Community Update from Bishop Gene

 

International Community of Christ
Church of the Second Advent

Office of the Head Overseer-Bishop
The Right Reverend Gene Savoy, Jr.

March 10, 2021
Remembrance of the 9-planet Alignment (1982)

Dear Consociates,

As promised, I write to you regarding The Community’s plans for our annual Convocation of Ministers and Consociates. But first, let me update you on this year’s plans at the Sanctuary as described briefly in my letter of February 20th.

The second phase of the Cathedral Church restoration is currently underway with removal and demolition of the loose and crumbling concrete. The next phases will be a) the fabrication of forms, b) the installation of special screws by which the new concrete will adhere to the old concrete, c) the actual pouring of the new concrete itself, and, finally, d) covering the new concrete with a unique urethane cap. In addition, existing cracks in the concrete floor will be filled and the central water feature of the church restored. This is the same process that was used for the first phase.

Work is also underway remodeling the apartment of the late Reverend Mother Carol Ann Crabb at the Chapter House into a Sanctuary retreat apartment for use by Community members. The tile floors throughout have been refurbished, new carpet has been installed in the bedroom, walls have been repainted, new window treatments are in, the kitchen counter-tops are being replaced, the bathroom is being given a fresh look, old lighting fixtures have been replaced, and new furniture is being purchased. We are also installing a new heating system, TV and stereo system. We believe this space will be very comfortable for everyone who uses it to enjoy, appreciate and work the Sanctuary grounds and conducive for retreat and contemplation. We will let you know when it becomes available for use.

Please remember that we are proceeding with these two projects in anticipation of your necessary and much-appreciated contribution. Our goal is to raise $40,000: $30,000 for the Cathedral Church repairs and $10,000 for the Sanctuary Retreat Apartment remodel.

Another essential program we are expanding this year at the Sanctuary is the growing of food for our members. We are starting out small but with a comprehensive plan to grow organic vegetables, herbs and fruits by means of both soil farming and aquaponics. We have chosen three sites to begin with and, as the plan develops, we will keep you informed of our progress.

Also, as promised, trees in memory of the late Reverend Canon Dr. Gary Buchanan and the Reverend Mother Carol Ann Crabb will be planted this Spring and Fall around the Cathedral Church and surrounding gardens.

This summary should give you a good idea of what we will be focused on this year at the Sanctuary. Of course, other projects have already been planned and are proceeding at Steamboat Hot Springs, the Chapel of the Holy Child, and the Rectory-Abbey, but these reports are for another time because we realize there is only so much we can ask of you at any one time.

Now let us discuss Convocation. As you know, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we were compelled to cancel last year’s gathering. This is the first time we have had to do this since these assemblies began in the mid-1970’s. However, 2020 was not a loss for us. We took advantage of the down time to focus on laying the foundation for the next phase of The Community’s growth which is already becoming apparent.

This year, while the world still remains under the influence of the pandemic, we are planning a one-day virtual conference to be held on Sunday, June 6, 2021. All details have not been finalized as of yet; however, we anticipate it will be in three parts: 1) the Sunrise Divine Service, 2) a one or two hour presentation later in the morning, and 3) a Q & A session in the afternoon. Details will be sent soon on how you can participate.

Sunday, June 6, 2021 is Second Advent Pentecost. The importance of this day is recorded in The Book of God’s Revelation beginning on page 109. (Pentecost is a highly significant date in our Sacred Calendar, and I highly recommend you read the pages again.) June 6th each year is the anniversary of the announcement of God’s Newly Created Light in the Eight Appearances. On this date in 1982 (a 20-year cycle), Revelations were received atop the Temple Mount on the Four Intermediary Lights, the Tables of the Law, the Twelve Principles of Divine Law, and on the building of the Shrine of God’s Waters.

In the early Christian Church, which originated out of the Essene communities, Pentecost signified the annual renewal of the Covenant – the time of year when new candidates were admitted into the Order and other members of the Community were advanced to the next level within the Order. It was a time of regeneration and revitalization for the Community.

Next year – 2022 – we will hold a full, in-person Convocation, again, during the time of Pentecost. 2022 is an auspicious year. It not only marks the 60th anniversary of the birth of the Sun of Righteousness and the manifestation of The Image and The Word in God’s New Sun, it is also the beginning of a new 20-year cycle. Twenty-year cycles are important in our Calendar, and this will mark the closing of the third 20-year cycle and the beginning of the fourth since 1962 – the previous two being in 1982 and 2012, respectively. The Convocation will begin either Wednesday, June 1st or Thursday, June 2nd and will end the morning of Monday, June 6th. So begin making your plans now.

