CALIFORNIA DIGEST
A Newsletter for New Church residents and friends of California www.californiadigest.org
Seeking Answers about Loneliness
by Rev. John Odhner
Is it good for us to be alone?
We are created to love and be loved. Genesis says,
“it is not good for man to be alone.” (Genesis 2:18). In the
New Testament we read that God’s intention for us is that we
love one another as He has loved us (John 15:12). According
to New Church theology, ”The hallmark of love is not loving
ourselves but loving others and being united to them through
love. The hallmark of love is also being loved by others
because this is how we are united. Truly, the essence of all
love is to be found in union” (Divine Love and Wisdom 47).
“No one should be wise and live for himself alone, but for
others at the same time. This is the foundation of society,
which could not otherwise exist” (True Christianity 746).
Since it is the nature of love to connect with others,
this is even more true of Divine love. “Love's union depends
on mutuality, and there is no mutuality within ourselves
alone. If we think there is, it is because we are imagining
some mutuality in others. We can see from this that divine
love cannot fail to be and to be manifested in others whom it
loves and who love it. If this is characteristic of all love, it
must be supremely characteristic, infinitely characteristic, of
love itself” (Divine Love and Wisdom 48).
Swedenborg writes some people live a virtually
solitary life, thinking that by giving up social life, business
and involvement with other people they will have more time
for meditation and preparation for heavenly life. Sadly, such
people in the next life continue to live by themselves and for
themselves, and having difficulty experiencing the happiness
of heaven, which comes from being with others.
If God is always present with me, why doesn't it always feel
like it?
Our ability to love others can only grow through
challenges and trials. When we are being tested, we may feel
distant from our friends and from God. David wrote, “My
God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? Why are You so
far from helping Me, And from the words of My groaning? O
My God, I cry in the daytime, but You do not hear; And in
the night season, and am not silent” (Psalm 22:1-2). “You
have put away my acquaintances far from me; You have
made me an abomination to them…. Loved one and friend
You have put far from me, And my acquaintances into
darkness” (Psalm 88:8, 18). You may recognize these words
1
2014
September
as describing the loneliness that the Lord himself felt when
His disciples abandoned Him and He was crucified.
In times of trial we feel distant from the Lord, but He
is actually closer at those times. "As long as the trial lasts, we
assume that the Lord is not present, for we are being harassed
by evil demons, so harassed in fact that sometimes we have
so great a feeling of hopelessness as scarcely to believe in the
existence of any God at all. Yet at such times the Lord is
more present than we can possibly believe. But once the trial
subsides we receive comfort, and for the first time believe
that the Lord is present” (Secrets of Heaven 840).
Ironically it is often when we are separated from
people we love that we realize how much we love them.
Sometimes it is the effort to get through really lonely times
that helps us value and work on our relationships. As
common as feelings of loneliness are in this life, they can be
part of the process that leads us to find the connection and
mutual love that will make up our heavenly life to eternity.
The Rev. John Odhner is an Assistant to the
Pastor at the Bryn Athyn Church.
Team Tyler Rides
L-R: Kim Smith, Kevynne Smith Chawla, Ashley Smith
Fidalgo, Tyler Smith, Adam Sandler, Jackie Sandler
September 1, 2014, Kim and Jon Smith will begin a
bicycle ride across the United States. They will be riding to
raise awareness of childhood cancer and to raise money for
childhood cancer research. They will begin in San Diego, CA
and cycle 3,069 miles, finishing in St. Augustine, FL.
Kim and Jon's story:
Childhood cancer has had a devastating effect on our
own lives. On December 3rd, 2003 our youngest daughter,
Tyler Rebekah Byrd (15 years old) lost her battle with
cancer. She was diagnosed with germ cell tumor, a very rare
form of cancer for a girl. After exhausting every treatment
that was available in the United State, we went to Europe,
and still found that we could not save her.
What we did learn through this process was the lack
of funds available for childhood cancers. Did you know that
in the U.S., more children die of childhood cancer than any
other disease? This includes AIDS, asthma, cystic fibrosis,
congenital anomalies and diabetes combined. And yet, all
types of childhood cancer combined receive only four
percent of the U.S. Federal funding for cancer research. This
was really alarming to us. We also found out the
pharmaceutical companies put close to nothing into
developing drugs for childhood cancer because it is not
profitable. We want more people to be aware of this huge
gap and help to make the change.
