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 the Prophecy of the New Covenant, Chapter 90: “Prophecy on the Revelation and the Opening of the Seals” (pp. 947-950):

< Click here to listen to this week’s reading. (4 minutes) >

ANCIENT SCRIPTURE AND WISDOM SAYINGS

A Reading from the Book of Psalms, Psalm 1:

Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of the scoffers;
but their delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law they meditate day and night.
They are like trees planted by streams of water,
which yield their fruit in its season,
and their leaves do not wither.
In all that they do they prosper.

The wicked are not so,
but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
for the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked perish.

 “Psychologists sometimes divide men into the two extreme classes of extroverts and introverts. The extrovert is the typically active; always leaning out the window and setting up contacts with the outside world. His thinking is mainly realistic. That is to say, it deals with the data of sense. The introvert is the typical contemplative, predominantly interested in the inner world. His thinking is mainly autistic, dealing with the results of intuition and feeling, … and instinctively obedient to the mystic command to sink into the ground of the soul, … he seems able to attend to the messages which intuition picks up from other levels of being.” ~Evelyn Underhill

“What the psychologists say is reasonably true, but it isn’t that simple. Most people are not purely extroverts or purely introverts, they are somewhere between those extremes. What the psychologists don’t know is that spiritual schools can tell which category a person leans toward without even talking to them. This can be done by studying their color bodies which reveals which of their energy centers, or chakras, are strong and which are weak.”

< Read the entire article online at Solar Wind. >

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

contributed by Harold Boulette

Ted Nottingham

 This illustrated presentation by Ted Nottingham traces Essene origins to ancient Egypt, highlights surprising connections to Christian teaching, and offers images representing the life and perennial wisdom of these little known and mysterious practitioners of holy living.

Consociate Robert Anderson thinks this lecture is “quite relevant to our Teachings” and the lecturer’s voice “wonderful to listen to.”

< Watch the 57-minute lecture by Ted Nottingham uploaded on November 15, 2010 on YouTube. >

Theodore J. Nottingham is an author and translator who works in a variety of genres, including non-fiction works on spirituality, historical and metaphysical fiction, children’s books, and plays. He is an ordained minister and currently the pastor of Northwood Christian Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. His focus is on the personal and transformational dimensions of spiritual teachings.

link submitted by Robert Anderson

Saturday, January 18, 2014
11:00 AM COMMUNION
Chapel of The Holy Child
RR Gene Savoy Jr.
Lector: RC Gary Buchanan
Cantor: Rev. Gary Huss Sr.
Reader: Rev. Francine Petrovich

Sunday, January 19, 2014
7:09 AM NEW DIVINE SERVICE
Church of New Epiphany
Leave: 6:15
Gate: 6:50
Sunrise: 7:24
RR Gene Savoy Jr.
Concelebrant: RR Sean Savoy
Assistants:
RC Roger Weld
RC Robert Petrovich
RM Carol Ann Crabb
Organist: RC Gary Buchanan

OPEN-AIR COMMUNION
Church of the Christian Churches                 RC Roger Weld
Church of the Golden Age of Light                 Rev. Vickie Hewlett
Church of the Universal Theocracy                Rev. Karen Elliott

Wednesday, January 22, 2014
 12:00 N COMMUNION
Chapel of the Holy Child
Rev. Vickie Hewlett

 Friday, January 24, 2014
9:00 AM PRAYER & FELLOWSHIP
Chapel of the Roses
RM Carol Ann Crabb

PHOTO: Roger Weld

 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.

HOMILY

< Click here to listen to this week’s homily. (3 minutes) >

ANCIENT SCRIPTURE AND WISDOM SAYINGS

A Reading from the Oracles of Zoroaster:

God is the first, incorruptible, eternal, unbegotten, indivisible, dissimilar: the dispenser of all good; indestructible; the best of the good, the wisest of the wise; He is the Father of equity and justice, self-taught, physical, perfect, and wise—He who inspires the Sacred Philosophy, the God of the Universe, eternal, limitless, both young and old, having a spiral force.

For the Eternal One is the cause of never-failing life, of unwearied power and unsluggish energy. Hence the incomprehensible God is called silent by the divine ones, and is said to consent with Mind, and to be known to human souls through the power of the Mind alone.

The Chald ans call the God Dionysos (or Bacchus), Iao in the Phoenician tongue (instead of the Intelligible Light), and he is also called Sabaoth, signifying that he is above the Seven pillars; that is, the Demiurge. Measuring and bounding all things. For nothing imperfect emanates from the Paternal Principle.

All things have issued from that one Fire.The Father perfected all things, and delivered them over to the Second Mind, whom all Nations of Men call the First. The Second Mind conducts the World of Fire and Light.

