Dear Friends,

My peace I give unto you, not as the world giveth

My message this month, relating to “peace” may seem to be vast in that in the world today there are so many ways to define peace. How many times have we not said, or heard someone say: “I don’t say or do anything, about such and such, as it is peace at any cost,” or perhaps… “let us just not cause ripples, let us keep the peace, and maybe whatever it is, will go away?”

There are always pros and cons in life (in the world) – except in the absolute Presence of God. And whatever seems to be occurring on the surface of life (in the world that is) we always have the opportunity to delve deep below the surface to that place of Inner Peace. Somehow, whatever seems to be happening around us, to others close to us, or to us, the greatest challenge is to turn to God, to Truth. The world appears to be in turmoil, affecting the lives of countless numbers of souls in different ways; and the idea of peace in the world seems like a forgotten dream.

I share an excerpt from something I shared in a workshop some time ago and I cannot give credit to the author as it was signed: “anonymous.”
“Every human is searching for the three most important experiences of its existence:
• Love in our relationships
• Happiness in everyday experience
• Peace in our fluctuating and peace less natures

But the search is almost entirely externalized, which is why most of us miss the spiritual paradox of our times – we already have what we seek. When we experience ourselves as we really are – soul not body, spirit not matter, we wake up to our innate spiritual qualities. Love, Happiness and Peace never leave us; we leave them when we lose our awareness of our own spiritual identity.”

In Divine Science we teach that all comes forth from the Invisible into visible manifestation. And that being so, then it kind of “stops us short” when we look at the turmoil evident in the world around us; if this is all coming forth as a result of what – generally – is held in invisible consciousness, then is it not time we took heed of what it is we do hold in consciousness?

Generally, all people of the world look toward living life in peace and we come across peace gatherings where all are joined in intention and voice. And, ironically, some of the more horrific atrocities, instead of giving power to the perpetrators, are in fact what brings people globally together in a bid for peace, so peace becomes the focus and gets the attention.

Peace is now; Jesus said: My peace is not of this world; My peace I give unto you, not as the world gives it….
Always these promises were made in the present tense. And it is the peace in spiritual consciousness; the peace that I referred to earlier that we find in the absolute Presence/experience, of God.

In the world we have countless and easily recognized examples in which it is evident that true peace cannot be fought for, or owned, because those fighting, do not want peace, they desire power. And while their so-called lack of power, or need for it, seems to be their driving force, they are at the same time moving away from their peace.

If we consider the words found in Zechariah 4:6, “not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord…” in other words, not by human might, and human power, we realize that in turning to God (the Spirit within) we will find peace. And peace in the world begins with one individual consciousness at a time, acknowledging and working from the Inner Stillness of Truth, knowing that there is one Father of all Creation. Each one knowing for him/herself that true peace already is; and it is just waiting on our recognition and acknowledgement; it is the peace we inherit that is with us always.

We are all being challenged to put God first – knowing God as the infinite source of all supply, the one Father of all Creation. We have a united purpose to bring forth the “peace that passeth understanding” in the world, to the world. And we do this by taking stock of where we stand spiritually and in consciousness. And when we do realize and know the truth that ‘all that the Father has is ours, and all that God is, we are’, we can bring this enlightened understanding from invisible consciousness into being in our day to day experience.

 

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 – February:
07 Rev. Elizabeth Dugmore
14. Rosemary Batchelor
21 Sylvia our van Zyl
28 Rev. Mallory Kretzmann

REV. HELEN PENFOLD: This past week we paid tribute to, and honoured, our beloved Helen in a memorial service at First Avenue Funeral Home on Thursday 28 January, and then in celebrating the Light and Life Helen continues to be, at our Sunday Service on 31 January. Tributes came in from all over the world. Helen touched many with her wisdom as a teacher, friend, and Divine Science Minister. Her dedication to Truth is woven into the tapestry of ACT and will always be valued; her first commitment always being, the practice of the Presence of God at all times. Rev. Dr. Marietjie Venter, our associate in Cape Town, joined us on Sunday and shared her special memories of Helen, which go back a long way. We are One in Spirit, dear friend, and you are only a thought away.

CD’s OF HELEN’S LAST TALK – 23 AUGUST 2015: There have been requests for copies of Helen’s last talk at ACT, and these are now available to order. Add your name to the list on Sunday, or e-mail/phone your order through to the office.

12:00 NOON – MEDITATION: A reminder that our Sanctuary is open Tuesday to Friday from 12 noon to 1pm for meditation. You are welcome to come in, and meditate for any part of the hour. In this month of February, we light a candle for all suffering souls, holding all in the Light of Truth.

ACT MEMBERS’ MARKET: To be held on the third Sunday of every month, beginning Sunday 21 February.
Members who have “wares” to sell are welcome to do so on the allocated Sunday, and set up in the outside venue. On this Sunday tea will be served out on the veranda. Sellers to provide own table cloth and please book a table by Friday 19 February, 11:00 – call the office 041-5813309. Set up must be before the Service, to avoid any disturbance, and enable venue to be locked during the Service. Sellers to tithe 10% of their sales towards the renovation of the “new” venue space. We look forward to much enthusiastic participation by all.

THANK YOU: Louise Luders has kindly gifted ACT with some very beautiful new table cloths, for which we are most grateful. They do add an element of elegance to our round tables.

DIVINE SCIENCE CLASSES: Details regarding forthcoming classes will be made available soon. Please watch the notice board.

RAFFLE TICKETS FOR THE R5000.00 DRAW: Our focus is once again drawn (forgive the pun) to our current fund-raiser. More tickets need to be sold and the draw date will be on Easter Sunday, after the Service. We are raising funds for our garage conversion into a beautiful space for our own use and for bringing in revenue through venue hire. Please return any sold tickets in the meantime and let us all maximize this opportunity by selling more tickets.

DIVINE SCIENCE U.K. – We look forward to continuous connection with our friends and associates in Truth, in the U.K. and remind anyone now residing in the England, or visiting, of the contact details:
Revs. Dave and Ishbel Bailey – e-mail: divinescienceuk@hotmail.com Ph: 01892 752085

In Closing…..

I share with you these words from Joel Goldsmith:

“Peace on earth will not come through the seizing of power or the possession of power. Peace on earth eventually will come through the recognition of your spiritual identity, and mine.”

Bountiful blessings,
MALLORY

Dear Friends,

Truth is a Unifier

This month I begin my message with a question: What is the next step? And I believe that it is a question that we need to ask ourselves, and the time to really consider the possible answer is now……no matter who we are, what our respective ages are, or any other personal statistics.

I came across the following in a book I was paging through recently – one of those books that seem to pop out and offer exactly what is being sought, without any effort, and this is what I read:

More than ever before in the history of the world, men are crying for peace. The world’s enlightened leaders are urging reciprocity, which is but another way of saying “unity.” Our own country – these United States – seeks to pass on the ideal of its forefathers, that “union” is strength,” and that liberty and union are one and inseparable, now and forever, whether applied to a nation or to an entire universe.

The author continues: The cardinal doctrine of the Christian church certainly should be spiritual unity, yet we know that such unity is not practiced. Truth is a unifier, yet it is no secret that denominational discord has driven thousands of people away from church affiliation.

Now my intention is not to promote or push church membership, but I really found these words quite apt, especially as they were taken from a book published in 1935! And has the situation really changed?   I highlight the words: truth is a unifier, in these words taken from Richard Lynch’s book entitled: “Usable Truth,” because we often overlook this fact. No one religion has exclusivity to Truth – it is available to all, yet unifying Truth, somehow seems to get lost many times as it is overshadowed by the focus on rules, regulations and what seems to separate, rather than unite.

