“It appears that all the perfection of civilization, and all the advancement made in philosophy, science, and art among the ancients are due to those institutions which, under the veil of mystery, sought to illustrate the sublimest truths of religion, morality, and virtue and impress them on the hearts of their disciples. … Their chief object was to teach the doctrine of one God, the resurrection of man to eternal life, the dignity of the human soul, and to lead the people to see the shadow of the deity, in the beauty, magnificence, and splendor of the universe.” ~Robert Macoy

Many who have studied ancient history have come to the conclusion that the ancient schools of religion and philosophy, primarily the type known as mystery schools because most of their teachings were kept secret, were very much responsible for the creation of civilization. They taught these things primarily to the students of these academies and they in turn passed them on to others. When most humans were gatherer-hunters, the mystery school students taught them how to plant seeds and grow crops and how to capture certain animals alive and keep them and raise them. I suspect we can thank them for domesticating dogs and cats, though I haven’t read anything specific about that. They taught people how to start villages and elect village leaders to govern the group (I know some people today consider government an evil thing, but without government we would have anarchy and chaos with the strong killing the weak and stealing their food, etc.) They created libraries and schools. They taught medicine and other sciences.

< Read the complete blog post at Solar Wind. >

Visit and bookmark Harold Boulette’s blog Solar Wind at:  http://spiritsun.net/

contributed by Harold Boulette

Four Community members were ordained during 2014 Convocation, (from left to right) Paul Schmitendorf, Junko Yamamori, Hiroko Soejima, and Syotaro Hagihara. PHOTO: Shinobu Uwataki

During the 2014 Convocation, four Community members received First-Degree Ordination on Saturday, October 11th in the Bishop’s Chambers and were presented to the Congregation following the ceremony:

Syotaro Hagihara PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

Syotaro Hagihara has been a Community member since February 2011, when he enrolled in the fifth class of students at the Cosolargy Institute in Japan. His father, Sadaharu “Kojak” Hagihara, had enrolled in the first class held in Japan. Syotaro says of his experience: “I had been sick and suffered before I signed up, but my poor health improved with the practices of Cosolargy.”

Paul Schmitendorf shown here with a Canadian Community member PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

Paul Schmitendorf resides in the United States and spends most of his time there on the island of Kauai, Hawaii, although he does spend many months of each year traveling the world. Paul enrolled in the Academy Program in January 2013 after years of following the HRM sungazing protocol without experiencing the results he had expected. < Read more about how Paul found the Community in his PATH TO LIGHT story. >

Hiroko Soejima between sessions during Residence Training II at Red Rock Sanctuary PHOTO: Shinobu Uwataki

Hiroko Soejima began her studies in Cosolargy in the seventh class, when she became a Community member in October 2011. Her sister Noriko had part of the first class of students in Japan. When Hiroko heard that the seventh class group would be a review of the program with all seven classes and that she would receive a new final series of lectures by Bishop Yukinori Matsushima, she simply wanted to attend. Hiroko was in charge of planning the May 2013 Japan tour. She lives in Saga City, where there is a study meeting once each month with all Community members in Saga Prefecture. At each meeting, members review text material, practice techniques, and share experiences.

Hiroko Soejima received First-Level Ordination at the hand of Bishop Gene Savoy Jr. PHOTO: Robert Roy

Junko Yamamori receives First-Level Ordination by Bishop Gene Savoy Jr. PHOTO: Robert Roy

Junko Yamamori is also a member of the seventh class of Cosolargy students. She attends Sunrises Services nearly every week with her friend and colleague Yukako Kawai. Of here experience in the Community she says: “I am truly grateful I could learn about Cosolargy and participate in this Community. It is the best place I could be.”

RELATED LINKS:

 “Convocation Communion”

 “October 11, 2014: Chapel Readings”

 “The Yungay Pilgrimage Experience 2014”

 “Ordinations October 2014″

 “’On Being in the Sun’: Confessions of a Japanthropologist”

 “Thank You for Attending 2014 Convocation”

Visitors from Japan for 2014 Convocation PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

The 2014 Convocation of members of the International Community of Cosolargy/Christ took place from October 8 to October 12, with a residence training program for members who needed to complete that requirement (or who wanted to review it) beginning on October 8.

Sean Savoy presenting during Residence Training session at Red Rock Sanctuary PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

Sean Savoy presenting during Residence Training session at Camp Galilee lodge PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

This was the first presentation of the revised and updated residence training program originally presented in 1978; the updated version was well received.     The plenary sessions began on Friday October 10 with registration and orientation at the Chancellery, followed by a trip up the mountain to the Episcopal Church’s Camp Galilee conference hall on the shores of Lake Tahoe.

