June 2019


Realization that all power to think, speak, feel, and act comes from God, and that He is ever with us, inspiring and guiding us, brings an instant freedom from nervousness. Flashes of divine joy will come with this realization; sometimes a deep illumination will pervade one's being, banishing the very concept of fear. Like an ocean, the power of God sweeps in, surging through the heart in a cleansing flood, removing all obstructions of delusive doubt, nervousness, and fear. The delusion of matter, the consciousness of being only a mortal body, is overcome by contacting the sweet serenity of Spirit, attainable by daily meditation. Then you know that the body is a little bubble of energy in His cosmic sea.

Paramahansa Yogananda
Peace in Your Daily Life: Essential Principles and Practices
from Inner Peace , p. 86
Greetings!


Summer is upon us. In coming weeks, we will welcome our new Managing Council members, the end of Sunday School for the summer, and unveil our newly designed website. Also, there will be another General Membership Meeting to provide detailed information on research conducted by our Renovation Team regarding previously discussed building concept plans. Your feedback is appreciated and attendance is highly encouraged. 

During the last week of June, the SRF Summer Youth Day Program in Encinitas, CA, will begin for girls. It is not too late to register your child and obtain a scholarship if needed. If your children plan to remain local during the summer, our Sunday School leadership have exciting plans for them. On the 2nd and 4th Sundays of June, July, and August, all children will have an opportunity to take chanting lessons and learn how to play various instruments. Our beloved Sri Daya Mata once said: “I can’t stress too much the importance of a devotional spirit in chanting. When we chanted with Master, he would often remind us: “Sing with all your heart. Forget that I am playing the harmonium; forget me. Just become absorbed in the thought behind the words. Think of the One to whom you are singing.” With this sentiment in mind, we hope each of our Sunday School children will continue to learn how to cultivate that devotion throughout their spiritual journeys, and chanting, along with meditation, is another way to accomplish this divine goal. God’s abundant blessings to you all! 

Jai Guru! 

Indira Harris
Coordinator 

Donations to Washington DC Center


The Washington DC Center is supported financially entirely through your voluntary donations. Thank you very much for your generous support. Donations to our General Fund pay for the Center’s general operating expenses. Donations may be made through cash or check (payable to Washington DC Center) and placed in the Sunday offertory.

We encourage you to schedule recurring weekly or monthly donations to the general fund through your online checking account. Make the check payable to the Washington DC Center with our mailing address - 4911 Niagara Rd. College Park, MD 20740.

Building Fund donations may be made in the same manner but also noting "DC Center Building Fund" in the memo section of the check. To make tax deductible donations to our Building Fund, see this link  DC Center Donations .  

Monthly Potluck Social

You are warmly invited to spend time sharing in divine fellowship at our monthly potluck social on June 9th. Please bring a vegetarian dish ( warmed to room temperature to facilitate food service ), fruit juice, or dessert if you plan to attend. All are welcome.

Chanting Lessons with Instruments for Children

The Sunday School will be offering chanting lessons with instruments for our students on the 2nd and 4th Sundays during the summer months. The first class will take place on June 9th, in the upstairs classroom, from 11:00 - 12:00 pm. Children of all ages are welcome.  

Greenfield Events

Women's Work Retreat: June 14-15
Annual Family Picnic: June 22

The SRF Greenfield retreat in Front Royal, Virginia, will have a Women's Work Retreat from June 14-15. Please contact Greenfield directly (540-635-5066) if you wish to attend.

Greenfield's annual Family Picnic will take place on June 22nd, from 3:30-7:30 pm. The picnic will have an International Day of Yoga theme, and will include a catered Indian buffet, offered on a donation basis. There will also be entertainment and games for all. We will have a sign-up sheet in the Center lobby in the weeks prior to the picnic.

General Membership Meeting

All members are encouraged to attend our General Membership meeting on June 30th, immediately following the morning Reading service. The purpose will be to present and discuss information requested by the membership at the last building concept plan meeting. Lunch will be provided.

Service Readings This Month

June 2: Vol. 2 #22:  Success Through Superconscious Power
June 9: Vol. 2 #23:  Uniting Religion Through Practice of Yoga
June 16: Vol. 2 #24:  God’s Nature in the Father
June 23: Vol. 2 #25:  Even Mindedness is Yoga
June 30: Vol. 2 #26:  Patriotism That Will Endure

Long Meditations This Month

We will have 3-hour meditations every Sunday evening from 6:00-9:00 pm. The meditation on June 2nd will also include kirtan chanting. There will also be a 5-hour guided meditation on June 22nd from 10:00 am-3:00 pm. 
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

Monthly Potluck Social
June 9

Greenfield Women's Work Retreat
June 14-15

Greenfield Annual Family Picnic
June 22, 3:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Five-Hour Guided Meditation
June 22, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

General Membership Meeting
June 30, 12:15 pm
Washington DC Center of Self-Realization Fellowship
4911 Niagara Road College Park MD 20740
washington.dc.srf@gmail.com
DCcentersrf.org