An Interesting comment.... My hopes and fears got 2014....The Ten Indian Commandments

                                          ...My Diary....

19^th January my first booki1ng of the year at Perth Spiritualist Church (SNU).  There was a good turnout as usual at the friendly little church.

21^st – Only a short journey to ASK Neilston.  As well as a Divine Service at 7.30 on a Tuesday evening there is a development Circle at the same time on a Wednesday evening.  This would interest anyone wanting to know more about their psychic abilities and Spiritualism.  President and excellent medium in her own right, Sheila Caruthers takes this circle and has a wealth of knowledge on both subjects.

26^th – I attended the Stirling Spiritualist Church (SNU)  Linda Buchanan like Sheila above has spent many years in the movement and Linda is rightly pleased at the moment as many from her development circles are setting foot on the platform.  Good reports have come from other churches about these fledglings and soon they will be going far and wide in their own right to churches throughout Scotland and even further afield.

 

 

 

                                     ...This got me thinking...

 I got into conversation with an elderly couple who have been visiting Spiritualist Churches on and off for over fifty years.  The lady came up with an interesting comment that really got me thinking. 

“It is often said that the mediums of yesterday were much superior to the mediums of today and we are totally in agreement with this, and we think we know why...  In the past  mediums went into a quiet room at churches to meditate and get their link with spirit.  Today they just walk in off the street and straight on to the platform, or stand gabbing to all and sundry before stepping on the platform.  They are taking Spirit for granted and that shows up in their mediumship”.

That is a very good point and there could be a lot of truth in it.  I must admit to being one of the mediums who walk in to a church and blether till it is time to go on the platform.  Yet, a great many churches which I serve regularly ask if I would like a little time on my own.  .  That does not mean I walk in complacent and expect Spirit to jump to attention when I ask them too.  I do have my quiet time before I leave the house and open up to Spirit. Many a time i also take a few moments to blend with spirit before I leave the car and enter the church.  So it does not always mean that a medium not taking some ‘quiet time’ directly before a service does not take time to link-in and give Spirit respect

I was talking this over with a friend and they asked me“When did you stop sitting in a little room by yourself?   I stopped that a long time ago because sitting alone before a service made me a nervous wreck – much more nervous than I if I had been chatting to someone.  

Interesting this comment was made when it was, because a few days before I was honoured to share the platform with Kilmarnock Spiritualist Church’s fledglings and we all went to a quiet part of the church to meditate and ‘open-up’ before the service.  I really enjoyed this time and thought of changing back to this way...

I spoke this over with another medium and she felt it looked more professional for the medium to take time on their own before a service.  I have to admit I think she was right...

 

 

                                       ...My hopes and fears for 2014....

It may seem like my hopes – some may call it a rant – is the same as the past two years.

A comment from Stewart Alexander in PN; -

“When the messenger becomes more important than the message”. (For far too long it has)

So I am not alone in saying we must stop the slide towards celebratory status of mediums and entertainment as far as our religion is concerned.  This is by far the biggest threat to Spiritualism these days and it comes from within, not from without.   I have heard services and mediums judged on the amount of laughter during the evening... omg.  A Spiritual service is usually a happy service with laughter but as long as the laughter emanates from Spirit and not the medium trying to be a comedian.

In the same edition of PN Aileen Davies comments; -

“Are we failing Spirit?  How many of us ask/consider what Spirit thinks of new proposals connected to our religion?  Realise our healing and philosophy is as important as our clairvoyance”

I hope that in 2014 all connected to Spiritualism will ask Spirit before we act, and that we promote our Healing and Philosophy as much as we do our clairvoyance.

That in 2014 we must be more vocal in protecting our religion from the dross that has gathered around it.  Tarot cards and so much more have nothing to do with Spiritualism but so many think they are part and parcel of what we stand for.

Mediums should be deterred from using our churches as agencies for their own personal finances.  If one wants to go into business using their psychic abilities then our church platforms should not be available to them.  I feel that this should be discussed by all of our church committees as soon as possible.

One church has found difficulty in this area and has spoken up via facebook.

'Many Spiritualist Churches are unfortunately experiencing last minute cancellations.
Some Mediums are busy organising workshops, parties and private readings.
By all means pursue your dreams but please do not abandon your roots.
Please remember these Churches supported you when you were developing your gift.
They need your continuing support to help and comfort those attending services.'

