FOLLOWING THE TEACHINGS OF JESUS
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A Message From Dr Maurita Wiggins
Sunday Morning Flowers
The flower calendar in the church
foyer has quite a few empty spaces.
Please consider sponsoring the
flowers some Sunday morning. Just
fill in your name and the person to
whom they’re dedicated, give Jean
a check for $20 and we’ll take care
of everything. Just take the flowers
home after church or give them as a
lovely gift to someone!
The flower calendar in the church
foyer has quite a few empty spaces.
Please consider sponsoring the
flowers some Sunday morning. Just
fill in your name and the person to
whom they’re dedicated, give Jean
a check for $20 and we’ll take care
of everything. Just take the flowers
home after church or give them as a
lovely gift to someone!
Blessing of the Animals
Our yearly Blessing of the Animals service
will take place in the Meditation Garden,
Sun., Sept. 19th. Dogs need to be leashed
and cats, in a carrier. Tell all your neighbors
and friends! Bring your pets and have them
blessed!
Our yearly Blessing of the Animals service
will take place in the Meditation Garden,
Sun., Sept. 19th. Dogs need to be leashed
and cats, in a carrier. Tell all your neighbors
and friends! Bring your pets and have them
blessed!
Social Events for September
On Friday, Sept. 17th a “Sack It To Me” Bag
Lunch dinner will take place in our church
annex. Something different! Something fun!
After dinner, there will be a fast and furious
game of Bingo with LOTS of prizes.
On Friday, Sept. 17th a “Sack It To Me” Bag
Lunch dinner will take place in our church
annex. Something different! Something fun!
After dinner, there will be a fast and furious
game of Bingo with LOTS of prizes.
Our Church’s 30th Anniversary!
It’s hard to believe that we have been meeting, worshipping, praising God, studying, learning,
growing, celebrating, eating great food and enjoying wonderful fellowship in our present church
home at 5000 Carriage Drive in Roanoke for 30 years, come this Oct. 19th. Every year has found
improvements either inside or outside the church. Thanks to our wonderful sexton, Terry Lester,
the Meditation Garden and other church grounds and gardens are beautiful and our website
attractive and informative. Many people have given of their time, energy, imagination and expertise
by serving on the Executive Board. Artists and musicians, cooks and teachers have volunteered
their talents. We have so many reasons to be grateful to all our members and friends and especially
to God, the source of all our blessings!
Our 30th Anniversary will take place on Sun., Oct. 17th. Dr. Maurita’s sermon title is “By A Gnat’s
Nose!” The Omnitones will provide their unique, upbeat music and after church service, we’ll walk
(or drive) about a block to the Wildwood Restaurant (at Oak Grove Plaza) for a great lunch of your
choice.
PLEASE sign up and plan to celebrate with us! You can also sign up by using the "Contact Us" link
on this page.
All Are Welcome!
It’s hard to believe that we have been meeting, worshipping, praising God, studying, learning,
growing, celebrating, eating great food and enjoying wonderful fellowship in our present church
home at 5000 Carriage Drive in Roanoke for 30 years, come this Oct. 19th. Every year has found
improvements either inside or outside the church. Thanks to our wonderful sexton, Terry Lester,
the Meditation Garden and other church grounds and gardens are beautiful and our website
attractive and informative. Many people have given of their time, energy, imagination and expertise
by serving on the Executive Board. Artists and musicians, cooks and teachers have volunteered
their talents. We have so many reasons to be grateful to all our members and friends and especially
to God, the source of all our blessings!
Our 30th Anniversary will take place on Sun., Oct. 17th. Dr. Maurita’s sermon title is “By A Gnat’s
Nose!” The Omnitones will provide their unique, upbeat music and after church service, we’ll walk
(or drive) about a block to the Wildwood Restaurant (at Oak Grove Plaza) for a great lunch of your
choice.
PLEASE sign up and plan to celebrate with us! You can also sign up by using the "Contact Us" link
on this page.
All Are Welcome!
Two Guest Speakers Upcoming!
On Sept. 12, Katherine DeLorraine, DSG, will
speak on the subject, “Hard Headed or Heart
Headed?” Katherine is a poet, author, teacher and a
long-term, well-loved member of our congregation.
