Rt. Rev. Yukinori Matsushita, Bishop of Japan, performs Communion Service at Red Rock Consecrated Sanctuary

Photos by Shinobu Uwataki and Stephan Fuelling

Wellness Sessions
Steamboat Hot Springs Healing Center & Spa

Front entrance to Steamboat Hot Springs Healing Center

September 9, 2016

Sunrise Divine Service Concelebration
Church of New Pentecost

Sunrise at Church of New Pentecost

Sunrise scene from the Church of New Pentecost

Scene at the Church of New Pentecost

Breakfast
Open-air Refectory

Breakfast gathering after Sunrise Service

Helena Savoy inspects a rock during breakfast

Cosolargy Forum: Morning Session
Monastery Gardens Ambo
Red Rock Consecrated Sanctuary

Audience gathers for morning session of Cosolargy Forum

Rev. Francine Petrovich monitors morning session at the Cosolargy Forum

Ryan Anderson presenting “Crystals: Tools for the Modern Cosolargist”

Crystal display

Attendees view crystals on display

Rev. Canon Robert Petrovich presents “The Odes of Solomon for the Second Advent”

Rev. Ron Theriault presents “Near Death Experiences: Glimpses into an Ultradimensional Reality”

Cosolargy Forum: Afternoon Session
Chapel of The Holy Child

Rev. Harold Boulette presents “A Biography of Jakob Boehme”

Rev. Michael Tamburello presents “Tuning the Body: Archetypal Sitting Postures”

Rev. Canon Gary Buchanan presents “Sonatherapy, Cymatics and Phonon Chains”

September 10, 2016

LAKE TAHOE EXCURSION
Lake Tahoe, Nevada

Lunch at Jake’s on the Lake

View of lake Tahoe from Jake’s

On the beach at the Hyatt Hotel, Incline, Nevada

September 11, 2016

Sunrise Divine Service Concelebration
Cathedral Church of the Americas
Red Rock Consecrated Sanctuary

Eastern horizon before sunrise from the Cathedral Church of the Americas

Eternal flame in front of the Communion Table before sunrise

Sunrise from the Cathedral Church of the Americas

Greeting line after Divine Service at the open-air Cathedral

Hot air balloons racing over Red Rock Sanctuary

Fellowship Breakfast
Open-air Refectory
Red Rock Consecrated Sanctuary

Breakfast gathering after Divine Service at the Cathedral

Birthday celebration for Radheka Patel Savoy

A family of friends gather for a photo

Breakfast hosts Revs. Mary and Peter Foust

End of the breakfast gathering

VIRGINIA CITY EXCURSION
Virginia City, Nevada

Old hill outside Virginia City, Nevada

Yankee troops outside a Virginia City storefront

Miner and his photogenic donkey cross the street in front of the Red Dog Saloon

In the Red Dog Saloon

Virginia City shopping mall

Waiting for the shuttle back to Reno

It is time to make your plans for attending the 2016 Convocation. We will meet for this year’s Convocation from Wednesday, September 7th, through Sunday, September 11th.

In addition to conventional Convocation lecture presentations, this year we are making provisions to offer you a platform to deliver a presentation on a topic related to Cosolargy that you are passionate about. If you have knowledge of our System, or a novel perspective on it, something that you feel will contribute to the growth of the Teaching in the world, and which you would like to share, we are asking for your active participation in the Cosolargy Forum.

The Cosolargy Forum is a full-day event being curated by Cosolargy International, with an audience of all the attendees at the 2016 Convocation. It will be held all morning and afternoon of Friday, September 9th. Our goal is for people to share their professional insights and how they relate to Cosolargy in such manner that others in the Community can benefit from their hard work, wealth of knowledge, and unique perspectives.

We expect the forum will provide a platform for the creativity of more of our Community members and will act as a collection point for their knowledge, so that all of us in attendance, and future generations, can benefit from the experience, ingenuity, and insight that each one of us has to offer. In this manner we will begin working together to build upon our institutions of learning, so that The Teachings of our System can be taught to many.