Our churches hold the key to turning this around and now that one has spoken up it may be easier for the rest to follow suite

We must realise that there are who want to understand about their psychic abilities and how it can affect their everyday lives, they have no interest in platform work.  Yet almost all our workshops and classes are tailored for platform training.  This is something that should have been considered a long time ago and I hope that another year does not pass without this being rectified.   It is the same with those interested in the philosophy of Spiritualism – where is the opportunity for this?  Something else we neglect. When I stared out at ASK Stewarton over twenty-years-ago this was all in place but seems to be non-existent these days...

We should endeavour to keep our workshops in churches at the barest minimum of cost. 

And for another year I say that  ‘pastoral care’ is sorely lacking in our religion and I suggest that all church committees put this high on their agenda to be discussed and acted upon in 2014. 

My hopes and fears outside of Spiritualism...

That the young in our society get work with a future and they can start building a life for themselves.  So many over the past few years have become depressed and even thought of suicide as there appeared to be no light at the end of the tunnel as far a work is concerned

We stop conflict around the world before they escalate into horrendous situation like we see in Syria and the Congo at the moment.   Britain and the US are not trusted by many around the world and it is maybe time for countries like the Scandinavian countries, Nederland’s, Belgium New Zealand, Brazil etc to sit around the table with opposing sides.

My battle for the welfare of the racehorse will continue.  This year I will be concentrating on horses that collapse and die during a race.  Yes you could say that they are raced to death. Twelve horses have collapsed and died on our race tracks in 2013.

                                          

               The Ten Native American Commandments...

1.  Treat the Earth and all the dwells therein with respect.

2. Remain close to the Great Spirit.

3. Show great respect to your fellow beings.

4.  Work together for the benefit of all mankind.

5.  Give assistance and kindness wherever needed.

6.  Do what you know to be right.

7.  Look after the well-being of mind and body.

8. Dedicate a share of your efforts to the greater good.

9.  Be truthful and honest at all times.

10.  Take full responsibility for your actions

 

 

 

 

 

My Diary... A Mockery of Divine Justice... Kilmarnock Spiritualist Church... A Stray Cat's Prayer...2013 Looking Back...

 

 

 

20^th November I was at the College of Parapsychology, Edinburgh.   The college has an interesting programme throughout the year their website is worth checking out for the latest details.  www.edinburghpsychiccollege.com

24^th Was my last visit to Fife for the year and I was attending the Dunfermline Spiritualist Church, 3 Lady Campbell’s walk.

27^th Only a few miles up the road to ASK Neilston for a workshop.

28^th – There was a big turnout at the Larkfield Spiritualist Church, Blantyre.  This church opened its doors in 2007 and was quickly accepted by the community.  The church supports many causes including Hessilhead Wildlife centre in Ayrshire www.hessilheadwildlife.org.uk where we are currently sponsoring a roe deer named Scoobie.

1^st – December I was at the Ayr Spiritualist Centre, 10 Alloway Place.

2^nd – There was a good turnout at the Pollockshaws and District Spiritualist Church.

3^rd – Another good turnout for The Central Glasgow Spiritualist Church’s Tuesday afternoon service.  64 Berkeley Street, Glasgow, G3 7DS

4^th – I had a short journey down the road to The Kilwinning Temple of Light Spiritualist Church, Kilwinning.  This was one of the first churches I took a service at.  This has always been a church that has been well supported by the local community.

5^th Weather caused me to postpone the development circle.  In all the years – even in bad winters I have seldom had to cancel because of the weather.

8^th –I took the Divine Service at Kilmarnock Spiritualist Church on a very wet evening.  So wet that parts of the road were flooded and I am surprised there was a congregation.

9^th – I was again back at Kilmarnock and it was a privilege to share the platform with three of the churches fledglings.   Well done Andy, Elizabeth and Nadine And I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Kilmarnock church for letting me play a part in the development of their fledglings...

 

Silver Birch comments; -

“It is a mockery of divine justice to think that death-bed repentance will wipe away all the wrongs you have done”.  Yet there are many in other religions who believe a death-bed admission of wrong will clear the path in Heaven for their new life.  That is why I look on our 5^th Principle- Personal Responsibility – as being so important and makes it on par with the Clairvoyance in making us so different from other religions

And my thoughts above fitted in perfectly when asked at a discussion group recently, “What is the biggest gulf to bridge between Spiritualism and Christianity”...  As I was the only Spiritualist attending I am sure I shocked everyone by not coming out with “”Clairvoyance”.  I opted for “Our 5^th Principle – Personal Responsibility”.

