In the New Church, we see the Bible as a Divine Allegory.
Just as Jesus taught in parables while in the world (stories that
hold a deeper meaning which show people how to live), we see the Bible itself as one continuous parable.

It’s important to realize that this doesn’t mean it’s not true,
just that it has layers of meaning...like us. The outer layer is
more literal or historical. The deeper or more internal layer is
like looking in a mirror that reflects our own spiritual journey.

It describes how we struggle. It describes our ability to
overcome with God’s help. It shows us how we can grow
through what we face. Just like the stories Jesus told, every
story in the Word at its core is concerned with how to love
God and how to treat our neighbour. When this becomes the
anchor for our study of the Word, the question changes.
Instead of just saying, “What are the words?” we start to say,
“What does this mean for my life?”

We start to see the whole Bible as a love story, Divinely written for all God's people, for all time. Prophesies that seemed at first to talk only
about the end of the world (the appearance) start to look
more as if they are speaking to us when we are ‘at the end of
our rope’ spiritually (the reality). We start to say, “Yes, I’ve felt
like it’s the end of the world!”

 

We think of times of trial when we have felt spiritually cold, and how (if we are still willing to keep walking the path) the Lord can reach even into the dark places in our hearts and open our eyes to see His presence with us and His work in the lives of all those around us.

This is when our perspective of the Bible starts to be
transformed. As we grow spiritually, our awareness develops.
But it doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a lifetime of that kind of
work that allows us to move from purely natural sight to

spiritual insight. An important prayer, when we begin again in
our study of the Bible, becomes, “Lord, open my eyes that I
might see what you are trying to tell me about my life today.”
He can then show us that ‘in itself the Word is nothing but
teachings about love to the Lord, and of charity toward the
neighbor.’ (Heavenly Secrets 7262)

 

After last week's announcement, we are excited to let you know that the Sunrise Chapel Frank Rose memorial hike page on Just Giving is up and running!  Read about and donate to our hike efforts here:  https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kelly-woofenden?utm_source=Sharethis&utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=kelly-woofenden&utm_campaign=pfp-email&utm_term=e47172c537204fcabe2d9dc020ad8c24

 

 

Asks the Pastor's MacBook last seen in the Pastor's Office area yesterday (09/09/21)?  It was in a thin, green zippered laptop bag.  Please contact the pastor's mobile (520 - 305 - 1843) with any information.  Thank you!

 

 

We had our first meeting last Sunday to discuss how we move forward as a congregation while ensuring that we gather in the safest way possible.  Worshiping  and being together is very cathartic and healing after the last year and half of separation.

 

With that said, we still need to take every precaution in order to move forward safely as a community.  You will begin to notice small changes such as limited singing and/or no Sunday School (if we feel the environment is not manageable).

We will decide each Thursday if changes need to be made and let you know via email. 

Committee’s recommendations:

To wear a mask in the chapel at all times.

Children under the age of one should remain with their parents.

Socially distance while eating snacks in Friendship Hall.

If you are high risk please evaluate when it would be best for you to attend virtually.

If you test positive for Covid19 within 48 hours of attending in person services we ask that you anonymously report it to Pastor Ethan McCardell (520 - 305 - 1843).  

Thank you all for your patience and kindness as we move forward as a community!