UPDATES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

A Message from the President of

Spiritual Awakening Spiritualist Center

Dear Members and Friends, a Very Happy New Year to you and your family!

I sincerely hope that you all had a good Christmas and that 2024 will be a year of love and blessings for you.

We are very pleased to welcome Reverend's. Al and Geoff Potts back to Florida this January after a 2 year break. They will be taking our Sunday service on January 14th. We look forward to seeing them again in person and enjoying some time together.

We have 2 Saturday workshops during January.There will be a 'Spiritual Philosophy & Intuition Workshop' on January 13th. And a 'Mediumship Development Workshop'
on January 27th. Information about both these meetings will be emailed out to those on our emailing list prior to the events with location and workshop details. These workshops are open to anyone wishing to attend and participate. No prerequisite is required.

Just a quick reminder that Membership Dues are due as of the beginning of January each year. Thank you.

For more information on any January events please click on the link in the 'January Events' section below. Thank you.

Looking forward to seeing you soon!

Blessings, Love and Light.

Michael

Annual General Church Meeting.

Dear Members,

We will be holding our Annual General Meeting on Sunday, January 14th, 2024, at 12:00pm after the morning service.

We ask that as many of our members attend this meeting to discuss and vote on issues such as determining who the members of the Board of Directors should be. Also the finances and other matters concerning the future of our Church Center.

Please make a note of this meeting on your calendar and plan to attend if you are able.

Thank you.

Michael

If you would like any further information regarding any of the announcements in this section, please email us at thechurchofspiritualawakening@msn.com

WHAT'S AROUND THE CORNER?

Upcoming Events for January 2024

There will be a 'Spiritual Philosophy & Intuition Workshop'
on January 13th From 10:30am to 12:30pm. All are Welcome!

What you can expect at this workshop are:
• Light Refreshments
• Guided Meditation
• Philosophy
• Intuition and Mediumship

This Workshop is aimed to help and improve the development of your understanding and abilities both philosophically and intuitively in a way that is Fun and uncomplicated.

There will be a 'Mediumship Development Workshop'
on January 27th From 10:30am to 12:30pm. All are Welcome!

What you can expect at this workshop are:
• Light Refreshments
• Guided Meditation
• Mediumship training

This Workshop is aimed to help and improve the development of your understanding and abilities of Mediumship in a way that is Fun and uncomplicated.

Last months workshops were well attended and we all had a very enjoyable morning sharing our ideas and inspiration.

- For more information about these workshops please Click Here or visit our website

PLEASE CHECK THE SPIRITUAL AWAKENING CENTER WEBSITE FOR UPDATES OR CHANGES TO OUR SCHEDULE BY CLICKING HERE . THANK YOU.
 

Other Events and Services:

Printable Version: Click Here

Events and Workshops for January 2024
PLEASE CHECK THE SPIRITUAL AWAKENING CENTER WEBSITE FOR UPDATES OR CHANGES TO OUR SCHEDULE.
For more information on any of these events please visit our website at: http://www.churchofspiritualawakening.com

PRIVATE READINGS
Private Readings will be available on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturday mornings, starting at 10:00am.
To book, please go to the booking page on our website or click here
http://www.churchofspiritualawakening.com/BookAReading.html

Please Click this link for Printer Friendly Schedule/
Calendar for January 2024 (churchofspiritualawakening.com)

For more information on any of these events please visit our website at: http://www.churchofspiritualawakening.com

FRIENDS OLD AND NEW

Happy Birthday To Members:

Toni Burrows, on the 11th.

Gill Shaw, on the 17th.

A Very Happy January Birthday to you both!

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

If you feel that you would like to become a member of our Spiritual Awakening Family and have been a regular for a while. Please click on the Membership link below for more information. Thank You!

Membership

MEDITATION

Please click link below or picture to watch and hear Meditation:

Hope & Positivity: A Guided Meditation for New Beginnings

This gentle guided meditation will help to place you within a mindset of hope and positivity, and will help to give you respite from worry and place your mind upon a more relaxed and optimistic path.

VOICES FROM THE PAST AND PRESENT

SPIRITUALISM: YESTERDAY, TODAY AND TOMORROW

There are two days in every week about which we should not worry, Two days which should be kept free of fear and apprehension. One of these days is YESTERDAY. With its mistakes and cares, Its faults and blunders, Its aches and pains. YESTERDAY has passed forever beyond our control. All the money in the world cannot bring back YESTERDAY. We cannot undo a single act we performed; We cannot erase a single word we said. YESTERDAY is gone.

The other day we should not worry about is TOMORROW. With its possible adversities, its burdens, its larger promise. TOMORROW is also beyond our immediate control. TOMORROW, the sun will rise, Either in splendor or behind a mask of clouds, But it will rise. Until it does, we have no stake in TOMORROW For it is as yet unborn.

This leaves only one day - TODAY. Anyone can fight the battles of just one day. It is only when you and I add the burdens of those two awful eternities - YESTERDAY and TOMORROW - That we break down. It is not the experience of TODAY that drives us mad. It is remorse or bitterness for something which happened YESTERDAY And the dread of what TOMORROW may bring. Let us, therefore, live but ONE day at a time.

SPIRITUALISM AND SPIRITUALISTS - What we Believe:

Featured Article Contributed by Rev. Al Potts.

NEW RESOLUTIONS - BROKEN PROMISES

THIS MONTH'S MOVIE

"Life Begins At Eight Thirty" / Classic 1940's Black and White Film

Please click picture to watch Movie:

This movie is available for free (with Ads) on YouTube.