Recently (15 – 19 Oct) The Parliament of the World’s Religions was held in Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.A. I remember being privileged to attend this parliament in Cape Town in 1999, together with Lynne MacKenzie and Lydia Dinkelmann. It was an amazing experience because it brought to my attention how many different paths there are to God; to Truth. And each belief system is in many, or most, instances, held to be right for the respective followers.

This year they were anticipating 10,000 people attending, from 80 nations, representing 50 faiths. So many people from so many different backgrounds, yet all seeking the same peace, the same wisdom, the same love, essentially the same God.

Since Richard Lynch wrote the book, Usable Truth, published in 1935, until now, we are still seeking the same Truth. Yet what is our motive? Are we really seeking God, or only remedies to our daily issues and problems? And over the years, to what point has our seeking brought us? And there are many questions in this vein, yet for me the most pertinent is: “what is the next step?”

One of the most straightforward ways to respond to this can be found in Goldsmith’s 1957 Infinite Way Letters, where he states: “You who now daily seek God for God alone – not for things or conditions or persons, but who want God for the love of God, for union with God – will usher in the next step of unfoldment……..”

And in his book, “Beyond Words & Thoughts,” he, Goldsmith states: “The meaning of all true religion is in the experience”.

Our religion (our personal connection with God) is in the very experience of the Presence, when we are not striving for anything to be fixed, but rather BEING what we are intended to be: conduits for the Creator’s expression and love.

Consciousness is the instrument through which to express; express the gifts of spirit that are forever ours, awaiting our awareness and recognition. We don’t for instance get wisdom, or peace, or joy, or love from “out there” – it comes from within our very own consciousness when we align with, or unify with our truth.

And this is the next step of unfoldment, or evolvement, in global consciousness: to realize that we are not only all after the same thing, or goal, or destiny, but essentially are the same and already have it. Truth is the unifier and truth resides within the consciousness of each individual.

And before we can experience unity in our own communities, in our own respective countries, or globally, we need the experience of our unity with God.

When we are giving our attention to needing something, or seeing something that we feel needs healing, then we are not giving our attention to God. So the energy then builds up on the idea of what seems to be lacking or wrong or diseased, and we leave God out of the picture without realizing it.

Only when there is a change in consciousness – when enough individuals take the next step, seeking God for God alone – will be reach that so-called critical mass in consciousness which will in turn form the tipping point taking us firmly towards the peace, joy, love and better life we desire to see in the world. It does not begin in the world – it begins with you and me, in consciousness. The only need we have is to experience God.

 

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 – December:
06  Rosemary Batchelor
13   Rev. Mallory Kretzmann
20   Sylvia van Zyl
25   Rev. Mallory Kretzmann – Christmas Service – note early start time of 09:00am.

SPECIAL DATES TO DIARISE: Please follow link at ‘Dates to diarise’ on the home page for all December services. Also take note of the earlier starting time for the Christmas Service: 09:00am.

THANK YOU – to those folk who so kindly and cheerfully assisted at the recent Book Sale. Your enthusiasm is most valued.   We also extend our gratitude to those who donated books. There are quite a number of books remaining and we intend having another sale early next year.

MEMBERSHIP: The response to membership renewal has been really great and support for your Centre and the Teaching noted with gratitude. As per a decision taken by the Board, the issuing of membership cards will be discontinued, but as before, reminders will be sent out regarding membership renewal.

DIVINE SCIENCE U.K. – a reminder of the contact details for those now residing in the U.K., or visiting:
Revs. Dave and Ishbel Bailey – e-mail: divinescienceuk@hotmail.com   Ph: 01892 752085

 

In Closing…..

 I share these words taken from a booklet by Dr. Al Salazar entitled: A Willing Mind.

 Christmas

A wise man once expressed these words:

 “When we think of God we think of Infinite Truth.

When we think of Christ we think of Truth individualized.”

 Truth individualized is the Christ in us, the God in us responding as Total Good. To express the Christ does not mean belonging to one of the many Christian teachings. It is more than that. To be called a Christian is not the same as expressing the Christ.

It is when we recognize and understand the teachings of the Christ Jesus of the sacredness of your life and my life; His announcement that “one is our Father which is in heaven”; it is when we live outwardly in the world as children of the Most High that we begin expressing the Divinity which indwells us.

 The Christ Jesus came proclaiming that as children of God, whatever God is, we are. He expressed His Christ and told each one of us, “What I do, ye can do also.” We come into the world to prove individually that dominion in our world of experience is dependent upon the conscious awareness of our Divinity.

 This month we celebrate the good news that we are here to establish on earth the Perfect Idea of man in the Mind of God. The “Christ in you” is not only “the hope of glory” but God responding and expressing as you.

“Be ye perfect, as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”

 

Bountiful blessings,

MALLORY  

 

The office will close after the Christmas Service and re-open on Tuesday 19 January.
The first Service in 2016 will be on Sunday 17 January.

Dear Friends,

Message from Divine Science U.K.

This month we are privileged to have an inspirational message from Rev. Dave Bailey of Divine Science U.K. I believe it is important to share this valuable teaching of Divine Science so we look forward to further networking.

======================================================

Several years ago we (my wife Ishbel and I) were given a number of tape recordings of Joel Goldsmith lectures. In the first one I listened to he made the statement ‘That which I seek, I am’. Let us for a moment set aside what he really meant by this, and look at the statement as if it was a question ‘That which I seek?’ and the answer ‘I AM’

I think it is true for many of us that when, for whatever reason, we start looking for answers to our many questions, for a new way of doing things because our lives just don’t seem to be working out the way we would like them to – we don’t actually know what it is we are looking for, but something tells us it is ‘out there’ somewhere. That something is our innate knowledge of Truth, our memory of a perfection we have forgotten about long ago. It starts to surface, to awaken within us, as soon as the opportunity arises, and prompts us to do whatever it takes to bring our lives, our way of thinking, our consciousness, back into harmony with itself. This thing that is urging us to seek itself is the very essence of our being the I AM of us.

Not knowing this, we seekers set off in many different directions, on many different paths trying to find this elusive ‘something’ that we are sure exists and that will make everything better for us. Many of us become involved in therapies and “ologies” of various descriptions, attend courses, workshops, retreats, go to different churches, read books and so on and so on………..and then suddenly or gradually, as the case may be, it dawns on us. We end up in the right place at the right time, perhaps a class with the right teacher, reading a particular passage in a book – and we realise that the very thing we have spent all that time, and often vast amounts of money, looking for has been right there with us, as part of us, the whole time. And then at some stage we learn that even that realisation was wrong. What we have been seeking was not right there with us, part of us, the whole time – it has been there AS US the whole time.

Finally we discover what it is that Joel Goldsmith meant when he said ‘What I seek, I AM’. We are the very essence of God, the same substance, the same life, love, Being. What does this mean for us, then?

Some say it means we are the source of our good, the source of our supply, health, loving relationships and so on. But we are not the source of these things – we ARE these things. I AM that I AM, I have always been so, I AM now so, and I will ever be so.

Whatever it is you are seeking to improve or change in your life, whatever it is you want, you already have it, it is already done. You are health, you are peace, you are harmony, you are unlimited supply of everything you need. You do not have to look outside of yourself for anything. All you have to look for is that which is already true of yourself – to become and abide in a conscious of the spiritual truth that The Father and I are One.