Shinobu Uwataki on the grounds at Camp Galilee PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

There, the Clergy Counsels were presented by Head Bishop Gene Savoy, including Community reports on efforts to secure tax-exempt status for Red Rock Consecrated Sanctuary; plans to establish Cosolargy Communities in Mexico, Peru, New Zealand, and Europe;  and an audiovisual presentation on his and Rev. Canon Ted Staver’s trip to Seoul, Korea, in September for the World Alliance of Religions Peace Conference.

Gene Savoy Jr. presents commentary on Peace Summit held in Korea. PHOTO: Robert Roy

The Bishop reported making several important contacts with representatives of other denominations and religions from around the world, most of whom appeared to be sincerely interested in Cosolargy. Bishop Savoy was also invited to apply to make a presentation at the prestigious Parliament of the World’s Religions to be held in October 2015 in Salt Lake City, Utah, a golden opportunity to make The Community’s presence and work better known around the world. In light of these developments, the Bishop also announced the reactivation of the Advocates for Religious Rights and Freedoms, a branch of Cosolargy International that has been on hiatus for a few years. After an organic vegetarian luncheon provided by the camp’s staff in the refectory, the day’s events continued outdoors with a reading by Bishop Savoy of excerpts of the Prophecy to the Races of Man. This prophecy has great relevance to The Church’s present situation and point of evolution and the direction it is taking. Bishop Savoy’s subsequent commentary elaborated on this theme.

Gene Savoy Jr. presenting Counsels commentary on Prophecy to the Races of Man on Lake Tahoe shore PHOTO: Stephan Fulling

First circle of audience members in attendance at Counsels commentary PHOTO: Robert Roy

Elizabeth Reece at Counsels on Tahoe shore PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

Afterward, participants caravaned down the mountain and up another to historic Gold Hill, Nevada, site of the famous Comstock Mine, just outside Virginia City. There, participants gathered at the historic Gold Hill Hotel for the 24th Annual Spirit of Exploration Reception and Awards ceremony of the Andean Explorers Foundation. Foundation president Sean Savoy presented a travelogue of the recent Sacred Sites of Peru tour and pilgrimage while participants sipped wine and savored hors d’oeuvres du chef.

Sean Savoy presenting 2014 Peru Tour travelogue PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

As is traditional at the awards ceremony, the passing of supporters of the Foundation during the past year was commemorated and awards to supporters and participants of the tour were handed out.

Sonya Savoy distributes award certificates at Andean Explorers Awards Reception. PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

After the program concluded, an optional dinner at the hotel’s restaurant was enjoyed by almost everyone attending. On Saturday morning, participants gathered at the Chapel of the Holy Child in Reno for a Community Communion Service, followed by the first-level ordinations in the Bishop’s Chambers of Consociates Paul Schmitendorf, Syotaro Hagihara, Junko Yamamori, Yukako Kawai, and Hiroko Soejima.

Ordinands pose with Japanese guests PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

An informal reception was held in the Chancellery vestibule for the new ordinands. Saturday afternoon saw the final session of the Residency Training program in the Chapel of the Holy Child.

Shinobu Uwataki greets Matthew Fisher in greeting line after Sunrise Divine Service PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

Children gathered at Cathedral Church after service PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

On Sunday morning, as per usual, a concelebrated Sunrise Divine Service was held at the Cathedral Church of the Americas at Red Rock Consecrated Sanctuary, followed by a sumptuous outdoor breakfast hosted by Revs. Mary and Peter Foust at the Refectory.

Open-air breakfast table prepared by Mary and Peter Foust PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

Miyuki, Noriko and Junko in good spirits at breakfast PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

Jim Elliott’s birthday celebrated at breakfast PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

The Convocation was concluded with the Human Spiritual Rights Reception at the Rectory Abbey on Carmel (the Bishop’s residence) on Sunday afternoon.

Human Spiritual Rights banquet table prepared by Jamila Savoy PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

Helena Savoy visiting guests in the courtyard at Bishopstead PHOTO: Shinobu Uwataki

Joseph Roy visited with guests indoors at Bishopstead. PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

RELATED LINKS:

 “Convocation Communion”

 “October 11, 2014: Chapel Readings”

 “The Yungay Pilgrimage Experience 2014”

 “Ordinations October 2014″

 “’On Being in the Sun’: Confessions of a Japanthropologist”

 “Thank You for Attending 2014 Convocation”

2012 Community Calendar photo for May PHOTOS: Gene Savoy Jr., Roger Weld

It is time to begin assembling the 2015 Community Calendar. And our publishing staff is looking for your best photos related to Community life. Submissions need to be at least 300dpi at 7.5″x10″ size.

Send in submissions before December 19, 2014 to: editor@communitycommunique.net.

PHOTO: Shinobu Uwataki

Dear Community Members:

On behalf of the Head Bishop and the entire Community, we wish to express our sincere thanks, once again, for your presence during the 2014 Convocation. Its success was enhanced by your energetic participation. Here is a brief recap of the high points:

To open the Convocation week, the Residence Training II program was revised with a new multimedia presentation that improved the presentation of Techniques originally presented in 1978. The seminar connected those in attendance in a special way to profound concepts that can only be ascertained within the Oral Tradition of our School.

The 2014 cultural tour and pilgrimage to the sacred sites of Peru was reported on during the annual Andean Explorers awards reception at the Gold Hill Hotel outside of historic Virginia City, Nevada, and was an experience that each participant said was one of their most memorable. For more details on the journey — which included visiting Yungay, Peru, the place in the Andes where The Child, Jamil, resided — please visit www.seansavoy.com/xpeditions. That site will also give details of the upcoming 2015 Andean Explorers itinerary for both Spring and late Summer.

At the Clergy Counsels, this year held on the shores of the “Gem of the Sierra” – Lake Tahoe – Bishop Gene presented a mind-opening perspective on The Community’s place in the Reno/Tahoe area and, more important, on The Community’s role globally. He reported on his September attendance at the World Alliance of Religions Peace Summit in Seoul, Korea, and his subsequent invitation to attend and perhaps present at the Parliament of World Religions in Salt Lake City, Utah, in October of next year. More important, the Bishop announced and elaborated on a multi-year vision-plan for the perpetuity of Cosolargy; the expansion of The Church; the technological modernization of the Jamilian University; the continued development of the Red Rock Consecrated Sanctuary; the implementation of a Healing Ministry at Steamboat Hot Springs; the growth of the Japan Cosolargy Community; the establishment of additional Community Centers in Mexico, Peru, New Zealand/Australia, and Europe; and more, specifically an emphasis on the use of social media and technology by which to spread our message. This Master Plan will be published and made available to all after the annual Advent Vigil, which takes place from February 2 to 6, 2015.

We have included a copy of the Bishop’s 2014 Counsels and encourage you to view it. The message is powerful and expresses the reality of the position of our Community in the world. It also includes a special reading of the Prophecy to the Races of Man, which he presented as specific to our times. Once you have received and listened to the Counsels, we encourage you to send your suggestions for projects and/or ideas that you would like to see completed/implemented that will enhance the position of The Community and its institutions. The Bishop also stressed the importance of each individual’s sharing of their experiences of spiritual growth over the years in order to promote the values of the System of Cosolargy. Please read the enclosed letter, which details how you may share the personal experiences of your growth over the years as a Child of Light. And please respond with an open heart, knowing that your input means a great deal.

At the Counsels, Bishop Gene also announced the reactivation of the Advocates for Religious Rights and Freedoms as a vibrant branch of The Community to enhance and promote interfaith and religious dialogue on an international level. An important part of The Community’s mission is to bring together the world’s religions, all of which were originally Solar Teachings, in order that they may be reintroduced to their sacred pasts. This reinvigoration will be centered around the Universal Proclamation of Human Spiritual Rights, a copy of which is enclosed for you.

The 5th Conference on the Spiritual State of the World will be held in and around Kyoto, Japan, May 20–27, 2015. It will be hosted by our Community in Japan, and we will be sending you more information on the conference very soon. Finally, plans are in the making for the 2015 Annual Convocation. The dates are set for the week of September 8–13, 2015. We will be sending you a detailed agenda in future correspondence. Venues will include the Red Rock Consecrated Sanctuary, the Healing Center at Steamboat Hot Springs, the Chapel of the Holy Child, the Bishop’s residence on Carmel, and Lake Tahoe.

