Pastor's Page

April, 2008

A message from Reverend Freeman

Dear Friends of the New Church,

The long winter now fades into oblivion as Spring bursts colorfully forth into Easter and into our hearts. We are God's people, and we can rejoice in the colors and the new growth that come to us in this spring season. The four seasons are our natural reality with which to journey through this world.

Swedenborg reminds that everything on earth corresponds with something in heaven and that springtime corresponds with "the abundance of truth from the Word."(AC 6418) Indeed Spring is a wonderful metaphor for our Spiritual journey as we receive the truth of God! Our false securities fall away like the darkness of the winter now past, and we walk in full sunlight with vigor and the freshness of a new spring day! Truth is the source of Hope, and in springtime we feel its abundance and its strength. We are a grateful people, and in gratitude we extend our hand to the many friends and neighbors around us inviting them to join us in the garden where "we can become one with God only through Love and Loving actions -- Love being the essence of spiritual connection." (Way of Wisdom, p.89)

This is the kind of teaching that supports our fellowship and community life. It is in friendship that we sustain one another, find joy in our lives, and thus which leads us into friendship with God!

If you are new to this community, please know that we welcome you into our fellowship through worship and social contact. I am available for private conversation on most days, if that is desired. Meanwhile, let the Blessings of Springtime refresh and enfold you. Spring is an assurance that God is with us, and all is well!


Manna House Notes

Manna House continues to be a resource and outreach vehicle for New Church Ministries and community groups. This spring we have had retreat groups meeting here which have gone well and also have been a community service for Manna House.

For the past three years we have had a Healing Circle on an every-other-week basis which has served many needs. A collective decision was made to discontinue this group for the summer, thus giving the healers a time for rest and restoration. Just as rest is an important part of healing, so it is equally important for the healers! We anticipate offering healing classes and returning to the healing circle in early fall.

The Sober Circle continues each Saturday morning, bringing a twelve-step approach to healing and wholeness. Meanwhile, the first session of "Journey into Spiritual Freedom Class" is drawing to its successful completion. I will be traveling to Boulder, Colorado for further training in this modality of educational healing, and the benefits of that training will be shared through several different classes throughout the summer and fall.

Please visit our website: www.laportenewchurch.org. For further schedule details, call me at 219-210-0374.

May the Blessings of Springtime be with you!

- Rev. Freeman Schrock (revfreeman1@yahoo.com)