Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Happy times at Havant
For your information:
Although ‘Havant Spiritualists’ is available without charge, any donation towards the cost of its production will be gratefully received.
Emsworth Show 3
Another Open Day? 4
The Trappings of Christmas 7
Library Report 8
What is Spiritualist Healing? 9
Recommended Reading 11 What is a Circle? 10
Val Williams 5
Festival of Light 6
Inside this issue:
Hav
ant
Sp
irit
ual
ists
AF
FI
LI
AT
ED
TO
TH
E S
PI
RI
TU
AL
IS
TS
’ N
AT
IO
NA
L U
NI
ON
Volume 4, Issue 4
Autumn 2011
One of the important ceremonies carried out at Havant church is the naming service; always a happy occasion, and a chance for our children to become part of the Spiritualist way of life.
On Saturday 13 August we held a naming service for Mollie, daughter of Tina and Colin. Mollie follows in her brother, Noah’s footsteps. He was named two years ago at Havant church.
We all wish Mollie health and happiness throughout her life on the Earth plane and welcome her into the Spiritualist movement.
Church president and Spiritualists' National Union Officiant, Alan Baker, lead the ceremony.
Funerals, weddings and blessings can all be performed at Havant, a church registered with The Home Office. To discuss your needs speak, initially, to any committee member.
May you live through interesting times.
On the face of it a pleasant blessing to give to someone, but in typical Confucian irony, it is an ancient Chinese curse. If you think about it, the only really newsworthy and ‘interesting times’ are those of strife and conflict. We are, indeed, living through interesting times.
Since the last issue the internal troubles of Libya, and the Middle East continue. The Afghanistan conflict continues, and financial instability, worldwide, continues. Closer to home we have had our own civil unrest in some big cities, with death, violence and destruction shown on our news channels.
We are all saddened by the actions of a very small minority of the population, and our prayers and healing energies go out to those who are suffering the aftermath.
But shouldn’t we also send healing to those responsible for the carnage? As abhorrent their behaviour and actions are, surely we must hope that their minds can be soothed and their behaviour moderated, and that any grievance they may have with the rest of society can be resolved in a manner that will have a positive outcome?
Talking of positive outcomes, in this issue we report on the Emsworth Show, where we manned a display to encourage passers by to find out more about Spiritualism, and our second Open Day of the year, where we tried something different.
We also tell of two events for later in the year, our Festival of Light in December, and a trip to the Brighton Ice Show in January. Keep your eye on the notice board, because we will be announcing details of an extra-special social event in November.
The observant ones among you may have noticed a change to the front page of the newsletter—we have a new logo. Recently issued by the SNU it is a more modern and artistic rendering of the original. Both are reproduced below. Do you like the new version? Let me know what you think.
I hope you enjoy this issue, it is a little later than usual, but a little larger, too—there was just so much to squeeze in!
Kim
Page 2
From the Editor
H A V A N T S P I R I T U A L I S T S
Out with the old ...
And in with the new ...
The bank holiday was blessed with fine weather this year, and that meant loads of people out enjoying the fun and interesting stalls at the Emsworth Show. There were bird of prey and dog shows, jiving and country dancing, and lots of charity stalls raising funds for their causes. At the far end was the marquee with the flowers and art. Lurking at the side were The Co-operative, Emsworth Maritime and History Society, the local Churches Together and a fitness establishment, Hampshire Police … and us. Our merry band of healers manned the tent and gave healing to all who asked. We introduced spiritual healing to a few who had never had any before, as well as some who knew what to expect. Unfortunately we couldn’t convince the lady PC to come and relax with us - not good for the image, I suppose. We handed out loads of leaflets to passers by. Some had visited a Spiritualist church before, and others were interested in something new, and we hope to see them at the Open Day in September. As expected, and hoped, we engaged in some philosophical discussion with some of the show-goers. The Healing team consisted of Alan and Velma, Maureen and Heather,
and Ruth and Jamie. Benson was there, too, just to check any abandoned handbags. Julie and Kim did front of house, thrusting leaflets at the unsuspecting as they came within range.
We had a good day and hopefully made some more people aware of what Spiritualism is, it would be great if some of them came to the church as well.