Synopsis: Kathy lives in a cramped New York flat with her father Madden Thomas, a celebrated actor brought down by drink. Lame from an early age and feeling trapped with her father in her small world, Kathy is delighted to meet fellow tenant Robert. When Madden is offered the lead in a new King Lear and Robert lands a composing job in Hollywood, better times seem for a while to beckon.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

In a world where logical thinking often dominates, there lies a softer, deeper connection that many overlook: the bond between creativity and spirituality. Both creativity and spirituality have been fundamental pillars of human existence for centuries.

Let's delve deeper into understanding each of these aspects and how they intertwine.

The Connection Between Creativity and Spirituality

Understanding Creativity Creativity, at its core, is the ability to conceive something new, be it an idea, a concept, or a physical creation. It's a trait that pushes boundaries, challenges norms, and gives birth to innovation. But where does this spark of creativity come from? Many artists, writers, and innovators have expressed that their most profound ideas seem to come from a place beyond the conscious mind. The sheer diversity in forms of creative expression is astounding. Whether it's painting a canvas, crafting melodies, dancing with abandon, or spinning tales with words, these manifestations are just the tip of the iceberg when we think of creativity. Embarking on a creative journey often means stepping beyond linear thinking. It's about letting go of preconceived notions and allowing oneself to connect with a deeper, more intuitive part of the psyche.

Grasping Spirituality

Spirituality, unlike the structured doctrines of religion, is a personal and often undefinable journey towards understanding one's place in the universe. It concerns our connection to a higher power, the universe, or simply the profound mystery of existence. Differentiating spirituality from religion is key. While religion often provides a path, spirituality is the personal journey one embarks on, regardless of religious affiliation or the lack thereof. It's a quest for meaning, understanding, and a connection to the grander scheme of things.

Related Video How to be selfish (in a good way) and prioritize your own wellbeing (TODAY)

For many, spirituality is akin to a compass. It offers guidance, provides solace, and often serves as a source of strength during tumultuous times.

Where They Intersect Have you ever been so engrossed in a task that time seemed to fly by? Or perhaps felt an innate sense of alignment while creating something? This is often referred to as 'the zone' or 'flow state', a space where the mind is fully immersed in an activity. This 'zone' shares remarkable similarities with descriptions of spiritual experiences. Both involve a sense of oneness, a deep connection, and a feeling of being part of something larger. It's no wonder that many artists attribute their work to divine inspiration, claiming their creations are birthed from a source beyond themselves. The idea of divine inspiration isn't new. Historically, many cultures and religions have acknowledged the presence of a divine force aiding the creative process. Be it muses in ancient Greece or the concept of 'Ruhaniyat' in Sufism, the bridge between spirituality and creativity is a universally recognized phenomenon.

The Benefits of Combining Creativity and Spirituality

Marrying creativity with spirituality can produce transformative experiences. When we harness the power of both, we often unearth profound insights about ourselves and the world around us. One of the primary gifts of this union is self-awareness. Diving into a creative endeavor with spiritual intent can reveal hidden facets of our personality, desires, fears, and aspirations. These revelations can lead to growth, transformation, and a clearer understanding of one's purpose. Another profound advantage is healing. There's substantial evidence suggesting that creative practices, when merged with spiritual intention, can serve as therapeutic tools. Be it journaling, art therapy, or even dance, these activities can provide solace, peace, and clarity. Lastly, by exploring our spirituality and expressing it creatively, we cultivate empathy. Recognizing our spiritual journey helps us relate to others, understand their struggles, and connect on a deeper, more genuine level.

Practices to Foster Both Creativity and Spirituality

Enhancing one's creative and spiritual life is a rewarding pursuit. While there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach, several practices have shown promising results. Meditation and mindfulness stand out as powerful tools. Regular meditation can not only deepen spiritual understanding but can also unlock creative potential by promoting clarity, focus, and intuition. Then there are immersive experiences. Participating in retreats, workshops, and group activities that emphasize both creativity and spirituality can be transformative. These gatherings often offer a platform to learn, share, and grow. Lastly, embracing daily rituals can be effective. Consistency is key. Setting aside dedicated time for both creative and spiritual endeavors, be it writing, painting, praying, or meditating, can yield profound benefits over time.

Addressing Skepticism

In our increasingly analytical society, the overlap between creativity and spirituality has its doubters. Some argue that creativity is a cognitive function, while spirituality is a belief system, suggesting the two should be mutually exclusive. However, human experiences aren't always so black and white. The countless testimonies of artists, writers, and creators who've felt a spiritual pull during their creative process present a compelling counterargument. It's essential to remember that while data and logic hold immense value, the human experience is vast and varied. Respecting individual beliefs and experiences is paramount, ensuring we remain open-minded and receptive. The dance between creativity and spirituality is as ancient as humanity itself. Their profound connection offers insights, solace, and a unique lens through which we can view the world. By understanding and harnessing this relationship, we stand to gain not just artistically or spiritually, but holistically, enhancing our overall wellbeing.

THE FUNNY CORNER

SIMPLY DELICIOUS

How to Make Bread and Butter Pudding

Please click link HERE or picture to watch Video:

Learn how to make a timeless British pud with our easy video guide. With plenty of vanilla custard, juicy sultanas and a golden crunchy sugar topping, this creamy bread and butter pudding is the ultimate comfort food.

AND FINALLY

Thank you for reading the January 2024 COSA Newsletter, we hope you enjoyed it and found the articles and videos interesting.

We have an ask? We are looking for articles, jokes, recipes and related contributions for our monthly newsletter. If you would like to contribute, take a look at the different sections of our newsletter and email: thechurchofspiritualawakening@msn.com by the 3rd week of the month. We will gladly feature it in our news letter.

Further details of services and events listed in this newsletter, together with suggested love donation and Zoom log-in details, will be emailed directly to you prior to the event dates.

Happy New Year! Love and light,

Tanya and Michael