Several Consociates have already asked that a platform be provided for them to deliver presentations on topics for which they have a passion. Interestingly, all of their topics are directly related to Cosolargy. These so far include physics, gemology, poetry, neuroscience, and music – and we would be excited if you would join us.

If you have an email address, you have already received an invitation to present. Just fill out the email form and forward to rpetrovich@communityofchrist.org. Or else print out the PDF of the Speaker Application Form below and mail it in.

Your talk would be filmed and an edit may be selected for posting on the ICC/Cosolargy YouTube channel. As with all speakers, we will work together with you ahead of time to craft the talk. Your talk can be up to 20 minutes, on any themes or topics you are interested in that relate to Cosolargy and the work of Cosolargy International, with an additional 10 minutes available for questions and answers.

All presentations are scheduled for September 9, 2016. We believe your voice would be a welcome addition to the Cosolargy Forum stage. Please let us know before August 1 whether or not you would be interested in speaking. We still have spots open on our roster.

Click here to download a PDF of the Speaker Application Form.

Rt. Rev. Yukinori Matsushita officiating Communion Service at the Church of the End Times PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

Rev. Jim Elliott performs Communion Service at the Church of the End Times PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

The 2015 Convocation of members of the International Community of Cosolargy/Christ took place from September 9 through September 13. Lecture programs included the Clergy Counsels and the Residence Training III Seminar on COLOR & SACRED IMAGERY. Later in the week, Residence Training in Christology and Liturgical Practice was held for those needing to fulfill those requirements.

To open the Convocation week, the Residence Training III program, “Color & Sacred Imagery,” was presented in the new multimedia format that was developed in 2009 to improve the original 1980 presentation. Highlights of the program were accentuated with live presentations by Rebecca Willis on gemstones, Robert and Noriko Roy on jewelry, Elizabeth Reece on stained glass, and Gary Buchanan on recent developments in sound and light therapy research. The seminar connected those in attendance to profound concepts through the Oral Tradition of the School.

Revs. Noriko and Robert Roy present Jewelry Guild display. PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

Jewelry Guild display of cross pendants PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

Sacred Thread design on display during residence training seminar on Color & Sacred Imagery PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

Rev. Canon Rebecca Willis presents during residence training seminar on Color & Sacred Imagery PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

Partial display of stones and minerals presented during residence training seminar on Color & Sacred Imagery PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

At the Clergy Counsels, this year held at the Red Rock Sanctuary Monastery Gardens, Bishop Gene presented a preliminary multi-year plan of action for the advancement of the religious arts, spiritual sciences and therapeutic technologies of Cosolargy. His overview began with the establishment of The Community in Mexico; the construction of another self-sustaining, off-grid and solar-powered parsonage at the Sanctuary; and an update of the Sanctuary tax exemption, which is now complete.

Rt. Rev. Gene Savoy Jr. delivers 2015 Counsels lecture PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

Bishop Gene went on to explain that the most important and primary goal and mission of The Community is to reach out and inspire people and that this is accomplished through The Academy and the Jamilian University, by the three primary ordinations of water, fire and the Light. He then went on to discuss the restructuring of The School by means of social media and the expansion of the Cosolargy Institute of Japan which hosted the first international Cosolargy conference earlier this year in May. Besides The Academy texts having been translated in Japanese, the Project X text, Jamil: Child of Light, and two prophecies have also been translated for distribution.

Returning to Mexico, the Bishop went on to explain his vision for Community Centers in various parts of the world which would revolve around the concept of healing attached to mineral springs and geothermal waters. The idea he presented is to locate places around the world that can operate as healing centers which can then fund the primary objective which is the Cosolargy Centers. The places he mentioned were: Japan (already established), Mexico (in process), Peru, New Zealand, and Europe (possibly Ireland, Portugal and the Czech Republic).