When in your meditation you find that silent place within and bring your state of mind to a place where you can be lifted in consciousness, even if only for a brief moment, in that moment you are indeed one with The Father and everything that God is, in that moment all the crooked places are made straight.

While I would not for one moment suggest you seek this state of mind where you can be lifted in consciousness for any reason other than seeking a conscious union with God, you will find that the more often you can do so in your meditations, the more you abide in God, the more fulfilling your physical/human life will become and the less you will have to strive to bring about what it is you want in life. “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you”
.
Dave closes his message with a poem by Jenifer Shapiro titled, “I Am That Which I Seek”.

I am that which I seek
I am the seer, the known and the unknown
I am the unconditional one beyond judgement, scorn or criticism
I am the one self, filled with the love of a thousand lives and the wisdom of the ages
I am the water than shines, cleans, flows through and surrenders
I am the earth that holds all of us upon it’s glorious strength
I am the wind that carries the voice of God, sometimes as a prophet, often as a whisper
I am the light of my soul and the connection to all souls
I am the truth, for I have already lived the lies and won my freedom from them long ago
And at times while I may forget, and scan the periphery for a sign of me
When I am quiet, when I am free, I remember – I am that which I seek.
I AM.

=======================================================

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 – October:
01 Rosemary Batchelor
08 Sylvia van Zyl
15 Rev. Mallory Kretzmann
22 Rosemary Batchelor
29 Rev. Mallory Kretzmann

LIBRARY: Open Tuesday to Friday from 09:00 to 13:00, and on Sundays after Service, signed-up members have the advantage of making use of the library with a vast selection of books. Recently donated books on the Enneagram have been placed together in a separate section for those interested. We have many gems in the library and do encourage members to investigate the many titles available.

BOOK SALE: On Saturday morning 21 November, we are having a book sale with the funds going towards our new venue project. We will be happy to receive your unwanted books and they can be dropped off at the office from Tuesday to Friday between 09:00 and 13:00. Some gems have already been donated, and we look forward to your participation.

BRING ‘N BRAAI, AND MUSIC: We are delighted to inform you of this forthcoming social event taking place on Friday evening 27 November at 6:30pm, where Roger Gilson has kindly agreed to provide the entertainment. All welcome and further details will be available soon, via e-mail and on the notice board.

DECEMBER DATE TO DIARISE: On Friday evening 18th December, we will be sharing supper and then singing carols in the Sanctuary, accompanied by Glenys Bannister’s beautiful harp music.

DIVINE SCIENCE U.K.:
Should anyone be visiting the U.K., or perhaps recently re-located, you may wish to connect with Revs. Dave and Ish Bailey and their contact number is: – you may remember them from previous times before they relocated in 1998. It was great to re-connect and we look forward to ongoing networking with them.
Find them on: www.divinescienceuk.org/

In Closing…..

I share with you a portion of the book, Divine Science: Its Principle and Practice, which we are working with in the Basic Principle Class right now:-

“Although Truth is omnipresent and changeless, though “we live, move, and have our being” in God, the All-Good, yea, though we dwell in the Kingdom of Heaven but have not consciousness of it, we may go on our way lacking many good things, and losing the blessedness that is ours. Consciousness of Truth then is our great need, not that more good may come to us, not that we may have more strength or wisdom or life or health sent to us, but that our comprehension may be opened to see that All is within our very nature and that all God is, is forever ours.”

Bountiful blessings,

MALLORY

Dear Friends,

Freedom in Consciousness

Wherever we are, no matter what seems to be going on all around us; through awareness, we can be free in consciousness. Having been away, in the northern hemisphere, on the cusp as it were of summer and autumn; the issues or problems might have been different to some that we experience here in our country, but essentially, it seems wherever one goes there are challenges. And the challenges most are facing require change, which in itself is perhaps the most daunting of all to some. And many times, though we want change, we also fear it, with our “what ifs”. Change (even when anticipated and welcomed) requires something new of us.

Let me illustrate with this delightful little story I received in an e-mail:
In a small town a couple of cowboys were reminiscing about the past, and one was talking about his uncle. He said. “When my uncle first saw a revolving door he was astounded. He saw this grandmotherly, grey-haired lady going in and immediately following that he saw a young, cute, blonde young woman coming out. Then he saw a shabbily-dressed panhandler going in and a nattily-attired banker coming out. My uncle jumped back in his truck and started the engine and he said, ‘I’m going home to get the missus and run her through there a couple of times.’”

Now we may laugh at this – in fact, I really found it so funny, but, can you imagine what the uncle would have had to do if indeed his wife had come round that door completely transformed? Would she have been happy with a shabby old man?

We have to be ready for change, to embrace it and the only real way to do this is to be ready in consciousness. We allow the world around us to dictate and often govern our decisions or aspirations. And maybe we are driven by a need to achieve things and status in order to be happy.

I share with you briefly, from the book, “Your Freedom to Be”, by Dr. Jack Holland, who held a long list of degrees academically and in business and was also a Divine Science minister. (I am giving you the short version here). He visited our Centre a couple of times in the past, and I do recall meeting him once. He states:

“Nothing of a permanent, effective and viable nature can be built on that which is in-constant – that which is ever changing. As Paul stated, “it is the spiritual in man which is immortal.” Everything that has come into manifestation is changing while the invisible is everlasting. There is but one constant in this entire universe and that is the source of all energy – the I AM Presence, the God Within, the One Power and the One Presence. When we develop our image from that which is ever changing and has little value, then where is the “truth” and where is the substance in our “imaging”?

We know intuitively and intellectually that all that has come into appearance to our senses is ever changing. This is so whether we are speaking of the human body or other forms of animal, mineral, or vegetable matter. There is only one “immortal” aspect of all in the universe. That one “constant” is the essence of what we are and is the truth of ourselves – the spirit (energy) – which is ever present.”

What is being referred to when we talk about the One Source of all being, God, – or whatever name we are comfortable with – is an INVISIBLE SOMETHING, and we are challenged to believe in IT even though with our five senses we cannot discern it in any tangible way. Let us consider the passage in Matthew 6: 19&20:

“Do not store up for yourselves treasure on earth, where it grows rusty and moth-eaten, and thieves break in to steal it. Store up treasures in heaven, where there is no moth or rust to spoil it, no thieves to break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will be your heart also.”

So then where is this alternate “storage space” to be found, but, within our own consciousness. And the treasure of course includes, a true knowing and experience (an intimate experience) with the Inner Presence. Whatever we know (truly know), and realize, in consciousness, stays with us – this is the treasure. We sometimes have all-too-brief moments (split seconds) of total unity with all that is, and then…. we seem to lose it. Well, it stays with us in consciousness, and as we practice our moments of stillness the experience becomes more familiar and more regular. We know that all comes forth from the Invisible Source into manifestation. And the only “place” that this knowing is sensed, is in consciousness. It all comes back to consciousness, and this is where true change takes place; this is where peace, love, and understanding are held – the absolute peace, love, and understanding, that ultimately cannot be shaken by the outside world.

We can fall into the trap though, of wanting something “out there” to change first. Like the man who was going to send his wife through the revolving door to change her. It is realization of Truth in consciousness that assists us in our day to day challenges; and being mindful of the Inner Presence, and the true treasure in Life.

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

LIBRARY: Open Tuesday to Friday from 09:00 to 13:00, and on Sundays after Service, signed-up members have the advantage of making use of the library with a vast selection of books. Recently donated books on the Enneagram have been placed together in a separate section for those interested. We have many gems in the library and do encourage members to investigate the many titles available.