As Spiritualists we are responsible for our own actions and that no one can bear them for us.  We cannot look on a death-bed confession as a guarantee of forgiveness and we will have nothing to answer for as we move into a new existence.  To do as we please during our prime and then to utter a few words as this life slips away thinking all will be forgiven, surely does not say much for us as an individual or do anything for the reputation of our religion.    We know that as we discard this physical body it is not the end.  The more effort we put into taking Personal Responsibility for our own deeds in this life, the smoother it will be for us in our next life.

Some of those attending were shocked that I did not pray on a daily basis that my sins be forgiven.  Several of the group kept repeating “”We are all sinners – including you”.  Yes, I don’t think anyone leads a perfect life but we just cannot go along each day collecting yellow and red cards, to use a football expression, and then to mutter a few words at the end of each day to get these cards rescinded.  And even we Spiritualists carrying Personal Responsibility to the fore cannot lead faultless lives.  These days we are part of an almighty rat race and the best we can do is hopefully making the right decision at the time.  If later we feel we could have acted differently then we can comfort ourselves by knowing that we did what we felt was right at the time.

Some religions = a religion of salvation by conformity, whilst Spiritualism = a religion of progression by endeavour.

One gentleman on the night brought up what I thought was a comical but also serious food for thought “Just say I am happy to go through life being greedy and tramping on the toes of others.  Having the best life I can, relying on the insurance of asking for forgiveness on my death-bed.  THEN SUDDENLY – I drop dead in the High Street... What becomes of me in the thereafter? There was no time to say I am sorry”. 

I am not making fun or being anti other religions but I feel that one should be able to look openly at their religion and see if what they have been led to believe over the years adds up... 

 

The Kilmarnock Spiritualist Church, founded in 1936 this church has long been a place of welcome, support and learning for all those who have entered its doors. This church is proud to be affiliated to the SNU, the leading Spiritualist organization in the UK.  And a quote from the church’s website.  “This church offers an open door to all who wish to enter and hope the saying “...there are no strangers here , only friends who have yet to meet” holds true for all who do” . For those living within traveling distance of the Kilmarnock church and want to know a little more about Spiritualism the Tuesday Group is something you may consider.  This friendly informal group meets at 2pm to investigate and explore all aspects of Spiritualism A very varied and interesting programme is in place and all members and non members alike are welcome to attend

 Weekly services include :

 Divine Service, this in structure probably resembles more orthodox services held on a Sunday at 6pm …with music, a speaker and a demonstration of Medium ship

 Public Demonstration of Medium ship held on a Monday evening at 7-30pm

 Healing Services are held throughout the week and are again open to everyone who would care to join with us and receive the benefits of Spiritual Healing  1pm on Tuesday…7pm on Thursday evenings —and 11am on a Saturday.

 The highlight of the year for many as far as Spiritualism is concerned  is “The Kilmarnock Experience”.  This is a  fantastic teaching  weekend of lectures , workshops and demonstrations with highly acclaimed mediums and tutors .
This is an opportunity to continue to develop and expand your psychic, spiritual and mediumistic potential to the fullest in an atmosphere of harmony and fellowship.

One of the pleasures of being on the platform of Kilmarnock Spiritualist Church is that on the platform one gets to admire the amazing stain glass window in memory of Duncan Bicket who was president of the church for close on three decades.  I find that I get great inspiration from looking at the window during the service, whether it is daylight or the street light that is shining through.    My only regret is that the congregation are not facing this beautiful window throughout the service.

 

 

                          A Stray Cat'S Prayer

Dear God, please send me somebody who’ll care…
I’m so tired of running and sick with despair.
My body is aching and filled with such pain,
And I pray for a cure as I run through the rain.

That someone will love me and give me a home,
A warm cozy bed, and food of my own.
My last owner left me alone in the yard…
I watched as they moved, and man that was hard.

So I waited a while, then went on my way,
To rummage in garbage and live as a stray.
But now, I’m so tired and hungry and cold,
And I’m so afraid that I will never grow old.

They’ve chased me with sticks and hit with straps,
While I run through the street just looking for scraps.
I’m not really bad, please help if you can.
For I have become just a “victim of man.”

I’m wormy, I’m starving and ridden with fleas;
And all that I want is an owner to please.
If you find one for me, I’ll try to be good.
I won’t scratch the carpet; I’ll do as I should.

I would love them, play their games and try to obey.
I would be so grateful if they’d only let me stay!
I don’t think I’ll make it too long on my own,
Because I am getting weak and I’m so all alone.