As always, you are more than welcome to reach out to me on any matter or with any questions at any time. I am personally looking forward to our continued work together and the building of the Great School of Light as we enter a new cycle of regeneration and renewal in our Community. In the meantime, I remain,

Very truly yours in Light+,

Gene Savoy Jr.

 



WEEKLY MESSAGE: March 15, 2021

 

 

HEAD OVERSEER’S WEEKLY MESSAGE

 

 

 

March 15, 2021

Jamil, the angelic Messenger of Light, came into this world 62 years ago tomorrow, departing a short time before his third year on Earth. It is fitting that we continue with this Saying and the commentary on it given in the Hawaiian Islands seventeen years after his passing.

The Seventeenth Saying (Part 16)

“With this statement, the Third Mariner asked another question saying, ‘In Biblical scripture, there is reference to those who sleep in Christ. The implication is that a person, while dying physically, would be sleeping in Christ, and upon the return of Christ at the Second Coming, that person, likened unto a seed waiting for water, would come alive. Are we to believe these writings?’

“And The Man answered The Mariner saying, ‘The writings to which you refer are to be found in the New Testament and can be attributed to Paul who was not an Apostle of Jesus, nor a disciple of Jesus, nor was he even a member of his early church, that is, a member of the Essene Order. Thus Paul was not part of the early Messianist movement later known as the Christian movement. Paul was part of the Pharisaic movement that did not adhere to the idea of the immortality of the soul. However, we do not wish to overly criticize Paul because it may very well be that his writings are shrouded in cryptic symbology which, if interpreted literally, give a false meaning to that intended. This is something to be considered. There is another teaching which says that when Christ returns to earth, all the bones of those sleeping will come rattling up and be reformed with flesh wrapped around them and all those people will be singing in the sky, joyous with Christ’s return. That is only a kind of allegory; it is not to be accepted literally.’

“At this point, the Second Mariner spoke saying, ‘If I may return to the earlier discussion on the Self, it appears to me from what has been said that the physical is only a false self which, after death, eventually fades into oblivion, and that it is only the True Self, the spiritual Self that survives. Therefore, we must get to know what this True Self is.’

“And The Man answered by saying, ‘The transitory self which you just mentioned does experience that fate, indeed. The True Self, or the immortal Self, has to be created by God through the implantation of the solar spermatikos by means of the techniques that we have been taught. Once the True Self is developed, it becomes Christ-like. The transitory self must become friends with the True Self. We may ask why the True Self has to stay in earthly confines. Why does it not go on to the Worlds of Light? It does. Yet, as a piece of fingernail, or a strand of hair detached from the body remains in tune with that body by means of a frequency, so does the material body remain in touch with that True Self. Thus, there is a connection between the two which forms an interrelationship between them. The body of Light can and does influence the material body in many beneficial ways. It also influences the material mind of the organism so that the mind is able to deal logically and rationally with its counterpart, though I would not say that it is capable of understanding the real nature of an immortal Self. This is beyond the range of a reasoning mind restricted to third-dimensional existence. Yet the two are able to coexist – the mind knowing that its own immortality rests with the True Self and not with its own self.’”

We will continue with the Seventeenth Saying next week. In the meantime, if you are so inclined, please feel free to light a candle tomorrow in remembrance of the Holy Child, Jamil.

Again, if I may be of any personal service to you, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Very truly yours in Light+,

Gene
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“Trusting the Spirit Brings Greater Insights and Knowledge”

 

 

“When man learns of the existence of his spiritual mind and begins to recognize its promptings and leadings, he strengthens his bond of communication with it, and consequently receives light of a greater brilliance. When we learn to trust the Spirit, it responds by sending us more frequent flashes of illumination and enlightenment. As one unfolds in Spiritual Consciousness he relies more upon this inner voice, and is able more readily to distinguish it from impulses from the lower planes of the mind. He learns to follow Spirit’s leadings and to allow it to lent him a guiding hand. Many of us have learned to know the reality of being ‘led by the spirit.’ To those who have experienced this leading we need not say more, for they will recognize just what we mean. Those who have not yet experienced it must wait until the time comes for them, for we cannot describe it, as there are no words to speak of these things which are beyond words. … Spirit, Man’s seventh principle, is the Divine Spark – our most precious inheritance from the Divine Power – a ray from the Central Sun.” ~William Walker Atkinson

Trusting the Spirit Isn’t Simple

We must trust the spirit, but doing so isn’t simple. Every flash of inspiration that comes to us may seem to be coming from the Spiritual Mind (also known as the Soul), but many are actually coming from the lower mind, or worse yet, from outside influences that are often less than benevolent. Knowing which of these inner voices or gut feelings are coming from the spirit takes practice, but it is worth the effort.

I know from personal experience that several important decisions in my life came from intuition, so I  know that trusting the spirit works.