DIVINE SCIENCE BASIC PRINCIPLE – EVENING CLASS: This course of 10 sessions begins on Tuesday 06 October. Join Mallory from 7:00pm to 9:00pm each week as we investigate universal spiritual principles that are the essential foundation for a deeper understanding of Life. Those who have already participated in the classes are most welcome to join us as it is always good to return to “Basics” and steep ourselves in Truth. Please see the notice board for all details or call us on 041-5813309 to be included.

WORKDAY – SATURDAY 10 OCTOBER:
Spring Clean – Garden and Home – from 9:00am to 12:00 noon. Activities will mainly be weeding, outdoor cleaning and some minor painting and preparing the Garage for a social event. The first hour will be worked in silence, followed by tea/refreshments. Work will then continue till 12:00 noon. Call Sylvia on 083-7082857 for more information.

DIVINE SCIENCE U.K.:
During my recent visit to London, I met with Revs. Dave and Ish Bailey – you may remember them from previous times before they relocated in 1998. It was great to re-connect and we look forward to ongoing networking with them.
Find them on: http://www.divinescienceuk.org

In Closing…..

Let us go back for a moment to Jack Holland’s book: “Your Freedom to Be”, where he states:

“Jesus, the master teacher and not a ruler, experienced great animosity, great negativity, and the ultimate in man’s inhumanity to man. But did he ever accept these things as the Truth of his being? Absolutely not. In every adversity, in every experience he found new channels for growth in his awareness of the One Presence, the One Power, the I AM Presence in the universe.
He accepted the experiences as guides and chances to move forward in understanding and development. He recognized his temptations for what they were: experiences to demonstrate, through recognizing the God within, that he could overcome all.”

Bountiful blessings,

MALLORY

Dear Friends,

A Universal Message

This month we focus on a universal message that “sounds” through all Creation – all Creation carries and brings it forth. It is a message that when truly understood, becomes our mainstay (foundation) in Life; it is a message of Eternal Light, not dependent upon the number of power stations we have in the world, yet dependent on the one we have within ourselves. All Creation carries the message, embodies the message – brings it forth – whether it is realized by us or not. There have been many purveyors and teachers of the message throughout the ages; most of these we know, particularly from the scriptures and of course many more since.

I recently came across the story of R. Buckminster Fuller stating to his students that Sigmund Freud was the most important figure of the twentieth century. The reason for this, he explained to the students, was that Sigmund Freud had introduced a single great idea upon which all significant developments of the twentieth century had rested: the invisible is more important than the visible. Now this statement is exactly the basis of our Divine Science Teaching, founded over 100 years ago. We acknowledge God being all, both invisible and visible. This Omnipresent God, in, as, and through all Creation; all coming forth from the One Invisible Source.

Whatever tradition or religion we follow there is always the need for faith in the invisible. And the message is always constant, and it does not matter who the teacher or messenger is. Each comes forth from the same originating Source in the universe, and it is through the knowing of this in consciousness that we will experience it in our daily lives. It does mean though that knowing is not enough, we need to follow through and live it. This time of year we have a really good and first hand example, here in our southern hemisphere with the arrival of Spring and the stirring of the life-force within as leaves begin to unfurl on seemingly dead branches.

I came across a book in the public library the other day called, “Run With The Horses” by Eugene H. Peterson. It is basically about the prophet, Jeremiah, and I am going to share some of it with you today as it fits so well with the lesson.

As some of you may know, Jeremiah began as a reluctant prophet, at first refusing God’s request. In the book we read: “A relationship with God is not something added on after we complete our basic growth, it is the essential core of that growth. Take that core out, and there is no humanity at all but only a husk, the appearance but not the substance of the human. Nor can we be human if we are not existing in the present, for the present is where God meets us. No job is more important, for what is more important than a persuasive presentation of the invisible but living reality, God?” Well, important or not, the upshot of it was that Jeremiah refused on the grounds of being too young and unqualified to speak. And Peterson, the author, comments on how often we plead inadequacy in order to avoid living at the best that God calls us to.

So we read that eventually Jeremiah is inspired and equipped to fulfill his role as prophet through two visions.
The first vision was of a rod of almond. Again I quote from the book: “The almond tree is one of the earliest trees to bloom in Palestine. Before it puts forth leaves, it puts forth blossoms, white and snowy. While the land is still chill from winter, the warm blossoms, untended and unforced, surprise us with a promise of spring.”
The second vision was of a boiling pot. Jeremiah saw a boiling pot tipped so that the scalding water was being spilled to the south. It was indicative as to what was taking place during that time – Jeremiah lived during crucial and catastrophic times in Judah and I am not going to go into too much detail here. The author states in the book that we need to know God and the world yet to ignore first impressions which leave us underestimating God, and overestimating what we perceive as evil.

Further on in the book we come across Jeremiah’s letter to the exiles in Babylon where he literally tells the people to quit sitting around feeling sorry for themselves.
I quote: “The exile was the ‘crucible of Israel’s faith.’ They were pushed to the edge of existence where they thought they were hanging on by the skin of their teeth, and they found that in fact they had been pushed to the center, where God was. They experienced not bare survival but abundant life. Now they saw their previous life as subsistence living, a marginal existence absorbed in consumption and fashion, empty ritual and insensitive exploitation. Exile pushed them from the margins of life to the vortex where all the issues of life and death, love and meaning, purpose and value formed the dynamic everyday participation – demanding realities of God’s future with them. It keeps on happening. Exile is the worst that reveals the best. When the superfluous is stripped away we find the essential – and the essential is God.”

Jeremiah carried the message to the people of that time, yet it is the same message today. The message has always been the same. What differs are the circumstances and the era but we are all drawn at some time or another to connect with our Source. That is the only true solution and way to live life. Our problem is, forgetting who we are, and that after all we are one big family; individual expressions come forth from the same Source, needing to honor and respect this truth in and of each other.

The two visions given to Jeremiah:
The almond branch – was a reminder of the continuous Presence of God.
The pot of boiling water – indicated that although there is turmoil in life – God is always the answer – in our turning to God and being present to God we find a way of living life abundantly.

Jeremiah’s message lives on; as does the message of Jesus, and so many others down through the ages.
God first – the invisible Presence manifesting through all Creation; and as we hold to that Truth, it will be made evident in our experience. As we practice being in the Presence, knowing in consciousness who we are in Truth and living that, we, in our own respective ways will become carriers of the Message.

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:
06 Rosemary Batchelor
13 Sylvia van Zyl
20 Rosemary Batchelor
27 Rev. Mallory Kretzmann

LIBRARY: Open Tuesday to Friday from 09:00 to 13:00, and on Sundays after Service, signed-up members have the advantage of making use of the library with a vast selection of books. Some folk however have had books out for a while and we would appreciate the prompt return so that others may also enjoy them.

DIVINE SCIENCE BASIC PRINCIPLE – MORNING CLASS: This course of 10 morning sessions begins on Wednesday 07 October. Join Mallory from 10:00am to 12:00 noon each week as we investigate universal spiritual principles that are the essential foundation for a deeper understanding of Life. Those who have already participated in the classes are most welcome to join us as it is always good to return to “Basics” and steep ourselves in Truth. Please see the notice board for all details or call us on 041-5813309 to be included.

In Closing…..

“The aim or purpose of following the spiritual path is not to be able to name God, but to experience God, and then let God be to us whatever it unfolds itself as, because to each of us God will disclose and reveal itself to us in an individual way. The highest prayer, the highest meditation, comes when we have entirely eliminated all preconceived opinions, thoughts, forms, or names for God and have allowed ourselves to become receptive, saying, “Father, reveal thyself.”