Here’s our goal:
We would like to raise $10 per mile during this trip,
resulting in $30,690 to help find the cure for childhood
cancer. We are asking foundations, corporations, businesses
large and small, and individuals for help in meeting this goal.
Along the way, we will be educating people and asking for
their support.
The money we raise will go to support St. Baldrick’s
Foundation. This organization funds lifesaving research
throughout the world, awarding grants that focus on all major
types of pediatric cancers. Every grant goes through a
rigorous scientific review process, ensuring every dollar has
the greatest possible impact for children with cancer. St.
Baldrick’s typically raises money by having people throw
head-shaving events. This is because kids with cancer often
lose their hair during treatment, so “shavees” for the St.
Baldrick’s Foundation show their support by shaving their
heads voluntarily, and inspiring friends and family to donate
money to support childhood cancer research. To show our
support, we will begin our journey by shaving our heads!
Lets band together to stop cancer, hoping someday children
can be children and not ever have to suffer this horrible
disease.
Editors note: This cause is near and dear to my heart. Tyler
is my first cousin and witnessing Tyler’s battle was
heartbreaking. Kim and Jon are awesome people with a
wonderful cause.
Kim and Jon visited Bryn Athyn the weekend of
August 23rd to do a kick-off event at New Church Live. Here
is a link to their video.
http://www.livestream.com/newchurchlive/video
Then click on “11 Years Later”, the New Church
Live service from August 24th. Their story comes on at
minute 32 (although the whole service is great).
To Donate:
Visit: https://www.stbaldricks.org/events/teamtylerrides
or call (888) 899-2253
L-R: Tarun Chawla, Kevynne Smith Chawla, Jon Smith, Kim
Smith, Rodrigo Fidalgo, Ashley Smith Fidalgo
Philippines News
Carla Caranog, NCCS Teacher
In the celebration of Nutrition Month, as part of the
New Christian Church School (NCCS) lessons, the teachers
cooked macaroni soup wherein the ingredients were brought
by the pupils. Some of the pupils were asked to bring the
ingredients for making macaroni soup. Some of them were
asked to bring eggs, mayonnaise and bread for the
sandwiches, and some were assigned to bring fruits, namely
bananas, apples and oranges for our dessert. The celebration
was held on July 31st, 2014.
Before we served the food to the pupils, we first
asked the Lord to bless the gift He gave us by saying a
2
prayer. After the prayer, they were all excited to eat the food
their teachers had prepared. The students loved the food.
We also give them sandwiches and let them eat whichever
fruits they liked.
Sunday school teacher, Melody Cavinta, informed
Rev. Elpie Enriquez that all the teaching materials/lessons
that had been sent from Australia were destroyed by the
flood. There were also books inside the cabinets in our
former school that got wet and were lying on top of the
cabinets. Hopefully, they could be dried out.
Melody's desire to continue with the task of teaching
the children does not waver. She will continue with what
was left her - her passion, love and dedication. Bishop
Arnold promised to send some replacement Sunday School
materials for our young children.
Michelle, our local PNJC treasurer, was also affected by the
knee deep flooding in her home, so, relief goods were
urgently provided. She and several others also needed
replacement clothing, bedding, pillows and blankets, as their
clothes and everything in their houses were wet and dirty.
They also needed detergent or soap for cleanup and washing
clothes.
Rev. Elpie had initially distributed rice, coffee, sugar
and T-shirts - not enough, but at least some help for the time
being. He also gave 4,000 pesos for the Pampanga Society to
buy rice and other food, although they were not as badly
affected. More needs were addressed after the receipt of the
money pledged from the USA, and what the Bishops sent
from Australia.
For days after the typhoon passed, the Southwest
monsoon brought more heavy rain every day with frequent
brownouts. There was continued concern for the church
families, but the typhoon aid given to them would sustain
them at least for a couple of days or more.
On Friday July 18th, Bible study was held as a part of
the neighborhood house-to-house Bible study program.
During the meeting, while discussing further relief work to
be done, a member came informing he was unable to
withdraw our relief funds because, unfortunately, the bank
had remained closed/ATMs off-line from the typhoon up to
that day.
