Nurture Your Seed of Faith

The message this month uses and expands on the words of Jesus, found in Matthew 17:20.

“If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible to you.”

I refer to a book by Brother Mandus, published in 1959, The Grain of Mustard Seed, where he states: “We tend to have more faith in human government than Divine Direction.” He indicates that we believe more in the reality of our bank balance, or place of business as our source of all supply.

How many in life today live from payday to payday? How often do we consider or remember the principle of God as the source of all supply? Why do we have more faith in a disease able to kill us, than in the love of God to heal us?

Here in the southern hemisphere we are preparing for the winter months when nature tends to hibernate. What a wonderful opportunity to incubate faith, and there is no better way to do this than to turn within, meditate, and in the stillness, be receptive to the truth that is available to all; that is in, through and as, all.

In our Consecration Class last week, we studied chapter 23: Living in, Through, and By the Spirit, in Joel Goldsmith’s book: A Parenthesis in Eternity; and share the following statement: “Freedom of the illumined is really a freedom from ignorance because only the ignorant can cleave to the belief that life is dependent on things and people in the external realm.”

That whole chapter in fact, is one we could work with the whole year; it is all about realization—realization that the only “concrete thing” in life is the invisible. And there is no struggle or labour in life when we surrender to the Spirit of the divine kingdom within you and me.

Our teaching in Divine Science is based on the principles of life as taught by Jesus; universal spiritual principles, effective and applicable in all aspects of daily living. And the most important one is accepting God as first cause.

Jesus lived his beliefs; He did not just tell those around him to have faith as a grain of mustard seed, and they could move mountains; He demonstrated this faith. Throughout his teaching, His complete faith was in That which is not of this world.

I refer again to the chapter mentioned earlier in Goldsmith’s book, where it is stated and emphasized that to attain a measure of that Christ Consciousness, we need an inner conviction. It is something that no teacher, book or workshop can give us. It is something that needs to come forth from within us. A deep realization. And this realization is already there—it is part of our spiritual inheritance; awaiting our recognition.

We either have faith in a world of material sense, or our faith is in the infinite invisible.

When we understand that God is the infallible answer to every need, then we observe the world and the happenings around us, but do not get caught up in them and act only from that place of inner knowing, inner peace, and inner wisdom.

With faith as a mustard seed……….all is possible!

In closing…….

Christ is the activity of Truth in individual consciousness. The activity of this Truth in our consciousness is the Christ, the very presence of God. Truth received and continuously entertained in our consciousness is the law of harmony to all our affairs. It governs, guides, leads, directs and supports our every activity of daily existence. We must experience the Christ as a permanent and continuous dispensation. We must live in the constant conscious awareness of Truth active within. Maintain always a receptive attitude within—a listening ear—and soon you will experience an inner awareness. And this is the activity of Truth in consciousness, or the Christ attained.

Joel Goldsmith—The Infinite Way

 

Bountiful blessings,

Mallory

 

Coming to Know Our Spiritual Worth

Last month the topic was: Being In This World But Not Of It; and we might say that this is a follow-on to that lesson. We talk of ‘uplifted consciousness’, yet really we can only practice this when we know and accept who we are in truth.

The goal generally, in life today, is to experience better living conditions, more material assets, and more money so that we can buy these things. And we call this prosperous living. There is nothing wrong with this, as long as we have balance.

God is first cause. Seek first the kingdom and all these things shall be added. So we may seek the kingdom to have all these things; but when we do this we are believing in our lack of them. We seek first the kingdom to KNOW GOD!!

Jim Rosemergy in his book: Even Mystics Have Bills to Pay, states: “Earthly food only feeds the body, but the fruit of Spirit animates body and soul.”  We are not required to turn away from the world, but rather to turn toward God; and this is an inward turning.  By seeking the kingdom to know God, we discover how to put earthly matters into perspective; and by making God our focus, we assign the world its proper place.

I have a statement made by Dr. Salazar on his first visit to our Centre here in Port Elizabeth, (when I took copious notes during the lessons) taped on the front of my computer: “To the extent we center ourselves in God, the situation changes.”

Recently two e-mails were received relating to Exodus 28:5, “Let them make me a Sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.”

The explanations given by the respective individuals relating to this passage in scripture resonates with our Divine Science Teaching.  It is about the inner Sanctuary or Temple. We do not find it outside of ourselves, so we are always in that Presence, through awareness; awareness of knowing who we are in truth.

Yet, so often it seems, we ‘worship’ in the temples created in the world: the shopping malls, the corporate temples in the form of huge financial systems, defence systems, great sports stadiums and others. It is suggested that we have built so many temples out there that we are no longer able to recognize the Temple that is our life. So, we are called to remember the sacred space within ourselves where the Presence of the One already dwells.

Our sense of identity is not rooted in the world but in Truth. We are creations come forth from Divine Mind, or Source, and we cannot undo what God has created.  Knowing our spiritual worth and living it, is our work. Do we believe that we deserve our spiritual inheritance?

Every day, and many times during the day, we need to come back, through awareness, to that “space” or “sanctuary” where we commune with the Inner Presence that already indwells each one. And we do this for no other reason than to BE in that Presence that is with us always—that Presence that is us.