After the Paternal Conception, I, the Soul, reside, a heat animating all things. For he placed the Intelligible in the Soul, and the Soul in the dull body. Natural works co-exist with the intellectual light of the Father. For it is the Soul that adorned the vast Heaven, and that adorns it after the Father, but the Soul’s dominion is established on high. The Soul, being a brilliant Fire, by the power of the Father remains immortal, and is Mistress of Life. For not in Matter did the Fire that is in the First Beyond enclose His active Power, but in Mind; for the framer of the Fiery World is the Mind of Mind.

 “The much advertized herd instinct may weld us into a mob at the mercy of unreasonable passions; but it can also make us living members of the Communion of Saints. The appeals of the prophet and the revivalist, the Psalmist’s ‘Taste and see.’ the Baptist’s ‘Change your hearts,’ are all invitations to an alteration in the direction of desire, which would turn our instinctive energies in a new direction and began the domestication of the human soul for God.
“This, then, is the real business of conversion and of the character building that succeeds it; the harnessing of instinct to idea and its direction into new and more lofty channels of use, transmuting the turmoil of man’s merely egoistic ambitions, anxieties and emotional desires into fresh forms of creative energy, and transferring their interest from narrow and unreal to universal objectives.” ~Evelyn Underhill

“We often hear stories in the news about mob behavior by a crowd or group of people. We hear of folks getting trampled to death at a Black Friday sale. We hear of people getting attacked by a mob at a soccer or football game. We hear of crowds attacking and killing a person without even knowing what offense that person committed.

“These stories often seem to imply that being part of a group is therefore inherently dangerous and evil. They seem to imply that man can only function rationally as an individual, and will automatically go insane if he becomes part of a group. But as Ms Underhill points out, there are two sides to this coin.”

< Read the entire article online at Solar Wind. >

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

contributed by Harold Boulette

Steamboat Hot Springs south of Reno received recognition for its use of the waters for more than therapy. PHOTO: Sage Leehey, RN&R

The Steamboat Hot Springs Healing Center in Reno is one of eight projects that has received special recognition by the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA). The GEA began recognizing companies and individuals who were doing great things in the world of geothermal two years ago, and this year has recognized 11 different projects in four different categories: technological advancement, economic development, environmental stewardship and special recognition.

The Reno News & Review published a short article in its “Green” section on the projects given special recognition.

< Read the online article published January 2, 2014 in the Reno News & Review >

Bishop Gene Savoy Jr. opens the Rite of Baptism for Bianka Patel with encouraging words. PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

On December 14, 2013 rites of baptism, confirmation, and anointing were held in private ceremonies in the Head Bishop’s chambers.

Godmother Francine Petrovich applies chrism during the ceremony of Baptism. PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

Services on that day began with the Rite of Baptism held for Bianka Sushil Patel, daughter of Mrs. Radheka Patel Savoy.

Bishop Gene Savoy Jr. completes Rite of Baptism with water. PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

Following the service of Baptism, the Rite of Confirmation was conducted for Sophia Jamila Savoy in the presence of her godparents, the Reverends Robert Roy and Elizabeth Reece and Ms. Jamila Savoy, and for Bianka Sushil Patel in the presence of her newly appointed godparents, the Reverends Francine and Robert Petrovich.

Rite of Confirmation is conducted for Bianka Patel and Sophia Savoy in the presence of godparents and family. PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

Following these services in the Head Bishop’s chambers, the private Rite of Anointing took place for Sabrina Josephine Savoy in the presence of attendants and her godparents, the Reverends Francine and Robert Petrovich. The Rite of Anointing preceded the public ceremony of Institution of Acolyte Service for Sabrina Savoy.

The Rite of Anointing completed, Sabrina Savoy stands beside her father, Bishop Gene Savoy Jr., vested for acolyte service. PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

Following these private ceremonies, Sophia Savoy and Bianka Patel were presented publically to the congregation in the Chapel of the Holy Child prior to the service of Communion. Their confirmation and presentation indicates that these children have joined the congregation as full members.

Sophia Savoy and Bianka Patel are presented publically to the congregation in the Chapel of the Holy Child. PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

Also in public presentation at the Chapel of the Holy Child, Sabrina Savoy was received into the Minor Order of Acolytes and took her place for the first time in acolyte service.

Sabrina Savoy is presented to the congregation before entering acolyte service. PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

The children were received joyfully into the congregation, and the congregation was invited to attend a reception in the vestibule in their honor following the service of Communion.