Joel Goldsmith – God, The Substance Of All Form

Bountiful blessings,

MALLORY

Dear Friends,

Fill the void with God.

Do you have (or believe you have) a void in your life right now?
It could be that you feel there is seeming lack of finance, joy, companionship, or purpose, or even guidance or understanding. Whatever it is for you, just take note of it and then let it go.

We are told – and most agree – that we are the divine offspring of the one Source of all creation; that we come forth from our point of origin with all that is God-like. We are the vehicles through which God expresses; in fact we see God expressing through nature all around us, in every season.

Rabbi Joseph H. Gelberman, in his book – The Quest for Love, stated: “Do you remember what God said during the creation? Let us make man in our image, in the image of God He created them; male and female he created them…… and God saw everything that he had made and it was very good! I remember once many years ago Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa came to New York City. On the cold winter day hundreds and thousands of fools like myself were standing outside the museum waiting to come in for a few seconds to view it. And there I was, created by the greatest master of all time, God, and no one even looked at me!”

I just love the way he states this – it may seem flippant to some, but really, so true. How come we find it so difficult to understand that in essence we are complete beings come forth from the one Mother/Father of all? There are those who may believe that because their biological parent/parents “suffered” from such and such a disease, or died at a certain age, it will be the same for them. And we hear it said: “It’s in the Genes!” Yes, it is, and in our Spiritual genes as well! Do we ever consider that??

The only void in our lives is our separation from Truth; yet paradoxically, we are never apart from truth – the separation is in our own minds. So… perhaps the next question to ask ourselves would be: What is it we turn to, or perhaps use, to fill that void in our lives? And is it really working? In a state of feeling unfulfilled, do we maybe feel that the new car, new home, job or partner might fill that gap? For a time perhaps, until the yearning kicks in again. When we seek something or someone to complete us we are shouting out to the universe: “I believe I am incomplete!” And if that is our belief then it follows that it will be our experience too (the law works).

In Scripture Jesus stated “No man cometh to the Father but by me.” (Jn14:6). We cannot take this statement literally, firstly because it would exclude those on a different path. And secondly it would also exclude those who came before Jesus. As you know much of scripture is written allegorically and cannot be taken literally. Yet we are prepared to accept mixed messages so often. We happily speak the words of the Lord’s Prayer which begins: “Our Father” – not the Father of some only. So why then in some instances do we take the words: “no one comes to the Father, but by me,” literally?

What is being referred to is the Christ Consciousness – the consciousness which has experience of the Presence of God – that Inner Presence which is with us always. This was also referred to by Paul when he said: “Get this mind which was also in Christ Jesus.” It is through that state of consciousness that we will have direct access to our Source.

Some will call it Buddha consciousness, or Krishna consciousness, and so on, depending on the given path an individual is following. And I believe the purpose of the following of any of these paths is to know God. Whatever path we follow though, our challenge is to live and practice what we believe. In Divine Science we are challenged to: practice the Presence – to be aware of the Omnipresence of God – and be mindful of this in all circumstances.

Our actions and attitudes need to authentically follow our beliefs. And ultimately the way we live our respective lives speaks louder than any words we may utter. And really the operative word here is live. We are meant to live life, not to just exist. The life abundant that we were promised is already ours, awaiting our conscious recognition and acceptance of it. It is ours in consciousness.

It is not what religion we follow that matters, it is our consciousness. Why does there appear to be so much dissatisfaction in life today? We were given a teaching to follow that works, and will continue to work, but perhaps we’ve been distracted by trying to fill the void within, with that which is without. It always comes back to consciousness, because it has always been about consciousness.

We are all on a journey of evolvement moving into territory where only mystics have gone before, simply because it is the destiny of each one to return to Truth. Caroline Myss speaks of this in a recent newsletter, where she says that through the advancement of technology, the “energy” atmosphere has become a residence for us and we now have an “energy” address as well as a street address. The way we now relate to the world around us – and within us – has been completely transformed; that’s the obvious part. The not-so-obvious part of this mind-blowing transformation is the spiritual price people pay for living lives that move too fast, are far more isolated than they can handle, and lack a community of people that help a person sustain his or her ethics, morals, and integrity.

In the little story from Rabbi Joseph Gelberman – we are reminded to realize that we all come forth from the Master Source of all creation. In order to fill the seeming void in life, we need first to be aware that we are experiencing a void. And then we have a choice…….. Turn to God – focus on the truth of our being and know that it is the understanding of this truth that will endure. In Spirit there is no lack; our spiritual inheritance is unlimited. Fill the void with God.

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

CD. ORDERS OF THE SUNDAY LESSONS: CD’S are available to order of the Sunday Lessons and to avoid a backlog of unclaimed orders, R20-00 is payable at time of ordering.

LIBRARY: Open Tuesday to Friday from 09:00 to 13:00, and on Sundays after Service, signed-up members have the advantage of making use of the library with a vast selection of books. Some folk however have had books out for a while and we would appreciate the prompt return so that others may also enjoy them.

AN INTRODUCTION TO THE ENNEAGRAM: This is a series of 10 morning sessions beginning on Wednesday 19 August, presented by Sylvia van Zyl. Please see the notice board for all details and for more info or to book, you can call Sylvia on: 083-7082857.

In Closing…..

I share with you these words from Rabbi Joseph H. Gelberman:

I HAVE PURPOSE BECAUSE I AM! Who am I?
I am the reality of things that seem
I am the waking who am called the dream
I am the utmost height there is to climb
I am stability – all else will pass
I am eternity encircling time
Kill me – none may conquer me.
Nothing can!
I am God’s Soul, fused in the Heart of Man.
Amen

Bountiful blessings,

MALLORY

Dear Friends,

“There is no power but of God” – Malinda Cramer

The message this month deals with Conception-Human/Divine…when we go back to understanding that our true beginning (conception) is in spirit; we have come forth from the One Mind as a divine idea. Because we seem to identify ourselves more easily as to who we are in the world (in our human form), I am going to “bypass the beginning” as it were and come back to that a little further on.

The conception of Jesus – the man – had a purpose. The conception, humanly, of each individual (each of us here) was on purpose…..no matter what the seeming circumstances. You may not agree with this, and I would not expect you to, if it does not right now ring true for you. However to continue: The conception of the Christ Consciousness had (still has) a purpose. We have come forth, each of us, as a divine idea – conceived in Spirit. Our purpose is to realize, acknowledge, and through the awareness of the Christ Consciousness within, live our lives accordingly. Our identities, first and foremost, are as spiritual beings, eternally one with the Creative Source that is the origin of all creation. Now this is not always the easiest idea to embrace because we try to embrace it with our limited human minds.

An e-mail recently received, related to success and indicated that: What you think about you become.
Well there is nothing wrong with that at the world or mental level, but we need to realize that there is more to Life than just “using our human thought to make things happen for us.” Things are shifting rapidly at so many levels today that in order to “cope” we need to move too. And ironically our need to move forward in our way of thinking and being, is back to what we are told (have been told for eons) in scripture and sacred writings. What we have done though – and this is a generalization – is to make separate gods of Jesus, Buddha, and the like, instead of following, and perhaps taking responsibility, for what they taught.