Do we deserve this? Yes! Do we believe we deserve it?……that’s another story. That is our work: coming to know our spiritual worth; and ultimately knowing it for all!

In Closing……….

Although Truth is omnipresent and changeless; although man lives, moves, and has his being in God, the All Good; although he dwells in the kingdom of heaven, if he is not conscious of it, he may go on his way lacking many things and losing the blessedness that IS his. “Heirs of God, joint-heirs with Christ,” men may, through ignorance of the truth be slaves of misery, doubt, and poverty.

It is KNOWING the truth that makes man free. Man gives a sense of reality and power to evil when he fails to recognize that his source, his life, his very existence through time and eternity is God the Good. Truth must be recognized in order to be realized and to become a power in the lives of men.
Divine Science: Its Principle and Practice

Bountiful blessings,

Mallory

Dear Friends

Being in this world but not of it.

I recently watched the TV series, “Pillars of the Earth” based on the book by Ken Follet, and the question that came to mind is: “what has changed?” Briefly the story revolves around the building of a cathedral in a small, fictitious English town in the mid-12th century.

Well, our building practices may have changed, and our physical lifestyles too, among other things, but where are we really in our relationship to (with) God—to Truth? In the series, the intention was to build a cathedral in which to worship and honour God, yet there was major conflict amongst those involved: the clergy, royalty, and the people. There was huge distrust and a need for personal gain and glory, almost as if the reason for the church in the first place, was forgotten.

Emmet Fox the well-known author and Divine Science minister stated: LIFE IS CONSCIOUSNESS MADE MANIFEST. And we see this in evidence all around us as we notice for example in February, “love” being made into a commercial commodity; as we will see with the trappings of Easter soon.

These practices keep us locked behind world beliefs when we could be, through spiritual understanding, experiencing so much more without the human effort and strain that so often folk complain about. Love is so much more and cannot be either contained or expressed fully, at the level of the world. And I do not believe for one moment that Paul in his letter to the Corinthians, was referring to human love, but rather that absolute love of God, that finds expression through each individual ready to know and experience Truth.

Joel Goldsmith, in his book, “Living Between Two Worlds,” states:
“The only way in which we can impersonalize love and express divine love is by knowing that we do not have the power to give or to withhold. We can merely be the instruments through which it takes place.”

We may observe the individuals in Ken Follet’s story, and deem them ignorant as we judge them, but how is this era, in which we currently reside and operate, going to be judged down the line by future generations? What it comes down to is not the size or design of the cathedral or church, but the consciousness in which it is built.

We get excited when we come upon a new way of being in life—a new path to follow perhaps. But getting excited is not enough. We have to stay the course, as we read in Matthew: “a narrow gate and a hard road that leads to life, and only a few that find it.”

In Closing…

But it is only man’s thought of himself which changes as he expands in consciousness, for he eternally IS what he is—the Son of God.

Jesus attained this highest concept of sonship, and lived so in accordance with his deep, inner knowledge of his oneness with God that he understood he was about his Father’s business at all times. There is no doubt that Jesus had a deeper realization and conviction of his union with God than anyone of whom we have record. He was a conscious Son of God. He accepted the Christ; He lived as the Christ.

Jesus pointed the way in which all may walk and know the truth of their union with God. “As he is so are we in this world.” 1 John 4:17

Divine Science: Its Principle and Practice

Bountiful blessings,

Mallory

Dear Friends

Through identifying and connecting with our truth, we return to our Spiritual Home.

Much of our struggle in life stems from an inner desire to know God, and the question often posed, is: “how do we come to know God? Really know God?” Well when we study the Bible seeking the deeper, mystical interpretation, then we notice that the stories, the characters, relate to each one of us.

In the story of the Prodigal Son for example, found in Luke 15:11-32, we are the son who left home, as well as the son who stayed. In brief… we have the younger son, persuading his father to advance him a part of his inheritance in order that he may go out and seek a life of adventure. Well after squandering it all, he found himself in a ‘far country’ degenerate and looking after pigs. Finally, he ‘came to him-self’ and decided to return to his Father’s house.
His Father was overjoyed at his return and there was much celebrating.

Of course, we then come across the resentment from the elder son who had remained loyally working at his Father’s side. According to Henri Nouwen, a spiritual writer of the last part of the twentieth century: “I am the prodigal son every time I search for unconditional love where it cannot be found.” He then elaborates: “Many of my daily preoccupations suggest that I belong more to the world than to God. A little criticism makes me angry, and a little rejection makes me depressed. A little praise raises my spirits, and a little success excites me. It takes very little to raise me up or thrust me down. Often, I am like a small boat on the ocean, completely at the mercy of its waves. All the time and energy I spend in keeping some kind of balance and preventing myself from being tipped over and drowning shows that my life is mostly a struggle for survival; not a holy struggle, but an anxious struggle resulting from the mistaken idea that it is the world that defines me.”

Many people wonder at the role the elder son plays in the story, and it is interesting to note that in a way he is a prodigal son also. His brother was lost in a ‘far country’, but he was lost at home. His Father told him: “Son thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.”
As with all the stories in the Bible, the central character is God/Father: the divinity residing within every individual. And Meister Eckhart stated that the prodigal is in the far country but the Father is at home.

