Is It Possible For a Church to Have More Than One Life?
Aug 28th, 2009 by admin
AN EDITORIAL
Is It Possible For a Church to Have More Than One Life? Many of us would rather call ourselves a ‘fellowship of spirit’ than a church.
If one searches inwardly for self knowledge, one must also look outward and by comparison achieve a fuller understanding of self. It is the same with a church.
Although the international association of The Rosicrucian Fellowship of the 21st century still numbers its members in the thousands around the world, there were, at one count, 49 people attending the centennial re-dedication ceremony on August 8, 2009, exactly enough to clasp hands and form an unbroken circle around the perimeter of the Founder’s Cross, leaving nobody free to hold a camera and take a picture.
You had to be there.
For those who were not, there will be descriptive articles forthcoming, transcriptions of talks, and you can enjoy the event vicariously through the photo album under Photos. There was much to enjoy.
A first-impression gaze upon arriving surveyed a neat, decorative, white fence defining the frontage and two, new, professionally-painted welcoming signs with attractive graphics on either side of the heavily-used access road. VISITORS WELCOME. What a positive change !
But it was the avenue of flags that really caught one’s eye. One after another of the colorful banners of states and nations lined the entire stretch from the entrance to the Guest House. They gave a clear message that ALL were welcome. It didn’t matter where you came from. They defined the event as international in scope. What a beautiful panorama. The HQ administrators can be complimented for their bold hospitality.
Most visitors arrived on Friday and the object on that day was to have fun. The Mystic Mystery Quest, a sort of treasure hunt, gave everyone a chance to be part of a team, to move around the grounds, get acquainted with the symbols of esoteric Christianity and with each other, and to compete for some nice prizes, mostly books. There was a roundtable discussion where everyone had a chance to say what was on his mind concerning ways to spread the teachings and another about the astrology of The Rosicrucian Fellowship and its future.
On Saturday, highlights of the anniversary-day celebration included an address at the bell tower by Edgar A, Chairman of the Board. Edgar said that he had visited the bell earlier in the morning and, “I let the bell talk to me.” The result was a series of metaphorical reflections followed by bell ringing. Everyone in attendance eagerly stepped into the tower, grasped the rope, and let the bell toll……… for thee?
Later, with all gathered around the Guest House steps, Jean d officiated at the flag-raising from above the Guest House entrance. A newly fabricated Rosicrucian Fellowship banner now waves in the Southern California breeze as it identifies the domain of the Rosy Cross.
Nothing was more awesome, more beautiful, nor more symbolic, however, than Vilma D’s elease of 15 white doves into the azure blue sky. The birds found their freedom as soon as the white wicker box opened. They quickly ascended and flew toward their home in San Diego, then toward the temple, curving around to give us a beautiful display of glinting white feathers against the blue. And then they were gone. As everyone savored this wonderful sight, the birds returned, circling again; did they not want to leave? It is uncertain whether they returned once or twice, spellbound, as we were.
Spirit. That is a bird. May it make a nest in your soul.
A Fellowship of Spirit or a Church?
For a charming story, click on the image. A church in Wisconsin celebrates its anniversary in August 2009. “Churches have a habit of splitting — that’s not unusual. But how many actually come back together? We are a living example of Christian forgiveness and reconciliation.”
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