NEWSLETTER 67

FLOOD SHOCK IN THE VAULT
On December 12th water found its way into the basement vault behind the kitchen at headquarters. Using a wet dry vacuum cleaner this was removed. However, on Saturday 15th December, the day of the Carol Service, the water was a little more invasive and further removal had to be made. The Water Board was called and denied responsibility. However, on Monday 17th December plumbers arrived and it became clear that indeed the Water Board were responsible, but investigation proved even more devastating than could be imagined. The lift well had 6ft of water, which reached sockets in the lift area that blew the main board and had to be replaced – the outside vault had water ingress and the kitchen vault leakage was getting worse.

All the book stock had to be moved into the tea room; holes were dug to fit in sump-pumps; channels were dug to carry the water into a drain. At one point there was no water, no heat, no electric and all administration was virtually at a standstill dealing with the immediate problem. The situation was monitored over the Christmas period and in the New Year the Water Board, exactly one month after reporting the problem, came to repair the mains break in the road. Eventually the water ingress receded and now it is just a matter of time before the vaults dry out and can be decorated before replacing all the stock.

Due to the help from the plumbers and volunteers the damage was not as bad as it could have been. Although some stock was lost it was minimal. You can see from the photograph the cheery workers of The Greater World who helped to stem the tide.

As if that were not enough, the telephone line that feeds the Postal Machine was cut off making it impossible to send post. We are catching up as fast as we can and everyone should soon receive confirmation of membership, books and other items.

The situation is still on-going at the moment because the plumbers need to complete their work before the vaults can be decorated and the books replaced.

Sadly, the Healing Day Service planned for 26th April will have to be cancelled.

Carol Service 2007
Saturday 15th December brought the family together for a very uplifting Carol Service. Nothing that went on in the basement could affect what was going on in the Sanctuary. Maria Walley, Elaine Bagshaw GWMin. CGWM and members of the Light of Christ CSC took care of the raffle – thank you to everyone who provided the prizes. At 1.00pm the Community Carol Singing began with Marcus Davidson at the organ and then at 1.30pm the Service began.

Elaine Bagshaw GWMin CGWM gave the Invocation and David Harris GWMin. CGWM led the Healing Prayer during which Marcus Davidson provided a musical interlude. Angela Marshall CGWM gave the first Reading, then Angela Jennings, Ann Crass, Margaret Bellamy GWMin. CGWM, Fran Pink, Glynis Dailly GWMin CGWM, Xanthos Christodoulou, Jean Newell GWRM. Megan Long National President, GWMin. CGWM gave the address, Joan Sims GWMin. CGWM led the blessing on the offering. David Harris gave thanks for everyone who had attended and those who had helped to make the day so very special. The closing prayer and benediction were offered by Megan Long. All the items were interspersed by carols sung with gusto and great feeling finally we came to the Vesper – Silent Night and everyone thought the service was over. David Harris requested the congregation to sit down again.

Megan Long began by saying how wonderful it was, at a service such as this, to be able to make presentations to dedicated workers for The Greater World. Telling of the work done by a lady who supports her congregation and has worked for The Greater World for many years – she called upon Maria Walley to come forward and receive her GWRM Certification and presentation (Greater World Registered Medium). After making the presentation Megan informed Maria that this meant more hard work.

Then, again turning to the congregation she spoke of a Trustee who has given dedicated service to The Greater World and is about to retire. She asked “what can be given to a man who has everything”? She requested Trevor Bellamy to come forward to receive his award. Before making the presentation to Trevor she held it up for the congregation to see. He is the owner of a star in a particular part of the universe which is named after him and will remain as a reminder of his work – “Warrior Messenger”. The congregation joined in the joy of the moment and congratulated both Maria and Trevor as they all joined together for Christmas Tea in the tea-room.

Thank you to everyone who came and joined in the celebration of the day we look forward to seeing you next year. Can we top this in 2008?

Foundation Course
New students on the Foundation Course began their exciting journey in October 2007. Everyone is working hard and the two workshops held so far have been a time of laughter and learning. Carry on the good work.


Celebrating Easter (Article)
The origin of Easter begins for us with Lent then with Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday; Good Friday and finally the Resurrection on Easter Sunday. Yet the Christian celebration of Easter has its roots in pagan times. As Christianity spread throughout the world it adopted the pagan spring celebration because it made the newly converted Christians feel more comfortable within themselves. As they celebrated amongst their pagan compatriots they could do so secretly. The word Easter stems from ‘Eostre’. The Anglo-Saxon word for April when Easter was usually celebrated being ‘Eostre-monath’, meaning the ‘month of openings’. Eostre was also known as the goddess of spring, the season of planting and new growth – and ‘Eostre-monath’ the month of re-birth. This fits well with the understanding of the resurrection of Jesus the Christ.

However, Christians celebrated the resurrection of the Christ from the beginning; they used the word ‘Pascha’ which is derived from the word Passover (Pesach) used for the Jewish festival. Language changes with time – as we are well aware and Christians began calling the festival Easter.

Passover and Easter are closely connected, in that Passover represents the time when God rescued the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and led them into a fertile land. The resurrection of Jesus after crucifixion led to the beginning of Christianity. He celebrated the Passover with His disciples before His betrayal. Both Easter and Passover lead to new beginnings, re-birth and freedom from all that seems to bind the material life to the earth.

“There is no Greater Love than this, when a man lays down his life for the sake of his friends.” St. John, chapter 15 ‘The Word was in the beginning, and that Word was with God and God was with that Word. The same was in the beginning with God. Everything came to be by His hand; and without Him not even one thing came to be of what was created. The life was in Him and the life is the light of men. And the same light shines in the darkness, and the darkness does not overcome it.’ St. John, chapter 1

Knowing God in our lives is so important to our understanding of Him and His message to us. Learning to live with Him every day – talking to Him every day – makes it possible every day to celebrate Easter – for every day we journey into a new and better understanding of what God wishes us to accomplish here upon the earth.

When Jesus enters any house He cannot be hidden for every one begins to sit up and take notice. Likewise you cannot keep Him a secret when He enters into your life. He penetrates every part of your being and His presence will soon show itself. Like the fragrance of flowers He cannot be concealed; talking about Him and His message is the topic of conversation and radiant smiles light up faces. Light has entered into the darkness and the temple of the soul has become a light house, built upon a rock for all to see and receive the benefit of a love that shines out of every window. Jesus told us that we were the light of the world and not to hide our light under a bush. Wherever the Christ Consciousness finds a home there is love immeasurable.

Always be joyful, even in the face of adversity – St. Paul tells us that this too is for the good. As we struggle through the traumas of life and emerge once again into the bright light of the power and love of God we have created a measure of strength and Divinity within that will give courage, healing and encouragement to thousands of others who follow after us. Our struggle has created a light that will power the universe. “Do not kick against the goad”.

When we allow the Christ Consciousness to control our lives it will help us to produce the fruits of the soul that God delights in: Peace, Joy, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Loyalty, Dedication, Gentleness, Discipline and Self-Control.” Galatians, chapter 5

This is real love; not that we love God, but that God loves us and He sent His Son – the Christ Consciousness – so that we might know God and see Him in action upon the earth. He loves us and wants us to know that in every situation He is there: Waiting for that instant, lightening flash connection and recognition so that He can give His assistance.

When everything is happy and going well we forget to talk to God and thank Him for that happiness. Try being pleasant for a whole day – it is not easy. Instant awareness of failure is the recognition of the need for lifting the mind to higher things and starting again. It becomes easier with practice.

Do what you can where you can, whenever you can to spread that loving message of God so that, like you, others can join in the true celebration of the meaning of Easter every day. We can serve God in many ways and because there is so much work to be done, if you are willing and dedicated, He will lead you to those in need whoever and wherever they may be found. If the Christ abides in you wherever you go there will always be light and the sweet-scented aroma of the loving influence of God in a world that is in desperate need of the message of God.

How does God regard His creation? The parables of Jesus give us every indication as to the truth of the message. Yet, in the parable of ‘The Father/Mother God’, it is obvious for all to see; “For this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.” We don’t have to wait until Easter year by year to find the ‘Way of Life’ that Jesus taught. He said that He came that man might have Life and that he might have it more abundantly.

If we allow the Christ Consciousness to become active in our lives on a daily basis then we are indeed carrying out the Ministry that Jesus began.

The Angel in the tomb said, “Why seek ye the dead among the living?” As we celebrate this Easter let us make a compact with God to seek Him daily, among the living.

Zodiac Message (Article)

Address given through the mediumship of Winifred Moyes at the Alexandra Picture Threatre under the auspices of Mottram Street CSC, March 5th 1933

Changes & Transformations
I want to remind you that I do not come here to feed the mind of the body, but to minister to the soul. There are those of yesterday and those of today who would scorn the words of the Master because He spoke of simple things. I was His servant while the body bound and it is my joy and my privilege to speak to you under that same vibration.

When in the body, the gifts of the mind were my own; but when I passed into the Land of Reality I saw how foolish my thoughts were and how trivial my reasoning. Those of you who pride yourselves upon the abilities of the mind, when you pass into the Land of Revelation you will feel the same. “Now we see through a glass darkly”, so said one; but when we are free from earthly limitations, then, borrowing from the Light of God’s love, miracles of grace are revealed to us. We see not only the tiny seed that was placed in the ground with faith; but we see the processes of life that are encased in the tiny seed.

Clear Vision and the Microscope
Mighty is the microscope of today and wonderful the appliances of science. Yet with those who have lived according to the law of Jesus the Christ, when the body is cast aside, their eyes are opened and they see far more than the microscope can ever portray or unfold.

When you think of that laid down by the scientists or the great men of any age regard it in its true sense as something that contributes, perchance, to truth, but something that has only the power to pass on a fragment of that which is housed in the Mind of God. Then comes this great thought of comfort: You are children of the Eternal Father; within you are housed gifts like unto His own, in miniature. Therefore, when the veil is rent in twain, when you have learned your lessons, when you have pursued the task of making spiritual knowledge your own – with what joy you shall indeed share some of those divine gifts of which God is the Source and the true Supply.

Ancient Definitions of the Creator
Think back upon Biblical history at the era of the Lord God Jehovah. Why was God portrayed as a God of might and a God who must be obeyed? This was pure mercy. For those in the flesh in that far off time recognised authority alone. Had they been guided by the love strain they would have abused their mighty privilege. So it was passed on through the Holy Prophets that the Lord God Jehovah was One Who must be obeyed and through the enforcing of that obedience the children of Israel were rescued from their bondage.

And this is a symbol of much to you all. Before the soul can gain freedom and in order to safeguard man from his own folly laws were laid down. But as the evolution of man progressed in little measure and although there was much wickedness, self-will and the lowest ambition prevalent among the people of my own day, yet God knew that within the humble hearts of the few there would be found a reflection of that Representation of Himself which He sent to suffering man to raise him from the mire of materialism into which he had fallen.

So you see that the Lord became interpreted in a different way by the suffering that had been undergone; by the release of a certain amount of Divinity within the hearts and the minds of the individuals of that day.

Why the Christ was Hated
Thus the gentle stranger came: So meek, so full of love and He gave to one the message of peace; He gave another the sweet balm of healing. When those of my own time from the ancient Temple drew around Him to scoff and jeer, He just raised His face and answered them in a simple way. Because there was the truth of God in His words they were silenced; they could not answer. They hated Him all the more because they were discomfited by His peace, His love and His generosity.

It is the same today with a small section. Yet I am rejoiced that the section is growing smaller and at the last it will disappear. Charged by the power of Holy Spirit I say that the time will come when every instrument of God will not only treat this great truth as a religion in the most sacred sense of the word, but that every instrument shall acclaim the Christ as his or her Great Source of strength and comfort.

A little while – and the change will come. Then what will you see? A Transformation! And the Transformation will be seen like this: Those who made a god of their possessions, those who were occupied with the things of the earth alone, those who worshipped the clever minds of others, these ment and women will indeed be born again. This is the era of the Holy Spirit and I thank God that this era has already begun.

In the time of long ago, the intellectual of the day, those who thought they had learned all the knowledge that was available sneered at the Christ and at last they put Him to death. But the truth that He brought and demonstrated to perfection lives on today. The time will come when that truth will permeate not only the earth plane but every other plane and world as well.

Building on Sand
What of your own troubles, your own deep anxieties? Do not think that your lives and your troubles are hidden from me. They are indeed as an open book but I am concerned with the growth of the soul and I can have the patience to wait for the working out of the Divine plan.

You have seen certain changes take place in your material life and sorrow has filled your heart. You have seen your safe position turned in that that which trembled and at last fell away. The foundation on which you built was of sand and today you are tortured by anxieties concerning material life. I can understand so well! I was banished from the Temple and in the deepest poverty I took my way. With no roof over my head I never knew where the next meal would come from. But I thank God for that training. I thank God that He gave me the strength to endure. There is comfort in all this. But there is no comfort for the rich man when he passes out of the physical life and sees that he forgot to perform his duty to his neighbour. But there is an inexpressible comfort which comes to the man or the woman with the humble heart and the humble mind, to those who sought to do their duty.

The past is transformed; the days of sorrow and the days of loss are the God-days, the good days in every sense of the word. Individuals commingle amongst those others who likewise were sufferers while in the earth body. Great are their congratulations: “How wonderful it is, how good is God! How thankful I am that I took the hard road while the body bound!” For they see that the past and its record is transformed by the power of Holy Spirit into something that represents freedom in very truth.

When We Tire of Our Cleverness
When you are free it will not be your clever acts when upon the earth that will give you satisfaction then. Those times when you argued with your neighbour and by sheer force of personality you talked him down – that day will be a bad day for you. Then you will know that you lacked tolerance; you will know that yours was not the spirit of the true disciple. Even so, whatever the past might have held the opportunity is given every day to retrieve the past.

Do not let the griefs of yesterday hold you back upon the path. For it is onward and onward for you, if not at this stage, then in some future stage to come. The strong souls, the brave souls are taking the hilly road; those who love God, even though perchance they forget Him at times, but who love God in the Spirit do not count their wounds except as a symbol and sign as to the One to Whom they belong.

Death Triumphed Over
Perchance death has almost broken your heart. The one you love is no longer in your home and at times, especially at night, the sense of loneliness seems more than you can bear. But during the hours of sleep, free from the body, you pass into the realms of spirit and one half of your life during the earth stage is spent with the one you love so well.

Infinite law of mercy! Infinite law of peace! When we think of those many provisions made by our Father and Mother God, in humbleness of spirit we kneel before Him. Something of Revelation has come to us and at last we can say: “Not my will but Thine be done!”

When you leave the earth life I crave that you shall say “goodbye” to sorrow too; but the only way t make this possible is by pursuing the steep path during the physical stage; by hoping when despair comes close; by giving out of your real self when you have nothing left of the material to pass on.

Great is man’s vocation. Glorious is man’s future. Infinite are his possibilities, Illimitable is his scope – for he is divine.

Remember that when the body is no more the things of the earth in their present aspect will be changed because then you will look from reality out into unreality. Today you are in unreality and you will strain your eyes to see beyond. But it seems that a deep and thick curtain hangs between you and that which is infinite – that which is of God.

The Changes that are Inversions
I want all those who are pioneers of their age to have a deep consciousness of the call that has come to them. Changes cannot always be called Transformations in the God sense. Man passes out of one stage and if he has been foolish if he has preferred his own will to the Will of the Father, then it is not a Transformation in the God sense. It is an Inversion and he bears less likeness to a man than while the body bound.

Some of you know that in those planes that are darkened by self some of God’s children have lost all semblances to human form. But the time will come then because the missionary spirit is released sufficiently within the hearts and minds of others, they will be restored to their greater and sweeter selves. Although the contrast may seem great, remember that you are yet far off from your divine inheritance in full possession; but the time will come for you as well when in the Image of the Christ, imbued with spiritual powers – powers that as you pass by, the flowers shall spring into life, powers that as you move so the music that comes from purity and the love that are within, shall swell out and bring healing to others. The time will come when that transformation will take place in you; whatever you may say and however the clever ones may scoff; the time will surely come when each one in the attitude of a simple and a pure child will come to the Master and give to Him those thanks that are His due.

