The Great Ones come to bring people back to God. Jesus came to bring realization to all men. And similarly Master came to save us, to bring us back to God. What a blessing many of us possess, to have known Master in this country! But the physical form means little; it is the soul that matters. Master is here now in an even greater way than he was when in the body. It is our joy, our grace, that we can receive his divine vibrations through following the teachings of Self-Realization Fellowship.

Master is right here. When I close my eyes, Master comes! Receive this blessing of Master, this great light, so great! And Master's greatness in it. He will touch your soul. God is coming through Master to you. Such love! Such joy!

Rajarsi Janakananda

Rajarsi Janakananda: A Great Western Yogi, p. 49

Dear Jackie,

Happy and Healthy New Year. What a wonderful way to start the new year by celebrating the birth of our Guru, Paramahansa Yoganandaji. We have an in-person Commemorative Service on January 5th followed by a long meditation in Guruji's honor on January 7th. The potluck social with a birthday cake for Guruji will be held on January 8th. Also, Greenfield Retreat will host its long meditation in honor of Guruji's birthday on January 14th.

We also encourage everyone to consider volunteering at our center in any capacity that is feasible for you. The Nominating Committee sent an email regarding this and we request you respond to that email soon. Please attend the elections on January 22nd (available in-person and online).

Jai Guru.

Gauri Prakash-Canjels

Coordinator

Celebrating Paramahansa Yoganandaji's Birthday

This month we will celebrate the birth of our beloved Gurudeva with several special events at our Center. We hope you are able to join us.

Commemoration Service: January 5, 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Please bring a flower and a donation in an envelope as symbols of your loyalty and devotion to the SRF line of Gurus. This service is primarily intended for those who are SRF students or other devotees who regularly attend the SRF meetings. However, all are welcome who are well enough acquainted with SRF teachings to appreciate the significance of the Guru‑disciple relationship and to participate in the service with sincerity and reverence.

6-hour Meditation Service: January 7, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

This special meditation will be held in honor of the birthday of Paramahansa Yoganandaji. The service will consist of long periods of meditation interspersed with readings and chanting. There will be a half-hour break about halfway through. Please bring pranami, a devotional offering of fruit(s) as a symbol of your reverence and devotion for the Guru, Paramahansa Yoganandaji. Extra fruits will be available in the foyer on a donation basis.

Potluck Social with Birthday Cake: January 8, immediately following the morning reading service

All are warmly invited to join in this birthday celebration. Please bring a vegetarian entree (pre-warmed to at least room temperature to facilitate more efficient food service), fruit juice, or dessert, if you plan to attend. 

General Elections and Membership Meeting

Our annual elections will take place on January 22 as part of a general membership meeting immediately following the morning reading service. All active members are strongly encouraged to attend. The purpose of the meeting is to elect volunteers to serve at the Center, including Officers, Service Readers, and Sunday School Teachers and Assistants. Lunch will be provided.

If you wish to be on the ballot for one of the elected offices, please complete this Google Form by January 11.

Sunday School

For the month of January, the Sunday School will be held on the second and fourth Sundays of the month (and not the first and third Sundays as usual). All children above the age of 4 (including Teens) are encouraged to attend.

Service Readings This Month

January 1: Vol. 3 #1: Attunement with a True Guru

January 8: Vol. 3 #2: Man: Image of God

January 15: Vol. 3 #3: Meditation: Way to God

January 22: Vol. 3 #4: How to Rise Above Your Problems

January 29: Vol. 3 #5: Habits: Your Master or Your Slave?

Special Events This Month

Paramahansa Yogananda Birthday Commemoration Service

January 5, 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Paramahansa Yogananda 6-Hour Meditation

January 7, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Potluck Social Celebrating Paramahansa Yogananda's Birthday

January 8, following morning services

DC Center General Elections and Membership Meeting (lunch provided)

January 22, following morning services