A universal assembly for true discernment
Topic: “If the World is Not Real, Do Actions Matter?”
Description: Rev. Regina discussed how clear discernment leads us consistently towards truth realization. Does discernment apply only to how we think, or does it apply to what we do too? Do we need to change what we do in order to awaken to truth? Regina will answer these questions in this talk.
Reading: Shawna Summers read NTI 2 Corinthians 9, which is on pages 319-320 of The Holy Spirit’s Interpretation of the New Testament (NTI).
Topic:“Truth for Truth’s Sake”
Rev. Jacquelyn looked at how discovering and honestly examining our underlying motivation(s) for awakening can reveal that which prevents us from knowing the Truth about ourselves.
Topic: “Are you a Mary or a Martha: Choosing Action or Contemplation”
Description: Rev. Rebecca talked about how we all put on masks as we move through the world in order to play different characters; each being chosen for different reasons. Rev. Rebecca Gibson will talk about choosing characters, such as sisters Mary and Martha from the New Testament stories, to emulate in life and how each character brings with it a certain persona that affects how we see ourselves and others. Understanding what’s behind our choice of character helps identify and heal that which separates us from our ‘selves’.
Reading: Rev. Regina Dawn Akers read three versions of “At the home of Martha and Mary”,Luke 10:38-42. 1st from the New International Version, 2nd from NTI and 3rd from a talk by Pastor Nadia Bolz-Weber
Topic: “The Power of Looking Into Your Fears and Resistance.”
Description: Rev. Jay McCormick talked about how we have been brainwashed to NOT Look within. Trained to be afraid that if we see it then that means we have accepted its real. Learn to be in the feelings without being caught in them. Learn to listen to what the story teller is saying with a compassionate heart and listen to the body’s present experience. All is passing through out. Learn to develop open curiosity about Life rather than trying to control it.
Topic: “Healing Thoughts of Division”
Rev. Helen talked about one of the root beliefs that underlies our thoughts is that we are separate. How can we believe otherwise if our direct experience seems to suggest we are?
Topic: “Loving All, or Learning Allowance”
Rev. Jacquelyn shared her contemplation regarding the loving acceptance of all things.
Listen to this audio
Topic: “The Test for Truth.”
Rev. Dov talked about how Fearless Peace is a required course. Delay in time is voluntary. Do I want to be right? or Happy? Choose one, for you cannot have both.
Topic: “The Death of the Mind is the Birth Of Wisdom.”
Rev. Jay McCormick talked about how once the candle of awareness is lit, the flame will consume the candle. Our mind is the candle in the analogy, and the witness is the flame. The flame is lit by the spark provided by the guru, or teacher – whether outer or inner – both are in reality one. Before the spark, there is no witness to perceive the difference. After the spark lights the flame, there is awareness of being conscious. The very desire to be ready for this means the guru has come and the flame has been lit. Look not for the person to awaken, for it will remain in unrest and resistant to the very end. It is the witness that works on the person, on the totality of its illusions – past, present, and future. Be in the bliss of the witness, allowing the mind to be consumed and be in the Joy of God, spirit, light, Guru.
Topic: “The Road to Restoration.”
Rev. Gloria talked about undoing the barriers to love’s presence.
Topic: “Time and Timelessness”
Description: Rev. Jacquelyn Eckert examined how the construct of time supports the illusion of separate individual body/mind/personalities and how letting go of the belief in time supports us on the path of awakening.
Reading: Connie Poole read “Presence and Timelessness” from Jan Frazier’s book, “The Freedom of Being.”
