"O Christ, receive the fervent message of our hearts; come unto us, appear unto us. Jesus Christ, Lord and Master--Lord of millions and Master of creation--in the cradle of our devotion manifest unto us consciously. Reveal your presence in bodily form as you were on earth, and manifest yourself as Spirit--joy ineffable, peace indescribable; calmness, omnipresence, and bliss eternal."
Paramahansa Yogananda
"Divine Communion with God and Christ" from
The Divine Romance,
p. 428)
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Greetings!
Many years ago our guru, Paramahansa Yogananda, began the custom of devoting one day of the Christmas season to divine communion with Christ by holding a special All-Day Christmas Meditation. Since then, this inner celebration of Christmas has become a cherished tradition in all Self-Realization Fellowship ashram centers, temples, meditation centers, groups, and circles. Devotees throughout the world have found their lives uplifted and transformed through the blessings that flow from God, Christ, and Gurus during this sacred and joyous day.
We invite you, your family and friends to attend our all day Christmas meditation, led by Br. Ekananda and Brahmachari Yannick on Saturday, December 14
th
. The details for this service as well as some of the special events in December are detailed in this newsletter.
“
If you dig with the pickax of attention, under the rocks of restlessness
you will find the gem of Christ Consciousness. This day may be the
very day you succeed.”
Paramahansa Yogananda
In Master’s Service,
Wayne Lavallee
Coordinator
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Visiting Monks to Lead Inspirational Service and
Sunday Services
We are blessed to have Brother Ekananda and Brahmachari Yannick with us to celebrate our spiritual Christmas. The Brothers will lead the Thursday night Inspirational service on December 12th, from 7:30 to 9:00 pm. Light refreshments will be served afterward. They will also lead our Sunday services on December 15th, including Sunday School class and the three-hour evening meditation.
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All-Day Christmas Meditation
Our All-Day Christmas meditation will take place Saturday, December 14th from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm at the Center. The entire meditation will be led by SRF monks from the Mother Center. If you plan to attend, please read the SRF All-Day Christmas Meditation Instructions
beforehand.
According to these instructions, no one will be permitted to enter the chapel after the meditation begins at 10:00 am. Also, if you plan to attend only a portion of the meditation, it must be the morning portion, which ends with an intermission at 2:00 pm. The meditation concludes at 5:30 pm. Please bring as a devotional offering a fruit and a donation in an envelope. Extra fruits and envelopes will be available at the Center on a donation basis. All are welcome.
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Greenfield All-Day Christmas Meditation
The SRF Greenfield Retreat in Front Royal, VA will also hold their All-Day Christmas Meditation on Saturday, December 14th, from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm. If you would like to attend, there will be a sign-up sheet in the Center's lobby, or you can contact Greenfield directly
(540-635-5066).
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Annual Christmas Social
Our annual Christmas Social will be held on Sunday, December 15th, after the morning services. The visiting Brothers will be in attendance. The DC Center's Sunday School children will present their annual Christmas pageant to the SRF monks and congregation at the Christmas Social. All are warmly invited to come celebrate this most special season with Master's spiritual family. The Bhakti team will provide the food, however fruit juices are always needed.
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Holiday Food Drive
As a service to God and Guru, through caring for others, the DC Center is conducting a Christmas Food Drive to benefit food banks and charities in the DC/MD/VA area. Please place all donated
non-perishable
food items in the marked boxes in the Center's lobby.
The most needed items are: Low-sodium canned soups, tuna, beans, and tomatoes; low-sugar canned fruit; peanut butter in
plastic
jars; and low-sugar cereal. No glass containers, please.
Christmas collection
: December 8-22
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New Year's Eve Social and Meditation
Our New Year's Eve meditation will take place on December 31st, from 11:00 pm to 12:30 am at the Center. Master recommended starting the new year in meditation, and all are warmly invited to both the meditation and a potluck social that will take place earlier in the evening at the home of Herb and Sally Simon (403 Hamilton Avenue, Silver Spring, MD. 20901). The social will begin at 7:30 pm, and will include a period of chanting and Christmas songs. An email blast will be sent as the event nears, with directions and pertinent information, including how to RSVP. Flyers will also be on the table in the lobby of the Center. Please bring a vegetarian entree or dessert if you are attending the social. We hope to see you there!
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Service Readings This Month
December 1: Vol. 2 #48:
The Soul’s Three Encasements
December 8: Vol. 2 #49:
Receiving God’s Answers to Your Prayers
December 15:
Sunday service led by Br. Eckananda
December 22: Vol. 2 #51:
Receive the Christ Consciousness
December 29: Vol. 2 #:52:
The Purpose of Life is to Find God
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Long Meditations This Month
We will have 3-hour meditations every Sunday evening this month from 6:00-9:00 pm. Our all-day Christmas meditation will take place on December 14th; see above for details.
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Caring Friends Team
The
Caring Friends Team
provides support and outreach to members who are experiencing illness, hardships, and personal crisis. For more information please contact Stacey Hawkins at 301-395-9541.
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Weekly Services
Sundays
Meditation Service: 10:00-10:50 am
Reading Service: 11:00-12:00
3-Hour Meditation: 6:00-9:00 pm
Thursdays
Lessons Study Group: 6:00-7:00 pm
Inspirational Service: 7:30-9:00 pm
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Special Events This Month
Monks Lead Inspirational Service
December 12, 7:30 - 9:00pm
DC Center All-Day Christmas Meditation
December 14, 10:00am - 5:30pm
Greenfield All-Day Christmas Meditation
December 14, 10:00am - 5:30pm
Monks Lead Sunday Services
December 15: 10 - 11am, 11 - Noon;
Evening meditation, 6 - 9 pm
Christmas Potluck Social
December 15, 12:15pm
New Year's Eve Social
December 31, 7:30pm
New Year's Eve Meditation
December 31, 11:00pm - 12:30am
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Washington DC Center of Self-Realization Fellowship
4911 Niagara Road College Park MD 20740
washington.dc.srf@gmail.com
DCcentersrf.org
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