First Metaphysical Church

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1 First Metaphysical Church JUNE 2016 NEWSLETTER *************************************************************************************************** Ye Olde Medieval Marketplace Saturday, August 10, 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 invitation to all. ~It will be filled with music and laughter. Annual Medieval Festival and extends an ~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

2 Children-$ and under Free For Purchase: Hot food, Chips, Soft Drinks The Red Tent If you haven t heard of the Red Tent yet, you will. At FMC s Medieval Marketplace on August 13, we will have our very own red tent, Sophia s Temple, named for the Jewish goddess of wisdom. Known as the Mother of All or simply as Wisdom, Sophia was born of Silence according to Gnostic creation stories. She gave birth to both Male and Female who together created all the elements of our material world. You re probably familiar with the image on the Sistine Chapel where God is reaching out to touch Adam with his right hand. You may have not noticed, however, to God s left he has his arm around a beautiful woman, Sophia. The current Red Tent movement is based on the book of the same name, by Anita Diamant. It is loosely based on the story of Dinah, a historical figure, the daughter of biblical Jacob and Leah. It is her story, told from the perspective of a woman living in ancient Hebrew times. The red tent was where women would go during their menses, to give birth, or when ill. It was a time of bonding, comradery, sharing stories and secrets; and handing down wisdom on healing, living, and loving. It was a sacred place for women to renew, recharge, connect with one another, and receive spiritual guidance. For crones, daughters, and maidens, it was a special time away from the demanding routine of daily chores. Born out of modern day women s spirituality, the Red Tent Movement, is a global phenomenon. Various cultures around the world have adapted the concept to blend within their own diverse spirituality. Native American tribes have red moon lodges, coinciding with the new moon. The Sedona Red Moon Lodge New Moon Goddess Circle is one of the largest in the U.S. With this in mind, we will be bringing our own red tent, Sophia s Temple, to FMC. The purpose of Sophia s Temple is to give women a place to gather together to meditate, share information, bond with each other, empower, and support one another, or just relax for a few minutes in a serene atmosphere. 2

3 A full day of activities is being planned, including two guided meditations, a discussion group for mothers to share any concerns regarding raising children to their own health and wellbeing, and ending the day with a workshop for crones where we will craft a special commemorative necklace or bracelet. Other activities under consideration are looking at how to honor the women in our lives by marking rites of passage as they experience their menarche or menopause, making our own herbal healing teas, and meditative coloring of mandala and mehndi designs. You will also be welcome to just come in, relax, and enjoy some light refreshments if you wish. Whatever you choose, we hope you will enjoy sharing the red tent with our own circle of spiritual sisters. Dear Congregation of FMC It appears that I have been remiss in clarifying what the committees are, who is in charge of what and what procedures are concerning those committees. Committees and Procedures *Activities Committee-Rachel Cooper 1. A full write up of the requested class-including everything that should be in the advertisements. 2. Signature by Rachel Cooper, the current Activities Chair, and the signature of and Education Committee member (usually an active Minister). 3. Rachel makes 3 copies & gives the original back to the person requesting the class. If Rachel is not at the church, you may send her an or message her on facebook. 4. Rachel puts those 3 copies in: a) the newsletter folder; b) the PSA folder; c) the activities folder in the office. This ensures that the people who need the information have it to post in the newsletter, meetup and facebook. Rachel writes the Activity on the calendar! *Sunday Speaking-Connie Lundy, Connie is more than happy to have help with the Sunday Services. Please let Connie know when you want to speak, don t just write your name on the calendar. *Newsletter-Sherry Pickett, if you want to add something to the newsletter that is Not an Activity, it has to be submitted to Sherry, the Newsletter Chair, no later than the 3 rd Sunday of the month. Follow up with a facebook message or text to make sure she received it. *Cleaning-Tonya Barton, if you see something that needs doing and you are unable to do it yourself, please ask Tonya if she can get to it. The Need Tree has been put up to help with supplies. *Maintenance-John Lundy, if you see something that needs to be done, PLEASE let John know. He may already be working on that very issue. Please remember that things to not get done overnight and some maintenance problems take precedence over others. If you would like to offer your assistance, I m sure that John would be very happy for the help. *Elections-Sherry Pickett 2016, Sherry was in charge of the election this year. If there are/were any issues surrounding the election they would be directed to Sherry or myself. *Psychic Fairs-Nicky Highlen & Connie Lundy, again if there are any complaints, issues or ideas please bring them to Connie or Myself! *Website-Nicky Highlen, I m not an expert but I will do the best I can with updating and maintaining the website. Just so you know this is not high on my church priority list at this time. *PSA s (Advertising)-Tonya Barton and Jeniel Payne, most of the advertising should be going through the Activities Chair, Rachel. If the procedure is followed, there shouldn t be any issues. *Education-Nicky Highlen & the Active Ministers, all questions, concerns, comments or ideas should be brought to myself or one of the other active ministers. *T-Shirts & Young Living Oils-Kristen Nix, all orders for T-shirts and oils go through Kristen Nix. *Youth Group-Nicky Highlen, Jean & Jacob are now only doing a couple of Sundays a month. We need help in this area; as Board Members I would like request for you to help out if you can. 3

