If the Vernal Equinox is the celestial transition of season from Winter to Spring, then Easter, especially when it occurs in mid-April, is the fruition of the season. The birds are singing us awake with their song of return. The tulips and daffodils have burst forth in full force. Our beloved cherry blossoms have bloomed. The days are bright and breezy. 

How fitting that our first real, honest-to-the-Goddess Spring-feeling day was this past Sunday. It was the liturgical calendar celebration day of Palm Sunday, and ISD's metaphysical claiming of that celebration as our own Service of the Roses. Indeed, ISD during our Service celebrates the triumphant entrance of our brother Jesus into Jersusalem and the lives of all who greeted him by showering him with palms. And, as Rev. Steve Eveland proclaimed in his sermon, we also celebrate OUR triumphant entrance into the the lives of everyone we encounter - for a reason, or for a season. We claim our unique and sacred place and space in this life by remembering that our very presence in any -- and every -- place and space, has an impact on it. Is our presence one of grace? Are we imparting love? Are we enriching every experience? 

This is what "Holy Week" can be for us -- a time of deep self-exploration. And this year, Passover aligns with Holy Week, making it an even more powerful time. Palm Sunday/Service of the Roses offered us the opportunity to reflect on our very Being, and how we intend our Being to be expressed in all that we say and do. Our reverent and reflective Service of the Shadows on Good Friday offers us a space to honestly and lovingly examine, through the narrative of Jesus' passion and crucifixion, how we ourselves might have doubted our purpose, denied our unity with all Beings, and isolated ourselves with despair and confusion. Then, we awaken on Easter morning, to confidently claim our renewal, and rebirth during our Easter Sunday Service (and Easter Egg Hunt!). 

Without a doubt, this my favorite time of year! Washington, D.C. is certainly at its finest, and so are we. After the winter we have just come through, we deserve to REJOICE in the glory of our own "resurrection." 

So as we move through April and into the merry month of May, let's keep "keep on rising," ever creating each day the best version of US. Our Spiritual Home has LOTS coming up to help us rise up, including:

The ISD-DC building itself has certainly undergone some rebirth and renewal over the last several months, and we are rejoicing in the "resurrection" of our Fellowship Hall and Fellowship Hour following Sunday Service. As most know by now that Fellowship is now "Pot Luck" every week, which means that every Sunday, Fellowship Hour IS what WE make it to be! And you don't need to be a gourmet cook or pastry chef to contribute, just bring SOMETHING to share. And if you happen to be a gourmet chef or pastry chef, well, by all means, bring something to share. Every dish and contribution will have a "place at the table" of Fellowship Hour. If you want to help bolster and ensure the ongoing success of our weekly Fellowship Hour, you can sign up for a turn to set up, make coffee/tea and break down/clean up. No longterm commitment is necessary -- sign up for one, 10, or every Sunday if you would like! One volunteer per week will be helpful, two per week even better! See me to sign up of for more information. 

Have you registered yet for our upcoming retreat called "Unleash Your Super Powers?"  As I said at last week's Sunday Service, we will be take a fascinating journey together to discover the "super hero" that is within all of us. You will believe that YOU can fly!

Our "Holy Week" has begun. I look forward to Being with you along the way, and celebrating on the other side. 

Rev. Rob Banaszak

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