Spiritual Communities

MON., JUNE 4, 1990, 5:05 AM
STONIER HALL, RUTGERS

You did well, o son, both in the presentation itself and in projecting spirit as you were with that group. I was with you and helped where needed. Your prayers were not necessary, but were appreciated. We have one more to do this afternoon, but you are adequately prepared for that. Spirit, again, is the key.

By the end of the week this group will be a series of spiritual communities that will be one vague community. You have given this process a good start. Individual instructors and lecturers will be a variable lot in regard to building spirit, but the subject matter, the place, and the traditions are positive influences. Some will do this quite naturally, even purposely. Others will be much more scientific, which can be quite anti-spiritual. (It is too bad when scientists claim more for their studies and their discipline than is deserving, and, in this “devotion,” denigrate the notion of spirit. This truly isn’t necessary.)

You are becoming more adept in building spiritual communities, even ones that are not prominent. Continue to enjoy and improve in this process. This class that shall form next week will offer another grand opportunity, and you shall mold it well. Be sure and take a picture that shall be part of the class book.

As you take over the Foundations course in the Fall know that your central task is to create a spiritual community. The size of the group is always a problem in going out to the Farm, but this is essential… a problem that must be worked out some way. Emphasize from the beginning that health educating can be quite a spiritual enterprise. Look for opportunities to include, naturally, the spiritual dimension, like unto your presentation this afternoon. You will require much of this class, but when you do it in love it shall be accepted and appreciated.

I continue to encourage your role in building the spiritual community that is your church. Your task is not an onerous one, but it does take time and attention. Do not put the monthly newsletter together too quickly or carelessly. Take an opportunity to comment in ways that encourage this spiritual community. Print this liturgy on Pentecost so that that celebration is not quickly forgotten. You know that I guided you to that church again, and wasn’t it good to be part of that community again here in New Brunswick?

When you return home your number one task is selecting the Teachings that shall go to Al as the potential basis for a spiritual community, within a community, at Synod School. Naturally I shall guide you, but keep the theme in mind, along with the building of a special ad hoc spiritual community. Those who arise early and regularly for spiritual reasons are easy to mold into a caring group. Al is good at this. The two of you can work together to achieve this goal in fine fashion.

Synod School’s attraction to you is based in its becoming a spiritual community during that busy week. From the early morning group to the Coffee House late night you have opportunities to help build community, and as you do this you grow personally and become more aware and part of that community. Make more of a point of getting to know newcomers and fringe people. You are not ultra-gregarious, but your spirit can accomplish what your social inclinations cannot. Take some time to relearn a few songs that you have forgotten. Be willing to sing often. The sing-along sheets help, so take them along… along.