We look forward to hearing her!
Our guest speaker on Oct. 10th is Claudia
Whitworth whose sermon title is “Behold the Signs
of Guidance.” Ms. Whitworth has spoken at our
church a number of times, is the editor of the
Roanoke Tribune, a faithful member of the Baha’i
faith and a wonderful speaker!
On Sept. 12, Katherine DeLorraine, DSG, will
speak on the subject, “Hard Headed or Heart
Headed?” Katherine is a poet, author, teacher and a
long-term, well-loved member of our congregation.
We look forward to hearing her!
Our guest speaker on Oct. 10th is Claudia
Whitworth whose sermon title is “Behold the Signs
of Guidance.” Ms. Whitworth has spoken at our
church a number of times, is the editor of the
Roanoke Tribune, a faithful member of the Baha’i
faith and a wonderful speaker!
Hear & Enjoy a Class on the D.C. Church Retreat Tapes!
From Aug. 5-7, Rev. Velma and Dr. Maurita attended the Washington, D.C.
Divine Science Church’s Spiritual Retreat. It was entitled “Karma or Christ” and
was lead by Dr. Al Salazar. This retreat proved to be so wonderful that tapes of
the Retreat were purchased and a seven week class is being planned so that
our own members and friends can enjoy the insight and uplift that our ministers
enjoyed.
They don’t have words to praise it highly enough! Classes will start on Oct. 7th,
Thursday afternoons at 1:30, and if enough people are interested, a 7 p.m.
evening class will be held as well. Class will be composed of listening to an
hour lecture followed by a half-hour discussion. Sign-up sheets are available in
the church foyer, or just use the "Contact Us" link on this page.
Love offering basis.
From Aug. 5-7, Rev. Velma and Dr. Maurita attended the Washington, D.C.
Divine Science Church’s Spiritual Retreat. It was entitled “Karma or Christ” and
was lead by Dr. Al Salazar. This retreat proved to be so wonderful that tapes of
the Retreat were purchased and a seven week class is being planned so that
our own members and friends can enjoy the insight and uplift that our ministers
enjoyed.
They don’t have words to praise it highly enough! Classes will start on Oct. 7th,
Thursday afternoons at 1:30, and if enough people are interested, a 7 p.m.
evening class will be held as well. Class will be composed of listening to an
hour lecture followed by a half-hour discussion. Sign-up sheets are available in
the church foyer, or just use the "Contact Us" link on this page.
Love offering basis.
Church Bylaws Still Being Adjusted
On July 17, your Executive Board spent half a
day updating our Church Bylaws. Now, after a
second and third revision (influenced by
suggestions from various members) a copy of the
latest revision will soon be sent, once again, to all
members so they can be prepared for a final
discussion and vote on the changes to our Bylaws.
The target day for the final vote is Sunday,
September 26th.
Members, please be sure to attend church that
Sunday, express your thoughts and feelings and
vote at this very important meeting.
On July 17, your Executive Board spent half a
day updating our Church Bylaws. Now, after a
second and third revision (influenced by
suggestions from various members) a copy of the
latest revision will soon be sent, once again, to all
members so they can be prepared for a final
discussion and vote on the changes to our Bylaws.
The target day for the final vote is Sunday,
September 26th.
Members, please be sure to attend church that
Sunday, express your thoughts and feelings and
vote at this very important meeting.
Orientation to Divine Science Scheduled
A free, two-evening series on the basic ideas
in Divine Science designed for the curious and
for future members will take place on successive
Monday evenings, Sept. 20th and 27th, 2010,
7-8:30 p.m. Come; listen; ask questions!
A free, two-evening series on the basic ideas
in Divine Science designed for the curious and
for future members will take place on successive
Monday evenings, Sept. 20th and 27th, 2010,
7-8:30 p.m. Come; listen; ask questions!
New Testament Class Starts Tues., Sept. 28th
Rev. Velma Bullington will begin teaching a nine week class
on the New Testament, starting Tues., Sept. 28th. Whether it
is an afternoon or evening class depends on the needs of
the participants. Prerequisite classes for taking New
Testament are Universal Laws of Life and the Old Testament.
