First Metaphysical Church

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1 First Metaphysical Church JULY 2016 NEWSLETTER Lughnasadh Lughnasadh (loo-nah-sah) celebrated on August 1, is the Gaelic name for the first of three harvest festivals. Named after the sun god, Lugh, it is also known as Lammas, meaning loaf mass, since this was the time of the first wheat harvest. The first loaves of bread were taken to the church to be blessed. The first harvest was, indeed, something to celebrate! It was the most important harvest of the year. July was often referred to hungry July. Supplies stored over winter had probably run out, and aside from a few berries, fruits, and greens, very little food was available. A few dairy products were also available, milk, sour milk, and curds (the solid parts of sour milk), but only after the baby animals had been weaned. Animals could not be slaughtered for meat until it was cold enough to store it safely. Along with the first harvest came the opportunity to brew fresh beer, an essential drink since clean water could be difficult to find. Stronger drink was also distilled, and the word whiskey is derived from a Gaelic word for good water! Feasting and many festivals were held where abundance was celebrated, games were played, and ritual observances were conducted to give thanks for the new harvest. Other festivities included a ritual cutting of the first corn of the season and making an offering to the deities. A sacred bull would be sacrificed, and a meal including corn and billberries was made. Offering the first fruits to the deities was viewed as a way to not only offer thanks but to offer prayers asking for blessings on the rest of the harvest season. While many may view this as a pagan celebration, Hebrews and Christians alike were told to offer their first fruits to God. Proverbs 3: 9-10 tells us, Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase, So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with thy wine. Likewise, many Native American Tribes ceremonially observed harvest festivals. The First Nations of the Southeastern United States-Cherokee, Creek, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Iroquois, Seminole, and others - corn (maize) was their single most important food. Therefore, corn also played an important part in their religious and ceremonial life. In July or August, they observed the feast of the Green Corn Ceremony, which also included offering the first fruits as thanks and ask blessings on the rest of the crop. Lughnasadh is also known as a sun festival, being named after the Gaelic god, Lugh, a solar deity and harvest god. Lugh was the king of the Tuatha de Danaan, a race of divine beings whose name translates as, people of the Goddess Danu.

2 Please join us for our own Lammas celebration on Sunday, July 31, at 2:30 pm, followed by our usual potluck and drumming. Happy July! I have noticed that almost everyone I know is going through some sort of challenging time right now. I m not an Astrologer but I would guess that there is some type of planetary alignment that is challenging us to be more aware and trust our inner guidance. The theme of this challenge appears to be about boundaries; setting and maintaining healthy boundaries. Boundaries are about self-respect and self-care. Give yourself permission to set and uphold healthy boundaries. Remember that others are entitled to their boundaries as well; honor and respect others boundaries as if they were your own, even if you don t agree with them. I thought I would share one of the Daily Om s that is really relevant right now. We all need to take time out of our busy lives and take care of the Self. Taking time for yourself Daily OM Sustenance for the Soul by Madisyn Taylor, making time for the activities that contribute to your spiritual growth has little to do with being selfish. Modern life compels us to rush. Because we feel pressured to make the most of our time each day, the activities that sustain us, rejuvenate us, and help us evolve are often the first to be sacrificed when we are in a hurry or faced with a new obligation. It is important we remember that there is more to life than achieving success, making money, and even caring for others. Your spiritual needs should occupy an important spot on your list of priorities. Each task you undertake and each relationship you nurture draws from the wellspring of your spiritual vitality. Taking the time to engage in spiritually fulfilling activities replenishes that well and readies you to face another day. Making time for the activities that contribute to your spiritual growth has little to do with being selfish and everything to do with your well-being. Regularly taking the time to focus on your soul s needs ensures that you are able to nurture yourself, spend time with your thoughts, experience tranquility, and expand your spiritual boundaries. It is easy to avoid using our free moments for spiritual enrichment. There is always something seemingly more pressing that needs to be done. Many people feel guilty when they use their free time to engage in pursuits where they are focusing on themselves because they feel as if they are neglecting their family or their work. To make time for yourself, it may be necessary to say no to people s requests or refuse to take on extra responsibilities. Scheduling fifteen or thirty minutes of time each day for your spiritual needs can make you feel tranquil, give you more energy and allows you to feel more in touch with the universe.

3 Writing in a journal, meditating, studying the words of wise women and men, and engaging in other spiritual practices can help you make the most of this time. Making time to nurture your spirit may require that you sacrifice other, less vital activities. The more time you commit to soul-nurturing activities, the happier and more relaxed you will become. The time you devote to enriching your spirit will rejuvenate you and help you create a more restful life. As always; Blessings and Abundance are yours! Claim Them. Rev. Nicky Highlen Explore the Chinese Martial Art of Kung Fu/Tai Chi Tuesdays, 5 th, 12 th, 19 th, 26 th $10 per person Our new FMC t-shirts are available for purchasing now! Prices are as follows: Youth sizes thru adult x large $10 each. 2x large is $12 and 3x large is $ Pay to Kristen Nix (board secretary)

4 Ye Olde Medieval Marketplace Saturday, August 13, am-6pm We bid a good Morrow to thee Royalty, Noble Lords, maidens, young lads and to all peasants. First Metaphysical Church is preparing for their 3 rd and extends an invitation to all. ~It will be filled with music and laughter. Annual Medieval Festival ~Prepare to be entertained by Glass Walking, Singing, Fire Swallowing, Juggling, Drum Circle and more. ~Children s events run from 1-4pm with games a pirate treasure hunt, face painting, dunk tank, several crafts, candle making, dragon races, family crests and more. ~Walk through Ye Olde Medieval Marketplace filled with Artisians, Craftsmen and Vendors. ~Visit with Readers of Michigan s longest running Psychic Fair; Tarot, Soul Cards, Angel Cards, Runes, and Spirit Communications. ~Take time to relax with a soothing massage therapist or one of our certified healers. General Admission-$6 Per Person Children-$ and under Free For Purchase: Hot food, Chips, Soft Drinks Still looking for donations of wrapped candy and tiny toys.

5 Still accepting vendors for our August fair. Please call Nicky at

6 FMC members that we have lost. Reverend Joyce Marie Boehmer, 66, died Saturday April 30, She was one of the kindest and friendliest members of our church. She could always be found working around the church grounds, mowing lawn, hauling stones for the labyrinth, burning brush, planting flowers and filling holes in the parking lot. She served many spots on the Board of Directors and was our Head Minister for many years. We will miss her generosity and her laugh. Rest in peace, my friend. Those desiring may make contributions in Joyce s memory to Gift of Life Foundation, Hospice, or American Red Cross. Michael Robert Schurig, 73, died June 8, You may remember Mike at every psychic fair with wife Lois and her table of beautiful crystals and gemstones. He also taught Tai Chi classes at the church and to the public. A Veteran of the U.S. Army, he served in Vietnam and was a member of the Swartz Creek VFW and American Legion. Thank you for blessing us with your laughter, Mike. Those desiring may make contributions to an organization that benefits disabled veterans.

7 Kids Page by Michaela Rose Magical Creatures Word Search K N D E M M M T N I L L U S L T T U D V S X F E A M N H D A Z R E A L E M R C N I A U I H E O S L H F I I Z C Z S M A Y M L O K O C H L O A B P Z M W H R W X B T E R E I F I E R B T A C D Y I N R R B Q R R E L Y R A M D H G K P X J I E M O S U S A G E P F W E B T V B V B A N G E L S L O X L S E A E A W N E X E D C E O B J R S C D D Q B J L E E X G T D O E B X P W Z F Q D O W T E R F M N O X S F Q S S J E O B N A L Z F O F F A I R I E S D S D D G ANGELS BELIEVE BIGFOOT FAIRIES FOREVER LEGEND LEPRECHAUN LOVE MERMAIDS MYTHICAL PEGASUS SPIRITS TROLLS UNICORN Together Forever, a Poem Life is but a flower, it lives, it dies and it lives again. We all our flowers waiting to make our mark in the Garden of life, the Earth of love, the Universe of creation, the Knowingness of heart. We shall live together, forever. We shall live, we shall die and we shall live again. We are a family, a people that is seen in the eyes of the kind, a single being in which we rest together, forever. We shall live, we shall die and we shall live again. Are hearts are pure, our emotions good, for we are together, forever. A heart full of love can change the world for the good or for the better, for we are together, forever. We shall live, we shall die and we shall live again. Love is the key to the chamber of peace, of calm and of happiness. We shall be together, forever. Life is but a flower, it lives, it dies and it lives again.