4 *Meditation on Thursday Nights-Nicky Highlen & Connie Lundy, if you would like to host a meditation we would welcome the assistance. The only mandatory requirement is that a minister be present. The main area of concern is communication. Talking to the people in charge of an area, event or committee is of the utmost importance. Blessings, Rev. Nicky Litha Litha (pronounced Lee-tha) is the celebration of the midsummer solstice. It is also known as Alban Heriun (or Hefin) to the Druids, and the Feast of St. John to the Christians. The name Litha is thought to be derived from the Saxon names for June and July. June was known as Aerra Litha, meaning before light, and July was known as Aeftera Litha, meaning after light. Since the sun is at its zenith at the summer solstice, it seems logical that Litha referred to the solstice when daylight was at its longest. Traditionally, the Holly King overcomes the Oak King at Litha and the slow descent to the longest night at Yule begins once again. As with other agrarian celebrations, there are a lot of customs and folklore associated with the summer solstice. In England, rural villagers built a big bonfire on Midsummer's Eve. This was called "setting the watch," and it was believed that the fire would keep the evil spirits out of town. Some farmers would light a fire on their land, and people would wander about, holding torches and lanterns, from one bonfire to another. If you successfully jumped over a bonfire you were guaranteed to have good luck for the coming year. After your Litha fire has burned out and the ashes have gone cold use them to make a talisman. You can do this by carrying them in a small pouch, or kneading them into some soft clay and forming an amulet. In some traditions of Wicca, it is believed that the Midsummer ashes will protect you from misfortune. You can also sow the ashes from your bonfire into your garden, and your crops will be bountiful for the rest of the summer growing season. Sun wheels were used to celebrate Midsummer in some early pagan cultures. A wheel -- or sometimes a really big ball of straw -- was lit on fire and rolled down a hill into a river. The burned remnants were taken to the local temple and put on display. In Wales, it was believed that if the fire went out before the wheel hit the water, a good crop was guaranteed for the season. William Shakespeare associated Midsummer with witchcraft in at least three of his plays. A Midsummer Night's Dream, Macbeth, and The Tempest all contain references to magic on the night of the summer solstice. Litha celebrates abundance, fertility, virility, the beauty and bounty of Nature. Harnessing the Suns great power makes all types of magic appropriate now. It was also a popular time for marriages or handfastings, as they were known. Honey has long been associated with fertility and beauty, as well. In the Bible, God s Promised Land was referred to as the land of milk and honey. Honey was one of the few natural sweeteners available in ancient times. In the British Isles, a couple would be given enough mead, an alcoholic drink made from honey, to last from one full moon to the next, thus leading to the term honeymoon, and this was to ensure the couple's fertility as they began their new life together. Some activities to celebrate Litha include: Have children make their own Green Man mask. Cut holes for eyes in a paper plate and glue on leaves and small branches. Leave out milk and honey as an offering to the Fae folk. Have a mock battle between the Oak and Holly King, (make sure the Holly King wins! ) Try fire scrying, staring into the flames of your bonfire and look for images in the leaping flames. Make protection amulets for friends and family with the cold ashes from your Litha bonfire. Go berry picking. Have children chose their best berry and throw it back into the berry bushes as they thank the Goddess and the bushes for the fruit. Midsummer is a wonderful time of the year. Take time out of your mundane schedule to enjoy the bounties of this beautiful time on the Wheel of the Year. Join us for a ritual of the summer solstice, Saturday, June 18 th at 1:00pm. 4

