in Zurich, Switzerlandand teaches throughout the world. 

Bill will be the guest medium at “An Evening of Spirit Communication” on Friday, March 26, 2010

from 7 pmto 9 pm.  He will give spirit messages the entire 2 hours. The event will be held in the Shrine of the Master sanctuary and the donation is $15.

Bill will also be conducting several other workshops throughout the week. Please check the workshop/class schedule on the back of the newsletter.

Bill Coller is also available for private readings.  His fee is $85 for a 45 minute reading. Paid reservations in advance are required for all readings and workshops. Please contact the SOM office at 941 953-6620 for more information.

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Your Help Is Needed!!

Non-profit organizations often have more to do than the employees have time and thus rely on volunteers to help out.  The Shrine of the Master has several tasks to be adopted out and sponsored.  Some of these tasks are as follows:

Librarian – Needed to follow up on overdue books

Office Assistant– To preparing visitor packets and other tasks

Cub Reporters– People are needed to gather news for our monthly newsletter

Davis Hall Kitchen Coordinator– Needed to help organize and order the kitchen consumable supplies

Auxiliary Members– To help with dinners, parties and coffee hours

If you would like to volunteer some time to these tasks or others, please see Board President Kathy Curtin or either of the Pastors.

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News from the BambooGarden

By Rev. Tim Dudley

The Sunday morning adult discussion class has been focusing on the teachings from many Master Teachers that have traveled with us through different cultures and eras of history. We have used metaphysical interpretation to compare the similarities between these teachings and Metaphysical Christianity.

So far this year, we have covered some of the teachings of Muhammad, and are currently discussing the philosophy and teachings of Patanjali.

Some call Patanjali the “Father of Yoga” because of his significant and influential text. His Yoga Sutras provide the source of Patanjali’s Eightfold Path. We have discovered that the practice of Yoga goes back well before Patanjali’s time of around 200 BC.

The teachings and practice of the Science of Yoga is often associated with Indiaand Hinduism. Both are different, but follow similar paths towards enlightenment. It is interesting to note that they both have no recorded founder, and their origins go back to ancient times.

The essence of their teachings have survived and flourished through the ages. The primary focus has always been on the teachings, and not the vehicle of the teachings-the teacher.

This is a common thread present in many philosophies and religions that have a strong metaphysical foundation.

The religions that can trace their origins to a particular Master Teacher, often focus on the life, teachings and demonstrations as a way to honor the Master Teacher. The teachings provide guidelines for right living and a foundation as a devotional practice as a way of life.

Each pathway leads to a deeper connection to the God Power within us and around us. The pathways have been presented differently by the Masters Teachers, and have helped students on different levels of spiritual development understand and embrace the teachings. 

As we continue to discuss the teachings and messages from the masters, the deeper we look, the more we find that all these pathways lead to the same source. There are far more similarities than differences when we follow the spirit and intention behind them.     

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Book Review

    The Hidden Side of Science

      By  Robert R. Leichtman, M.D.

The interviews in this book are mediumistic conversations with the spirits of four great scientists of this century. Nikola Tesla was an electrical genius who lit up the world by making the generation of alternating current practical. Luther Burbank was a horticulturist who made the scientific process seem almost magical with his amazing achievements. Sir Oliver Lodge was a physicist who played a major role in developing the radio-and investigating the scientific phenomenon of mediumship. Albert Einstein revolutionized scientific thinking with his theories of relativity and light.

          In these interviews, author Robert. R. Leichtman, M.D. chats informally with the spirits of these great scientists. They talk about the need for science to broaden its understanding of the inner dimensions of life, solutions to the energy problem, and ways to improve education.

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Something to Ponder…

Recently I have witnessed and been told stories of people exhibiting verbal and physical aggression more and more.  I think in some cases we become desensitized to acts of violence because we have become so exposed to it every where we look.  The news really highlights the most negative and dark sides to situations that it is kind of crazy. Our economy and environment are at a low and people are panicking.  We are also being exposed to wars and terrorism which is causing people to become judgmental and afraid.

I think our goal is to help people become more at ease even if it is just to make them smile. Commit a random act of kindness. Let someone in your lane in traffic or let a frustrated mom with toddlers get in front of you at the store.  We can‘t be Pollyanna and big smiles all day because we are human. We have bad days too, but maybe when we see others or ourselves getting negative turn it around, hug a child or stop and enjoy nature around you. Take one minute a day to fill your spirit with positive feelings. Maybe if we do that and others around us start to do it we may be able to slow down or even stop some of the anger and violence in the world.                                                                                                                                             

                                                                         Maria Andrasi                                                                                                            

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                                                       Driver Needed

Joyce Manfre is seeking a person to drive her to doctor appointments throughout the week. She will pay the person and guarantee a number of hours per week, so that the person can count on the extra income.

If there is such a person at SOM, please contact Joyce Manfre at 941-727-3160 so that she can interview them for the position.