8 Church Painting Prep & Painting On Saturday July 16, 2016 at 11am, we will begin prepping the church for the final round of painting and some light repairs. Please join us and bring any tools that may help facilitate the preparation for painting. On Sunday July 17, 2016 at 10am, we will begin painting the church areas that are still in need of paint (we may also get to the small shed if possible). Please join us and bring any paint brushes, rollers, etc. Both days we will have water and lunch provided. $If you can t help prep or paint and wish to help, perhaps you could donate to the luncheon. Thank you all for all of your help in keeping our little church looking good and running smoothly! Blessings! Your Church Board Full Day Scrapbooking Saturday, July 16th, 10am to 8pm $5 per person plus dish to pass for dinner Light lunch provided and pot luck for dinner Kids welcome from 10am to 1pm for free (under 16 yrs) Melissa

9 Hypnosis Certification July and July Become a Certified Hypnotherapist in one weekend. Hosted by Rev Bonnie Neighorn Cost $325 FMC Wholesale Distributer FMC offers the following: 1. Any member or friend/family can pre-order from the Young Living Catalog (Wholesale prices 40% off retail prices) plus Michigan tax 6% plus $1.00 S+H. Orders go in at the first week of each month. See our face book page under files for catalog and prices or look through our catalog on Sunday nights. Applying Young Living Essential Oils Aromatically: All of the oils -including blends- may be diffused. Inhaling: It takes 22 seconds for oil to reach the brain! Topically: All of the oils can be applied to the Vita Flex points on the feet, added to bath water mixed with Epsom salts, applied topically on location or used with body and foot massage. When applied topically, it takes 2-3 minutes for the oil to reach the blood stream, 20 minutes to affect every cell in the body, and 2 ½ hours to fully metabolize. FMC will not be liable for the use of the oils See the display catalogs in the hall or ask for Ginger Guidion , Kristin Nix

10 FMC Psychic Holistic Fair Saturday, July 9th, 11:00am-6:00pm If it is knowledge, wisdom or speaking with loved ones that have passed that you are looking for, the First Metaphysical Church Psychic Holistic Fair is where you will find it. Whether through spirit, cards, crystal or rune readings, the answers are there if we ask and listen. If you have a keen interest in Crystals then you will find them in raw, tumbled and jewelry form. We have an amazing Shaman healer that will heal your body, mind and spirit. We have an exciting array of interesting vendors offering unique items that you will not be able to find anywhere else. $3 door donation $10 Readings $10 and up Healings Punch card for frequent visits Enter into drawing for free reading or vendor items

11 2016 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Board Meeting 3pm 17 Church Painting 10am Happy 4th 5 Tai Chi 7pm $ Tai Chi 7pm $ Tai Chi 7pm $ Meditation 7: Meditation 7: Meditation 7:00 8 Fair Set Up 6:00pm Psychic fair meeting 9 Psychic Fair 11:00 6:00 $3 admission All day scrap book and craft day 10-8pm $5 Painting Prep 11am Adv Hypnosis 10-2 LAMMAS 2:30 Pot Luck and Drumming 4pm Tai Chi 7pm $ Hypnosis Class 10-4