Each night as I sleep in the bushes I cry,
I am so afraid that soon I am going to die.
I’ve got so much love and devotion to give,
Couldn’t I be given a new chance to live?

So dear God, please hear me, please answer my prayer,
And send someone to me who REALLY WILL CARE.

~ANONYMOUS

 

 

Since its resurrection in December 2011the Psychic News has went from strength to strength and is now a glossy monthly magazine.  But I hope that this magazine does not become all glamour, glitter and celebrities.  We need more space for letters from readers, articles on the experience of the ordinary people who attend our churches...

2013 - Looking Back.....

Over the past few years I have been concerned about the closure of community halls and the increase in rental of those which stay open.  But so far this has not had too much of an impact on our churches.  Long may it remain that way?

Having it confirmed by the SNU that they will take action against any award holder that gives a demonstration of clairvoyance where drink is consumed.  We only need our churches to follow suit as far as the mediums that appear on their platforms.

The entertainment side still grows but maybe not as fast as in recent years.

The ego, fame and fortune still clings to the coat tails of our religion and is something that is not going to go away unless we meet it head on.

But I have seen worse years as far as ‘Spiritualism the Religion is concerned.

 

*** Plese excuse any mistakes as the PC or the site is playing up this exening***

 

Remembrance Service...More...Congregation Participation... Your Views... Good and Bad News... Cinderella...

27^th / 28^th October I was at the Glasgow Central Spiritualist Church, Berkley Street, G3 7DS.  There was a good turn-out on both evenings considering the atrocious weather.

31^st – I had a short drive to ASK Dreghorn.  This church could be doing with a little more support so why not pop along at 7.30 on a Thursday evening to the Townend Community Centre, Townfoot, Dreghorn, Ayrshire, KA11 4EQ.

2^nd November – It is always a pleasure to serve the Love and Friendship Spiritualist Church, The Couper Institute,  86 Clarkston Road, Cathcart, Glasgow G44 3DA.  President and excellent Spiritualist Medium in her own right Maureen Wisner (Land) still keeps the old-fashioned values of Spiritualism going.  More about that later... 

5^th – I attended the Cambuslang Spiritualist Church which has recently returned to its home at the Cambuslang Institute, Greenlees Road after a major hall refurbishment....

9^th – My workshop was postponed at the Glasgow Association and will now take place on the 16^th November...

10^th – It was a privilege to be asked to take the Remembrance Service at Largs Spiritualist Church, The Brisbane Centre, Bath Street, Largs,  KA30 8BL. (Sunday 2.30pm).

11^th – It is always a pleasure to head north to the Smithton Hall,
Smithton, Inverness. IV2 7NP  The people of this region have great enthusiasm for Spiritualism.  I say once again as the churches in this area have many mediums from the central belt of Scotland taking their services – few of the churches down this way invite from the north is it not about time this changed?

14^th – I attended the Pyramid Spiritualist Church, Leithland Neighbourhood Centre, Kempsthorn Road, Pollock, G53 5SR.  A friendly little church which gets good support from the local community.

16^th – I take my final workshop of the year at the Glasgow Association.

17^th - Family health problems meant I had to cancel my trip to Perth Spiritualist Church... I look forward to seeing you all next year.

 

 

In the past year or so there have been calls for changes to our Spiritualist services.  In some cases not just changes but demolishing what we have in our services at the moment.  There is always room for change but one step and a time with small tweaks here and there.  These alterations can add to congregation participation giving a more intimate and friendly atmosphere.  But we also have to remember we have more congregation participation during a divine service than most other religions. 

Attending the Love and Friendship Spiritualist Church and the Largs Spiritualist Church a week apart I saw little changes to the norm that other churches could adapt.

The Love and Friendship Spiritualist Church has stuck to a format that was used in the past and could be introduced again by many churches.  After the Service there is a get together with a cup of tea and then on to the healing.  After that those who have waited behind get the opportunity to say what they thought of the whole evening.  This gives those attending the chance to say how much they enjoyed or did not enjoy the evening, plus the chance ask a question about our religion.  I realise that it is not always possible with churches who rent premises to have time for this but where there is time it should at least be considered.

And what about the visiting medium staying behind for this part of the evening?  Distance to travel home, family and work commitments may mean that waiting that little bit longer is not possible but when they do stay on this is greatly appreciated by the congregation and the committee.  In the past I used always to try to stay on even though my alarm went off at 4am the following morning But

I have been neglecting this recently and hope to get back to staying on in situations like this in the future.