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News from the Heavens by Jayn Albury

So here comes March, bringing to mind the Luck of the Irish or the Ides of March. Both are concepts  passed on through generations for antiquated reasons most of us never knew about when we adopted superstitious practices. Some are based in Christianity, many were pagan beliefs, and others were fear-based attempts at protection. More than 60% of the civilized world admits to varying levels of superstitious belief. Far more than that accept the theory of Free Will and realize superstitions were contrived through fears and lack of knowledge. Yet we‘ve perpetuated some doozies. For instance, Friday the 13th is noted because “somebody” compiled bad omens from various sources, both Christian and pagan. It was noted Christ was crucified on Friday, Noah’s flood began on Friday, Judas was the 13th guest at the Last Supper, it takes 12 witches and 1 demon to complete a ritual circle…jumble it all together and they decided Friday the 13th was indeed unlucky. And just try to find the 13th floor of a hotel or Room 13 in a hospital. Back in 44 BC, shortly before Brutus and friends killed him, Julius Caesar was told by a soothsayer “Beware the Ides of March” and we never got over it. Ides of March are still considered the wrong time to sign contracts or launch new ventures. Many other widely observed superstitions are likewise based in Christianity, paganism , astrology, Tarot, and Metaphysics. The itchy palms said to predict the gain or loss of money point directly back to each of these. An active right palm denotes money arriving. An itchy left palm warns of a monetary loss. Energy is said to enter the body, the astrological wheel, and the Tarot figures on the right and is dispensed to the left. Just like money. If you spill the salt, as Judas was said to have done at the Last Supper, you must throw a pinch over your left shoulder to avoid bad luck. Judas already had the onus of being the 13th arrival at the table, but let’s not waste the salt with which sacrificial animals were preserved. And do be certain the salt leaves over your left shoulder.  Ever carry a lucky rabbit’s foot? Were you hoping for the fertility rabbits are famous for or did you seek a connection to the Underworld? Probably neither, but somebody said it was lucky. Apparently not for the rabbit. In a country where religion is practiced openly, we still cross our fingers for luck, totally unaware the gesture was a covert Christian demonstration of the sign of the cross, safe in the presence of threatening factions. And we knock on wood, just like the Druids who were communicating with the gods who dwelled inside trees. First knock requests luck, second knock says Thank You! Would you walk under a ladder? Probably not if you understood you were breaking the triangle of the Trinity which this ladder created. Very unwise. Did you know why it’s unlucky to open an umbrella in the house? It was honestly considered an insult to the home’s protective spirits, indicating they were unable to protect the house adequately. Offend them and they’ll leave. And if you’ve ever broken a mirror, did you feel your soul escaping? Our ancestors claimed the reflection in the mirror captured some of our essence which was then lost among the shattered pieces. As if that dangerous mess of sharp glass wasn’t unlucky enough! One of the most highly evolved superstitions involves sneezing. Somebody sneezes, we all chorus “God Bless You” without hesitation. The ancients believed evil spirits were being ejected from the body and blessed the sneezer. Later, it was decided the soul was being sneezed out and the victim was blessed to allow him to stuff his soul back in where it belonged. Then the Plague hit Europe in the 16th century and sneezing was the first symptom demonstrated by those infected . So the Pope declared all sneezes must be blessed because it was obvious the sneezer would soon be departing. What has been a reflex to us throughout life was actually a Papal decree. Likewise, Trick or Treating had far different beginnings than might be assumed. All Hallows’ Eve, October 31, was considered the night the dead rose from their graves and visited their former homes. Residents placed fruits and nuts outside their houses to assuage the spirits and persuade them not to destroy the building. This slowly evolved to dressing their children like the departed and sending them out to gather the fruits and nuts for themselves ! Eventually, Halloween became the accepted time to dress up and beg the neighbors for treats. Oh, yes…not to forget the Luck of the Irish. Other than the few gold prospectors who struck it rich in the California Gold Rush, lucky Irishmen were those who managed to capture a leprechaun and confiscate his pot of gold. The records of any such victories have apparently been lost. But a happy and blessed St Patrick’s Day can still be enjoyed by us all.

Blessed Be.

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Church Services Schedule

Date             Morning                     Evening                       Messages

3/7               Rev. Tom                     Rev. Tim                       Rev. Tim

3/14             Rev. Tim                      Rev. Tim                       Rev. Tim

(Blessing Bowl)

3/21              Rev. Tim                      Rev. Tim                      Rev. Jayn & Rev. Tim

3/28              Rev. Tom                     Bill Coller                      Bill Coller

(Palm Sunday)

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 Services:

Sunday-  9:30 am - Children‘s Classes & Adult Discussion

Sunday AM - Healing- 10:30 am (Nursery available in Education Center)

Sunday PM - Spirit Messages-  7:00 pm

Wednesday Healing- 7:00 pm