Did you remember to "Spring Forward" this past weekend? Well, we may have lost that precious hour of sleep thanks to turning our clocks ahead for daylight saving time, but isn't it WONDERFUL to have that precious extra hour of light at the end of the day? I love spring! 

The theme of our Sunday Celebration Service this past weekend was, appropriately enough, growth. Our prayers, hymns, meditation and homily all focused on how we grow and evolve, thanks to the hand of Spirit working through our celebrants Rev. Fran Wright and Rev. Sue Landon.  In her homily (listen to it in its entirety here), Rev. Sue eloquently re-imagined the English rhyme  "Mary Mary, quite contrary, how does your garden grow?" Instead of "with silver bells and cockle shells and pretty maids all in a row," her version affirmed "with LOVE and JOY and PASSION and PEACE, and MIRACLES all in a row..." 

Rev. Sue invited us to seize the opportunity BEFORE the Spring season officially begins, to establish our intention for how we plan on growing when the season starts. Just what are we planting this spring in our garden of thoughts and hopes and dreams? What a great time to take that magical metaphysical packet of seeds she offered, to plant love, and joy, and and peace...and of course, so many miracles, all in a row..." 

And what better way to celebrate springtime miracles than with our  "Exploring the Course in Miracles" class led by Rev. Jim Webb?  Rev. Jim's infectious energy and his love of the Course is a fabulous way to learn more about this inspired text and spiritual philosophy. Join us on Tuesday night at 7:30 p.m. 

A scheduling snag has necessitated the postponement of our Art of Counseling class, which was to be on Thursday nights this month. Watch for the rescheduling sometime in near future.

Sunday March 20 is a truly auspicious spiritual day - the confluence of Palm Sunday and the Spring Equinox. ISD is thrilled to be merging OUR two services celebrating each of these events (Service of the Roses and Spring Equinox Ritual) into one profound and joyful worship experience. T his magical Service is a rare opportunity to awaken both the natural and spiritual forces within us. Please join us at 11 a.m. on Sunday March 20 to celebrate this wonderful new experience. 

And if you find you need some "guided" time in the stillness this week as we spiritually prepare for the season, check out the recently-updated ISD meditations page, where we are beginning to post some of our Sunday service wellness meditations and our bi-monthly evening meditations!

We have indeed Sprung Forward! Forward into our own growth. Forward into our own dreams. Forward into SO MANY MIRACLES, all in a row.

In love, joy, and miraculous magic,

Rev. Rob Banaszak

Pastor, Institute for Spiritual Development, Washington, D.C.