12 A Meditative Journey by Tessa A large, brown bear sauntered down the slope of a mountain, down toward the plain below, each step in harmony with the heart beat of Mother Earth. A vast plain spread out at the bottom of the mountain. Summer was in full bloom and the land was verdant. Suddenly, a herd of buffalo came thundering by, emerging from behind a rock formation, and as the bear watched them run past, he paused in respect for their collective greater power. Three or four elk stood on a ridge watching the buffalo as well. As the buffalo disappeared to the west, a tall, powerful indigenous warrior emerged from where the elk stood and walked down toward the plain. When on level ground he built a fire, kneeling with his forehead toward the ground, praying for forgiveness from the Great Spirit for the decimation of Mother Earth, for the devastation brought on by the polluters and corrupters. He smoked his pipe and watched as his prayers rose to the Great Spirit. As he did so, four other indigenous warriors walked toward him, one from each direction. They joined him in prayer and offered sacred herbs to each of the four directions. Suddenly, the vibration changed and the entire landscape began to undulate, light and sound rippling in time with the landscape. As the vibration increased, the five warriors began to rise higher and higher, and as they did so, they transformed into spiritual beings; rising, rising higher and higher, until they were far above the clouds. Surrounding them were millions of other angels, in every direction, all bowing in veneration to the Great Spirit in the midst of them. The Great Spirit was a large, blazing sphere of pure energy pulsating with a force so intense he commanded respect. Each angel was gripped with awe in the presence of this all-powerful Spirit. As a gong began to vibrate, getting louder and louder, the sound began to spread over those in attendance, rising and falling, surging forward, surrounding everyone like silver waves of water. The vibration was in fact the Spirit s reverberating voice, speaking to the angels in a language only they could understand. They knelt transfixed; knowing to move when the Spirit spoke was a sign of great disrespect. When the Spirit had finished speaking, the angels dispersed and flew down to the earth. Their assignment was to cleanse it of the polluters and corrupters, who had continually disrespected Mother Earth, as well as all her inhabitants, the two-legged and four-legged alike. The earth began to vibrate violently, as if a great, global earthquake shook it to its core. As the angels performed their mission, a great, thundering, pounding drum beat to the pulse of their swift purification of Mother Earth. As the purification came to its culmination, all remaining inhabitants on the earth began to dance and rejoice. The drumming began to decrease in intensity but as it did so, the vibration rose above the earth until it reached the heavens where Great Spirit resides. Finally, all the holy angels and all those in the universe celebrated Earth s cleansing, knowing it had finally come full circle to the pure state Great Spirit had intended since its creation. Animal symbolism BEAR - As a spirit animal Bear shows you how (and when) to stand up and fight the good fight. This creature embodies assurance and the ability to act. There s also great balance in Bear it knows when to retreat, rest, ground, center, and heal. In this vision bear knew it was time to rest, rather than stand and fight, as buffalo raced past.

13 BUFFALO Buffalo has long been associated with smoke, tobacco, and the pipe, and has long been considered a sacred animal. Buffalo plays an important role especially to Plains Indian tribes. Buffalo s medicine includes protection, earth creativity, courage, abundance, and strength. Buffalo teaches us that true prosperity comes when we are grateful for what we have and when we live in harmony with everybody and being in the universe. Having buffalo spirit means knowing that all relations are honored and sacred. As the herd of buffalo raced by, they were letting the warrior know this was a good time to smoke the pipe and offer herbs in prayer. ELK - To the native plains tribes, elk were associated with masculinity, endurance, and bravery. Elks eyeteeth were highly valuable, being used as objects of adornment as well as the symbol of hunting prowess. In some Plains tribes, warriors would save the eyeteeth from their first elk kill and use them to make engagement jewelry for their sweethearts. Elk spirit teaches how to best apply our personal energy, pacing ourselves to fulfill goals. It also represents passion, leadership, alertness, nimbleness and endurance. The warrior who emerged from the elk on the ridge must have been, therefore, an especially strong warrior and spiritual leader. First Metaphysical Church Members July Birthdays Jerome Strawser 2 Alicia Sisco 2 Anna Loomis 3 Joan Price 3 Brian Wiltfong 5 Jim Moore 14 Lorie Keeney 15 Jacob Newton 15 Mel Rucinski 15 Scott Hillaker 17 Janice McDonald 17 Amy Goosllin 19 Shante Nichols 23 Cheryl Wilson 25 Pam Linn 27 Melissa Rutherford 28 Youth: Marian Moore 11 Andrew Rutherford 26

14 Head Minister Rev Connie Lundy President Rev Nicky Highlen Vice President Tonya Barton TreasurerJeniel Payne Secretary Kristen Nix FMC BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2016 Trustees John Lundy Jim Haywood Barb Nada Tessa Piontek Jim Walker Ginger Guidion Minutes from the Board of Directors meetings are available to all members of the Congregation anytime. Call Rev Nicky Highlen or Kristen Nix We are an Inter-faith organization, and we honor the truth in all religions. We accept people of all faiths and invite everyone to join us in our spiritual journeys. It doesn't matter by what name you call your God or Goddess; it's what's in your heart that counts. Your own individual path to spiritual growth is always accepted in this church without judgment as long as you harm no one. We believe in the Divinity of each person and the sacredness of nature. FIRST METAPHYSICAL CHURCH 8267 E ATHERTON ROAD DAVISON, MI Harmony Hall rental: Seats 100 people Please call for information: Living is Learning to Love How to find us Webpage: spirituality.meetup.com/432/ Face book: First Metaphysical Church Group

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