On Sunday July 20th Rev. Elpie conducted more
personal visits to our members in Lalawigan who told him
their horrible experiences from the typhoon. More rice and
groceries were distributed. One member was already out
fishing while others were working on the Barangay cleanup
force in Lalawigan. Too many uprooted trees needed to be
cut and cleared for road clean up.
On Tuesday July 22nd, Rev Elpie had another whole
day of procurement, re packing and delivery of relief aid to
our badly affected members. He was assisted by his wife,
Helen, and Saling Avendano throughout the day in the
distribution of the supplies and groceries.
TYPHOON GLENDA
This report by Franklin Rogers was compiled from e-mails
he received.
Fishing in the steets!
The storm hit hard July 14th. Typhoon winds,
combined with a storm surge along the shore of Bataan,
caused flooding in Lalawigan where our church and school
are located and where most Philippine New Jerusalem
Church members live. Water covered the fish farms and it
looked like Manila Bay extended into the entire
neighborhood. One “benefit” was that people were able to
use nets to catch fish in the streets. However, fish farmers
lost their harvest and they would have to restock.
Many houses were flooded about knee deep due to a
storm surge that came in at 9 AM and only began to subside
at 3 PM. This meant electrical appliances on the ground
floor level were damaged and needed repairs.
The area did not have electrical power for three days,
and then there were frequent outages after it was restored.
The houses of several church members were badly
affected and people in the area where they live had to be
evacuated. Some were looking for even cardboard to replace
soaked bedding.
The Church was also flooded, but not as deeply as
some members’ houses.
Teacher Veron reported no damage to our new
school as it is on elevated land, however the old school and
the church were flooded with water and mud. The cleanup
was the most challenging part of it all, with black, sticky mud
to be removed. It was cleaned by Veron and co- teachers,
Cynthia, Carla, and Libay, and one of Hocson Baltazar’s
neighbors. Hocsan and Lydia live next door and provided
food for the cleaners.
3
The relief goods included sacks of rice, bedding
mats, blankets and coolmats. Australian $150 from Bishops
Arnold and Moffat was converted to Php 5,906.59 and used
to buy other supplies, including a half cavan of rice.
Some who received the relief goods shed a tear and
deeply appreciated the help extended to them. All were
extremely glad because it was unexpected. This aid was
possible because of a collaborative effort from all, including
donors. Funds donated by the San Diego Tagalog
congregation were to be delivered Sept. 1st by a member
going to Bataan.
Bishop Arnold asked Rev. Elpie to keep a record of
what monies were being donated/released to help with the
cleanup, also for buying clothing, bedding and foods. He
was arranging to send another donation from Australia.
On Friday July 25th, Bishop Arnold noted that
despite the difficulties and challenges, he was heartened by
what he saw to be Filipino acceptance of what is, and
readiness just to get on with life, and with what needs doing.
Our Philippine New Church members certainly exemplify
that thought.
Format : paperback, e-book
Length : 178 pages
Release Date : August 2014
To purchase, either call 610-430-3222 or go to
www.swedenborg.com
Heaven and Hell
Audio Download
By Emanuel Swedenborg
Translated by George F. Dole and read by Gordon Meyer
The New Century Edition translation of
Swedenborg's most popular and influential work is now
available in audio format. Heaven and Hell is a powerful
affirmation that we are all born for heaven, regardless of
background or religion, and that the choices we make in this
world shape our destiny in the next.
Visit www.swedenborg.com to listen to an excerpt,
download three free sample chapters, or purchase the MP3 or
iTunes full audio download
Regeneration
Spiritual Growth and How It Works
By Emanuel Swedenborg
Introduction by Lee van Laer
Palo Alto News
After this service, our next is September 7th, with
Rev. Jean Atta, followed by Rev. Mark Perry on September
21st.
Our next California New Church Board meeting
is Saturday, September 20th in Los Angeles.
Palo Alto Schedule:
Jean Atta Sep 7, 2014
Mark Perry Sep 21, 2014
Jean Atta Oct 5, 2014
Mark Perry Oct 19, 2014
Jean Atta Nov 2, 2014
Mark Perry Nov 16, 2014 Thanksgiving Festival Service
Central California Schedule:
Jean Atta Nov 30, 2014
Centuries before popular Western culture embraced
meditation, positive thinking, and the quest for
enlightenment, Emanuel Swedenborg developed a simple
formula for achieving personal spiritual growth. He called
this process regeneration.