Please begin to make preparations to attend the 2015 Convocation, and do not hesitate (nor overly delay) to transmit your thoughts to Bishop Savoy. He may be reached by calling the Chancellery at 775-786-7827 or at his email address: gsavoyjr@communityofchrist.org. Again, thank you for being part of this new era of the living Community of Christ.
Sincerely Yours in Light,

Rev. Francine Petrovich
Convocation Coordinator

Saturday, December 13, 2014 
10:00 AM COMMUNION
Chapel of The Holy Child
RR Gene Savoy Jr.
Lector: RC Gary Buchanan
Cantor: Rev. Larry Coesens
Reader: Rev. Barbara Snyder

Sunday, December 14, 2014
7:06 AM NEW DIVINE SERVICE
Cathedral Church of the Americas
Leave: 6:15
Gate: 6:50
Sunrise: 7:21
RR Gene Savoy Jr.
Concelebrant: RR Sean Savoy
Assistants: RC Roger Weld
RC Ted Staver
RM Carol Ann Crabb
Organist: RC Gary Buchanan

OPEN-AIR COMMUNION
Church of the Christian Churches       RM Carol Ann Crabb
Church of the End Tmes       RC Elizabeth Reece
Church of the New Covenant      Rev. Barbara Whitney

Wednesday, December 17, 2014 
12:00 N COMMUNION 
Chapel of the Holy Child
Rev. Karen Elliott

Friday, December 19, 2014 
9:00 AM PRAYER & FELLOWSHIP
Chapel of the Roses
RC Elizabeth Reece

 Each week of the liturgical year, a reading from Second Advent Scripture is delivered as part of the Saturday Communion of Fellowship Service held in the Chapel of the Holy Child. This reading follows the Sacred Calendar of the Church; that is, Prophecies and Revelations that have been received by The Church on sacred dates are recalled in a liturgical context during the appropriate season each year. This reading is delivered by the Officiant of the Communion Service (that is, Bishop Gene Savoy, or occasionally in his stead, Bishop Sean Savoy) just before the final blessings. Each service also includes a reading from the ancient scriptures, prayers, or wisdom sayings of various world religions past and present and is usually thematically related to the Second Advent Reading. This reading is delivered by the Reader right after the announcements that begin the service and is thus the first reading of the service. An audio recording of the reading from Second Advent Scripture delivered on the date above is provided here below together with a transcript of the first reading of the service that day.

SECOND ADVENT PROPHECY AND REVELATION

A Reading from First Prophecy to the Americas, chapter 8, “On the Judgement of Ungodly Men” (pp.95-97):

< Click here to listen to this week’s reading on YouTube. (3 minutes) >

ANCIENT SCRIPTURE AND WISDOM SAYINGS

A Reading from the Solomon’s Book of Wisdom;

< Click here to listen to this week’s reading on YouTube. (3 minutes) >

I called on God, and the spirit of wisdom came to me. I preferred her to scepters and thrones, and I accounted wealth as nothing in comparison with her. Neither did I liken to her any priceless gem, because all gold is but a little sand in her sight, and silver will be accounted as clay before her. I loved her more than health and beauty, and I chose to have her, because her radiance never ceases. All good things came to me along with her, and in her hands uncounted wealth.

I learned both what is secret and what is manifest, for wisdom, the fashioner of all things, taught me. There is in her a spirit that is intelligent, holy, unique, manifold, subtle, mobile, clear, unpolluted, distinct, invulnerable, loving the good, keen, irresistible, beneficent, humane, steadfast, sure, free from anxiety, all-powerful, overseeing all, and penetrating through all spirits that are intelligent, pure, and altogether subtle. For wisdom is more mobile than any motion; because of her pureness she pervades and penetrates all things. For she is a breath of the power of God, and a pure emanation of the glory of the Almighty; therefore nothing defiled gains entrance into her. For she is a reflection of eternal light, a spotless mirror of the working of God, and an image of his goodness. Although she is but one, she can do all things, and while remaining in herself, she renews all things; in every generation she passes into holy souls and makes them friends of God, and prophets; for God loves nothing so much as the person who lives with wisdom. She is more beautiful than the sun, and excels every constellation of the stars. Compared with the light she is found to be superior, for it is succeeded by the night, but against wisdom evil does not prevail.

“But if Soul and Essential Soul are one and the same, then the Soul will be an Ideal-Form unreceptive to all those activities which it imparts to another kind but possessing within itself that native act of its own which reason manifests.

“If this be so, then, we may think of the Soul as an immortal—if the immortal, the imperishable, must be impassive, giving out something of itself but itself taking nothing from without except for what it receives, … it cannot be sundered.