The elder son was at home but did not realize he was always in the Presence –as we all are– and that the gifts (“son all that I have is thine”) can only be claimed in consciousness. It is when we remember, (he came to him-self) and awaken to that which is constant spiritually, that we can make a difference and by truly returning home in consciousness, together, we purposefully recognize the universal truth of all, for all. We come back from the ‘far country’ to the central point, or origin of Life—God/Home.
Both sons had to return “home.”

In closing….

Spiritual understanding comes to all who seek it with earnestness—with all their soul, with all their mind, with all their heart and with all their strength. Spiritual understanding comes to those who give themselves entirely to Spirit, to the inflow of the activity of Di-vine Wisdom and Divine Love. We attain it by turning our thoughts away from the ex-ternal to the truth within us, where the living reality abides. We must know that we are never separated from the Source of our being, and that Spirit within is ever desiring to manifest through us as the fullness of all good.
Helen Zagat—Faith and Works

Bountiful blessings,
Mallory

Dear Friends

What will happen when the world wakes up to the Principle of Omnipresence?

Divine Science bases its teachings on the principle of the omnipresence of God, the changeless and eternal divine truth of God. God, in, through, and as, all. We can never be separated from this truth of our being, and the principle of omnipresence; it is in, and forever expressing through all creation.

We have been given the gift of LIFE that continues to LIVE us. Yet are we ever satisfied? Jesus indicated how we are to realize and experience all the blessings of LIFE: “Seek first the kingdom, and all these things will be added unto you.” And, of course the kingdom he referred to, is that kingdom in consciousness — not of the world. It is not a kingdom of worldly things, material possessions that do not last; and in realizing the truth about LIFE, is our discovery of the kingdom. It is an experience in consciousness; a deep knowing.

Robert Hastings in his essay, “The Station”, talks about the idyllic vision we hold in our minds of how things should be. We see ourselves taking a long train ride and instead of embracing each moment as we travel, we are thinking of arriving at the station where
everything will be as we have envisioned it.

It is forgetting to live now; always striving to be a different age, in a different position and situation in order to be happy. Then Hastings states: “there is no station!” The true joy of life is the trip.

We are not here to fix what humanity has caused in the world. We are here to raise consciousness. For each to realize truly their sacred birth right; and from that realization to know it for all, which is perhaps the most difficult, yet most necessary, task and challenge for each individual.

Spiritual law supersedes the physical and mental laws and it is only when we understand that there is a spiritual foundation in every circumstance can we make mindful choices.
Every day we are given the opportunity to purposefully work and interact with others from the reference point of truth. What will happen when the world awakens to the principle of omnipresence?

Let us together create awareness in our respective communities, and countries, as we unite in the Practice of the Presence of God. We are never apart from our Creative Source, whatever name we know It by; It is our very LIFE, that life-force within. In stillness we sense the Inner Presence in whom we live, move and have our being……

In Closing: I share with you a simple meditation

Right now, united in this moment, we breathe together the breath of Life, as we
acknowledge the originating Cause of all Creation.
As we share this sacred moment of Being, we feel reverence for all of Life.

We accept our individual roles on the stage of unfolding under-standing, knowing that
omnipresence is the equalizing gift to all.
And we hear the words: “ Behold, I make all things new!”

From this place of deep realization we are uplifted in consciousness, and with hearts
overflowing with love and gratitude we say:
“Thank you, O most gracious God, for the promise of your eternal Presence.”

Amen

Bountiful Blessings,
Mallory

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it.”
Psalm 118:24

Dear Friends

The Consequences of Consciousness

In life today, seemingly throughout the world, we are experiencing the consequences of consciousness. And what generally seems to be held in consciousness throughout the globe is a sense of separation from our truth.

We are all ‘artists’ in life – creating all the time; and the medium we use is consciousness. Much of the time we do not even realize that we are creating pictures on the canvas of our lives. Are we happy with what we are producing? And do we realize that each and every moment our thoughts, actions, and beliefs have an impact on life’s canvas?

Each of us is a work of art in process – yet paradoxically, each of us is complete. As creations come forth from the Master Artist, our spiritual design or blueprint cannot be other than perfect. But this perfection is not able to be assessed by the human mind, because our human minds see either/or. Our human minds see good/bad, correct/incorrect; always caught up in duality.

The perfect blueprint that each of us is, come forth from the Master Designer, is beyond the level of duality. Creation in this pure, originating form, is absolute and has no opposite. We are responsible for impacting collective (or mass) consciousness, which in turn makes us responsible for the consequences. Are we experiencing the consequences of a belief held in consciousness that only Jesus, Buddha, Moses, for example, were endowed with special gifts of wisdom and truth, and were exceptions to us all? That belief has brought about such a sense of separation in consciousness that is clearly being out-pictured in life today.

Jesus and others have been made into messiahs, different and apart from us, (one of the most misleading ideas) and by believing this we are not living their respective teachings.

Let us joyfully accept our responsibility as we work on maintaining our focus on Truth; remembering who we are and turning to the Presence within instead of laying claim to a limited human belief and outlook on life.