Participants can take it for credit toward a Divine Science
Graduate Degree, (requires homework) or audit it. Cost: For
credit, $70, (Includes 20 printed lessons); Audit, $50 (Includes
lessons); Repeat, $35 (No lessons). Reduced cost for two in a
family. Be sure to sign up!
Rev. Velma Bullington will begin teaching a nine week class
on the New Testament, starting Tues., Sept. 28th. Whether it
is an afternoon or evening class depends on the needs of
the participants. Prerequisite classes for taking New
Testament are Universal Laws of Life and the Old Testament.
Participants can take it for credit toward a Divine Science
Graduate Degree, (requires homework) or audit it. Cost: For
credit, $70, (Includes 20 printed lessons); Audit, $50 (Includes
lessons); Repeat, $35 (No lessons). Reduced cost for two in a
family. Be sure to sign up!
BIG – Huge Yard Sale
Friday and Saturday, Oct. 1 and
2, 8 am to 2 pm. Karen Dawes is
emptying the Yard Sale shed and
planning a BIG YARD SALE with a
large variety of useful things. If
you have anything to contribute,
please DO! If you’d like a table to
sell some of your valuables, speak
to Karen. If you can donate some
time to help set up or sell, we’d be
so very grateful!
This is an important fund raiser for
our church, so, please come and
buy some handy things at great
prices – OR – come and help if you
can!
Friday and Saturday, Oct. 1 and
2, 8 am to 2 pm. Karen Dawes is
emptying the Yard Sale shed and
planning a BIG YARD SALE with a
large variety of useful things. If
you have anything to contribute,
please DO! If you’d like a table to
sell some of your valuables, speak
to Karen. If you can donate some
time to help set up or sell, we’d be
so very grateful!
This is an important fund raiser for
our church, so, please come and
buy some handy things at great
prices – OR – come and help if you
can!
September/October Birthdays
Make it a point to call or congratulate them or
say a prayer of thanks for the following people on
their birth dates.
September
Denise Aker 3
Chris Murphy 13
Maurita Wiggins 28
October
Ginny Weisz 2
Karen Dawes 19
Brenda Kinzie 25
Make it a point to call or congratulate them or
say a prayer of thanks for the following people on
their birth dates.
September
Denise Aker 3
Chris Murphy 13
Maurita Wiggins 28
October
Ginny Weisz 2
Karen Dawes 19
Brenda Kinzie 25
The Bottom Line, June/July 2010
June & July Contributions $7,626.06
Misc. Income $5,383.60
Total $13,009.66
Disbursements $12,243.54
Balance $700.12
June 1, ‘10 Balance Forward $142.95
7/31/10 Checking Account Balance $909.07
June & July Contributions $7,626.06
Misc. Income $5,383.60
Total $13,009.66
Disbursements $12,243.54
Balance $700.12
June 1, ‘10 Balance Forward $142.95
7/31/10 Checking Account Balance $909.07
A young lady called her boyfriend and said, “Please come over here and help me … I have a jigsaw puzzle,
and I can’t figure out how to get it started.”
Her boyfriend asked, “What is it supposed to be when it’s finished?”
The young lady said, “According to the picture on the box, it’s a tiger.”
Her boyfriend was very fond of her. She was a sweet, kind, pretty girl but not the brightest candle on the
birthday cake. He decided to stop by and help her with the puzzle. She showed him the puzzle spread all over
the table. He studied the pieces a moment, looked at the box and then turned to her and said, “First of all, no
matter what we do, we’re not going to be able to assemble these pieces into anything resembling a tiger.”
He took her hand and said, “Second, I’d advise you to relax. Let’s have a cup of coffee, and then …” he
sighed, “let’s put all these Sugar Frosted Flakes back in the box.” (1)
Expert and even beginner puzzle fans are quick to tell you that it’s infinitely easier to put a puzzle together
if you have a picture on the box for guidance. 500 or 1000 little, misshapen pieces of colored cardboard can
drive you crazy without the picture, but with it, you have a fighting chance of making something sensible, even
beautiful out of all those pieces.