 

Read the entire article online at spiritsun.net.

 

Original article posted by HAROLD BOULETTE on February 5, 2021

 



“Theopetra Cave in Central Greece: The Oldest Human Construction on Earth”

 

 

Theopetra Cave, located in the Meteora limestone rock formations of Thessaly, Central Greece, is likely to be the place of the oldest human construction on earth, as findings indicate that the cave was inhabited as early as 130,000 years ago.

According to archaeologists, evidence of human habitation in the cave can be traced without interruption from the Middle Palaeolithic to the end of the Neolithic period.

Dr. Aikaterini Kyparissi-Apostolika, head of the Ephorate of Palaeoanthroplogy and Speleaography of Greece’s Ministry of Culture and Sports, specializing in prehistoric archaeology and spelaeology, was the head of the team which began excavations in Theopetra Cave in 1987.

Her team’s research at the cave continued through 2007.

 

Read the entire article posted online Sept. 20, 2019 at greece.greekreporter.com.

 

link submitted by Jim Elliott

 



“Who Am I?”

 

 

So this is who I am
And this is all I know
And I must choose to live
For all that I can give
The spark that makes the power grow

Immortality by Celine Dion (1998)

The ancient Greeks often quoted the maxim, “Know Thyself,” which I have adopted as my own life motto. When I first learnt of it many years ago, I heard it as “Man, know thyself,” attributed to Thales of Miletus in the 7th century BC. I now know that it was inscribed in the forecourt of Apollo’s Temple at Delphi – in Greek (naturally): γνῶθι σεαυτόν, transliterated as gnōthi seauton and meaning “Know Thyself.” So, the word “Man” is probably superfluous.

The quest to know oneself gives rise to the question: “Who Am I?” If you make the statement, I want to know myself, it implies that there are two parties involved: I and Myself. It is important, I believe, to love yourself – not in a narcissistic way, but with true, spiritual, unconditional love. Once again, the inference is that there are two selves.

To clarify this, I will draw on the explanation used by one of my favourite teachers, Dr Sue Morter. According to Dr Sue, it is limiting to ask whether you are the “I “or the “Myself.” It means you are identifying with the mind. Our identity becomes attached to the mind and we think that is who we are. We are compromised in this situation – it means we haven’t yet anchored to our real self and we need to build presence in our central being. She says that we are talking from the mind, and we want to know our soul.

 

Read the full article on Paul’s blog at his web site southernsunlightcom.wordpress.com.

 



Cosolargy Newsletter 2021 Issue 3

 

 

 

 

Subscribers to the Cosolargy.org web site receive this monthly newsletter.

 

Click here to read or download this issue.

 



Services for the Week of March 13, 2021

 

 

 

Saturday, March 13, 2021
10:00 AM COMMUNION
Chapel of The Holy Child
RR Gene Savoy Jr
Lector: RC Robert Petrovich
Cantor: Rev. Noriko Roy
Reader: Sonya Savoy

6:00 PM 137TH PANNUCHES MEAL RITE
Chapel of The Holy Child
RR Gene Savoy Jr.
Concelebrant:
RM Elizabeth Reece

 

 

Sunday, March 14, 2021
7:04 AM SUNRISE DIVINE SERVICE*
Church of  New Epiphany
Leave: 6:00
Gate: 6:50
Sunrise: 7:19
RR Gene Savoy Jr.
Concelebrants:
RC Robert Petrovich
RC Ted Staver
RC Peter Foust
Assistant: Rev. Barbara Whitney

*DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS

 

OPEN-AIR COMMUNION

Church of New Philadelphia   Rev. Greg Klinedinst
Church of New Qumran   Dea. Radheka Savoy
Church of New Bethany   Dea. Gary Huss Jr.

 

 

Wednesday, March 17, 2021
12:00 NOON COMMUNION
Chapel of The Holy Child
RC Peter Foust

 

 

Friday, March 19, 2021
9:00 AM PRAYER & FELLOWSHIP
Chapel of the Roses
RC Robert Petrovich

 



WEEKLY MESSAGE: March 10, 2021

 

 

HEAD OVERSEER’S WEEKLY MESSAGE

 

 

 

March 10, 2021

The Seventeenth Saying (Part 15)

“And when he [The Man] had finished his commentary, the Third Mariner spoke saying, ‘I would like to pose a question about self-awareness and identity. What do we mean when we say “self?” We talk about the multiple selves – the physical self, the mental self, the spiritual self. In Cosolargy we teach development of the Light Body or Form and of immortal spiritual Being and Consciousness. Is a certain self-awareness maintained after the transition? I ask because what would be the value of immortality if one did not possess identity? One would be put in the same state as a Zen scholar would put one – a state in which one simply dissolves back into the universe of non-identity, just God Consciousness. [Pierre] Teilhard de Chardin said that we go from a limited self-consciousness into an expanded spiritual greater self-Consciousness which we call Christ Consciousness. And my best understanding of it is that one would still know oneself to be oneself, but one would be with God at the same time, and have a continuity from this little “I”-self one knows in the material world.’