I quote now briefly from Malinder Cramer’s book – Divine Science and Healing:
“Truly a God that we can only progress toward – a Life-giver whom we may possibly approach at some future time, in some faraway place, has been replaced in Divine Science by the true God – the Good of our being, who is our Life, Love, Truth, Health, Breath and all things. A knowledge of this Truth, practically applied, must bring “Eternal Life and Immortality to light” to the individual, then to humanity, for humanity is the sum of individuality.

The true destiny of Divine Science demonstration is individual immortality. The truth of the Creator and Creation, is Science, and it is religion; hence, it is scientific religion in which the omnipresence of the Creator is a working basis; it is the basis of the Unity of all that is, including right thinking, true judgment, and their true application in word and deed in all social and business relations. The good everywhere is ever active in making itself known in visible creation. This excludes the possibility of there being another life, substance or power. There is no power but of God.”

So in moving forward – and it is a moving forward in this universal, evolving consciousness, that we are all part of – we actually would be wise in going back to some of the early writers. Remember, Malinda Cramer, together with Nona Brooks, founded Divine Science. Again we need to remember that it is not Truth that is changing, but the realization of it is changing all. Truth is constant, we discover more of it through our intentional seeking or desire to know and Be more.

You see it does not matter if we are intellects or not; if we are male or female; if we are old or young; if we are short or tall; we all have the ability to be the vehicles or avenues for the Light of Truth. The purpose of creation is that the Creator may be expressed. But we judge what we see with the human eye, and it is only the inner eye that will see the light in another, having first recognized it in ourselves. You see we are either focusing on Truth or we are not.

Most of the time we are carrying with us a separate sense of self; and in this manner we conceive, and incubate ideas in our own minds, creating beliefs that often take us further away from our Truth. The truth that we are in fact individualized units of God’s pure essence. We share the same birthright, the same inheritance, and have been told….. “in truth, call no man on earth your father – for One is your father”. One Father/Mother, God, imparting It’s all through us, into expression. And really our only need is to know this – it is our passport to a whole new way of being, and understanding and begins with one individual, then to humanity; for as Malinda Cramer puts it: humanity is the sum of individuality.

The only thing lacking is our acceptance that we – individually – have been conceived by, an Absolute Love that is eternal. When we accept and realize and embrace our Truth, we will come only to rely on our Source, taking no human thought, and all our needs (not wants) will be met. And we do this by turning inward in Stillness. Malinda Cramer spoke of the God of some far off place being replaced in Divine Science by the God of our being, who is our Life, Love, Truth, Health, Breath and all things – the Omnipresent Creator.

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
05 Rev. Mallory Kretzmann
12 Rosemary Batchelor
19 Sylvia van Zyl
26 Rev. Mallory Kretzmann

CD. ORDERS OF THE SUNDAY LESSONS: CD’S are available to order of the Sunday Lessons and to avoid a backlog of unclaimed orders, R20-00 is payable at time of ordering.

MEDITATION: A reminder that the Sanctuary is open for meditation during our office hours which are Tuesday to Friday, 09:00 until 13:00.

LIBRARY: Remember that as a signed-up member you have the advantage of making use of the library. There are some real gems amongst our vast selection, so do make use of this facility which is open Tuesday to Friday from 09:00 to 13:00, and on Sundays after Service.

ACT ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING: This was held on Sunday 07 June after the Service and we thank those Members who attended, for their continued enthusiastic support. Minutes of the meeting will be made available to Members in due course.

DR. SALAZAR’S VISIT: We are truly grateful to Dr. Salazar and his lovely wife, Marcella, for taking time during their holiday to visit Port Elizabeth and our Centre. The Thanksgiving Service was most uplifting and Dr. Salazar’s message well received.

In Closing…..

I share with you the words of: Ramana Maharshi…….

All spiritual teachings are only
meant to make us retrace
our steps to our
Original Source.

We need not acquire anything new, only give
up false ideas and useless accretions.

Instead of doing this, we try to grasp something
strange and mysterious because we believe happiness
lies elsewhere.

This is a mistake.

Bountiful blessings,

MALLORY

Dear Friends,

“Let this mind be in you,
which was also in Christ Jesus.” —Phillipians

This month we are privileged to have a message from Dr. Al Salazar, as we anticipate his visit (though brief) to our Centre, this month.

MESSAGE FROM DR. AL SALAZAR

“The whole of Divine Science is the practice of the Omnipresence of God.
—Divine Science: Its Principle and Practice

The Bible is filled with stories of individuals who climbed mountains, from Moses to Jesus. This means that they, as did many others before and after, had a change of consciousness—an ascension from a sense awareness of life to a consciousness imbued with Truth.

The challenge of the spiritual leadership in Divine Science is not only to help better the human condition but that they too attain a measure of that mind which was also in the Christ Jesus. It is in this consciousness that the ministry assists others to move from that man “whose breath is in his nostrils” to that man “whose being is in Christ.” “If I be lifted up . . .”

I believe that this is what Divine Science is all about—a change in consciousness. And incidental to this change the human condition improves.

—Al Salazar

DR. SALAZAR’S VISIT – JUNE 2015:
Dr. Al G. Salazar was born in Texas and received a Bachelor and Masters degree in Texas and a PhD from Catholic University in Washington, DC.

He discovered Divine Science in Washington in 1970. He took the classes and in 1981 made a career change after 20 years in education to enter the Divine Science ministry. He was ordained in 1979.

Subsequently, he served as Board member of the Divine Science Educational Center in Denver, Colorado, chaired a committee to develop the Constitution and By-Laws of the Divine Science Ministers Association and became its first president. He was also the President of the Divine Science School with responsibilities for the training of Divine Science teachers, practitioners and ministers.

He is married and lives in Texas with his wife, Marcella.

Dr. Salazar first visited our Centre in October 1997, and approved our designation as an extension campus to the Divine Science School in Washington. He has since visited us numerous times over the years, with his wife Marcella, when, after presenting classes and Sunday lessons at the Centre, they have toured our country, which they have grown to love.

We were privileged to have Dr. Salazar give the first Sunday Lesson and consecrate our Sanctuary the day after our move at end of August 2012, to our current “home.”

Dr. Salazar and Marcella will be visiting us briefly in June and we look forward to him presenting our Thanksgiving Service on Sunday 21 June.

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 – JUNE:
07 Rosemary Batchelor
14 Rev. Mallory Kretzmann
21 Dr. Al Salazar
28 Sylvia van Zyl

CD ORDERS OF THE SUNDAY LESSONS: CD’S are available to order of the Sunday Lessons and to avoid a backlog of unclaimed orders, R20-00 is payable at time of ordering.

MEDITATION: A reminder that the Sanctuary is open for meditation during our office hours which are Tuesday to Friday, 09:00 until 13:00.

CLASSES: There are two “informal” classes being offered and scheduled to begin during the second week in June.

Lessons in Truth: This 6 week course is based on the book by H. Emilie Cady, with the added advantage of recorded material by Rev. Jim Rosemergy. In the challenges of daily life we can always turn to Spiritual Principles, and this is evident when we study the works of the early writers. Join Mallory for the first session on Wednesday 10 June at 7:00pm. Your weekly donation includes tea/coffee. All welcome.

Meditation at ACT on Thursday mornings: Join Helen over a period of six weeks for the first of a series of guided meditations in which we are led into Inner Stillness by Rabbi Olivier Ben Haim 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. Join Helen for the first session at 10:00am on Thursday 11 June. All welcome.

Lists for names are on the notice board, or you can call us on 041-5813309 to book.

ACT MEMBERSHIP: We thank those who have responded so positively to renewing and continuing their membership. Please do let us know should your contact details change as this assists us in keeping our records updated.

