Continually "Preparing" (08/06/21)

Published: Fri, 08/06/21

Continually "Preparing" (08/06/21)

Many have lately experienced a strong sense of being disconnected, not just from the world around, but from those they love. I have heard comments like, “I am so grateful for technology keeping me aware of the other people in my life” and “it isn’t the same as when I will once again be able to be full time surrounded by loved ones.” Feelings of isolation like this are completely understandable, and yet…

‘No angel or spirit can possibly have any life unless they live in some community, and in so doing in a harmonious relationship of many people. A community is nothing else than the harmonious relationship of many - for one person's life in no sense exists in isolation from the life of others. Indeed no angel, spirit, or community can possibly have any life, that is, be moved by good to will anything, or be moved by truth to think anything, if they are not joined to heaven and to the world of spirits through the many in their own community.

The same applies to the human race. No one whatever, no matter who, can possibly live or be moved by good to will anything, or be moved by truth to think anything, unless they have in like manner been joined to heaven through the angels residing with them, and to the world of spirits, or even to hell through the spirits residing with them.

For everyone during their lifetime is dwelling in some community of spirits or angels (although they are not conscious of doing so). And if they are not joined to heaven or the world of spirits by means of the community in which they live, they cannot go on living one moment longer.

It is like the parts of the human body. Any part of it which is not joined to the rest by means of fibres and vessels, and so by means of various functions, is not part of the body. It is instantly removed and expelled as that which has no life. The very communities in which and among which people have lived during their lifetime are shown to them once they have entered the next life. When they enter such a community after the life of the body, they enter into the very life that had been theirs while in the body, and from that life they start a new one. (Emanuel Swedenborg, Secrets of Heaven 687)

It is a good time to remember that we are already part of a spiritual community, which not only regularly impacts the people and social settings that we naturally gravitate to and make part of our life here and now, but also impacts the community we ultimately choose to make our own to eternity.

In the story of the road to Emmaus, some folks dear to me were recently reflective at the thought that as soon as the disciples ‘knew’ the Lord in the breaking of bread, He vanished from their sight.

We cannot stay in an elevated spiritual state regularly during our life in the natural world, but if we have stayed strong in temptation and our focus is on the Lord, we do have times when our spiritual eyes and ears are open and sensitive to the reality of the life of our spirit and that the Lord is preparing a place for us in the spiritual world. Having had that experience, we return to our daily lives, aware that He has not left us. His love is with us in the temptations yet to come and the truth of His Word shows us The Way to start a new life. A life filled with a peace and presence which can only come from God.

Love and Peace,

Ethan

ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR THIS SUNDAY (08/01/21)

Sunday School:

A reminder that (for the time being), the children/teens can take part in “Sunday Service Projects!”

Margo Waddell and Christine Morey will guide the youth group in various projects that give back to the community. This will take place after the Children’s talk in the Children’s Chapel.

Caring for One Another:

The TUSD has started the school year with the following statement: "Masking in schools is an important mitigation measure to slow the spread of COVID-19, and especially the new delta variant." (From: Tucson.com). They have therefore required all students to mask at the beginning of the school year.

Several folks have recently expressed a desire for SC to make clear its own hopes for the health and safety of our attenders for similar reason (some of whom are uniquely vulnerable), and we are therefore requesting those attending indoor worship to consider masking.

Serving Those Experiencing Food Insecurity:

Judith Keane is excited to restart the "Sandwich Ministry!" The idea is that we would make 400 sandwiches which could then be donated to our soup kitchen to serve as pack lunches for those facing food insecurity in this challenging time. We are looking to make this happen first on the 16th of August (starting at 9am in Friendship Hall), so Judith asks that anyone interested in this way to serve be in touch with her at: judith.tucson@gmail.com.

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

The Asplundh Family Foundation is once again granting Sunrise Chapel funds to continue upgrading and maintaining our facilities and grounds!

This time they have awarded us $45,000 to help us with the following projects:

A: Continue to refresh the interior look and feel of our Friendship Hall wing so people appreciate it as a well-kept, safe, clean, functional, and welcoming church home:

• Refurbish two more bathrooms in Friendship Hall (two bathrooms have already been refurbished) (Approximately $8K)
• Replace more old flooring, sliding door screens, and drinking water fountains in the Friendship Hall wing (these well-worn items are over 25 years old) (Approximately $30K)

B: Continue to improve our property’s curb appeal from the street view:

• Maintain our parking lot and front landscaping (Approximately $12K)

NOTE: As part of our "investment" in these projects, we now need to raise $3,000 locally.

Please consider a gift to support and promote these projects.

You can use PayPal on sunrisechapel.org or send your contribution by check to "Sunrise Chapel" via our treasurer. Make a note that it is for "Asplundh Grant Support."

BLESSINGS ON YOUR WEEKEND!

Your church home for partnering with the Lord and each other in the practice of cultivating spiritual growth and choosing heavenly joy

www.sunrisechapel.org

Office 520-298-1245

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