Page 3
Emsworth Show—29 August
V O L U M E 4 , I S S U E 4
Alan chats to some young seekers, while Julie is armed, ready for the next passer-by
The Emsworth Team: Kim, Ruth, Jamie, Heather, Velma, Alan and Maureen (seated)
and Benson
Two open days in one year? Unheard of! Well, actually no, we had our second on Saturday, September 24th—and a very good day it was, too!
There was a full programme of events starting with Nick Harper’s session about the use of sound and vibration in meditation. He demonstrated the subtle sounds of his ‘singing bowls’ and the audience participated in a short meditation.
Another session was led by John Hocking on mediumship and all it means, what it is, how it works, and he talked of famous mediums of the past.
Between giving private readings, Carianne Reilly gave a demonstration of mediumship. Our second medium, Pet Stowell, was also busy with a constant flow of clients, eager to here from loved ones beyond the veil. Pet rounded off the day with another demonstration session
Richard Murphy, our circle leader, gave a talk on the benefit of sitting in circle. He described how it is primarily to develop the individual as a person, and this development may lead on to other abilities. Alan Baker and Nick Harper gave a talk on Spirituality.
Healing was available all day and our healers did a great job distributing the energies to those in need.
Our ‘sales team’ were busy at the far end of the social room, with Velma selling jewellery and verses, and our librarian, Julie, selling a range of second hand books suitable for those wishing to find out more. Books featured famous mediums, Doris Stokes, Tony Stockwell, Derek Acorah, Rita Rogers, Colin Fry, Gordon Smith, and spiritual guidance, such as some of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series and The Celestine Prophesy. There were a few out-of-print collectors books available, too.
The books were a popular addition to the event and sold well, although we couldn’t shift Derek Acorah - looks like we’ll have to put him on the ‘bogof’* list.
Thanks to everyone who worked hard to make the day a success—we made new friends, helped some along their chosen path and raised a few bob** for church funds.
Page 4
Another Open Day?
H A V A N T S P I R I T U A L I S T S
*Bogof - buy one get one free
** Few bob - for those of tender years a ‘bob’ was a term used for a shilling, now 5p. (As used in the Boy Scouts’ ‘Bob-a job Week’ 1949-1999, where Scouts would do tasks in return for a small donation to their funds) Velma and Julie were trying to take things seriously ...
… unlike Jan
The Annual Ice Show—January 2012
V O L U M E 4 , I S S U E 4 Page 5
Sensuous from start to finish, this production of sheer extravagance and highly charged entertainment looks set to melt the ice. With a cast of over 40 world class skaters seamlessly gliding through smouldering boleros, sultry Latin rhythms, Big Band and high-octane Rock 'n' Roll, this show simply exudes Passion. Created and choreographed by Olympic champion Robin Cousins MBE, Tropicana celebrates love and life: with extravagant costumes, passionate dances and non-stop music this is one of the most thrilling ice spectaculars you will ever see. With an original musical score, Tropicana also features interpretations of some of the best loved songs from world-renowned songwriter Barry Manilow, including 'Can't Smile Without You', the iconic 'Mandy' and the one and only 'Copacabana'. For the first time in Holiday on Ice's history, Tropicana employs a giant, state-of-the-art LED screen as the backdrop to the show, enhancing the action on the ice with a thrilling light show and explosive effects.
For the past couple of years we have arranged a trip to the Brighton Ice Show—and again it’s fully booked before we go to print. Watch out for our Spring edition for a report on the action!
Robin Cousins MBE
Val Williams
In July we were lucky to have a visit by Minister Val Williams, from ‘up north’. She provided a demonstration of mediumship on Saturday 30th and was the speaker at our Sunday service on 31st.
She donated a copy of her book, Two Worlds as One, to our library. It is an account of her spiritual development. In it she shares the events that have shaped her life working for Spirit. She tells of good times and those no so good, giving examples of evidence passed from hidden realms, for her, proof that life survives physical death.
She has written the book in an unassuming, non-celebrity style, offering support to those developing their abilities, as well as the casual reader.
Festival of Light—Saturday 17 December
Page 6
As the evenings get darker and the daytime temperatures start to drop, our thoughts fall forward to winter. And what is a Spiritualist’s favourite time in winter … ?