LIBRARY: Remember that as a signed-up member you have the advantage of making use of the library. There are some real gems amongst our vast selection, so do make use of this facility which is open Tuesday to Friday from 09:00 to 13:00, and on Sundays after Service.

WORKPARTY AND BRAAI: This was well supported by enthusiastic gardeners, and the braai was enjoyed by those who stayed. These work parties and get-togethers are great way to get to know others in a less formal way, while supporting the Centre.

ACT ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING: The meeting is scheduled for Sunday 07 June, after the Service. A formal notice, from the Board is enclosed / attached, and we look forward to the attendance and support of members.

In Closing…..

“Truly, a God that we can only progress toward – a Life-giver whom we may possibly approach at some future time, in some far away place, has been replaced in Divine Science by the true God – the Good of our being, who is our Life, Love, Truth, Health, Breath and all things. A knowledge of this Truth, practically applied, must bring “Eternal Life and Immortality to light” to the individual, then to humanity, for humanity is the sum of individuality. The true destiny of Divine Science demonstration is individual immortality. The truth of the Creator and Creation, is Science, and it is religion; hence it is a scientific religion in which the omnipresence of the Creator is a working basis; it is the basis of the Unity of all there is, including right thinking, true judgment, and their application in word and deed in all social and business relations. The good everywhere is ever active in making itself known in visible creation. This excludes the possibility of there being another life, substance or power.
“There is no Power but of God.””
Malinda E. Cramer – Divine Science and Healing

Bountiful blessings,

MALLORY

Dear Friends,

“What do we really believe?”

This is the question I asked the participants in the New Testament Class we are currently running, to ponder on, the previous week; and I must say we had some very interesting and worthwhile discussion. So… what do we believe? In order to perhaps illustrate my point in the lesson today, I am going to begin with a story that many of you are familiar with, and then use an analogy to take us further in understanding.

A man was stuck on his rooftop in a flood, and prayed to God for help. A man in a rowing boat came along and shouted to the man on the roof, “Jump in, I can save you.” The man on the roof shouted back, “No, it’s alright, I’m praying to God and he is going to save me.” So the boat went on. The same happened when he had the opportunity to be taken to safety by a motorboat and then a helicopter. The man drowned, went to Heaven, and said to God: “I had faith in you but you didn’t save me, you let me drown. I don’t understand why!” To this God replied, “I sent you a rowboat and a motorboat and a helicopter, what more did you expect?”

Perhaps we can relate to this story and look back and realize there may have been times when we too have turned “God” away because we have not been awake, alert, or aware (or even ready to accept) the assistance in the way it is presented. How often have we said, or heard others say, “I need help,” but there has always been an excuse or…. “not in that way,” we say. Do we get too caught up and involved in our own specifics? And these ideas/specifics to which we hold are the concepts which we have collected, or allowed to impact us over and over through the years; and most of the time we do have difficulty in dropping our attachment to them. When we hold onto these gathered and stored ideas and concepts, they in a way, act as a blindfold to Truth. We cannot “see” past them. So we need to take time to sort through what it is we really do believe; and our concepts of Life.

Do we have faith in these beliefs that we believe we have, and what does it mean in our daily lives? As Paul and James state, in their respective ways, in New Testament scripture: “Faith without works, is dead.” Before investigating this, let us look at the analogy I referred to earlier, relating to the story of the man in the flood. As I was preparing this lesson I began to realize just how much we are like that guy and obviously this is a generalization.

What is happening around us in the world, and I am not going to get caught up, or side-tracked in details, is an opportunity to actually stop and ask ourselves: “What do I believe, and how can I make a difference?” Let me just clarify for a moment, that we are not isolated individuals; (even though at times this may be what we feel) we all are part of, and in fact participate in, mass consciousness.

Whatever we believe, whatever concepts we hold, whatever reactions, responses, or attitudes we face life with, go into the mix of mass consciousness. It is all energy. So…. “they” get up in arms about something that another group do not agree with; and then “they” also retaliate at the same, perhaps heated level, and chaos reigns in the world. Note at this point though: chaos never reigns in Spirit!

Having said all that let me get back to the analogy. And, you all know this story too; in fact it features more in our lives than many others, and has done for many years. It is the story of Jesus! So you may be wondering: “How can this have anything to do with that guy sitting on the roof in the flood?”

Jesus was our way-shower and teacher; but we have made Him (the man, Jesus) the canoe, the motor boat, and the helicopter. We have missed the point when we look to the man, who repeatedly informed us through his teachings, that all are one in God our Father, and it was through his teachings and the Christ Consciousness that we will be saved from drowning in ignorance. Christ Consciousness is accessible to all and is the doorway to the Kingdom within.

When we turn away from this (not necessarily even intentionally); but are distracted by what is going on, around us, then we mistakenly look to the Man, Jesus, and forget about the Spiritual Principles he gave us that are applicable in any situation, by anyone, anywhere. We are all one in Spirit, and yet so often we hold to the mistaken identity of this Man, Jesus, who is put forward as the exception to mankind, through our non-understanding of the term: only begotten Son. The Christ Consciousness is the only begotten Son in each of us. And I quote now briefly from the Divine Science Text Book of Basic Principle: Jesus’ disciples accepted the fact that Jesus knew that what was true for him was also true for all mankind, for it was John who said, “As he is, so are we in this world.” 1 John 4:17

Through the guidance of the Christ Spirit within we are awakened to the spirit of all Good. This Christ Consciousness is the fullness of the riches of divine Mind active in our souls. The attainment of Christ Consciousness is our goal. [end quote] So after all this…. what do we believe, and are we putting it all into practice? In Scripture we are told that faith without works is dead.

Emma Curtis Hopkins clarified this by stating it thus: “works are the activity of faith, not effort.” In the book, Unveiling your hidden power – a compilation transcribed from her published works, by Ruth L. Miller, she states: “The Spiritual or Real world is not changed by our words or thoughts; it is the same changeless good yesterday, today, and forever. All our faith and all our reasoning simply open our eyes to the Real world. So we have nothing to do, for in the Spiritual world, which is the Real world, all is perfect. The highest working power is the power to see that we have nothing to do.” (End quote)

For some that may seem very odd and somewhat radical, so let us check this out. We may at times feel that we need to be seen to do “good works.” And certainly there is a place for us to assist and aid and be compassionate in life. Understand that God has already done the work, and our real work is to see and realize that we need to honour and acknowledge in gratitude, the truth of our being. Jesus’ incarnation was not so he could stand on a pedestal and expect to be idolized and worshipped. No, it is Truth that we revere as we understand the Teacher; and the teachings.

So… to work then…BEING WHO AND WHAT WE ARE IN TRUTH. When we are consciously aware of this and make time for quiet contemplation and meditation, we are answering the question: what does the world need right now in these times of upheaval and seeming chaos?… ultimately participating in the solution. First in mind, then in manifestation – all love and harmony, recognition and respect for ourselves and others, begins within individual consciousness. On the human/world stage, we lose the plot, when we lose God.

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 – MAY:
03 Rosemary Batchelor
10 Rev. Mallory Kretzmann
17 Rosemary Batchelor
24 Sylvia van Zyl
31 Rev. Mallory Kretzmann

CD. ORDERS OF THE SUNDAY LESSONS: CD’S are available to order of the Sunday Lessons and to avoid a backlog of unclaimed orders, R20-00 is payable at time of ordering.

MEDITATION: A reminder that the Sanctuary is open for meditation during our office hours which are Tuesday to Friday, 09:00 until 13:00.

