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I just returned from three wonderful days in Sparta, N.J., where our sister Institute for Spiritual Development celebrated its 40th anniversary. And what a celebration it was! ISD Founder and Spiritual Advisor Rev. James De Biasio and ISD-Sparta Pastor Director Rev. Kathy Kerston were gracious hosts for the entire weekend, and I was delighted to be a part of the ISD-DC contingent that included Rev. Patricia Makin, Michelle Loy, and Joe Rossi. Joe was even a part of the beautiful celebration service on Sunday, singing his awesome version of "Bridge Over Troubled Water."
Naturally, I spent much of the weekend comparing and contrasting the two ISDs - the buildings, the bookstores, the orders of service, and, of course, the energy of the members & congregants. Both churches share a great deal (having been born of the same vision of Rev. Jim), and both differ in numerous ways. And It was really fun to be at a "different" ISD and to see "how they do it."
What was also fun, though, was discovering the one overwhelming and clear alignment with both churches - which is the love of ISD and our respective ISD families. Whether it was sitting in the audience of the lovely, meditative concert presented by the Light Stream Orchestra, as the first half of the Saturday evening party, watching the party attendees "shake their groove thang" during the dancing half of the night, listening to the "oohs," "ahhhs" and "awwwws" of people watching the retrospective slideshow, or being a participant in the Celebration Service on Sunday morning, I was amazed at how familiar the experience of "joy" is for all ISD family members when we get together for our many services, classes and events. And thanks to the hospitality of Rev. Kathy and the ISD-Sparta ministers and congregants, I not only felt like a part of the Sparta family, but a member of the great ISD family that we all are a part of!
It is the spirit of "family" that I encourage us all to approach the coming season of classes, pledge program activities, and holiday services/celebrations. Let's get together as a family and come to class, our Evening Meditation, our Dedication Sunday Service and Luncheon, our Winter Solstice Service, or our Christmas Eve Service. We are a family connected by the bond of spiritual awakening and service to others...how special is that?
Here are just a few events in the coming weeks to add to your calendar!
with Rev. Martha Saenz
Tuesday, October 25, 7:30 p.m.
The Body - Your Temple of Spirit
Learn the basics of how we can apply our spiritual principles to how we practically manage and manifest the well-being of our bodies on a day-to-day basis?
with D'Lynne St. Pierre
Thursday, October 27, 7:30 p.m.
Metaphysical Magic
Based on the theme of our 2016 retreat, discover your own magical powers and learn how to use them to create the life you imagine!
with Revs. James De Biasio and Rev. Rob Banaszak
Tuesdays, November 1, 8, 15, 22, 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, November 2, 7:30 p.m.
Did you know that ISD has a Prayer Circle that convenes remotely every week to pray for the needs of our members and loved ones? If you have a name and/or intention you would like to submit to our Prayer Circle, visit the
Prayer Circle page on our website.
Needing some inspiration or a recorded guided meditation to help you attune to Spirit? Check out
ISD's Soundcloud page for a comprehensive list of past Sunday Service homilies, Sunday Wellness meditations and Evening Meditations.
Align with the Divine!
Remember, we are fam-a-lee!!!
Rev. Rob Banaszak
Pastor, Institute for Spiritual Development, Washington, D.C.
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