The Institute for Spiritual Development  
Let's Delight in December!
 

If you want to find out about membership, click here, and see Deacon Martha Saenz, Membership Chair, at church on Sunday.
 

One of ISD's most wonderful qualities is that it truly is a place of sacred - and joyous - celebration. And who doesn't love a good party? 

This past Sunday we celebrated BIG TIME at the ordination of Deacon Martha Saenz, who became REVEREND Martha Saenz during the beautiful, moving, and uplifting service.

The Sanctuary was packed with so many souls who came to share in Martha's joy, so the energy was through the roof! Martha has been a friend, mentor and guide to lots of us at ISD, and what an honor it was for us to celebrate this holy achievement with her and her beautiful family. Congratulations Martha. We love you!

And there is no stopping the celebrations now, as we move through this magical time of year in our spiritual home!

Tuesday December 15, we'll hold class three of "The Faith by Which We Live," led by Rev. James De Biasio and yours truly. The course, which also runs through December 22, explores the Perennial Philosophy that unites all faith traditions, and hat reveals to us why WE believe what we believe. 

And you won't want to miss even more celebrating at ISD on Sunday December 20th! First we will host our annual   Children and Young Adult Service for the youth members of our ISD family -- which even features their participation in the service! Then we'll follow it up with our fabulous holiday party immediately afterwards. 

We'll honor the  Winter Solstice with our special seasonal service on Monday, December 21, where we pause to reflect on the transition to shorter days and longer nights, and our spiritual journey through the coming months ahead.

And of course, we will celebrate a very metaphysical Christmas on Christmas Eve, December 24 with our beautiful Candlelight Service.

And, believe it or not, NOW is the time to make plans for our 2015 Retreat in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, taking place Memorial Day Weekend, May 27-30, 2016! Watch for more information on the ISD website in the coming week. The payment plan starts January 3, and using that plan you can make five monthly payments of $84 (shared room) or $118 (single room). See Rev. Patricia Makin for more information. 

Let us continue to delight in the magic of December!

In joy and peace of the season - 
Rev. Rob Banaszak
Pastor
THE FAITH BY WHICH WE LIVE 
with Rev. James De Biasio & Rev. Rob Banaszak

Tuesdays, December 8, 15, 22
7:30 

Cost:  
Members - $20 / 
Non-members - $22

Why do you believe what you believe?   Indeed, why do you believe at all?

Thought provoking discussions surrounding these questions form the basis of this course.  Explore the question of belief from its primitive origins to the complex theology of modern religions, as we investigate the psychological, moral and social basis of religious belief.   


Click here for more information.
 

CHILDREN'S AND YOUNG ADULT SERVICE & ISD CHRISTMAS PARTY

Sunday, December 20
11 a.m.

Don't miss this special annual service where we bring together all generations of our ISD family for a beautiful reflection of the season. The service will feature the oratorial and musical gifts of our younger ISD family members, as well as a special holiday story for the youngest of us (and the young in all of us!)

We will round out the festivities with our wonderful Christmas Party.  All are welcome in our jolly celebration!
 
WINTER SOLSTICE SERVICE

Monday, December 21
7:30 p.m.

The Winter Solstice is an eternal galactic event that guides the cycle of agricultural seasons here on the earth plane and is celebrated worldwide. It signals the first day of winter, where the daylight begins to recede and the earth plane is rejuvenated for the coming Spring planting.

Spiritually, the Winter Solstice ushers in a period of self-reflection, a time to connect with self and enhance one's relationship with God, the Divine, that higher power, or by whatever name you may choose.

DONATE FLOWERS FOR A SUNDAY SERVICE! 

Honor or memorialize a loved one or a special day by making a donation for a bouquet of flowers that will be arranged and put in the Sanctuary on the podium for the Sunday Service of your choosing!  
 
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION