Dear Friends,

It is time to surrender in faith, to Truth.

With what anticipation are we facing the year ahead? Even thinking about it all can be daunting as change seems to be what the whole world is facing in many different ways. So perhaps to assist in the daily challenges of life, we need to learn to trust life in the moment; in each moment.

This brings to mind a little story that some are familiar with but to me is so appropriate for this time of year, and particularly if we are resisting or fearing change.

It is a story taken from the book: “Illusions” by Richard Bach.
Once there lived a village of creatures along the bottom of a great crystal river. The current of the river swept silently over them all – young and old, rich and poor, good and evil, the current goings its own way, knowing only its own crystal self.
Each creature in its own manner clung tightly to the twigs and rocks of the river bottom, for clinging was their way of life, and resisting the current what each had learned from birth.

But one creature said at last, “I am tired of clinging. Though I cannot see it with my eyes, I trust that the current knows where it is going. I shall let it take me where it will.
The other creatures laughed and said, “Fool! Let go, and that current you worship will throw you tumbled and smashed across the rocks, and you will die quicker than boredom.”

But the one heeded them not, and taking a breath did let go, and at once was tumbled and smashed by the current across the rocks. Yet in time, as the creature refused to cling again, the current lifted him free from the bottom, and he was bruised and hurt no more.

And the creatures downstream, to whom he was a stranger, cried, “See a miracle! A creature like ourselves, yet he flies! See the messiah, come to save us all!” And the one carried in the current said, “I am no more messiah than you. The river delights to lift us free, if only we dare let go. Our true work is this voyage, this adventure.”

But they cried the more, “Savior!” All the while clinging to the rocks, and when they looked again he was gone, and they were left alone making legends of a savior.
And that is where I leave the story.
But it does give us food for thought. Does it not seem perhaps that in different ways we are being challenged to trust life? To stop clinging to how we think things should be? Because there is an underlying spiritual law and principle that does not change…… ever! It is only our understanding that changes; and of course this is our understanding as it evolves through uplifted consciousness.

We have the opportunity at any given time, (yet are perhaps more mindful of this at the beginning of the year) to trust Life…. To trust the originating Source of All Life as It lives us and pulses through us as our very breath and heartbeat.

If you ended the past year feeling all wrung out, and thinking…. “glad that one is over….” Then it is time to stop clinging and surrender in faith to Truth. And this brings to mind, for me, the message contained in the passage found in Luke 12:22-32, which begins….. “Take no thought ….” (do not worry or be anxious… do not cling to human concerns) but rather remember and surrender to the Kingdom (in consciousness) which is already ours.

SUNDAY SERVICES: All are welcome to join us each week as we take time to Be Still, in Silent Meditation, and then share a Lesson in Truth Principles. Childcare is available except during school holidays.
Meditation – 09:30 to 09:45
Service – 09:45 to 10:30

SPEAKERS – FEBRUARY:
01 Rosemary Batchelor
08 Rev. Mallory Kretzmann
15 Sylvia van Zyl
22 Rev. Mallory Kretzmann

RAFFLE TICKETS: Once again this year, we have books of tickets available for the R5000-00 draw. The incentive is to buy two tickets at R50-00 each and get a third free. The purchase of a full book of 10 tickets costs R350-00. Outstanding tickets need to be handed in before the draw please, and there are still tickets available to purchase.

RAFFLE DRAW AND POTLUCK SUPPER: This will take place on Friday evening 27 February at 18:30. Bring a dish to share and enjoy an informal get-together. R30-00 per person includes a glass of wine/juice and dessert. And of course the lucky ticket holder will enjoy walking away with the prize. There is a list on the notice board for names or you may call us at the office to book your place.

GARAGE SALE:
On Saturday, 7 March, (10:00 to 13:00) we are holding a Garage Sale to clear the garage of all stored, unnecessary items. There are tables, book shelves; there is wood for shelving, louvre doors, a metal 4-drawer filing cabinet, an antique wash basin, 2 x cream vinyl/wood armchairs, a number of blue plastic chairs, a six-pigeon hole shelf, a floor polisher, a lawnmower, a weed-eater, a wooden lectern, a half-moon table, and various other items. All will be priced to go. We will be grateful to anyone who can assist for a couple of hours at the sale, so please let us know or you can contact Mike McConnell on 084-5566076.

CLASSES: in coming together in shared focus and purpose, classes offer us an opportunity to connect with others as we perhaps really get to know them as more than passing acquaintances on a Sunday morning. Special bonds are formed as questions are discussed and understanding grows in a safe and confidential environment.

DIVINE SCIENCE BASIC PRINCIPLE CLASS is scheduled to begin Tuesday 17 February. Time: 17:15 to 21:00. Cost: R450-00 plus an additional charge for the text book.
Join Mallory in a 10 week “adventure” exploring a new way of living life, introducing underlying, unchanging Universal Spiritual Principles and Law. This class (a pre-requisite for the other Divine Science Classes) is the foundation on which we build our understanding of a new view of Life, God, and ourselves, as we learn to work with, and apply, these principles in all aspects of life. Call 041-5813309 for more information and to book your place.

DIVINE SCIENCE BIBLE – NEW TESTAMENT CLASS is scheduled to begin on Thursday 19 February. Time: 19:15 to 21:00. Cost: R450-00. Enjoy 10 weeks of growing in awareness through the study of the inner meaning of the teachings and example of Jesus through his Christ Consciousness. Prerequisite: completion of Basic Principle and Bible – Old Testament classes. Call us on 041-5813309 for more information and to book.

In Closing…..

Let me rest in Your will and be silent. Then the light of Your joy will warm my life. Its fire will burn in my heart and shine for Your glory. This is what I live for. Amen, amen.
— Thomas Merton

Bountiful blessings,
MALLORY