The Counsels closed with a review of the accomplishments achieved at the Red Rock Sanctuary over the past several years, including the renovation of the churches of New Epiphany and New Pentecost; the acquisition of three horses; the building of greenhouses and vegetable gardens; and the constriction of the pier at the reservoir. Plans are also in the works for the growing of the herb gardens. The Bishop finalized his remarks with a reading from the Book of God’s Revelation.

Saturday Communion Service in Chapel of The Holt Child PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

On Saturday morning, participants gathered at the Chapel of the Holy Child in Reno for a Community Communion Service. In public presentation at the Chapel of the Holy Child during the Service, Sophia Savoy was received into the Minor Order of Acolytes and took her place for the first time in acolyte service.

Sophia Savoy recognized as new Acolyte by the congregation PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

Sophia Savoy and friends at reception table PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

Reception cake for Sophia Savoy to congratulate her on her appointment to the Minor Order of Acolytes 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 brunch hosted by Revs. Mary and Peter Foust at the Refectory.

Sunrise viewed from Cathedral Church of the Americas PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

Ministers and congregation awiting sunrise at Cathedral Church of the Americas PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

The Convocation concluded that afternoon with a two-hour chartered yachting experience across Lake Tahoe. On board the Tahoe Paradise, the Andean Explorers held a short annual meeting and made announcements of future prospects and endeavors.

Ryan Anderson set Andean Explorers flag at helm of excursion yacht Tahoe Paradise PHOTO: Rachelle Elliott

Visiting Community members from Japan (from left to right) Asuki Morii, Shoko Ohba, and Eriko Ueno wave good-bye to people on shore PHOTO: Rachelle Elliott

Longtime Andean Explorers members Gary Buchanan and Roger Weld on deck PHOTO: Rachelle Elliott

Small gathering on deck during Lake Tahoe excursion PHOTO: Rachelle Elliott

Andean Explorers President Sean Savoy leads annual meeting on board Tahoe Paradise PHOTO: Rachelle Elliott

Present board members of Andean Explorers (standing left to right) Jim Elliott, Gary Buchanan, Roger Weld, Yukinori Matsushita, Sean Savoy (seated) Gerry Simonson PHOTO: Rachelle Elliott

The 2016 Convocation is scheduled to take place September 7-11, 2016. Mark the dates on your calendar and start making arrangements to attend.

It is time once again to extend to you, and all our members, a special invitation to join in Community for our annual Convocation of clergy, ministers-in-training in the Sacred College, Consociates of The Academy, and students of the various extension programs of the Jamilian University.

We will meet for this year’s Convocation from Wednesday, September 9th, through Sunday, September 13th. In case you wish to extend your stay, we have arranged the block room reservations to include September 5th-15th.

The cost is $595 for the General Convocation, September 11th-13th (which includes the cost of meals provided & receptions). Add $150 for the Residence Training Seminar, September 9th-10th. We would appreciate it if you would send in right now a deposit of half the amount of your total donation to confirm your reservation.

Lecture programs will include the Clergy Counsels and the Residence Training III Seminar on COLOR & SACRED IMAGERY. Later in the week, Residence Training in Christology and Liturgical Practice will also be held for those needing to fulfill those requirements.

And the Andean Explorers will host its annual gathering and awards program for club members and all Community guests during a fun adventure cruise on a privately chartered yacht on beautiful Lake Tahoe. (The cost of the two-hour lake cruise, light refreshments, and transportation to and from Lake Tahoe are included in the Convocation price.) This will be a fun time to spend with colleagues and see one of the most beautiful natural wonders of the world — Lake Tahoe — at one of the most ideal times of year!

You should have already received your invitation in the mail.

Above you will find a copy of the mini-agenda. Please review it if you have not already and make your arrangements to attend:

* Room reservation at Circus Circus:
* Convocation registration:
* Wellness sessions at the Healing Center at Steamboat Hot Springs
* Lake Tahoe Excursion

Should you have any questions about the proceedings, your participation, your lodging or travel plans, please do not hesitate to call Francine Petrovich at the Chancellery at (775) 786-7827. You may also e-mail her at fpetrovich@communityofchrist.org.

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”

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

During Convocation week, on Saturday, October 11, 2014, Bishop Sean Savoy delivered a brief review of the experiences the pilgrimage group had during their time in Yungay on the 2014 Peru Tour, which Rev. Sean headed.

The city of Yungay will be familiar in name to all readers of Jamil: Child of Light as the one-time home in Peru of the Child Jamil and his father, the Most Right Reverend Gene Savoy.

The pilgrimage portion of the tour was undertaken by more than a dozen Community members and friends of the Community.

< Click here to listen to Sean’s report on the Yungay pilgrimage experience (14 minutes) >

Officiating ministers and guests Rev. Mother Carol Ann Crabb, Right Rev. Yukinori Matsushita, Noriko Roy, Joseph Roy, Hiroko Soejima, Yukako Kawai, and Junko Yamamuri.

On October 4, 2014, two open-air second services were held at two churches at the Northland Red Rock Sanctuary.

Beginning at 9:00 am, at the picturesque Qumran Church, Deacon Stephan Fuelling read the Northland prayer in English and was followed by Rev. Shinobu Uwataki, reading the same prayer in Japanese.

At the Church of New Qumran, Deacon Stephan Fuelling read the Northland prayer in English and was followed by Rev. Shinobu Uwataki, reading the same prayer in Japanese. PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

The next service was held at the New Bethany Church. The Northland prayers were read first in Japanese by Rev. Miyuki Okayama and then in English by Rev. Robert Anderson.

At New Bethany Church. The Northland prayers were read first in Japanese by Rev. Miyuki Okayama and then in English by Rev. Robert Anderson.

Rev. Barbara Whitney escorted the group to and from the Northland Sanctuary and assisted the ministers and guests during the services. Guests for the second services were Rev. Mother Carol Ann Crabb, Right Rev. Yukinori Matsushita, Noriko Roy, Joseph Roy, Hiroko Soejima, Yukako Kawai, and Junko Yamamuri.

The feelings during the services were very positive, and the weather out at the sanctuary was beautiful and balmy. It was a great experience for all.

Rev. Barbara Whitney

Kazu Tanaka and Echan Deravy, colleagues of Yukinori Mutsuhito, our Cosolargy representative to Japan, visited the Community during the 2014 Annual Convocation of Cosolargy International. Mr. Tanaka is Chairman of the Kakuichi Corporation, and Mr. Deravy a Consultant to the President of that company. Both were here to participate in Convocation events, experience Sonatherapy at Steamboat Healing Center, and gather information and general understandings about vibrational healing technology.

Echan Deravy will be participating in Cosolargy International’s Conference on the Spiritual State of the World to be held in Japan during May 2015.

His impressions in regard to the October 12, 2014 Divine Service held at Red Rock Consecrated Sanctuary are described in a recent article posted at Japanthropolgist.com by Echan Deravy. Here is how it opens:

“This was an auspicious day beyond question. It was Sunday October 12th 2014 and somehow I was waking up at 04:50 in the most unlikely of places – a casino-cum-hotel in Reno, Nevada. It was clearly full of some of the strangest beings I have ever encountered. Now I say this without any tongue in cheek. I say this with fierce Celtic exactitude. The hotel was full of beings who appeared to be human but whose bodies and actions unfortunately suggested something else entirely. I had arrived perhaps in that Buddhist underworld called the ‘realm of hungry ghosts’..

“Their gargantuan forms lumbered from one noisy, toy-like structure to another where they seemed (to themselves) to be ‘having fun’. But in reality all I felt was the deep, abiding misery of a dispirited , materialistic civilization. It was one not at the proverbial edge any more, but one now clearly in free fall to God knows where. Here was the American dream in all its glittering obscenity, here was the end of the road weighing 300 pounds on motorized chairs – cruising along the side of the food bar, all before hitting the slot machines. Though a well seasoned world traveler this was about as bizarre as it gets.