There are many times when life seems to be made up of not 500 or 1000, but a million or more little bits of
needs, responsibilities, beliefs, pleasures, pressures and activities that comprise an ongoing challenge to put
together into an externally and internally satisfying picture of life. More often than not, we have far more
questions than answers about how to fit together "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” into
an externally and internally satisfying picture of life. More often than not, we have far more questions than
answers about how to fit the separate parts of life together so we think and act consistently and authentically.
In other words, we want to live so we’re being true to ourselves physically, mentally and spiritually.
What a relief and a blessing that we have a “picture” of someone who accomplished this in the most
superlative way. When we read the four Gospels, we get a clear picture of a man who was a Master of Life.
Jesus was able to balance his own spiritual needs with the demands of the crowds; he obeyed civil and
religious laws as well spiritual ones; and he taught truth to all who had “the ears to hear.” Jesus publicly
rejected the incorrect teachings of the scribes and Pharisees, even though it put him in grave danger. He was
a beloved friend, teacher and healer of those close to him, to strangers, as well as to the dregs of Jewish
society.
Jesus’ life and words comprise the picture we follow to make sense of, to make orderly the jumble of
thoughts, people and things that comprise our lives. He said, “I and the Father are one.” We seek to bring the
truth of our “Oneness” with an Omnipresent God into every thought and act. He said, “Ye are the light of the
world.” We see ourselves as God’s opportunity to BE the light of Truth wherever we are. He said to love God
with our whole being, and “… your neighbor as yourself.” We seek to live the picture of the Christ through
forgiveness, understanding of truth and outstreaming good will to all.
(1)Qtd. in Dynamic Preaching, Vol. XXI, No. 3, p. 61.
and I can’t figure out how to get it started.”
Her boyfriend asked, “What is it supposed to be when it’s finished?”
The young lady said, “According to the picture on the box, it’s a tiger.”
Her boyfriend was very fond of her. She was a sweet, kind, pretty girl but not the brightest candle on the
birthday cake. He decided to stop by and help her with the puzzle. She showed him the puzzle spread all over
the table. He studied the pieces a moment, looked at the box and then turned to her and said, “First of all, no
matter what we do, we’re not going to be able to assemble these pieces into anything resembling a tiger.”
He took her hand and said, “Second, I’d advise you to relax. Let’s have a cup of coffee, and then …” he
sighed, “let’s put all these Sugar Frosted Flakes back in the box.” (1)
Expert and even beginner puzzle fans are quick to tell you that it’s infinitely easier to put a puzzle together
if you have a picture on the box for guidance. 500 or 1000 little, misshapen pieces of colored cardboard can
drive you crazy without the picture, but with it, you have a fighting chance of making something sensible, even
beautiful out of all those pieces.
There are many times when life seems to be made up of not 500 or 1000, but a million or more little bits of
needs, responsibilities, beliefs, pleasures, pressures and activities that comprise an ongoing challenge to put
together into an externally and internally satisfying picture of life. More often than not, we have far more
questions than answers about how to fit together "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” into
an externally and internally satisfying picture of life. More often than not, we have far more questions than
answers about how to fit the separate parts of life together so we think and act consistently and authentically.
In other words, we want to live so we’re being true to ourselves physically, mentally and spiritually.
What a relief and a blessing that we have a “picture” of someone who accomplished this in the most
superlative way. When we read the four Gospels, we get a clear picture of a man who was a Master of Life.
Jesus was able to balance his own spiritual needs with the demands of the crowds; he obeyed civil and
religious laws as well spiritual ones; and he taught truth to all who had “the ears to hear.” Jesus publicly
rejected the incorrect teachings of the scribes and Pharisees, even though it put him in grave danger. He was
a beloved friend, teacher and healer of those close to him, to strangers, as well as to the dregs of Jewish
society.
Jesus’ life and words comprise the picture we follow to make sense of, to make orderly the jumble of
thoughts, people and things that comprise our lives. He said, “I and the Father are one.” We seek to bring the
truth of our “Oneness” with an Omnipresent God into every thought and act. He said, “Ye are the light of the
world.” We see ourselves as God’s opportunity to BE the light of Truth wherever we are. He said to love God
with our whole being, and “… your neighbor as yourself.” We seek to live the picture of the Christ through
forgiveness, understanding of truth and outstreaming good will to all.
(1)Qtd. in Dynamic Preaching, Vol. XXI, No. 3, p. 61.