CLASSES: Our Divine Science – Bible New Testament Class concluded this past week. Do watch the notice board for a forthcoming study group on “Lessons in Truth”, based on the book by H. Emily Cadie.

“NEW ROOM” PROJECT: Since we moved into our “new home” at the end of August 2013, we have:

• painted the foyer and Sanctuary,
• we have put in carpeting throughout,
• cupboards were removed giving more space in the sunroom/classroom,
• lighting was upgraded in the kitchen, sunroom/classroom and Sanctuary,
• an electronic lock was put on the security gate,
• shelves were put up and our new library space created.
• Improvements in the garden

This just lists some of what has been achieved. Now we are moving on, very enthusiastically to our project of converting our double garage into a new space for workshops, yoga classes, functions etc. There will be the odd fundraiser for this, and any ideas you may have, please do share them. Watch the notice board for further and ongoing information.

ACT MEMBERSHIP: We thank those who have responded so positively to renewing and continuing their membership. Please do let us know should your contact details change as this assists us in keeping our records updated.

WORKPARTY AND BRAAI: Planned for Saturday 16 May, notices have been sent out and details are on the notice board.

ACT ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING: The meeting is scheduled for Sunday 07 June, after the Service. A formal notice, from the Board will be sent to members.

DR. SALAZAR’S VISIT:
We are really looking forward to having Dr. Al Salazar and his wife, Marcella, with us next month. Dr. Salazar will be presenting the Lesson at our Thanksgiving Service on Sunday 21 June. The next newsletter will have necessary details.

In Closing…..

“The present moment is always full of infinite treasure. It contains more than you have the capacity to hold. The Will of God presents itself at every instant, like an immense ocean. Your heart will receive of the Ocean the measure to which it can expand itself, by faith, confidence, and love.”

Jean Causade

Bountiful blessings,

MALLORY

Dear Friends,

All rewards are Spiritual

Last month my message dealt with spiritual wholeness: this month the focus is on an aspect of that spiritual wholeness, “spiritual prosperity.” Generally, as individuals, it seems we are part of a very needy society – we need to be accepted; we need to be respected; we need to be rewarded; in other words, we need more! And it could be said, once again generalizing, that an individual mantra could be: “I have a need!”

Perhaps it is through this very neediness that all around us systems in the world seem to be unraveling and when we get to the bottom line it would appear that it all has to do with money, or the apparent lack of it. Because the media dazzles us with so many things to be needed, and that we should have, we can have a difficult time not buying into “needing more.”

In dealing with the topic of spiritual wholeness the suggestion was that we surrender to what is – the Truth that is – and trust that. And yes, we do have a need – a need to KNOW TRUTH. In knowing Truth, we will be spiritually prosperous. We do not have to go searching all over the world for Truth, for the “I AM” of each one of us is Truth!

Now, on the topic of Spiritual Prosperity, we are going to look at treasures in consciousness as opposed to what we may often think of as necessary treasures in the world. There is also the mistaken idea that our experiences in the world out-picture our consciousness. So we may be judged, and our consciousness questioned, when it comes to the status of our health, the home we live in, or our financial situation.

Spiritual consciousness cannot be measured with a yardstick of the world. Jesus, through his connection to Truth was able to impart to all: “My kingdom is not of this world.” And the kingdom referred to, is the kingdom in consciousness to which all have access.

Paul Ferrini states it clearly in these words, entitled: “All Rewards are Spiritual”
“There is no more truth in the religion of abundance than there is in the religion of sacrifice. God does not necessarily reward spiritual work with material success. All rewards are spiritual. Happiness, joy, compassion, peace, sensitivity: these are the rewards for a life lived in integrity. You must learn once and for all, to stop measuring spiritual riches with a worldly yardstick. Your lifework can be profoundly successful even if it doesn’t bring in a large paycheck.”

And to clarify the statement: All rewards are spiritual….. these are the eternal gifts received in conscious awareness; rewards that cannot be taken away.

We are told in Malachi 3:10 – “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” Bring all the tithes into the storehouse – Eric Butterworth in his book entitled: Spiritual Economics, suggests of this statement, that it is making the commitment to work with the law in all aspects of life; the law of Truth, giving way to the Divine Flow, and in the words, prove me now, God is saying: “prove the law in action.”

For me, the words: prove me now, imply turning to that Inner Presence habitually, allowing that Divine Flow to come forth as guidance, supply, wisdom; to meet all needs. Prove me now and discover the inner kingdom and Truth – and thus overcome, in the moment, the world with all its trials and tribulations.

Truth is the gift of our true inheritance; this substance that the five senses are powerless to discern, is constantly at hand; constantly flowing in and through all life. Yet if we stand back and just see the effects of the human condition and what is taking place in our daily lives, it would seem in some instances that we have come to a frigid standstill.

We need to be awake and alert to Truth and then we have the spiritual reward that is beyond measuring in the world, and we know ourselves then as unique, divine expressions come forth from the infinite formless source of all life and all being, in which state of realization there is no lack and no need. If we are living with any fear of lack or limitation then we are not embracing and believing this Truth.

We want the spiritual rewards, but when it is suggested that we begin and end our days with silence and meditation, suddenly we find excuses. We want to be in the flow of limitless spiritual prosperity, but then divorce ourselves from it by doubting.

To quote Eric Butterworth again, he says: “When you really know yourself as a spiritual being, you experience the fulfilling of the law, which rushes, streams, and pours into you in terms of substance and supply and all that is required for success.”

When we truly understand this we are ready to embrace the gifts (in consciousness) of God, and indeed the statement: “Prove me now.” It is in Spiritual union and communion that we prosper, for the prosperity discerned in consciousness, is eternal and remains with us as we journey forward in life.

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 – APRIL:
05 Revs. Mallory Kretzmann and Helen Penfold – Easter Service
12 Rosemary Batchelor
19 Rev. Mallory Kretzmann
26 Sylvia van Zyl

CD. ORDERS OF THE SUNDAY LESSONS: CD’S are available to order of the Sunday Lessons, but a new system will be in place from beginning of April, where payment with order will be required. This is due of a backlog of unclaimed orders.

REPORT BACK ON GARAGE SALE: Firstly a word of heartfelt appreciation to those who pitched in and helped, both with the garage clean-up and the sale. A new space is being created, and more details can be seen in the enclosed/attached report from the Board.

ACT MEMBERSHIP: We thank those who have responded so positively to renewing and continuing their membership. Please do let us know should your contact details change as this assists us in keeping our records updated.

FORTHCOMING HIGHLIGHT………………
We are delighted to announce an anticipated visit, in June, by Dr. Al Salazar, who will be coming to South Africa accompanied by his wife, Marcella. Many of you know Dr. Salazar and Marcella whose visits in the past have been so appreciated by us all. Dr. Salazar, during his first visit in 1997, designated ACT an Extension Campus to the Divine Science School in Washington DC; and was also instrumental in ordaining both Helen Penfold and Mallory Kretzmann into the Divine Science Ministry.
Dr. Salazar will be presenting our Thanksgiving Service and any other details will be available closer to the time. Watch this space!

In closing………

“It is in accepting completely in consciousness that the essence of God is all in all, with all and through all, which frees the mind to lift itself out of the consciousness of limitation and doubt, and frees it to make manifest the Cosmic or Christ within itself. It is an awareness of the Divine, I AM PRESENCE, that brings all aspects of the mind into a pattern of unlimited and abundant good.”
Jack H. Holland – Your Freedom to Be

Bountiful blessings,
MALLORY