Think of Nature and the transformation that soon will take place. Then once more apply this simile to yourselves. Soon the earth body with its pains, its misery, its discords and strife will be no more. You, in your new garment – “Spring” in very truth – will take your way through the spheres of Light and minister to others as others have ministered to you.

How the Days of Tribulation can be Shortened
This is the future and the future is charged with meaning. Written in the tabloid horrors of the day is evidence that Man had forgotten that he is a child of All-Purity and All-Love. The wise-ones, the thoughtful ones question – ‘where are we heading?’ And the answer comes back –‘to tribulation in very truth.’

BUT – because there are those who are willing to sacrifice, who are willing to suffer, the tribulations shall be faced with a calm and tranquil heart. God’s children shall rise in their strength, forgetting themselves and like a great host; the Army of the Lord will do their part. Because of the few the tribulations in time shall be stemmed. Because of the pioneers, the Christ-Souls, the days of suffering shall be shortened and God’s power – demonstration of Holy Spirit, manifestations of a world that is not physical or material at all, shall be witnessed by thousands and God at last shall be acclaimed as Lord of All.

A Calm and Quiet Courage
By the power of God healing streams are cast over you, the wounds of the heart and mind are healed. Strength is given to the physical body so that the days that lie ahead may be met with calm and a quiet courage. All who seek to be fed by God shall be given in a mighty measure. No one shall go away empty handed – except those who defy the law of God. But in the sweet by and by the chains shall be cast from them as well, for God will be shown as the Ruler and the Controller of their lives.

Great things are coming to pass. Shoulder to shoulder, those on earth and the Celestial Ones will stand ready to meet the on-coming foe. By the cross on their brow and the power of God released within them they shall go forward and the enemies, the powers of darkness, will retreat. In that day and in that time, although there may be sorrow in the land where some are concerned, joy shall be there as well.

As I leave you I ask that you put the mind of the body in its rightful place as a useful tool for the short span of earthly experience. Release those intellectual gifts that God has gifted to you by following the simple path of duty; by helping your neighbour. Thus the great law of Change and Transformation shall indeed be put into action and when you pass hence you shall be a source of warmth and comfort to those who are without.

LETTERS

CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE
Another wonderful day at headquarters! The morning was great as we took our way by train to London. We were all so excited. At headquarters we were welcomed by friends old and new, cups of tea and biscuits of course always start the day off well. As friends kept arriving the excitement grew; the love, the wonderful smiles and laughter created such a super spiritual atmosphere.

The afternoon began with Community Carol Singing and then the Service followed offering worship and praise to our Heavenly Father for His goodness towards us.

The flow of prayers, the singing and the power of the music was all so strong it created so much power of love in the Sanctuary. The Service was led by David Harris and the whole service flowed with Prayers, Readings and Carols. Megan Long, our National President gave the address, feeding us all for our future journey. I am sure that everybody who was there took a great deal home with them that day.

The Greater World is so strong; it is a caring family. It is the Way, the Truth and the Life.

We, at the Light of Christ Church in Newcastle, would like to say thank you to all those who made the day possible; for all the preparation and hard work behind the scenes that no one sees. Thank you to you all.

Before we close our letter we would like to say how much we missed Caroline Cowan; her laughter, her singing and the love of her presence. We send the love from our church and from ourselves and look forward to seeing you in the future, Caroline.

May all our friends who we used to meet up with at headquarters know that we do still think about them in our prayers.

We wish everyone a Happy New Year. May the Christ teachings build in strength throughout our world. God Bless You All With love
Maria Walley GWRM
Elaine Bagshaw GWMin. CGWM

Newcastle-under-Lyme CSC
A HAPPY GATHERING AT HQ
On December 15th 2007, David and Mo Harris and I left Plymouth with happy hearts, knowing that we were going to join all our family of The Greater World at headquarters. We were joined at Taunton by David Gravell, President of The Greater World Ilfracombe Church.