Saturday, January 11, 2014
11:00 AM COMMUNION
Chapel of The Holy Child
RR Gene Savoy Jr.
Lector: RC Robert Petrovich
Cantor: Rev. Barbara Snyder
Reader: Rev. Michael Tamburell0

Sunday, January 12, 2014
7:07 AM NEW DIVINE SERVICE
Church of New Epiphany
Leave: 6:15
Gate: 6:50
Sunrise: 7:22
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 New Philadelphia                 Rev. Michael McIntyre
Church of New Qumran                 Rev. Bruce Kanzelmeyer
Church of New Bethany                Rev. Larry Coesens

Wednesday, January158, 2014
 12:00 N COMMUNION
Chapel of the Holy Child
RC Gary Buchanan

 Friday, January 10, 2013
9:00 AM PRAYER & FELLOWSHIP
Chapel of the Roses
Rev. Ben Hubbard

View of Antelope Valley from Church of New Epiphany PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

Bishop Gene Savoy Jr and Reverend Mother Carol Ann Crabb during performance of Pannuches Meal PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

Pannuches Meal Rite
The 80th Pannuches Meal Rite was held Saturday, July 20, 2013 at 6:00 p.m.

The 81st Pannuches Meal Rite was held Saturday, September 7, 2013 at 6:00 p.m.

The 82nd Pannuches Meal Rite was held Saturday, October 26, 2013 at 6:00 p.m.

The 83rd Pannuches Meal Rite was held Saturday, December 14, 2013 at 6:00 p.m.

Jubilee Sunrise Divine Services were held in Sanctuary on the Sunday mornings following the Pannuches Rite.

Gary Buchanan at piano during open-air service at Church of New Epiphany PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

Christmas-Epiphany Vigil
The Twelve Days of Christmas are observed by tradition in the Second Advent Church. Beginning Wednesday December 25, and continuing through the morning of Epiphany Eve, January 5, Sunrise Divine Services were scheduled to be held in Consecrated Sanctuary each morning at the Church of New Epiphany during these days of special blessing. On the thirteenth day, January 6, which is Epiphany Day, a special morning service at sunrise was held at the Consecrated Sanctuary.

Rainbow sky before sunrise at Church of New Epiphany PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

Sunrise from Church of New Epiphany PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

Choir prepared to perform during Christmas Service at Chapel of the Holy Child PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

The traditional Christmas Day Service of Communion, Candle Lighting, and Remembrance was held on Wednesday December 25, at 11:00 a.m. in The Chapel of The Holy Child. Members of the congregation were asked to bring a bouquet of flowers to place beneath the communion table prior to the service and a loaf of bread to place on the communion table for special blessing.

Bishop Gene Savoy Jr. performs Christmas liturgy. PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

Children gathered for Blessing at Rectory-Abbey PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

Children’s Blessing
The annual Children’s Tea and Blessing was held at the Rectory-Abbey on Saturday, December 28, from 3:00-5:00 PM. While not a part of the Sacred Calendar of the Church, this Blessing is held each year during the Christmas-Epiphany Vigil. Children, parents, and other members of the Community gathered for the ceremonial blessing of the children of the Community, the breaking of the pi ata, and other festivities.

Sylvia Ontaneda serves children tea and sandwiches PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

Youngest child takes first swipe at pinata PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

Children and adults sing carols played by Gary Buchanan PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

Bishop Gene Savoy Jr. addresses gathering on events to come in the upcoming year on Epiphany Eve. PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

Epiphany Eve Banquet
The annual Epiphany Eve Banquet and festivities took place at the Rectory-Abbey on Sunday January 5, 2013, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Members of the Community, their families, and special guests of the Bishop were invited to attend this special seasonal banquet. The banquet was styled after traditional Quebec country cuisine. By tradition, the meal was followed by a visit from Santa and his reindeer and by gift-giving.

Pre-dawn light on Epiphany Day PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

Epiphany Day
The thirty-third anniversary of Epiphany in the Second Advent Church is a day of special blessings and revelation in the Church and the day on which the Church commemorates the True Baptism of Jesus by God the Father. The Message given on January 6, 1981, is related in the Prophecy of the New Covenant:

“On this hallowed day of God’s Appearance, bountiful blessings manifest to the Holy Ones of Light of the Church of the Second Advent founded by His Word. To those unified in Community and holding to The Law, God sends forth the Comforting Spirit of His Image. As the Church has been restored, God will restore those blessings given to the First Church—now in apostasy—and make sacred those Holy Days that are kept in remembrance by the old Churches, but which are not alive with God’s blessings.

“In commemoration of this Day let The Community gather together once each year in remembrance and in fellowship. God will baptize all assembled in the Spirit of His Holiness. God gives an unmistakable Sign from Heaven in the New Sun as a mark of His Advent and Divine Presence. Let all behold the Signs of God manifest in the Heavens and know that their New Ministry is by God’s Authority, and that He has come to Judge the world. This Day is a day of confirmation of God’s Appearance, a day of blessing to strengthen the Good against the Powers of Darkness, and to empower them to teach.” Prophecy of the New Covenant, pp. 913-914

Ryan and Rachelle on a cold morning during the Vigil PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling