LIGHT THE LAMP OF LOVE IN EVERY HEART*

 Dear Friends,

Time changed last weekend, which means we begin to experience darkness even earlier in the evening. This will continue until approximately the winter solstice, when sunset begins to move later. At the same time, sunrise continues to be later until around the time of Epiphany.

Here in Vancouver, winter can mean many gloomy, rainy days on end with few hours of sunshine. This is exactly the time when we must turn inward and search for light from within. We do not have to do this on our own, for waiting patiently to be discovered in our hearts, is the Light of the World. At first it may be an elusive will of the wisp, but if we work at it, that little glimmer can continue to grow into a steadily burning flame. I admit that sometimes it may burn low and dim, but the Source is inexhaustible.

This year, more than ever, we need to find that Light and coax it into life, or to be more exact, love. Love for our higher Self, and love for others. You know the kind of love I am talking about – selfless, giving, compassionate, respectful. We all made the choice as spiritual beings to enter into this earthly life. The Sanskrit phrase, namaste, means that my spirit recognizes your spirit, your struggle. In lifting up others, we lift up ourselves as well. In lifting up others, we lift up humanity as a whole. We are all in this together!

Sparky

*Quotation from an article by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, 2018

Making New Altar Cloths

This summer Barbara and Erica made new altar cloths. We started by turning the community room in the church downstairs into a workshop. Once the cloth was purchased our first step was to wash and dry it, and then to iron the yards of cloth and measure out two lengths, enough for two altar cloths. 

Then what was needed was the courage to cut the fabric!!!

Next came the pinning...  we used a lot of pins to make sure we had the edges straight and even.

The main hems on each side needed a notch cut out.  Here is a careful measure to get it right for cutting.

The next step was to do a final pinning for ironing and sewing.

Finally ready for sewing!  Each side was hemmed and then the back and front were stitched in place. 

A last ironing.....

The new altar cloth in place!

I’m learning Greek!!  The word I wrote above means ‘thanksgiving’ and is written in our letters as ‘eucharistia’. My update to you is filled with thanksgiving for your support and gifts that make it possible for me to attend the Seminary financially and with heart❣️ With your help I have paid for my first trimester, for some books and supplies, and savings for next trimester too. I am filled with such gratitude for your supportive thoughts, warmth, and gifts. Sometimes I can’t believe I am actually here, and it's made possible with your help!  

As mentioned I am taking Greek classes in Koine Greek the Ancient Greek used to write the New Testament of the Bible. Twice a week we have classes for an hour on zoom with a very patient Greek teacher.  We are learning to sound out the letters, write them, and parse their declensions and tenses.  I can barely do this in English never mind in Greek!  But I am making some progress and enjoy being able to look at the original text of the New Testament and try to understand it.  

I am also doing a short Eurythmy course where we are making speech visible through movement using Paul’s letter to the Ephesians “Put on the Armour of God”.  It is beautiful to work with.  There are church services three times a week to go to, and I hope to help with confirmation classes starting next week.  

This trimester is an independent research study.  The year's theme is Christ’s Redeeming Work and the Sacraments. In keeping with that our second year students have each been given an element of the Communion service to closely observe, contemplate and research to become aware of how it relates to our world.  I was given ‘The Alter - Grave and Table’ as my topic.  I am to know it inside out, create two or three artistic expressions about it, write a 7-21 page essay, and give a 40 minute presentation in the chapel in January.  It feels somewhat overwhelming at the moment, but hopefully as I enter into it more I will find my way. We also have the help of our directors. 

Currently I am preparing a talk on coming to the Kingdom of God as an infant or a child — What did Jesus mean by that in the Gospel?  Really? as children, infants?  What is the point of being an adult then…. Much to contemplate and Rudolf Steiner has many insights to read about.  

As a compliment to all the heady study and meditations the Autumn days are beautiful — cool, sunny, breezy, fresh, with trees dressed in reds, yellows and golds.  I walk to the Seminary/Church every day and enjoy the falling colours and the crunching leaves under my feet.  Fall days as one can most wonderfully experience in Eastern Canada!

Thank you so much for helping to make it happen, Erica