You are all gods, if you only knew it. Behind the wave of your consciousness is the sea of God's presence. You must look within. Don't concentrate on the little wave of the body with its weaknesses; look beneath... As you lift your consciousness from the body and its experiences, you will find that sphere [of your consciousness] filled with the great joy and bliss that lights the stars and gives power to the winds and storms. God is the source of all our joys and of all the manifestations in nature...

Awaken yourself from the gloom of ignorance. You have closed your eyes in the sleep of delusion. Awake! Open your eyes and you shall behold the glory of God--the vast vista of God's light spreading over all things. I am telling you to be divine realists, and you will find the answer to all questions in God.

Paramahansa Yogananda
Where There is Light , p. 9
Greetings!

Happy New Year and welcome to 2019! I trust that you all had a blessed Christmas and New Year celebration with your dear ones. In the last year, the Washington DC Center has experienced its own period of renewal. We’ve had renovations to the book room and social/overflow areas, with the most recent change being the addition of our new book room furniture. The layout of the new furniture has transformed the book room into a very polished, lovely open space that makes it easier to browse and peruse the merchandise. We have many DVDs that are still on sale for a reduced price, so be sure to stop by to see what is still available. 

Although the month of January brings with it a fresh start of the new year, to SRF/YSS devotees it also marks the beginning of many reverent celebrations around the world honoring the birth of our beloved Gurudeva. What an auspicious time of year - transitioning from the birth of Lord Jesus Christ in December to the birth of Guruji in January!

At the Washington DC Center, we have a variety of events planned to celebrate the occasion, which include Guruji’s birthday service on January 5th, followed by his birthday social on January 6th. Our Bhakti Team will provide a delicious vegetarian Indian meal with cake during the social festivities. A SRF DVD will be shown as well. Yoganandaji’s 6-hour Commemorative Birthday Meditation will take place on Saturday, January 12th. More details about these events, in addition to other scheduled activities this month, can be found below in this month’s newsletter. All are warmly invited to attend! 

Jai Guru!

Indira Harris
Coordinator, DC Center
Paramahansa Yogananda Birthday Service

We will honor the birthday of our beloved Guru, Paramahansa Yogananda, on January 5th with a special commemorative ceremony, from 7:30-9:00pm. Please bring a flower and a donation in an envelope as symbols of your loyalty and devotion. Extra flowers and envelopes are available on a donation basis in the lobby. All who can attend with reverence and devotion are welcome.
Paramahansa Yogananda Birthday Social

Our Guruji's birthday celebration will continue on January 6th with a special lunch and birthday cake provided by the Bhakti Team. All are welcome to come enjoy an afternoon of spiritual fellowship honoring the birth of our beloved Guru, which will include the showing of an SRF DVD.

6-Hour Meditation Honoring Paramahansa Yogananda's Birth

We will hold a special 6-hour meditation with kirtan honoring the birth of our beloved Guru on January 12th, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.  Please bring a devotional offering of fruit as a symbol of your reverence and devotion for the Guru.  Extra fruit will be available in the lobby on a donation basis.  

General Membership Meeting

All members are encouraged to attend our General Membership after the morning services on January 27th. The purpose of the meeting is to select members to serve on the Nominating Team for this year's Election. Lunch will be provided. 

Service Readings This Month

January 6: Vol. 2 #1:  Kriya Yoga: Royal Science of Self-Realization
January 13: Vol. 2 #2:  The Art of Developing Memory
January 20: Vol. 2 #3:  Why Life's Tests Are Thrust Upon Us
January 27: Vol. 2 #4:  Making the Most of Sundays

Long Meditations This Month

We will hold our annual 6-hour meditation honoring the birth of Paramahansa Yogananda on Saturday, January 12th from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm (see details above). A 4-hour meditation will take place on Saturday January 26th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. We will also hold 3-hour meditations every Sunday evening from 6:00-9:00 pm. All are welcome.
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.
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
Special Events This Month

Paramahansa Yogananda Birthday Commemorative Service
January 5, 7:30 - 9:00pm

Paramahansa Yogananda Birthday Social
January 6, After Morning Services

6-Hour Meditation Honoring the Birth of Paramahansa Yogananda
January 12, 10:00am - 4:00pm

4-Hour Meditation
January 22, 10:00am - 2:00pm

General Membership Meeting (lunch provided)
January 27, After Morning Services
Washington DC Center of Self-Realization Fellowship
4911 Niagara Road College Park MD 20740
washington.dc.srf@gmail.com
DCcentersrf.org