Summer Solstice Service (2021)

SUMMER SOLSTIC JOY Thank you for the music, Brother Vernon. Please mute your phones for the serves. (Greets the 4 Directions Bids the 6 retiring Ashars goodbye with thanks Welcomes the 6 new Ashars) INVOCATION Joan This is the time of the Sun's greatest Light upon the Northern Hemisphere. At this time of Redipmtishon, Brother Peter is Lighting candles on our Altar in remembrance of the Light of our Father-Mother. Those bound by the darkness created in the past are forgiven, redeeming them, restoring them, so they find their darkness dissolving and now find their place among those who work in the Creator's Light for others. Peter Gives a Prayer (Lighting the altar candle) Joan We now have come to the time when, through a grasp of the Creator's path we can experience the flow of spiritual forces within us from the higher spirit planes, to us, from us to those who are in need, yet remember the direction of these forces always takes place under angelic guidance. We must learn to look within to find the Creator within ourselves and within all things. The Creator is the source  of our strength, the source of all healing. We enter the great silence, stilling the turmoil of the outer world, that consciously we may Commune with the Creator who is our very Life and Light and strength. From this communion within ourselves and the awakening of the spiritual forces, we build around us that cape of protection under which the storms of life cannot pierce. We must learn to make that cape so wide that others less strong than we may shelter until they too have learned to know the power within which when found, casts out all fear. I AM THE PLACE (tune: Amazing Grace. Brother Vernon Lightfoot will play the tune through once and then let us Join in singing this Hymn: Words by Sister Cora) I am the place E-O-I shines through E-O-I and I are One not two I need not fret nor fear nor plan E-O-I wants me where and as I am. And if I stay relaxed and free E-O-Is plan manifests through me I am the place E-O-I shines through E-O-I and I are One not two  Joan Sister Joy will lead the responsive reading taken from the Covenant used at Shalam Joy Repeat after me: Henceforth I will serve only Thee, Creator! My soul shall become as a shining star. My love, like Thy etherean angels. And plain and clean my raiment, I will not boast, Nor speak untruth, Nor criticize my brethren, Nor criticize my neighbors, For they are thine, O Creator! I seek righteous works to help others. I seek wisdom to do Thy will forever. I am strong in Thee, O Creator! Father-Mother this festival day we rejoice in Thee. So Be It. Let us meditate for 15 minutes: Let us go into meditation with three Oms meditate for 15 minutes Peter NA-OM blessed be Thy name in Kosmon Let us make the sign of the Sacred Name E O I  Joan As we close our Celebration of the Summer Festival, let us remember that this is a time to focus on helping others through Amereth and Aheba, our Loving Forgiveness. As we go our separate ways, let us carry the prayer in our hearts that we may share with others the Ahebic Blessings. Amen Traditional Closing Ah Ho Thank you for the music, Brother Vernon