Here at ACT we are about raising consciousness; and through our own uplifted consciousness we contribute to a way of life filled with love, joy, peace and understanding, as we share and experience God’s grace.

In closing…………

“Vision is the cause, the reason, the antecedent of thought. By keeping our attention on any one thing there will come back over the track of our vision the secret of our objective. Therefore let us keep our vision on the Supreme.

Vision is so subtle and so powerful that it determines the success or failures of our lives. No matter what we think, the eye of the mind had preceded our thought. We move to those conditions to which we have given our secret attention.”

In reading and re-reading, and contemplating the above passage from H.B. Jeffery, it makes so much sense. How many times are we not presented with a new idea, for example, and the first thing that comes to mind is: “that’s not possible, I cannot see it happening,” and so on. The thought supporting this ‘vision’ then comes in and together they ‘make it so.’

Bountiful blessings,

Mallory

Dear Friends

This too shall pass

We struggle so often with issues in life and mistakenly believe that it is the human mind that will resolve the very issues or conditions caused by the human state of mind in the first place. So we find our focus on the problem and not on God. We may say: “this too shall pass,” but then we do not let it go. Instead we feed whatever it is with our attention. When our focus is on God – the Presence within – we cannot at the same time be holding on to the problem.

We are told: “it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom,”…and most times instead of being still, to realize this truth, we go looking for it everywhere but within our very own consciousness.

We are not talking “religion” here, we are talking Life! We are talking about universal spiritual principles; about an omnipresent God, the One Source of all that can never be separate from us nor we from It. We have been steered toward embracing and practicing these principles of Life by various way-showers throughout the ages, and when we consciously connect with this truth of our being – that is our true religion – our connection in consciousness with the One.

It is all about consciousness and constant realization of the Inner Presence that is with us always. It (whatever name we know It by), is living us, breathing us, beating our hearts….is it not time we trusted It?

The things of the world come to pass never to stay. Currencies fluctuate, rulers of countries change, fashions come and go; all these things. But who we are in truth, is eternal. It is as our realization in consciousness grows and deepens that ultimately the crooked places become straight.

It is when we turn inwards and drop our focus on the problem that we can move toward it being resolved.

Whatever it is that you may feel challenged by, at this time, turn your attention to God, and know with gentle certainty: this too shall pass!

 

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 if arranged and booked before 10:00am on a Friday. There is no charge for childcare during the Sunday Service. CD’s of the Sunday Lessons are available to order @ R25-00.

Meditation: 09:30
Service: 09:45

SPEAKERS – 0CTOBER:

02 Rosemary Batchelor
09 Rev. Mallory Kretzmann
16 Sylvia van Zyl
23 Rev. Mallory Kretzmann
30 Rosemary Batchelor

DAILY MEDITATION: Our Sanctuary is open to all from Tuesday to Friday, noon to 13:00 for meditation. We invite you to join us for an hour or any part thereof. Come in, light a candle… Be Still… And know. The focus for this month is: Renewed strength. “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles.” Isaiah 40:31

THE SECRETS OF SYMBOLS: Part Two: The Sacred Bird Woman. Friday 07 October, 18:00 for 18:30. A social/supper evening with talk and power-point presentation by Louise Luders. Join us for a symbolic journey to the ancient past. Menu: Burgers (vegetarian available) salad and dessert. A complimentary glass of sherry or juice on arrival. Cost per person is R80.00. Call the office to book on 041-5813309.

MEMBERS’ MARKET: 16 October, after the Service.

ENNEAGRAM WORKSHOPS:

Introduction to the Enneagram. Identify your type. Begin a journey of self-discovery. Class fee R450.00. Individuals who have previously attended an Enneagram class at ACT, pay R250.00. Notes and refreshments included. 21 – 22 October (Friday evening & Saturday full day)

Enneagram Instinctual Subtypes: Our emotional patterns are acted out in three different areas of life: Self Survival, Social, and One-to-One (sexual) relationships. The agenda of the instinctual subtype is playing out in the background of our ordinary daily living – unconsciously. Once we have discovered our subtype, we begin to see how that activity is a conduit for the passion of our primary type. This is a gateway for spiritual realization transformation. Class fee: R950.00. Notes and refreshments included. 24 October to 14 November – Monday afternoons – 14:00 to 17:00 Enquiries and bookings: Sylvia van Zyl, an accredited Teacher of the Enneagram in the Narrative Tradition, 082-7082857 or s.vanzyl@telkomsa.net.

BRING ‘N BRAAI: Sunday 30 October after the Service. Jackie van Rensburg will be entertaining us with her guitar music and singing. Bring along what you wish to braai, your liquid refreshment and a salad to share. R60.00 per person includes fire, ‘braaier’, and dessert. There is a list on the notice board, or call Lynne on 063-2295738 to book. All welcome.

In Closing….

“There is no higher goal attainable on earth than an inner communication with this Presence that never leaves us or forsakes us. It does not send us food, clothing, or housing. It is food, clothing, and housing. It does not lead us to a fortress or high tower. There is no sending of anything; there is no giving of anything, except the giving of Itself.