No! Wrong! Not Christmas! Christmas is for Christians!
The Festival of Light is our very own celebration of the darkest days of the year when we look forward to the coming of the New Year and Spring.
People around the world have celebrated the time of mid-winter, around the Winter Solstice, for thousands of years, before Jesus was even a twinkle in the sky above Palestine.
In modern times many are returning to the traditional celebration of the season, turning away from the gluttony, greed and gorging associated with Christmas, and celebrating the joy of family, friends, and the promise of better times in the coming year.
Our Festival of Light, embraces the values once held dear by those who relied on the changing seasons for their wellbeing. On Saturday 17 December we will celebrate our gratitude for the year just passed, and our hopes for the new year yet to come. It will be a celebration of the changing seasons, how winter is a time of Nature withdrawing her energy, a time of hibernation and protection against the cold harshness. And how we look forward to spring, when warmth begins to draw new growth, blossom and a new season of productivity.
We look forward to seeing you at our Festival of Light on Saturday 17 December.
As sure as eggs is eggs, on the 25th we will all be opening gifts and sharing the fellowship of family and friends, toasting with alcoholic drinks, stuffing ourselves with fine food and, no doubt, feeling the worse for it afterwards (not to mention when the bank statement arrives). But as you celebrate, think about what you are celebrating and why …
Seasons’ Greetings.
H A V A N T S P I R I T U A L I S T S
Christmas Banned! During the time of the Great Republic, Oliver Cromwell’s parliament abolished Christmas for over 15 years, as they considered it had simply become a time for over eating and drinking, and the Puritans in parliament believed the celebrations detracted from the real message of the Christ-Tide.
Increasingly in the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries, many people, especially the more Godly, came to frown upon the celebration of Christmas, for two reasons. Firstly, they disliked all the waste, extravagance, disorder, sin and immorality of the Christmas celebrations. Secondly, they saw Christmas (that is, Christ’s mass) as an unwelcome survival of the Roman Catholic faith. A ceremony particularly encouraged by the Catholic church, as a festival with no biblical justification – nowhere had God called upon mankind to celebrate Christ’s nativity in this way, they said. What this group wanted was a much stricter observance of the Lord’s day (Sundays), and the abolition of the often sinful celebration of Christmas, as well as of Easter, Whitsun and assorted other festivals and saints’ days.
In the early 1640s, as power passed to the Long Parliament, the process of clamping down on the celebration of Christmas, began, pressing that ‘Christ-tide’ (as they preferred it called, thus doing away with the ‘mass’ element and its Catholic echoes) should be kept merely as a day of fasting and seeking the Lord.
In January 1645 a group of ministers, appointed by parliament, produced a new Directory of Public Worship, setting out a new church organisation and new forms of worship to be adopted and followed in England and Wales. The Directory made clear that Sundays were to be strictly observed as holy days, for the worship of God, but that there were to be no other holy days – ‘festival days, vulgarly called Holy Days, having no warrant in the Word of God, are not to be continued’. therefore prohibited (on paper at least) the religious celebration of all other holy days, including Christmas.
In June 1647 the Long Parliament reiterated this by passing an Ordinance confirming the abolition of the feasts of Christmas, Easter and Whitsun.
The Trappings of Christmas
Page 7
Good old Father Christmas
The origin of Santa Claus begins in the 4th century with Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, (Turkey). By all accounts he was a generous man, particularly devoted to children. When he dies, around 340 A.D. he was buried in Myra, but in 1087 it is said that Italian sailors stole his remains and took them to Bari, Italy.
His kindness and generosity gave rise to claims he that he could perform miracles and devotion to him increased. St. Nicholas became the patron saint of Russia, where he was known by his red cape, flowing white beard, and bishop's mitre. In Greece, he is the patron saint of sailors, in France, the patron of lawyers, and in Belgium, the patron of children and travellers.
Thousands of churches across Europe were dedicated to him and sometime around the 12th century an official church holiday was created in his honour. The Feast of St. Nicholas was celebrated December 6 and the day was marked by gift-giving and charity.
Christmas Trees
In 16th-century Germany fir trees were decorated, both indoors and out, with apples, roses, gilded candies, and coloured paper.