Swedenborg discusses regeneration in many places
throughout his prolific theological writings. This book brings
his key teachings on this topic together in one volume,
illustrating the process of becoming a spiritual being and
discussing how and why that process works.
We look forward to seeing you at Church!
-Hannah & Jonathan
4
Junge Family Reunion
Bergen and Mary Jane Junge were happy to have all
of their family together in Southern California for the last
week of July. Kevin and Catie brought their family from
Bryn Athyn, and Justin was in town from Boston.
Los Angeles News
Ordination service scheduled for September 21
Jean Atta will be ordained into the second degree of
the ministry in a very special service with Bishop Brian
Keith presiding. John and Greta Davidson will host a
celebratory barbeque after the service at their lovely home,
and guests in town for the CNCB meeting, held at the manse
Sept. 20th, are invited to stay for the grand event.
The public is also welcome to attend this first
ordination in California in several decades.
The very busy summer has seen our little manse
transformed into a modern, comfortable and attractive home,
now occupied by our own resident pastor, Jean Atta.
Jean has been busy setting up the new church here in
LA, as well as traveling to points north for services in Palo
Alto and Mariposa. Our first service in LA was held on
Sunday, August 24th, and was a wonderful taste of things to
come!
Early in September, Director of Outreach, David
Lindrooth, will be coming to work with Jean in identifying
potential locations for best church growth. We look forward
to seeing David and welcome his input for our society.
A very exciting September is in store for Los
Angeles!
-Gabrielle Reynolds
Bergen and Mary Jane Junge (far right) with all their
children and grandchildren in Ojai, California
Excellent Advertising
Below is a picture of Brazil’s New Church minister,
Johnny Villaneuva’s car window. The photo is from Geraldo
and Scarrain Gomes.
San Diego News
Welcome Back Merlita
August 10th, Merlita was back at church, and instead
of a birthday celebration it was a "Celebration of Life" after
her recent heart surgery.
Editorial
I hope that you all had a wonderful and relaxing
summer.
I added an article about my aunt and uncle’s bike
ride across America to raise awareness for childhood cancer.
Apart from donating, feel free to share their story with
anyone and everyone. They want to get the word out that
childhood cancer research is limited and these kids need our
help and support.
God Bless,
Catie Jungé
California Digest Editor
Franklin and Merlita Rogers at church on August
10th. Merlita is holding beautiful flowers from Bergen and
Mary Jane Junge.
5
California Digest
Los Angeles New Church
San Diego New Church
Publisher: California New Church Board (CNCB)
Editor: Catie Jungé
Tel: 949-916-9436
(email: CatieDigest@gmail.com)
Donations: in US: $15; other countries $22 USD
Editorial Content: articles, letters, comments
welcome.
Please submit to editor by 25th of the month.
Contributions printed as space permits.
Classified advertisements: please call for rates.
Services temporarily held at the
Manse: 5022 Carolyn Way
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Tel. 818-249-9163
Website: www.newchurchla.com
2701 Meadowlark Drive
San Diego, CA 92123
Sunday Filipino Service 9:15 a.m.
(Tagalog)
Sunday 10:30 a.m. (English)
Joint service first Sunday each
month at 10:30 a.m.
Pastor: Rev. Mark Perry
Tel: 858-610-WORD
(e: cmperry@san.rr.com)
Palo Alto New Church
Central California New Church
Sunday services are held at the First Baptist Church,
NE corner of Bryant and California in Palo Alto, CA
God
Is
Good!
Thanksgiving Service: November 17th
Christmas Service: December 22nd
Children's class at 3:30 pm; worship at 4:00 p.m.
Discussion/class at 5:00; Dinner/Social at 6:00 pm
Contact: Jonathan & Hannah Cranch
T: 650-327-2788 (e: jpcranch@pacbell.net
Worship at the home of Jane
Schroeder in Mariposa, CA 95338.
T-209-966-3423 (Services/ doctrinal
classes quarterly.
"The Lord has compassion on everybody, loves everyone, and wishes to make
everyone eternally happy."
-Arcana Coelestia 904 Emanuel Swedenborg
6