“I share this with the reader not to simply criticize what is obviously only a small part of modern American society. I do so to highlight this bizarre cult of overeating and then dreaming of something better (a fast buck) as an unlikely backdrop to the entirely unexpected, wonderful morning I was about to have. It was an auspicious day because I would be transported from this Hieronymous Bosch nightmare to a place of transcendent beauty. Yes, it was to be a most auspicious day, the day I would meet my maker.”

< Click Here to read the entire article by Echan Deravy online at Japanthropologist.com. >

PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

The 2013 Annual Convocation of the International Community of Cosolargy and the Annual Conference on the Spiritual State of the World started, as usual, with the registration and greeting of new students and Consociates scheduled to take residence training. All met on Monday October 1 at 8:30 a.m. at the Chancellery. Monday and Tuesday were dedicated to training in Color and Sacred Imagery.

Preparing for Sunrise Service PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

Sunrise Service greeting line PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

In a departure from recent past Convocations, the plenary sessions began Wednesday morning October 3 with a Sunrise Divine Service held at the Red Rock Consecrated Sanctuary’s Church of New Epiphany. The service was followed with a fellowship breakfast at the Sanctuary Chapterhouse.

Bishop Gene Savoy Jr. delivers report to General Assembly. PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

On Wednesday afternoon, all Consociates met at the Chancellery for official registration and orientation and a General Assembly. The latter featured a report by Head Bishop Gene Savoy Jr. on The Community’s efforts over the past year, including winning an important concession from the State of Nevada regarding water rights at Red Rock Consecrated Sanctuary and a $68,000 grant to develop solar power production at Steamboat Hotsprings Healing Center and Priory.

Carol Vickers of Empower Consulting Group PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

The Bishop then turned over the presentation to Carol Vickers and Liz Christoffersen of Empower Consulting Group. Ms. Vickers and Christoffersen have been consulting with The Community on outreach and development strategies for the past year and a half.

Liz Christoffersen of Empoer Consulting Group PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

They explained their work with The Community over that time, which has culminated so far in the production of an online introductory course on Cosolargy. The course will provide some history of American solar cultures as well as a few introductory techniques for working with the divine energies now coming through the sun. The course’s launch date is expected to be this fall.

Sean Savoy provides details on how “Cosolargy online” fits into future plans for development.
PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

Whiteboard outlines facets of the big picture for development of Cosolargy International.
PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

On Thursday morning, Convocation attendees met at the Chancellery and then caravaned up to Lake Tahoe to the Episcopal Church ‘s Camp Galilee. In a conference hall overlooking the blue waters of the lake, Dr. Gary Buchanan delivered a talk on solar culture among the North American native tribes, including those in the area around Lake Tahoe, which has always been a sacred site among the natives.

Gary Buchanan presentson solar cultures of the Sierras and North America. PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

Dr. Buchanan’s illuminating lecture was followed by an entertaining presentation by local tour guide, historian, and lecturer Joseph Galata. Mr. Galata regaled his listeners with stories of local historical events and humorous anecdotes.

Tour guide Joseph Galata delivers entertaining presentation on local history. PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

Attendees were then served a wonderful lunch by camp volunteers in the camp refectory. All food was locally grown and organic and the service was warm and welcoming.

After lunch another brief presentation by Mr. Galata was given in the camp chapel, with its large picture window looking out onto the lake. After that, the attendees again caravaned down the mountain, through the Nevada capital of Carson City and up another mountain to the historic mining town of Virginia City. Once the most prominent town in Nevada during the mining of the famed Comstock Lode silver mine, it is now a popular tourist attraction, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors. After a brief account by Mr. Galata of some local lore in front of the oldest church in Nevada, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, attendees were free to roam around the gift shops and famed saloons of Virginia City before being shuttled down the mountain to nearby Steamboat Hot Springs Spa and Healing Center, which is owned and operated by the ICC.