The Christmas Tree was brought to England by Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert from his native Germany. The famous Illustrated News etching in 1848, featuring the Royal Family of Victoria, Albert and their children gathered around a Christmas tree in Windsor Castle, popularized the tree throughout Victorian England. It was not until 1835 that we actually had the words ‘Christmas tree’ in our language. It, too, came from Germany, via Queen Charlotte.
The tree is the one symbol that unites almost all the northern European winter solstices. Live evergreen trees were often brought into homes during the harsh winters as a reminder to inhabitants that soon their crops would grow again. Evergreen boughs were sometimes carried as totems of good luck and were often present at weddings, representing fertility.
The Druids used the tree as a religious symbol, holding their sacred ceremonies while surrounding and worshipping huge trees. The earliest
record of an evergreen being decorated in a Christian celebration was in 1521 in the Alsace region of Germany.
Celebrations
The origins of Christmas lay in the ancient pagan texts. In ancient Babylon, some 10,000 years ago the feast of the Son of Isis was celebrated on December 25. Raucous partying, gluttonous eating and drinking, and gift-giving were traditions of this feast.
In Rome, the Winter Solstice was celebrated many years before the birth of Christ. The Romans called their winter holiday Saturnalia, honouring Saturn, the God of Agriculture. In January, they observed the Kalends of January, which represented the triumph of life over death. This whole season was called Dies Natalis Invicti Solis, the Birthday of the Unconquered Sun. The festival season was marked by much merrymaking, hence the current definition of Saturnalia as ’an occasion of wild revelry or indulgence’. It is in ancient Rome that the tradition of the Mummers was born. The Mummers were groups of costumed singers and dancers who travelled from house to house entertaining their neighbours. From this, the Christmas tradition of carolling was born.
In northern Europe, many other traditions that we now consider part of Christian worship were begun long before Christ was born. The pagans of northern Europe celebrated their own winter solstice which lasted for 12 days, known as Yule. Yule was symbolic of the pagan Sun God, Mithras, being born, and was observed on the shortest day of the year. As the Sun God grew and matured, the days became longer and warmer. It was customary to light a candle to encourage Mithras, (the sun), to reappear for the next year
Huge Yule logs were burned in honour of the sun. The word Yule itself means ‘wheel’, a pagan symbol for the sun.
In 350, Pope Julius I declared that Christ’s birth would be celebrated on December 25. There is little doubt that he was trying to make it as painless as possible for pagan Romans (who remained a majority at that time) to convert to Christianity. The new religion was more readily accepted knowing that their feast of Saturnalia would not be taken away from them.
Christmas (Christ-Mass) as we know it today, most historians agree, began in Germany, though Catholics and Lutherans still disagree about which church celebrated it first.
H A V A N T S P I R I T U A L I S T S
Library report
Page 8 H A V A N T S P I R I T U A L I S T S
By Julie Moody
Hi, I’m Julie, the new librarian at Havant SC. Since taking over the duties of librarian I have spent most of my time checking out what we have, and looking for the best way to use this valuable asset. Our collection has more than 700 books, ranging from modern titles like Neale Donald Walsch’s Conversations with God, back to old classic volumes such as Harry Boddington’s The University of Spiritualism, first printed in 1947. We have books written by the famous pioneer Spiritualists like, Anthony Borgia, Leslie Flint, J. Arthur Findlay, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Famous mediums like Doris Stokes and Betty Shine have written books, they grace our shelves, too. There are life histories, channelled words of wisdom from Silver Birch, books about healing and healers, mediums and mediumship, scientific books and religious books. Unlike Kindle ours require no batteries, no internet down loads and look, feel and smell like real books.
All of the books can be borrowed, we make a small charge to help with costs and
towards any new books. Come to the book cabinet in the social room after any service and I will
be pleased to help you choose something suitable.
For those who like their Spiritualist news hot from the press we also sell Two Worlds,
nearly the oldest spiritualist publication, founded in 1887, and Psychic World . Both publications
are issued monthly. Speak to me to order your copy of either, or both.
We are always looking to buy new books for the library and are happy to receive any
recommendations. If you have any old books by or about Spiritualism or other suitable subject,
we would be pleased to have them as a donation so that we can sell them at our Open Day, or
other events—all in the name of supporting the church funds.
The newsletter editor is always happy to find space for a review of any book that our
readers may find interesting. So why not borrow a book and write a review.
I look forward to seeing you after the service.
What is Spiritualist Healing?
Page 9
We have a strong team of healers at Havant, led by Alan Baker.
Spiritual Healing is a process that we can all learn, and there can never be too many healers. The Spiritualists' National Union training for healers is run over two years and covers all aspects of healing; anatomy, physiology, law, processes and procedures. This training can be undertaken at Havant church. A strict code of practice is followed in order to protect both patient and practitioner.
Spiritual Healing is not faith healing as practised by some Christian cults. No faith is required. The process will, by varying degrees, benefit the patient. The healer does not interfere with any medicine or treatment prescribed by your conventional GP, and will only do, under the guidance of their spirit guide, what is best for the patient. They will only compliment your doctor’s actions, and are happy to consult with him if necessary.
Healing is available at Havant on Tuesdays (from 1.00 p.m. to 4.30 p.m.) and Thursdays (6.30 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.), and if a healer is available, after the Wednesday and Sunday services.
There is no charge for healing but, in the essence of keeping positive energies flowing, a donation to church funds is most welcome.
If you know someone in need of healing who does not attend the church, you can ask for their name to be written in the Healing Book. During our Sunday service we spend a short time in quiet contemplation, with the whole congregation sending positive, healing thoughts to those in need, anywhere in the world, focussing on those whose names are read from the book.
Please contact any committee member or healer if you would like to know more about Spiritualist Healing, have any questions about the process, or would like to train as a healer.
We want you to enjoy the experience of healing, for most it can make a difference.
H A V A N T S P I R I T U A L I S T S
We believe that an energy exists that can relieve most conditions of illness or dis-ease, and this energy can be channelled to a patient via the trained and qualified healers within the church.
What is a Circle?
Page 10 H A V A N T S P I R I T U A L I S T S
Open, or beginners, circles are to develop you as an individual, to learn about yourself and who and what you are. They are not designed to make you into an instant clairvoyant or medium. Before we can develop in any way we have to understand where, and who, we are. We have to learn to like ourselves. At Havant, we provide the essential support for you as an individual, as no two persons are the same, there cannot be a ‘one size fits all’ when we discuss development. We treat everyone as an individual, there are no beginners nor experts, we are all at different points on our spiritual journey. The leader’s job is to improve your knowledge and understanding, he will give you all the time you need, The beginners circle Is about trying to focus the mind, and developing what I call the RAC method; Relaxation And Confidence. For a person to be able to use their gift, first they must relax, and also must develop confidence, If you don't relax you won't work, or receive, but also if you have no confidence you won't be able to give the message. It's a two stage development. At the circle I do various exercises to bring the best out of people, meditation, wellbeing, and development. We all work as a team, not as individuals, and move together, We are all learning, Do come along and see for yourself, all we ask is for you to have an open mind and not to be judgemental. The Beginners’ open circle is at the church on Thursday evenings from 8.30 p.m.
By Richard Murphy
In the Middle Ages, a walk around a labyrinth would have been a substitute for a pilgrimage to Canterbury, Rome or Jerusalem. But the labyrinth is much older than that. The Greeks first created them 4,000 years ago. A labyrinth is like a maze, but differs inasmuch as a maze has false turns, dead ends and is designed to puzzle and entertain. A labyrinth follows one true path to the centre, and is usually arranged in a circle. While mazes often have high hedges to make it difficult to find your way, labyrinths are laid out on the ground, so you can see your goal at all times, even when the path does not seem to be taking you towards it and, may even be leading you in the opposite direction. Once there were labyrinths throughout the British Isles, often cut into the turf of village greens or close to churches, and their symbolism was powerful. Today there are only eight originals left in England. Seven, spread from North Yorkshire to the New forest, are on public land and easily visited. Having been nicked off the pagans by the Christian Church, labyrinths are now being adopted by those on a post-Christian spiritual quest.
(Although not strictly to do with our circle, I thought the symbolism was relevant.—Ed)
The Miz-maze at Breamore, just west of the New Forest. One of the eight remaining original English labyrinths
Labyrinth
V O L U M E 4 , I S S U E 4
Philosophy of SNU Spiritualism
Published by the Spiritualists' National Union, and jointly written by Ministers Barry Oates, David Hopkins and Officiant Carole Austin, it is a summary of the current understanding of the Seven Principles, which were laid down more than a hundred years ago.
It gives an in-depth explanation of the principles and it is an ideal book for the new seeker, or anyone needing a broader view of what appear, at first glance, to be seven simple statements.
Although compiled by members of the Philosophy and Ethics committee, these words are only their view and opinion; the reader is encouraged to consider the Principles for themselves.
A Pause for Thought, Spiritual Teachings
We have a new book in the library. This book is fresh from the printer, and is one of a limited edition of 20. The author, John Hocking, a transfiguration medium, has donated a copy to the library so that its message is available to those who seek.
The book is a compilation of channeled automatic writing, given to his mother from her spirit contact before she passed in 2007. The writings were transcribed by John’s father and have not been edited. They are as given to May Hocking during her hours of sitting.
Our thanks to John for this interesting addition to our shelves.
Page 11
Recommended reading
Golden Enlightenment II
There are a couple of copies of James McQuitty’s updated book available to buy at a discount price of £4 (normally £6.50).
This updated edition has 50 questions that those enquiring about the Spiritualist path may ask. He answers these questions fully and in a clear, easy to understand way. The book is suitable for refreshing the more experienced follower, as well as those more recently on the path.
Brockhampton Lane Havant
PO9 1JB
AFFILIATED TO THE SPIRITUALISTS’ NATIONAL UNION
ways to deal with it, but which ever option we choose, we learn something.
If our choice doesn't give us the necessary learning outcome, the challenge, or one similar, will be presented again, maybe not for some while, but it will be repeated until we choose to deal, or react, in the way which gives us the knowledge, skill or experience we need to progress.
We have the freedom to choose our path, and along the way there are some terrific views—enjoy the journey.
Let me know what you think about free will—do we have it or don’t we? (or Free Willy, if you’ve seen the movie.)
Email : [email protected]
Write to The Editor at the address above, or speak to any committee member. Your comments and contributions are always welcome.
Free will, (no, not the movie, that was Free Willy) is something we all have. We are told that we have ’free will’ to think, say, do, believe whatever we like. Deep spiritual thinkers tell us that there is no right nor wrong—in that case why bother with all this religious malarkey?
But do we really have free will, or is our life planned for us and we, merely puppets on a stage? Or maybe it is somewhere between the two; the middle way.
Let’s say that as Spiritualists we were born in this physical body because we need to learn lessons A, B and C. We are not given a route map, nor any directions, nor are we aware while we are here, what it is we need to learn. What we do know is that once we have completed what we are here to do, we can return to our spiritual home, our spirit world, and continue on our path.
As we grow and progress through this Earthly life, challenges are presented to us. Each one an opportunity to learn. Maybe learn from previous mistakes, or learn a skill that can be learned no better way. At each challenge we have options, choices, we can use our free will. We can face the challenge or avoid it. There may be other
Spiritualist Philosophy
Phone: 07586 421780 (answer phone when church closed)
or: 023 9235 8367 email: [email protected]
www.havantspiritualistchurch.bravehost.com
The place to find out about Spiritualism
October 2011
Date Time Service/Demo Speaker
Sun 2 6.30 pm Service Maureen Bright
Wed 5 7.30 pm Service Jill Pickett
Sat 8 7.00 pm Demo Sarah Bowden
Sun 9 6.30 pm Service Dorothy Dent
Wed 12 7.30 pm Service Al & Geoff Potts
Sat 15 7.00 pm
Sun 16 6.30 pm Service Pet Stowell
Wed 19 7.30 pm Service Andrew Manship
Sun 23 6.30 pm Service Dennis Jones
Wed 26 7.30 pm Service Terry Taylor
Sun 30 6.30 pm Service Geoff Woodhouse
Demo—Psychic Art
Jan Dayton
List of speakers and demonstrators for next month
A complete list of speakers and demonstrators for the whole year is available on request
Havant Spiritualist
Church
Editor: Kim P. Moody [email protected]
Your contributions and comments are always welcome.