On arrival at headquarters we gathered together over a welcome cup of tea to exchange our love and news. Thank you to Joan Sims for the welcome cup of tea. At 1.00pm Community Carol Singing began; thank you to Paul Merryweather for leading us all.

The Carol Service of praise and thanksgiving for the birth of our Saviour, Jesus, the Christ, the Prince of Peace, commenced at 1.30pm. Megan Long, National President, gave the address; a message of upliftment and knowledge that we take with us as we ever spread the Christ Message here on earth. Bless you Megan.

Many thanks to Megan and George Long and the Trustees of The Greater World for their endeavours during the past year. Bless you all.
Jean Newell GWRM
Vice-President Oreston Crusader CSC
Plymouth



GOD’S GIFT TO US ALL
On Saturday, 15th December 2007 at headquarters in London, the Spiritual home of the family of The Greater World, those who had gathered, most travelling from afar, awaited the celebration to welcome the coming of the Christ Child. Within His Sanctuary, sitting high within His Association we were blessed with His gift of the Christ within to extend and expand in all areas of our lives and those loves that we touch. We each received a wonderful gift: In whatever you were doing or wherever you were did you receive this gift, this Christ filled time?

We worshipped His coming through fellowship of family, through laughter and voice and yes, even tears, gladness and happiness that once again we were together to share in this wonderful moment. We raised our voices singing those sacred hymns to lovely organ accompaniment, speaking sacred words, deep and meaningful prayer, readings and through a wonderful Christ filled address to complete a day that fed so many spiritually and physically, praising and welcoming our Brother Jesus into our midst and taking this gift with us at the end of the day to help and maintain the Christ Mission here upon the earth; leading the lost to the Loving Shepherd that He may lead them to the Father.

This day was full of wonder and full of gifts, just like that day two thousand years ago when the Magi came to worship the newborn King with offerings of love and so it was that this Christ filled day was also a day of gifts: One of giving and of receiving; a day made extra special by the presentation of a Star to Trevor Bellamy upon his retirement from the Board of Trustees, but who will continue to shine his light in his quiet and dedicated way. Maria Walley, President of the Newcastleunder-Lyme CSC received her GWRM certificate for all the hard work that she carries out advancing the Christ Mission of The Greater World not only in her area but also in her life. Everyone who knows her reveres her guidance and support. It made a wonderful finale to a deep spiritual occasion and a new beginning to the dedicated service of the Christ Mission Message and Ministry.

Fulfilled and happy were the pilgrims who went home renewed, ready to take up the mantle once again and move onwards, ever onwards.

Glynis Dailly GWMin. CGWM
Vice-President of The Greater World
Primus Missioner for Scotland

Bliadhna Mhath Ur a huile duine, a happy new year to everyone and may this be a year where we as children of God and with the godhead within can be united in His service to benefit all of His creation.

Glynis Dailly GWMin CGWM
Vice President

Christmas would not be the same without taking our pilgrimage to London. It is evident the magic of Christmas is alive and well. With friends who always endeavour to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

The Light of the birth of our Saviour almost upon us, the excitement was building up for this special occasion in the Christian Spiritual calendar.

“The Way, The Truth, The Life” being the thread running through the service: Which was eloquently spoken by our band of pilgrims; the crescendo was left to Megan Long in her address. It was the most uplifting time experienced by all present, with prayers, energetic interpretation of familiar carols sung with the accompaniment of deft skills on the organ by Marcus Davidson.

I think we might just have put the Mummers of ancient Rome to shame.

But the Christmas magic continued for Trevor Bellamy and me, as Santa came early. For once I was overcome by emotion, words just failed me. A phenomenon by itself!

As I received my G.W.R.M. certification the emotion was just too overwhelming.

Trevor had a star appropriately named after him and he was presented with the documentation. This moment will be etched upon our memory for many years to come.

Once more a big thank you, friends and family and to everyone who made it such a memorable day.

God bless everyone that serves

Maria Walley GWRM
President,
Light of Christ,
Newcastle-under-Lyme

OBITUARIES

To the Memory of Andrea Plassenger
Member of the Nisus CSC Stanningley, Leeds
I am sure that Andrea is laughing her socks off seeing me standing here before her family and friends, sharing a few of my thoughts with you. Those of you who know me know that it is not the sort of thing that I do. But today is an exception. I am going to speak about the work Andrea did for our Church.