Robert Anderson and Francine Petrovich on their way to downtown Virginia

In the Center’s conference/classroom after a wine and cheese reception, attendees were given a historical account of Steamboat Hot Springs and its healing waters, spas, hotels, and athletic training facilities that have come and gone over the decades since the Civil War by ICC canon and Steamboat Priory resident Rebecca Willis. The very enjoyable day came to a close with tours of the spa and healing center and relaxing soaks in the famous waters for those who wished them, before being returned to their hotel.

Joseph Roy and Kendra Grady “communing” during Saturday Communion Service PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

Friday began with a Community Communion Service at the Chapel of the Holy Child in downtown Reno. This service is usually conducted on Saturday mornings but was rescheduled this week due to the Conference on the Spiritual State of the World on Saturday (see below).

After the service and a break for refreshments in the chapel vestibule, the Consociates reconvened in chapel for three ordinations of Consociates by Bishop Gene Savoy. Receiving first-level ordination into The Community were Japanese Consociates Shoko Taketomi and Nami Aiki, followed by the third-level ordination of the Reverend Deacon Robert Anderson to the Order of Presbyter.

The ordained (from left to right): Shoko Taketomi, Robert Anderson, and Nami Aiki PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

Following the ordinations Bishop Savoy delivered the Clergy Counsels lecture to the assembly in the Chapel of the Holy Child.

Bishop Gene Savoy Jr delivering Counsels lecture PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

His talk included some considered changes in the externals of The Church to bring it more in line with its unique role as a universal religion; e.g., a change in clerical garb. The Assembly of Cosolargy then voted to accept and proceed with the direction in which The Community is heading as reported by the Bishop.

Following the Counsels lecture was another residence training session on liturgical practice for those who had not yet had this training.

Friday evening saw the inauguration of the Annual State of the World Conference with a welcome reception and buffet at the Rectory-Abbey on Carmel (the Bishop’s residence). Conference speakers and attendees were invited. The buffet was prepared and presented by the Rev. Francine Petrovich and her kitchen crew and was, as always, a culinary delight.

Welcome reception buffet held at Rectory-Abbey PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

Saturday morning all met at a conference hall at the University of Nevada–Reno’s Joe Crowley Student Union for presentations by the featured speakers at the Annual Conference on the Spiritual State of the World, titled “Awaken Your Light.” Speakers, including Dr. James Oschmann, Dr. Karl Maret, Dr. Stephan Fuelling, Dr. Gary Buchanan, Yukinori Matsushita, Robert Roy, Sean Savoy, and Jim Eaglesmith, presented from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. with a lunch break, ending the day’s activities with a roundtable discussion with questions and answers from the audience for the speakers.

Moderator Francine Petrovich opens the 2013 conference on the spiritual state of the world. PHOTO: Stephan Fuellling

The conference continued the next morning with a concelebrated Sunday Sunrise Divine Service at the Cathedral Church of the Americas at Red Rock Consecrated Sanctuary.

Members of the Reno Buddhist Center prepare to perform morning song of Amitabha Buddha. PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

Afterward, a sumptuous breakfast buffet was enjoyed by all at the outdoor Refectory near the Cathedral Church, prepared by the Revs. Peter and Mary Foust and helpers.

Breakfast served at Sanctuary refectory. PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

The final conference event was a presentation by Head Bishop Gene Savoy Jr. at the Monastery Gardens Ambo on Cosolargy, including an experience of the Universal Harmony technique with the sun. Informal tours and excursions in the South Sanctuary followed the official closing of the conference.

Reverend Canon Roger Weld performing open-air Communion Service during Convocation week PHOTO: Stephan Fuelling

In the afternoon all conference attendees and presenters were invited to attend the annual Open House at Steamboat Hot Springs Spa and Healing Center, which included a health expo, exhibit and food booths, and, of course, demonstrations of the many healing modalities offered at Steamboat.

Many favorable comments on this year’s Convocation have been received, and it is The Community’s fervent hope that all Consociates will make it a priority to attend future such assemblies, as the blessings are bountiful. See you next fall in Reno!

By Robert Anderson

PHOTO: Stephan Fuellingt