5 Pentecost By Rev Sherry PIckett On Sunday May 22, Christians across the world celebrated Pentecost; Roman Catholics, Lutherans, Eastern Orthodox, Pentecostal and Charismatic churches, and many other Protestant churches. Pentecost is not as well-known or as popular as Christmas and Easter, but it commemorates a turning point in Christian history. It many ways, Pentecost is the birthday of the church. So what is Pentecost? For Christians, Pentecost is a holiday on which they commemorate the coming of the Holy Spirit on the early followers of Jesus. Before the events of the first Pentecost, there were followers of Jesus, but no movement that could meaningfully be called the church. Since that first Pentecost, the church has grown to its present day numbers. This event is recorded in the bible in the book of Acts of the Apostles. It begins; and when the day of Pentecost had come, the first followers of Jesus were all together in one place. All of a sudden, a sound came from heaven, like a strong wind, filling the house where the people had gathered. Tongues of fire rested on their heads. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages. Many of people who heard these messages in their own languages were amazed. Peter, one of the leading followers of Jesus, stood up and preached his first sermon. God promised to pour out his Spirit on all flesh, empowering diverse people to exercise divine power. So, then, what difference does it make for us here at a metaphysical church, that the first Christians were filled with the Holy Spirit almost two millennia ago? First, I believe that we are meant to live in the presence and power of the Spirit of God or the Spirit of the Creator. This spirit guides us to live in the love that is Jesus. Pentecost presents us with an opportunity to consider how we are living each day. Are we relying on the power of the Creators Spirit? Are we an open channel for the Spirit s gifts? Are we attentive to the guidance of the Holy Spirit? Is the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, etc.) growing in our lives? Most of us live in the presence and power of the Spirit, but only to a small extent. We are very limited by our fears and our low expectations. Pentecost offers a chance to confess our failures and fears and to ask the Creator to fill us afresh with his power. Second, on Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended on individual followers of Jesus as they were gathered together. This gathering became the first Christian church. They shared life together, focusing on teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. They shared their belongings so that no one was hungry or needy. In theory, the Spirit could have been poured out on the followers of Jesus when they were not gathered together. There are surely times when the Holy Spirit touches us as individuals, when we are alone in prayer, meditation, or ministry to others. And some of us believe that as long as we have a personal relationship with the Creator, everything else is fine. But Pentecost is a vivid illustration that the community of God s people is central to peace and love in the world. Thus, Pentecost invites us to consider our own participation in the fellowship, worship, and being of our church. It is a time to renew our commitment to live as an essential member of our church, using our gifts to share the love that is Christ with the world. 5