First I would like to tell you about the time when Andrea visited my husband Dennis in hospital. Needless to say, Dennis loved Andrea to bits, as did most people who were privileged to know her. On one of the visits Dennis said, ‘next time you come, will you bring your scissors and trim my hair.’ The next time Andrea visited, she arrived with all her gear, cut Dennis’s hair and before she went home had cut the hair of everyone in the word – six beds in all. They wanted to pay her, but she refused – that was Andrea.

Then Andrea went to live in Spain. When she wrote or spoke on the phone the first thing she asked about was her Church and the people who attended – she missed the Church. We missed Andrea and looked forward to her return visits.

As soon as anything needed doing in the Church – Andrea was there – Andrea was a doer and got stuck in.

We needed a new Notice Board, before her Dad knew what was happening he had been volunteered and we had our new Notice Board.

Andrea was a great one when it came to Church Fayres. She would be in the basement before you could say ‘Jack Robinson’. She had an eye for quality and had things sorted in no time. I remember, as I am sure many of you will, the time she took second hand clothes home and ironed them because the thought they would sell better – they did.

When we used the Scout Hut, Andrea was there putting the bunting outside to help advertise the event. She would arrive with a big tray of fairy buns that must have taken an age to top and cream. My Dennis loved her lemon meringue pies.

Andrea was the one who had the idea of the plaque we have in the Church to celebrate our 25th anniversary. I am sure that it will be there as long as we are. We are now starting our 35th year.

One of the last things that Andrea did for the Church was to have the ceiling fan repaired. It had been making a noise for weeks. While we were wondering what to do, Andrea asked one of her relatives to take a look at it and as if by ‘magic’ we arrived one day and the repair was done – Thank you.

Andrea was a beautiful healer. She did some wonderful Spiritual Divine Services – not only in our Church but in Churches in other parts of England. Andrea I love you as my own – I will miss you greatly – as will your many friends at Nisus.

Ivy Davis GWMin. CGWM
15th January 1925-20th
February 2008

Many people will remember Ivy Davis with kindness and gratitude for the help she was able to afford to them in time of trouble. The Greater World will seem strange for a while without her because she has been so much a part of the establishment for so many years. She is probably best known for her Spiritual Healing abilities, especially at her Healing Sanctuary in which she worked with her beloved Syd for the benefit of all who came.

In years gone by she was often seen working at Lansdowne Road – the old headquarters. When the move was made to Conway Street, there she was carrying on as if there had been no change at all. At one time she was a Trustee of The Greater World.

At one of the Anniversary Services held in Euston Road, the medium did not arrive. Ivy was asked if she would step in and she did, with little preparation and totally unexpected she gave a wonderful service of upliftment and inspiration.

For many years she gave private readings at headquarters. People would come back again and again seeking her services; they would ask for her by name and even now people remember her, what she told them and how helpful she was to them. Then a little wistfully they ask, ‘I don’t suppose she is still giving readings, is she?’ At one point she was also the Leader of the Spiritual Healing Group at headquarters where once again she was in demand because of her compassion and care for those in trouble. She also trained Probationer Healers who are still working at headquarters.

On the Residential Courses Ivy and Syd took charge of the healing sessions where some wonderful healing took place not only for people on the course but for people who lived within the areas where the courses were being run.

Her interest in training led her to take the Mediumship Course and was presented with CGWM certification (Certificated Greater World Medium). She also held her Ministership in high esteem and was very proud of being a Minister for The Greater World and carried out her duties in a very sincere way. Her allegiance to the Christ Mission of The Greater World carried her to all parts of the world.

Although she was associated with other organisations, at one time being Chairperson of Surrey Healers; she also worked at the S.A.G.B. her heart was always with The Greater World and she did all she could to help spread the message of the Christ Mission in every way.

We know that you will be blessed Ivy for all that you have done. Thank you for your loving service and the example you set for so many who have followed in your pathway. You will be missed by all who knew you and we look forward to that beautiful meeting in the great by and by.

Megan Long
National President