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Seasonal Inspiration
from Master
"My heart is so thankful; it is overcome by His kindness. He has given me everything that I had wanted in this life; but, above all, He has given Himself. Such gratefulness I feel! Run to Him. The Most Beloved is waiting. His arms are open to receive you and spiritualize you and immortalize you."
Paramahansa Yogananda
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Greetings, friends of the Portland Center!
As we enter the season of sharing, contemplation and joy, may our lives reflect the gratitude we feel for our abundant blessings, both material and spiritual.
We at Portland Center are especially grateful for you — our virtual community that continues to thrive during times of outer isolation.
Thank you for being part of this family of like-minded souls!
Portland Center of Self-Realization Fellowship
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All Day Christmas Meditation |
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"To meditate and prepare your mind for the holy occasion of Christmas,
that you may experience within yourself the birth of a new consciousness
of universal brotherhood and love for all living creatures,
is to really celebrate Christmas"
Paramahansa Yogananda
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SRF members and friends throughout the world will meditate as a united congregation during the annual All Day Christmas Meditation on Saturday December 19 hosted by the SRF Online Meditation Center.
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New Year's Eve Meditation
Tuesday, December 31
Many years ago Paramahansa Yogananda started the tradition of holding a New Year's Eve Meditation. Our Guru said it is beneficial to use the transition from the old year to the new as a time to meditate and keep one's mind on God, while introspecting on the passing year and affirming our goals for the new.
Although Portland Center is unable to host a "live" meditation as in former years, we can all participate in our homes and join in affirming:
“With the opening of the New Year, all the closed portals of limitations will be thrown open and I shall move through them to vaster fields, where my worthwhile dreams of life will be fulfilled."
Paramahansa Yogananda
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Paramahansa Yogananda Birthday Commemorative Service
and All Day Meditation
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The anniversary of our blessed Guru's birth will be observed in special services on Tuesday January 5, followed by an All-Day Meditation Saturday January 8.
Please check the Online Meditation Center's calendar for details as these dates approach, and let us share the joy of these special events in our united hearts and souls.
"What greater satisfaction could one have, than when the heart is aflame with yearning for the unknown God and He actually comes as Guru?"
Paramahansa Yogananda, in The Second Coming of Christ
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Our Center's new coat of paint gleams under sunny skies |
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During these months of temporary closure, Portland Center volunteers have been faithfully visiting to provide regular security checks, landscape care and other essential maintenance.
Thank you Darden Bynum for organizing these teams, and Peter Stasch for guiding the exterior paint project through to its completion, with the finished product visible above.
We send our special appreciation to each member
of these dedicated crews for taking the time to offer
their loving service to God, Guru and the Portland Center.
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Self-Realization Fellowship's Worldwide Prayer Circle |
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During these months of continuing uncertainty, many of us are finding support through joining SRF monastics, members and friends worldwide to pray for healing and peace throughout the day.
For information on Paramahansa Yogananda's healing technique and specific times for collective prayer, please read more about SRF's worldwide prayer circle on their website.
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Sending healing vibrations to all in need |
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News from Managing Council |
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Greetings, Portland Center members and friends!
Despite these unsettled times, we hope that you are feeling the peace and security that come by contacting God's presence in meditation. We thank you for your ongoing service and support of the Portland Center, and we look forward to the day when we can again gather in person.
Our most important news to share is that we are moving forward with plans for incorporating, and Portland Center members will soon be asked to vote on this proposal. Please take a few minutes to read this document explaining the reasons why we want to take this step, and why many other SRF centers and groups have already done so.
If you were attending at least two times monthly during the six months before our temporary closure in March, you may be qualified to vote. We invite you to visit our website for more details and to register as a voting member.
Especially throughout this holiday season, let us continue to keep each other in our prayers. We send our best wishes to you and your families for a joyous Christmas and a new year filled with an abundance of divine blessings.
In Christ and Master’s Love,
Kripa, Mike, Paulette, Rebecca and Shikha
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How to Make a Financial Contribution
Throughout these months of public closure, Portland Center of SRF has been supported solely by financial contributions from members and friends and by volunteers who donate their time. We deeply appreciate your ongoing donations to help us meet recurring expenses to sustain our Center until we can resume in-person services.
If you write a check to the group, please know that checks payable to "Portland Center" will be deposited locally and used to support our Center's activities, pay utility bills etc. Checks payable to "Self Realization Fellowship" are sent to SRF headquarters in Los Angeles, to support SRF's worldwide activities.
It is customary when writing checks during special services such as commemoratives to make the check payable to SRF, or you may donate directly to SRF via the SRF Online Meditation Center if you wish to participate that way.
Some members choose to make regular donations to our Center. One convenient option is to set up automatic bill pay through your bank. If you prefer, checks may be mailed to 356 NE 80th Avenue, Portland 97213.
Your support is deeply appreciated!
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Words of Wisdom: Sri Mrinalini Mata |
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"Behind the shadow of every experience there has to be a light. The shadow would not be there unless the light was there to cause that shadow. Look always, as Gurudeva would say to us, look always to that light. Look always to that Divine Presence...."
from Look Always to the Light,
CD available through the
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Looking for other SRF groups in the Pacific NW or throughout the world?
Click here:
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Just a reminder that you're receiving this email because you have expressed an interest in the Portland Center of Self-Realization Fellowship. Don't forget to add newsletter@portlandcentersrf.org to your address book so we'll be sure to land in your inbox! |
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