6 Last, on Pentecost, the Holy Spirit empowered believers to praise God in many languages that they had not learned in the ordinary manner. Symbolically, this miracle reinforces the multilingual, multicultural, and multiracial mission of our church. We are to be a community in which all people are drawn together by God s love. There is no longer Christian or Pagan, there is no longer white or black, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ s love. We are often divided according to language, race, and ethnicity. Pentecost challenges all of us to examine our own attitudes in that regard, to reject and repent of any prejudice that lurks within us, and to open our hearts to all people, even and especially those who do not share our language and culture. Yes, I know this is not easy. But it is central to us as human beings. Pentecost is a time to ask God to fill us afresh with the Spirit. And it is a time to renew our commitment to fulfilling our role in the ministry of all people in the world. Thank you, Blessings to you all. Meditation with the Moon! Join us on Saturday, June 4th at 7pm Freestyle Hula Hooping Wednesday, June 8 th and 22 th 6-7 pm $5 per person 6

7 Explore the Chinese Martial Art of Kung Fu/Tai Chi Tuesdays, 7 th, 14 th, 21 st, 28 th $10 per person POUND Is a full-body cardio jam session, using weighted drumsticks. Friday mornings 11:00 am June 10 th, 24 th Friday evenings 6:00 pm June 3rd and 17 th $5 per person SCIENCE OF MIND Monday, April 4 thru June 20 th 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) 7

8 Spending the Day with Crystals With Rev Bonnie Neighorn Saturday, June 25 th, 10am to 530pm 10 am Learning about crystals, how to choose one, use for healing, meditation, etc. $20 2pm Learn how to wire wrap your very own crystal (includes free gemstone). $10 330pm Learn to wire wrap with square wire and gemstone of your choice. $10 FMC FREE TABLE has returned! 8

9 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 Hypnosis Certification July and July Become a Certified Hypnotherapist in one weekend. Hosted by Rev Bonnie Neighorn Cost $325 9

10 FMC Psychic Holistic Fair Saturday, June 11th, 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 10

11 2016 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 5 Board Meeting 3pm 6 Science of Mind 7pm 7 Tai Chi 7pm $ Meditation 7:00 Ministers Meeting 8 9 HULA HOOP CLASS 6pm to 7pm $5 Meditation 7:00 3 POUND 6pm $5 10 POUND 11am $5 Fair Set Up 6:00pm 4 Meditate with The Moon 7pm 11 Psychic Fair 11:00 6:00 $3 admission Science of Mind 7pm Pot Luck and Drumming 4pm Science of Mind 7pm 14 Tai Chi 7pm $10 21 Tai Chi 7pm $ Tai Chi 7pm $10 15 Work on Medieval Festival Crafts HULA HOOP CLASS 6pm to 7pm $% 16 Meditation 7:00 23 Meditation 7: POUND 11am $5 24 POUND 11am $5 18 Litha Summer Solstice Ritual 1:00pm 25 Spending the day with Crystals 10am to 530pm Webpage:

12 11 All Male Comedy Beauty Pageant What a huge success! Thanks to all! Guy Handsome, Magic Margie, Princes Papoli, Kitty Meow, Poliana, Bille Jean Rev Gary Neighorn Princess Papoli Jim Haywood Poliana Jerry Bilbrey Billie Jean Jacob Kolinko Magic Margie Dawei Li Kitty Meow All Male Comedy Beauty Pageant

13 12 Judges: Lee Morse, Sabrina Boston, and Heide Phaneuf Final lineup with evening gowns Cosmic Queen: Magic Margie Miss Congeniality: Billie Jean PAGEANT CO-CHAIRS: Rev Jeannie Genaw, Rev Sherry Pickett, and Jeniel Payne 13

14 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 First Metaphysical Church Members June Birthdays Heide Phaneuf 6-2 Sarah Still 6-6 Rev Bob Wahl 6-9 Laura Hart 6-17 Brian Roman 6-21 Rhonda Long 6-22 Deb Palmer 6-23 Kim Zingler 6-24 Mike Schurig 6-5 Youth: Mikaela and Jonathan Moore 6-12 Toni Morgan 6-9 Rev Bob Highlen 6-12 Rhonda Jenkins 6-22 Traci Parker 6-23 Diana Redman 6-3 Roxanne Ross 6-21 Jim Walker 6-7 Diana Lea Reynolds 6-3 Kristin Nix

15 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 15

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