Often I hear Spiritualists complain that we don’t get to lay a wreath at the Cenotaph, by that I am sure they mean in London. But how many of our churches apply to be part of the local wreath laying service on Remembrance Day?  Or even hold a Spiritualist Remembrance Service in their church?  As far as the latter is concerned Largs Spiritualist Church does just that and I felt privileged to be asked to take the service.

For this special and important service a few changes to the norm was made.  Il Silenzio (The Silence) was played, there was not the normal address but that did not stop a few appropriate words just before the clairvoyance.  Something different for a very special day.  Well Done Largs Spiritualist Church!  So next time you hear a Spiritualist say to you “We never get to lay a wreath at the cenotaph” ask them if their church holds a Remembrance Service and if their church has asked for permission to be part of the local Wreath Laying Service?

And it is a myth that we are not allowed to take part in these services.  Stirling Spiritualist Church has been taking part in the local service for many years and Milngavie and Bearsden Spiritualist Sanctuary which has only been in existence for two years was laying a wreath the local cenotaph two months after they opened. 

 

Ben emails – “Tom – I enjoyed you posting the comments of others on what you had written in previous blog, as you printed the negative as well as the positive comments”.

Ben – I have had several similar comments so I will start them up again.

Plenty of comments on “Keep Spiritualism a Religion”

R - “If all of those connected to spiritualism thought first and foremost that they were Ambassadors of Spirit and not trying to enhance their own ego then we would-be accepted more as a religion”.

Vera – “So many individuals within Spiritualism let us down – but we are no different from any of the mainstream religions, in fact we are better off in many respects”.

Tim – “Why bother about other religions we do our own thing and if you like us you join us, if you don’t, then you go elsewhere.  ...

David – “I hold my hands up to being a bit over the top on facebook in alerting members of mediums taking our service, yet I am more professional in the advert in our local newspaper.  I suppose I was not thinking what non-spiritualists will think of our religion”.  But will I change?  No.  after talking it over with other committee members we decide that one way is right for the local rag and the other way is more in line with those on facebook”.

? – “Tom – move into the modern world”.

Anne - “I was shocked that my church ran a coach to see a so-called big named medium in a theatre it just did not seem right”.

? – “It would only take action against one  award holder for giving a demonstration of clairvoyance where alcohol was consumed then the rest would think twice before doing such a thing.  I don’t think this is rife among award holders but if it does go on let us nip it in the bud immediately”.

Mav “Friends and work colleagues attend psychic and spiritual gatherings I don’t know the difference but I look upon it all as a sideshow”.

Lynn – “I agree with your comments 100%.  I get so embarrassed these days in what goes on in the name of SPIRITUALISM” on and off facebook. 

J Porter – “Face book has ruined so much of the good reputation Spiritualism has earned over the years”.

R Davies – “Two camps in the movement, those who are willing to serve spirit and those who look upon it as a money making venture”.

So a wide range of comment to what I wrote a few weeks ago.  It is good that we can feel free to comment but should our views not be directed towards our churches and district councils rather than on the Internet?  Give you churches and district councils your positive as well as negative comments. 

I spend much of my time TV switching between TV news channels and even with the foreign news channels a snippet of good news is hard to find.  This past week has been no exception with the reporting of; -

Our minds cannot take in the devastation in the Philippines after Typhoon Haiyan, destroyed everything in its path.  We moan when a few slates are blown off our roof in a gale and then reach for the phone to contact the insurance company.  We cannot begin to put ourselves in the position of those in the Philippines who have lost everything and their lives will be changed forever.

Then there was the horrific account of an Iranian gentleman falsely accused of being a paedophile.  He was beaten and burned to death on a British Street.  It is bad enough an innocent person being accused of a crime but to be killed by a mob in such a way is the most horrific thing that could happen to anyone.

By far the most uplifting news report was of Pope Francis hugging a badly disfigured man.  A truly great act of kindness and compassion.

 

A date for your diary...  Saturday, 11 January 2014 at 19:00   GAS Drama Group present “CINDERELLA” Glasgow Association of Spiritualists, 6/7 Somerset Place, Glasgow, G3 7JT.  Tickets are now on sale at £5.

Good to see the church branching out and I can see two benefits for the church and its members.  1... It will give fledglings good experience in standing up in front of a group of people.  2... Those members with no aspirations to become mediums will feel they are playing a bigger part in church activities.