“And The Man replied and said, ‘Let me answer you by making a comparison. When people are young and very strong and healthy, they have a great appetite for food and exercise and entertainment. They like to spend most of their time in movie theaters, at dance halls, roller skating, skiing, and, in general, participating in various kinds of physical activity. They are very sexually inclined, usually with men seeking after women and vice versa. And men and women are engrossed in life. As they age, they become less inclined to do these things. They are bored with entertainment, with novels, with exercising their minds. They are bored with getting involved with so many activities. They stay at home. They do not want to travel. They do not want to exercise like they use to. Their appetite decreases and they are not so much involved with sex. It is difficult for a young person to understand how, or why, an older person fails to see things as he or she does. Being self-centered, they do not realize that the older person has done all of these things and is bored with it all. The younger person often says to himself or herself, “The more I involve myself in life, the more alive I am.” But self-indulgence is only an exercise for the glands and organs. There is nothing wrong with it, except that is not where self is. The more a person indulges in self-centered activities, the less he or she knows about themself.

“‘What do we mean by spiritual self? What do we mean by self-Consciousness, Christ Consciousness? Most people die without ever knowing what these terms represent. If Consciousness does not develop during a person’s life, one dies without having really understood what spirituality means. To him or her, religion is nothing more than an emotional or intellectual experience, a confession of having repeated a belief in Christ or in God, a Christ and a God one has never really known. Many older people simply withdraw from life. They want peace and to be left alone. They withdraw into themselves believing, as the Zen Buddhist, that their peace and immortality comes through merging with the ultimate reality which for them is a nothingness. How many of us have seen an old man or an old woman lying in a bed, hands open, desiring nothing from life, just wanting to be left alone to die in peace without pain or discomfort? Many people simply withdraw from life because they do not have the faculties necessary to see beyond physical reality.

“‘In our System, we teach that once a person exposes oneself to solar energy and allows the Will of God to penetrate one’s being, a new Consciousness begins to unfold. With that developing Consciousness comes a realization of new being that one is greater than what one thought one was. One begins to eat the Food of God, that divine nourishment of Light that sustains an entirely new state of Consciousness, Being, and Form. One is, in fact, recreated a new person of God. This is the True Self which can only be experienced, never described. The knowledge of how Man can restore himself and his world to its original state is not a knowledge that can come from within Man – it can only be revealed by God through His inspired messengers whom He sends and inspires.’”

Again, if I may be of any personal service to you, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Very truly yours in Light+,

Gene
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“The quest for Nikola Tesla’s wireless power technology”

 

 

Nikola Tesla’s biggest dream was a worldwide network of wireless power transmission. He built a lab and a massive prototype transmission tower…that never worked. But, a century later, engineers are chasing the same dreams of wireless power and making some tantalizing headway. So was Tesla onto something?

 

Watch the video by Verge Science posted December 10, 2020 on YouTube. (10:20)

 

Thanks to the Tesla Science Center for working  on this video. Learn more here: https://teslasciencecenter.org/

 

link submitted by Robert Petrovich

 



“Good Without God Doesn’t Work”

 

 

“The Working of Blessed Love. It were bitterer than death to me if ever I did that which is good, without God.”
~by Mechthild of Magdeburg

 

Good Without God

Why would Mechthild say that it would be worse than death to her if she ever did good without God? Because when humans try to do good without God they do what they think is good, but often isn’t. It may be good for them as individuals but is bad for others. Or it may be good for people, but is harmful to the environment. Of course, atheists would argue otherwise, but studies show they are wrong. While they may claim you don’t need to believe in God to be a good and moral person, studies show that while first generation atheists maintain much of the morality of their religious parents, by the third generation much of the morality is either completely lost, or followed only when convenient.

When I took a class in Systems Analysis (what they called Efficiency Expert in the 1950s and 1960s) one of the things the teacher taught us about solving a problem for a person or a business is to make sure the solution does not create problems that are worse than the problems you are trying to fix. The environmentalists back then clearly were not Systems Analysts and did not follow that concept when they advised us to stop using paper bags and switch to plastic. We know now in hindsight that plastic bags are far more environmentally destructive than the paper ones were.

But even a trained systems analyst using pure science can make mistakes. But a mystic like Mechthild with a direct connection to God will not because God always knows the answer, so we should never try to do good without God.

 

Read the entire article online at spiritsun.net.

 

Original article posted by HAROLD BOULETTE on February 22, 2021