“Now what can bring fear to a nature thus unreceptive of all the outer? Fear demands feeling. Nor is there place for courage: courage implies the presence of danger.” ~Plotinus

 

“Things get confusing when talking about the spirit and soul. Some will say that the soul is very emotional, others that it is not emotional at all. Some say the soul is concerned with matters of the material world, other that it is only concerned with spiritual things. This is very much like the conflicting ideas of God from Jesus and from much of the Old Testament. Just as the loving, forgiving Father that Jesus spoke of is not the same god in the Old Testament that is vengeful and jealous (what could the real God possible be jealous of?) are actually two very different beings, the conflicting descriptions of the soul are the result of the fact that we have two of them!”

< Read the complete blog post at Solar Wind. >

Visit and bookmark Harold Boulette’s blog Solar Wind at:  http://spiritsun.net/

contributed by Harold Boulette

Hawaiian Sunset PHOTO: Paul Schmitendorf

In November 2007 I received an unanticipated email about a man from India who was going to give a lecture on sungazing. I was both intrigued and skeptical.

In the lecture he explained the basic concepts of looking at the sun, how to do it safely, and why it was a valuable practice for those open-minded enough to try it. So one morning, the following April, after a cold Chicago winter, I went out to the beach at Lake Michigan and waited for the sun to come up over the horizon. When it did, I looked at the sun for 10 seconds and then turned around and went home. I continued adding 10 seconds each day and before long I was looking at the sun for several minutes.

Slowly, I started to feel something happening. I felt calm, joyful, and sometimes euphoric. As the time looking at the sun each day grew longer, I started to feel something awaken in me. Around the time I reached 25 or 30 minutes a day I began communicating with the sun. I’d express my gratitude each day and ask for guidance on different aspects of my life.

Finally, almost 2 years after the lecture, I reached the goal of 44 minutes a day. Looking at the sun had become an important part of my life, but reaching this goal was a bit anticlimactic. I continued looking at the sun but began to wonder if there was something more to this process.

I asked the sun to direct me on a path that would allow me to learn more about this ancient practice. The path led me to the film “Eat the Sun,” which I watched in September 2012. Once I saw the sunrise service and interviews, I knew Reno would be on my path.

I read the Project X book and then scheduled a visit with Bob Petrovich. Once I met some of the people in the Community, attended my first Sunrise Service, and learned more about the program, I knew I’d come to the right place. I’m grateful for the opportunity to become part of the Community of Cosolargy and continue working with the sun on a higher level.

PHOTO: Rev. Elizabeth Reece

Kim Kinsey (born March 15, 1967), the life partner of John Stewart, and with him a longtime friend of The Community, passed out of this world on October 15, 2014. Kim’s life was celebrated on Friday, October 24th at twelve o’clock noon at the Chapel of The Holy Child. Nearly two hundred were in attendance. A reception followed at Arrowcreek Residents Center in Reno.

The service, full of music and fond memories, was presided over by the Rt. Rev. Gene Savoy Jr.
Rt. Rev. Sean Savoy read a special prayer for her passing from the Odes of Solomon. Numerous friends and family expressed their memories and love of Kim before those gathered.

John Stewart left these fond memories in writing:

“Nine years ago this beautiful spunky lady walked into Foley’s and from the moment I saw her, I was smitten! She was having so much fun with her friends that I didn’t get much of a chance to talk to her, but when she asked for her check I gave her a pen and asked for her number. We went to dinner that week and have been pretty much inseparable ever since. For the last nine years, through good times and bad, when we had money and when we were poor, we always laughed, talked till all hours of the night Which she always told me was my fault for waking her up when I got home from work), and enjoyed our time together and with our friends. She was amazing with my two boys and gave them unconditional love. Even when she was fighting her own demons, she was kind to strangers and everyone around her. She never saw a stray dog that she didn’t want to bring home to take care of. She gave to several charities and gave of herself to all around her. I have been blessed to have had two great loves in my life: Brenda, who gave me love, my wonderful sons, many great times, and a friendship that has lasted over twenty years; and Kim, who gave me joy, love, and her friendship over our nine years together. A big part of me died this week with her passing, but her soul lives on in my memories. Her sickness took her body but her spirit will continue to live on in her wonderful friends that have been so unbelievably supportive, loving, caring, and have set such an example of what true friends are that don’t have the words to describe my heartfelt gratitude for what you have all done for me this last two weeks. Please keep in touch. I don’t ever want to lose any of you again to our work schedules or busy lives.”

Kim Kinsey & John Stewart