When the realization of the omnipresence of God is attained, there is freedom from worry, fear, lack and limitation. If a need appears, we retire within and tabernacle with the Presence, and in due time, It will appear outwardly as the very form necessary to our experience.

As we come to this place in consciousness where we are able to relinquish human might and power, human opinion and judgement, a divine Grace, invisible, yet perfectly tangible to the person experiencing it, takes over.”

Joel S. Goldsmith – The Thunder of Silence.

 

Bountiful blessings,

Mallory

Dear Friends,

Awareness – Our Most Valuable Currency

Life offers us opportunities at every moment; opportunities to be mindful and alert or not. Today we are possibly feeling rather heartened as our currency gains strength on international markets. Yet it is only too obvious that the currency rests on world issues as to whether it gains or loses value.

The divine supply rests perpetually within us as a part of our spiritual nature, and cannot be measured with the yardstick of the world, because it is infinite. Awareness is our most valuable currency, as it is through awareness that we connect with, and know that it is part of our spiritual nature.

It is our awareness in consciousness that is so valuable as, according to spiritual law and principle, everything has its beginning in the invisible. Or we may say: “first in mind, then in manifestation” and whatever it is cannot come into being without it first being in consciousness.

Jesus and Isaiah (examples to us all) each gave their respective messages publicly to all who would listen, but it was also not about the messengers; it was the message (the teaching) that so few really understood. Neither one watered down the truth to suit the tastes or the mood of the masses, yet all were invited to partake and benefit.

When we pay heed to the teaching of truth first, then all else shall be added. But so often it is the pull of the “all else” that grabs us and we look so often for the ‘short cut’ to that.

When we are looking at making the world a better place, then we are paying heed to human evolution – not evolution in spiritual consciousness. Human consciousness alone has not yet “saved” the world.

It is time to count ourselves as part of Isaiah’s remnant who while experiencing life on the planet, know that there is no higher goal attainable than communion with the Inner Presence. Individuals make up the masses / majority; individuals make up the Remnant – individuals who realize that awareness is the most valuable currency.

Jesus’ teaching reminds us of our individual responsibility. In mindfully playing our part, we see past the things of the world to that which is truth, and in spiritual truth we do not depend on things of the world. Isaiah and Jesus served God not for personal glory but to be used to bring the message of truth to all who would hear.

Through awareness, let us invest in the Inner Presence.

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. NB. Childcare is available if you phone us on Friday before 10:00am to arrange.

Meditation – 09:30 to 09:45
Service – 09:45 to 10:30

SPEAKERS –September:
04 Rev. Elizabeth Dugmore
11 Rosemary Batchelor
18 Rev. Mallory Kretzmann
25 Sylvia van Zyl

12:00 NOON – MEDITATION: Our Sanctuary is open Tuesday to Friday from 12 noon to 1pm for meditation. We invite you to join us for an hour or any part thereof. Come in, light a candle…. Be Still and Know. Our focus for this month is: Purifying our motives. “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.” Matt.5:8

ACT MEMBERS’ MARKET: The market this month will be held on Sunday 18 September. Once again the market will be held indoors. Members who have “wares” to sell are welcome to do so on the allocated Sunday, but it is important that set-up is before the Service commences. Should you wish to participate call us on 041-5813309 for details. Sellers to tithe 10% of their sales towards the renovation project.

THE SECRETS OF SYMBOLS: (Part One: The Water Symbol). Join us for a Social/supper evening at ACT for a talk and power-point presentation by Louise Luders. A Delicious simple meal will be served, with complimentary sherry, surprise dessert, as we take a peek at some of the world’s most ancient and well known symbols. Friday 09 September; time 6:00pm for 6:30pm. R60-00 per person. Space is limited and bookings have now almost exceeded the number we can accommodate, but we can put you on the list in case of last-minute cancellations.

WEDNESDAY MORNING MEDITATION: Join Mallory for the follow-on of the guided meditations in the tradition of the Kabbalah. The duration of the meditation is 45 minutes, to be followed by discussion and your donation includes tea / coffee. Commences: 14 September at 10:00am, and continues over a period of seven weeks.

TRIP TO ADDO ELEPHANT PARK: September, being heritage month here in South Africa, the park is open free to the public from Monday 12 September to Friday 16 September. We are taking advantage of this opportunity to enjoy the natural vegetation and wildlife right on our doorstep, and invite you to join us on a day trip to the park with a group from ACT. Seats in vehicles are limited and if you are able to use your own vehicle and offer someone a seat it will be appreciated. Please bring own packed lunches and water for a picnic lunch. For any more details kindly contact Sylvia van Zyl on: 083-7082857. Cost towards fuel for those getting a lift is R60-00 per person.

ACT LIBRARY: The Library continues to serve the members and books are being processed and catalogued continuously to add to the already vast selection on offer. Members may enjoy this facility during the hours of 09:00 to 12 noon from Tuesday to Friday each week, and after the Service on a Sunday morning. CD’s of the Sunday lessons are available to order directly after the Service in the Library.

MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL: Renewal reminders were sent out recently and we thank you for your enthusiastic response. We have also been approached by several individuals who have suggested that we include our banking details in the newsletter, making it possible for those who wish, from time to time, to make an additional donation or tithe. Your support in consciousness and kind, assists us in maintaining the Centre, and being here as a “pillar of truth” in the community, and we thank those individuals who are mindful of this. Banking details are: Account name: Association of Creative Thought; Nedbank account number: 1215008392; branch code: 121517.

DIVINE SCIENCE U.K. – Revs. Dave and Ishbel Bailey – e-mail: divinescienceuk@hotmail.com   Ph: 01892 752085

 

In Closing …..

 “Then there is Sir James Jeans, who says that the universe is “just God.” He says that there isn’t anything in the universe but God; that all the power there is, is God; that all the intelligence, all the substance there is, is God; that there is nothing else. So, you see, he quite agrees with the Apostle Paul, who said, “In Him we live, and move, and have our being.” We live in the One Power; we move in the One Substance; we have our being in the One Intelligence.

We are in the midst of a vast dynamic Power, which is greater than anything we can possibly imagine. That Power is in us. We are charged with It. It is not far off. There is no separation of It from us. It is in the midst of us and we are in the midst of It. It lives, and moves and has Its being in man. It works through man to will and to do. Nothing is impossible to this God Power.”

H.B. Jeffery – The Spirit of Prayer 

 

Bountiful blessings,

MALLORY  

Dear Friends,

God is Love

My message, from a very cold southern hemisphere, deals with the Alchemy of Love. Before continuing let us investigate the meaning of the word, ‘alchemy.’ Briefly it is explained thus:

“Alchemy is an ancient practice shrouded in mystery and secrecy. Its practitioners mainly sought to turn lead into gold, a quest that has captured the imaginations of people for thousands of years. However, the goals of alchemy went far beyond simply creating some golden nuggets. Alchemy was rooted in a complex spiritual worldview in which everything around us contains a sort of universal spirit, and metals were believed not only to be alive but also to grow inside the Earth. When a base, or common metal, such as lead was found, it was thought to simply be a spiritually and physically immature form of higher metals such as gold. To the alchemists, metals were not the unique substances that populate the periodic table, but instead the same thing in different stages or refinement on their way to spiritual perfection.”

But………..back to the alchemy of love, where we are not looking at gold as the result so to speak, but rather, through a deeper understanding, using love as the “catalyst” to perform the transformation. And we are going to look at doing this firstly in our own individual experience, and by doing so, discover then, that we, ourselves automatically become active transformers by being (or becoming) the conduits for inevitable transformation. We cannot expect from others what we, ourselves are not prepared to give. In other words, if we are not showing love, forgiveness and understanding then what is it that will be reciprocated? Do we perhaps keep looking to others to make things right, for the world to come right, or for something out there to change first, to fulfil us??

Joel Goldsmith says: “You cannot have an insufficiency of any kind if your source is God…that makes the source of it infinite.” So when we realize God to be our capacity then we have infinite capacity to love.

We are all vitally part of the huge transformation that is taking place in the seeming chaos that is being experienced in the world right now. Alan Cohen states it clearly in these words:
“Old systems and paradigms have to break down before they can be replaced. Breakdown is the precursor of breakthrough. The darkest time is just before dawn.”

In Jeremiah 17, we read:
“Cursed is the man that trusteth in man……..”
“Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord….”
I understand this to indicate that it is up to us to choose whom we shall serve – God or man; it is up to us to decide to trust (get involved with) the material world of effects, and experience the consequences of that choice; or we can place our trust in our Source (whatever name we know It by) and experience the inevitable, unlimited, fruits of Spirit – the choice is ours. And I believe that through what is taking place around us now, we are being forced to sit up and take notice and realize – each one for him or herself: “I am responsible – it’s my turn to step up to the plate. And I am referring to stepping up to the plate in consciousness.

Let us take heed of what Goldsmith says along these lines in his book: “A Parenthesis in Eternity”
It is easy to be a human being full of trouble – that seems to be the easiest thing in the world to be. But it is not easy to be the child of God, spiritually free of troubles. The whole of the spiritual life has to do with an activity of consciousness, an activity of your consciousness and of mine.
To live as the son of God and not as a human being means to dwell consciously in the realization of an invisible presence; it means to live consciously in the awareness that God is the guiding and sustaining principle of our life. There must be a change of base; there must be a change of consciousness.

Every day we are faced with two powers, yet there is only one true power – the power of God, the power of Love. Interestingly, when we do focus on who we are – in truth, each one of us – offspring from the same Source of all Life, then we know that the love that we are responsible for giving, and sharing, is the love from that Source. It is the inherent love in all, and through our deeper understanding, we know it to be the pure, absolute love that is the most powerful force in the universe.
And we have a responsibility as (spiritual) alchemists to begin the process of transformation, using Love to purify and change fear and confusion so evident in the world around us.
What we are seeing largely in the media, in the struggle for power, between individuals, stems from titanic egos. Yet on the other hand we have the “iceberg” of Love; God’s Love. We know that two thirds of an iceberg is submerged, so the titanic egos do not really stand a chance. But it is up to us to wake up to the submerged gold of Truth within each individual; and bring this to the attention of all who are ready to embrace it.

