Title: “From Claiming to Clarity: Recognizing the Rejection Program”

Description: Ego’s fundamental movement is a big fat “no!” to what is. A primary source of suffering for humans is identifying with the “no”, as the “no”, with thoughts which say things like, “I hate when this happens”, “I can’t stand that/them”, “oh no, not that!”. We can only free ourselves from this often unconscious, highly conditioned reactive “no!”- the rejection program – if we actually see it. For the one who wills to live from unity consciousness, gaining familiarity with this programmed reactive mechanism is imperative. Join Anne Blanchard as she shares her journey from conditioned claiming of the “no!” to the clarity that this is indeed a program, and thus can be let go.

Reading: Sami Ross read excerpts from Nisargadatta Maharaj, I Am That, Chapter 3, “The Living Present”.

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Title: “Thy Will, Not Mine”

Description: Moving beyond the comforting, yet limiting view of God as a kind of cosmic Santa Claus — dispensing blessings for prayers and good behavior — Rev. Jacquelyn Eckert will explore the deeper, more transformative understanding of aligning our desires with the universal will. This shift challenges us to look past our personal gains and embrace a path of spiritual growth, interconnectedness, and collective well-being. Recognizing the influence of the ego and learning to surrender our individual wills lead us toward the grace of embracing “Thy Will, Not Mine,” inviting us into alignment with a higher purpose. This alignment transcends our immediate desires and guides us toward true fulfillment and spiritual enlightenment.

Reading: Connie Poole read from Inner Ramana, “The Purpose of Surrender” parts 1 & 2, and “The Importance of Practice” parts 1 & 2.

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Title: “Love’s Inner Awakening”

Description: Rev. Billy will share his personal evolution, drawing inspiration from Thomas Merton’s writings and the teachings of contemporary guru Mooji Baba. This exploration will begin with a reading of a Rumi poem by Joseph Schmitz. Billy’s journey reflects a shift towards a contemplative lifestyle, characterized by discernment and the concept of interdependent co-arising. It involves a conscious letting go of false beliefs and personal identity, adopting the role of an impartial observer rather than an active participant in life’s drama. This transformation is not learned but occurs naturally through the recognition and rejection of falsehood, allowing one to remain as a detached witness revealing that unchanging essence: the awakening of awareness.

Reading: Joe Schmitz read a poem by Rumi called “I have no idea.”.

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Title: “The Power of Silence”

Description: Regina dedicated a year to practicing silence every day as much as she could while still living her life. During the day she focused on the contemplation of The Seven Steps of Awakening while Jasmine was in school. I am feeling the pull myself to step into this practice, and yet, I am encountering resistance to actually putting this into practice. Let’s explore together the benefits and stumbling blocks to actually doing it!

Reading: Melissa Sternhill read from an article written by Joan Tollifson on direct experiencing.

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Title: “The Law of Love”

Description: NTI Ephesians says, “I have come to teach you the law by which you live, that you may use the law for your benefit.” Thus, we will explore how to use the law for our benefit.

Reading: Elaine Wilson read NTI Ephesians 1 & 3.

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Title: “Barriers to Truth Realization”

Description: Consciousness is all there is. All the Truth teachings point, in one way or another, to this. So what limits our direct experience of Truth? During this gathering, Rev. Cyndi Krupp will discuss some of the barriers and offer potential suggestions for when they are discovered.

Reading: Olivia Shepherd read A Course in Miracles: The Borderland

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Title: “A Message for the New Year”

Description: Recently, while moving, Rev. Regina Dawn Akers ran across a message from Inner Ramana that is not included in the published book, The Teachings of Inner Ramana. She’ll share that message on Sunday as a message for the new year.

Reading: Releasing Fear & Embracing Devotion by Inner Ramana and NTI John, Chapter 2

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Title: “Is the World Awakening?”

Description: Rev. Shabnam shared how technology and algorithms when you click on certain “spiritual” videos can be a hindrance instead of a help on the path to Awakening. She shared her current struggles and how she is committed to in the new year making sure to read a chapter a day from one of the spiritual texts that was part of the Minister Preparation Program (MPP). She shares how she believes that filling her heart and mind with this content, then will realign her with her spiritual aspiration.

Reading: Rona Marren read, The Untethered Soul, Chapter 3- Who Are You?

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Title: “Nurturing Willingness”

Description: During this week’s gathering we explored the importance of willingness. We looked at how it helps us see people, ourselves, the world, situations, and even God differently. We also looked deeply at how we cannot see differently without the willingness to do so.

Reading: Inka Omholt read  NTI Galatians CH 6.

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Topic: “Tis the Season to Focus on…Inquiry!”

Description: Inquiry is probably the last thing on most people’s minds in this holiday season. And yet, it may be the most valuable present you can give to yourself. From Angelo’s book Awake: It’s Your Turn: “What if I told you there was one particular approach to investigating your true nature that is so potent, so incisive, that it makes all others pale in comparison? Well, it’s true. The approach I’m referring to is inquiry.” Rev. George explored this process called inquiry.

Reading: Melissa Sternhill read from Awake: It’s Your Turn, chapter 15 pages 378-384, ending at the heading “Deceptive Simplicity”.

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