The synchronicity of the Universe never ceases to amaze me. Take ISD's weekly Sunday Celebration Service, for instance. The service is co-celebrated by a minister who serves as Master of Ceremonies (MC) and a minister who is the homilist. And - here's a little "behind the scenes" tidbit of information - the MC and the homilist usually don't connect prior to the service about themes in music, chosen prayers, the homily, etc. And yet, more often than not, these are usually very much aligned, and the ministers still get a kick out of the synchronicity, even after many years of experiencing it. 

And, because each Sunday has different ministers on the podium and not every minister can be there every Sunday, often one minister may not hear the homily the week prior to the service he or she is homilist for. Yet themes often begin to reveal themselves throughout the month, even if ministers may have not heard one another speak. That is what happened over the last couple of weeks, when two of us presented topics reflecting on how the Winter (both internal and external) presents us with the opportunity to go within, to connect to our highest self, and to be "reborn" as the blossoming Soul in the Springtime that the Cycle of Life allows us to become. What a gift. A gift that last Sunday had the awesome "exclamation point" from our own Joe Rossi singing a stirring interpretation of The Rose, which, to me, is the ultimate song about hope and rebirth. 

"...Just remember, in the winter, far beneath the bitter snow...Lies the seed, that with the sun's love, in the Spring, becomes the rose..."

Well as I write this message it looks as if more snow is looming. So hang in there, Seedlings! Soon the Sun's Love - and our love for each other, will warm us again and allow us to become a beautiful bunch of roses together. 

Snowy days are the perfect time to check out what is happening in the warmth of ISD's sanctuary! This week,  Rev. Kathy Gregg's closed  Psychic Development Circle  meets Tuesday, February 9. Wednesday, February 10, we host our first Evening Dream Circle, led by Rev. Brooke Kusseling, where you can come and learn more about how dreams impact your spiritual and daily life, and share your experiences with your own dreams. Rev. Ken Foor's  Kundalini Yoga for Women class will meet on Thursday, February 11, and is open to all women looking to align their spiritual and physical selves. 

Our Message Circle returns on Saturday February 13, and we look forward to our fabulous Service of Love on Sunday, February 14. Mark your calendars for the " Healing Through Akashic Records" workshop with Bill Sanda on Sunday, February 28, following our Sunday Service.

So, Seedlings, we all know that Spring will be here soon enough. Let us enjoy these remaining Winter days, and generate warmth and fellowship together as we deepen our connection to Spirit and get ready to reach for the Sun when the time comes! 

In joy, peace, and enthusiasm - 

Rev. Rob Banaszak

Pastor
Institute for Spiritual Development