As indicated in the initial simple definition of alchemy: “to the alchemists, metals were the same thing in different stages or refinement, on their way to spiritual perfection.” When acted upon, transformation takes place and the catalyst in question in this message, is LOVE.

Remember, God is being God, through you and me; and Love is using us as transformers; we are the transparencies for that Divine Love. The only separation from our Divine Source is in our own minds.
In Truth – in Spirit – all are one! It is only when we understand and know this for ourselves that we can understand and know it for another; and ultimately for all.

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. NB. Childcare is available if you phone us on Friday before 10:00am to arrange.

Meditation – 09:30 to 09:45
Service – 09:45 to 10:30

SPEAKERS –August:
07 Sylvia van Zyl
14 Rev. Mallory Kretzmann
21 Rosemary Batchelor
28 Rev. Mallory Kretzmann

12:00 NOON – MEDITATION: We remind you that our Sanctuary is open Tuesday to Friday from 12 noon to 1pm for meditation. We invite you to come in, light a candle, and Be Still for any part of the hour. In this month of August, our candle will be lit for Love – Absolute Love flowing forth through individual consciousness.

ACT MEMBERS’ MARKET: The market this month will be held on Sunday 21 August. As previously indicated, due to the colder weather, the market will be held indoors. Members who have “wares” to sell are welcome to do so on the allocated Sunday, but need to set up before the Service commences. Should you wish to participate call us on 041-5813309 for details. Sellers to tithe 10% of their sales towards the renovation of the “new” venue space.

TRIVIA EVENING: By popular demand… the next one will be held on Friday 05 August. Time 6:00pm for 6:30pm. An evening of fun and laughter is promised as teams are quizzed on their general knowledge. R60-00 per person includes Hotdogs (vegetarian and non-vegetarian) with trimmings and a glass of sherry. Call us on 041-5813309 to book your space. To facilitate catering, we would appreciate an rsvp by 03 August.

HOLY WORKDAY: Saturday 20 August – a special workday to undertake maintenance activities at the Centre. This will not be an ordinary work party, but a morning of intentional and mindful activity where we work towards a common practical goal (restoring, cleaning and revitalizing material aspects of the Centre) while simultaneously practising “self-remembering”. There will be a theme for contemplation throughout the morning. An unconditional commitment to work together from 09:00 to 1pm will be required. You may phone in to be included and there is a notice on the board.

CONVERSATIONS WITH GOD: This 7-week course facilitated by Gillian Nutt begins Wednesday 31 August; time: 19:00 to 21:00. Cost is R500 for ACT Members; R600 for non-members. In this audio teaching and coaching course you will be guided in a step by step method in changing the way you speak to God. Book directly with Gillian on: 041-3655256 or dr.gillian@telkomsa.net and there is a list for names and all details on the notice board.

THE SECRETS OF SYMBOLS: (Part One: The Water Symbol). Join us for a Social/supper evening at ACT for a talk and power-point presentation by Louise Luders. Delicious simple meal, complimentary sherry, surprise dessert and at peek at some of the world’s most ancient and well known symbols. Book now for Friday 09 September; time 6:00pm for 6:30pm. R60-00 per person.

WEDNESDAY MORNING MEDITATION: Join Mallory over the next seven weeks for the follow-on of the next guided meditations in the tradition of the Kabbalah. The duration of the meditation is 45 minutes, to be followed by discussion and your donation includes tea / coffee. Commences: 14 September at 10:00am.

ACT LIBRARY: We are pleased to announce that some 30 “new books” are now available on our library shelves. These books were donated over the past few months, and we look forward to adding more in the next weeks. The list will be included / attached for your perusal, and we extend our thanks to donors and library volunteers.

DIVINE SCIENCE U.K. – Revs. Dave and Ishbel Bailey – e-mail: divinescienceuk@hotmail.com Ph: 01892 752085

In Closing …..
Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: love your neighbour as yourself.”
Matthew 22:37-39

Bountiful blessings,

MALLORY

Dear Friends,

Finding the Sacred in Daily Living

I begin the message this month with a question: Do we overlook the sacred in daily living?

Perhaps we feel swamped at times with so much going on around us, not only in our own families, communities, city, or country; but even in seemingly every country in the world. And in this state of information overload, being overwhelmed by the problems of the world, perhaps we could even state that we do not have time any more for sacred moments.

Yet, now more than ever, it seems, we will find stability in the simple sacred moments. In taking time, silently, to stand in the sun, listen to the breeze, observe the season around us following nature’s law as here in our southern hemisphere there is preparation for hibernation or consolidation of energy. Preparation for inner stillness on the part of nature is an example to follow, because when the time is right (when the season is right) out of that stillness, all will grow, unfold, and bloom in divine order.

Last week I mentioned that we are no longer operating according to the Old Testament laws of an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. And the reason for this is that we have evolved in consciousness, through the teachings of Jesus found in the New Testament, where the law of love supersedes the love of law. When there is such an explosion of human activity distracting us every day, it is so easy to fall back into the Old Testament way. We cannot stay stuck at the level of the old laws, and expect to experience a different world.

Jesus told his disciples: “what is that to thee, follow thou me.” And that did not mean follow the man, but the consciousness of the spiritual teaching and align with spiritual law. How many are ready to do that? Is it perhaps that the material world with all its happenings, is too exciting to give up?

I came across these words in a Christian Science article printed about five years ago:

“The human mind constantly projects images that it believes are true but that have no foundation in the face of spiritual reality. Rather than accepting a material picture, which can at times look hopeless, why not see that God has written the only screenplay, based on His view of reality as spiritual and good? This view exposes the emptiness of the material picture and its resulting malaise.”

In 1984, John Randolph Price together with his wife, Jan, put together the “planetary commission” with the idea of bringing folk together across the globe at the same time, beginning December 31 1986 at noon Greenwich time, in uplifted consciousness. A copy of the World Healing Meditation was printed in the back of some of their published books, and there was an audio tape available with the words of the meditation beautifully spoken. Here at ACT we were part of that first meditation and for a number of years after that. The intention behind this World Healing Meditation was to transform consciousness. And it is only from or through a transformation in consciousness that any lasting change will come about in individual experience.

Right now there is still a need – the only need; and it is a need in individual consciousness – a need within you and me – to maintain the awareness of the Inner Presence. It is not just something we do on a certain day of the year for a specific result, but a practice of BEING IN THE PRESENCE, daily. Everything in our outer environment responds to our thoughts. What are we sending forth each day? What are our responses to life around us? Are we fearing or embracing change? Is our need to be in control of every situation making us anxious?

Remember these words often: “What is that to thee, follow thou me.” And you will find that when challenged in some way perhaps, or indecisive about something, it will help if you stop and say them aloud to yourself. It just puts things into perspective.

Let us not get swept away by all the issues in the world. Let us rather take time to realize that every moment that we stop in awareness of Truth, we are experiencing a sacred moment. It can be the truth behind the creation in nature, or the Divine smiling through the eyes of a child. It can be acknowledging the invisible power of the wind; and it can be gazing at a star-filled night.

What are we seeing each day; are we even seeing the beautiful sunrises or sunsets, the clouds, and looking at the intricacies of colour and design in a flower? These are the things that should be stirring something in us, yet so often we overlook them and we miss valuable opportunities.

We are experiencing appearances of all kinds in the world today and it is up to us to restore peace and harmony, not by appealing to God or trying to use God to change negative conditions. God has nothing to do with what is going on. But when we accept God as the only power then our focus is automatically on truth and the discords on earth diminish. Let us not overlook the sacred in everyday life – the sacred that is always present.

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. NB. Childcare is available if you phone us on Friday before 10:00am to arrange.
 Meditation – 09:30 to 09:45
Service – 09:45 to 10:30

 SPEAKERS –July:
03 Sylvia van Zyl
10 Rev. Mallory Kretzmann
17 Rev. Elizabeth Dugmore
24 Rosemary Batchelor
31 Rev. Mallory Kretzmann

12:00 NOON – MEDITATION: We remind you that our Sanctuary is open Tuesday to Friday from 12 noon to 1pm for meditation. All are welcome to come in, light a candle, and Be Still for any part of the hour. In this month of July, our candle will be lit for Inner Peace. The six-week guided meditations will end on Friday 08 July.

ACT MEMBERS’ MARKET: The market this month will be held on Sunday 17 July. For the next three months, (July, August, September) due to the colder weather, the market will be held indoors. Members who have “wares” to sell are welcome to do so on the allocated Sunday, but need to set up before the Service commences. Should you wish to participate call us on 041-5813309 for details. Sellers to tithe 10% of their sales towards the renovation of the “new” venue space.

TRIVIA EVENING: This function held on 17 June was a great success. Much fun was had with six teams trying to outwit each other in answering the general knowledge questions. Due to popular demand there will be another Trivia evening soon. Thanks to Lynne for the thought-provoking questions and to all who contributed to the supper.

R5000-00 DRAW WINNER: Our congratulations to Kathleen Vincent (in England) who won the draw!!! Jannette Robertson, Kathleen’s Mom, accepted the prize on her behalf.

THANK YOU: We extend gratitude to those who so generously support the Centre in different ways. The enthusiastic participation by folk in support of ACT and the Teaching of Truth is heart-warming. Come summer, our patio will be put to good use for outdoor functions and we acknowledge the time and talents of Judie Stringer who kindly varnished the benches, they are really looking good.

FORTHCOMING CLASSES: Please keep a watch on the noticeboard, and our face book for regular announcements.

DIVINE SCIENCE U.K. – Revs. Dave and Ishbel Bailey – e-mail: divinescienceuk@hotmail.com   Ph: 01892 752085

In Closing …..

 As Joel Goldsmith states it:

“Coming into the awareness of the infinite nature of God as Love, makes it virtually impossible for there to be a condition apart from God. Standing fast in this oneness with God, we find the negative appearances disappearing – not because He has healed or removed them, but because, through the realization of the presence of Truth, these negative appearances have been revealed as nothingness, as universal beliefs without substance, without cause, without law, and therefore, without effect.”

 Bountiful blessings,

MALLORY