CALIFORNIA DIGEST
2015
A Newsletter for New Church residents and friends of California www.californiadigest.org
July/August
many people. It breeds the feeling that if we are suffering in
To Please The Lord
some way, or if we have given up some external joy, taking
A Sermon by Rt. Rev. Peter M. Buss
(Taken from www.newchurch.org)
"He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what
does the Lord require of you but to do justly, and to love
mercy, and to humble yourself to walk with your God?"
(Micah 6:8)
Such beautiful words. Such a comfort to the soul that
is grieving, and feels the burden of sin. The context is
important. The Lord has a controversy with His people. They
have turned from Him. They have not obeyed Him. Has he
ever let them down, He asks? Have they ever had cause to
turn from Him? Look at what He has done for them. Then the
people, or perhaps the king, who at that time was Hezekiah,
give answer. What does the Lord want of me? What does He
expect, especially considering my past wickedness? External
worship, extravagant gifts, or the sacrifice of a child whose
birth formed one of the most precious moments of my life?
In the internal sense, a more complete and deeply
beautiful conflict of ideas is set forth whose resolution
simplifies life in this confusing culture in which we live.
These words are not chosen at random. Each word indicates
an attitude toward life.
"Wherewith shall I come before the Lord and bow
myself before the high God? Shall I come before Him with
burnt offerings?" This is a natural response in all of us: to
turn to the Lord in prayer, in confession, hoping that in this
lies forgiveness. This passage, together with several others,
is often quoted in the Word as an illustration of the fact that
external worship, confession and prayer do not purify us.
Such teachings are not simply said for bygone nations who
used to believe in the magical power of external rituals. They
are said for us as well. Rituals and worship are not by
themselves pleasing to the Lord. Nor does He want them by
themselves. We too can fall into the trap of confessing our
evils, getting a feeling of comfort perhaps out of saying what
bad people we are, without seriously intending to change; of
being members of the external church, and feeling a certain
comfort which turns us from the business of repentance.
"Shall I come before Him with calves of a year
old?"--calves which would be offered on that altar. Calves
represent natural feelings, the pleasures of this earth. A calf
is a harmless animal, but a useful one.
Sometimes we think we can please the Lord if we
give up a certain external pleasure. There is the martyr in
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away from ourselves an enjoyment that is perfectly
reasonable, then we are bound to be pleasing to the Lord. We
are showing how much He means to us.
We can see something of this attitude in an example
of a little child who has been given $5 by an aunt who then
leaves town. She tells him to buy some candy for himself and
his brother. He is tempted to spend it all on himself, but he
controls the pleasures of taste and he shares it with his
brother. That is a good thing to do, but there is a tendency to
feel that somehow by that he has earned salvation. Perhaps
there are people who have given up more lucrative jobs to
continue to live near a church society or to send their
children to New Church schools. They feel that the loss of
the pleasure which that sacrifice has meant buys them favor
with the Lord. It is not that they say it is so, but they
sometimes reflect on it with a great deal of satisfaction.
"Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams or
with ten thousands of rivers of oil?" The first two ways of
approaching the Lord are clearly good, but it is equally clear
that they are not by themselves enough. These next two are
more subtle. Rams represent the goods of spiritual life, and
rivers of oil represent the truths that come from good--the
truths that speak of good. We are tempted to feel that we can
live a good life without overcoming our evils if only our life
abounds in good things done (thousands of rams) and in true
things spoken (ten thousand rivers of oil).
Only a king could give thousands of rams. Not even
a king could give rivers of oil. We are tempted to look inside
ourselves and see untold treasures. The Lord has given us
some rather wonderful gifts and we feel that if we use these
good things to do what is good, and if we teach and speak of
wonderful ideals, then we are pleasing the Lord. Isn't that
what life is all about?
It sounds as if the answer should be yes. But it is not
necessarily so. A person can spend his life doing good things.
He can speak clearly and with great vigor of the ideals of the
church. Yet without the acts of repentance he may not love
these things at all. He may be using those good deeds and
good words to further his own ends. Do we win salvation by
many good deeds, thousands of rams, by many true things
spoken, ten thousand rivers of oil? No, we don't.
Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the
fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? Hezekiah turns to
that forbidden act of child sacrifice in the last question to the
Lord. This reflects a cry from the heart and an inappropriate
approach to our God. It is very different from all the other
offerings which have been suggested. The speaker now
knows that he has done evil. What can possibly atone for it?
The firstborn represents charity. It represents the
first, innocent joy in charity which the Lord allows all of us
to experience at times. Every one of us who can be saved has
at some time felt an unselfish joy and uplifting when he or
she has been able to serve someone else without thought of
reward. We have felt that this is the spirit of heaven. It is an
innocent love. We didn't create it. The Lord caused it to be
born—our firstborn child.
Sometimes when we realize that we have done what
is wrong we have the fear that that kind of love is lost to us
forever. Maybe we will finally be accepted by the Lord, but
the pure joy of heaven cannot be ours. We are too evil. There
are many people walking this earth who would love to turn to
the Lord, and perhaps in their hearts they are turning to Him.
But the hells have taken hold of their minds and they feel
more deeply than they can express that they are forever
inferior. They have sinned too much. The pure love of
heaven can't be theirs. God doesn't have the power to give it
to them. In feeling this way they are unknowingly saying that
their firstborn, something the Lord made in them, has died
and will never live again.
So let us rephrase the questions of the prophet Micah
in the language of the Writings. Wherewith shall I come
before the Lord and bow myself before the high God? Does
He want me to worship Him with my lips a great deal? Is that
all He wants--burnt offerings? Does He want me to give up
some of my external pleasures, perhaps even live a life of
self-denial-- calves of a year old? Does He want me to
plunge into acts of good and speak earnestly of lofty ideals so
that I will be a shining example to others of a saintly being -thousands of rams, ten thousands of rivers of oil? Or have I
sinned so deeply that I must come to Him as a second class
citizen who has lost his right to the true wonder of heaven?
"He has showed you, O man, what is good." Yes, it is true.
The Lord does have to show us what is good. Left to
ourselves we develop many strange ideas of what is pleasing
to our Lord, but what does the Lord require of you but to do
justly and to love mercy, and to humble yourself by walking
with your God? That seems to take care of it.
Yet there is an internal sense to these words too--an
internal sense which has endless meaning. Those three
phrases were not chosen at random, nor named in that order
without thought. There is a flow to them and there is a
promise in them. Justice is the law of the natural heaven. It is
the law that controls natural man. Mercy belongs to the
spiritual heaven because it is an essential feature of charity,
of how we deal with our fellow people. Humility comes from
walking in the presence of the Lord from a love of God
which ultimately is known only to the angels of the highest
heaven.
The simple truth is that we have control only over
the natural, only over the lowest of those three realms. The
only one that we can do as from ourselves is to do justly. In
that we can have a part.
It is interesting that doing justly involves all those
other five things that went before--all the questions in the
book of Micah. It is a part of justice to pray to the Lord
sincerely within reason. It is a part of justice to give up some
natural pleasures if they would lead us to love evil. Therefore
the Writings speak of sacrifices of calves being pleasing to
the Lord because of what they represent. It is a part of justice
to do many good works and to speak with sincerity of the
wonderful ideals of our church. It is even just to see where
our evils have hurt the spirit of charity, the firstborn with us,
and yet to see that in the Lord's mercy that firstborn can be
restored to us and not be sacrificed, even as Isaac was not
sacrificed though Abraham thought he would have to be.
You and I can do justly. We can act in the spirit of
the laws of justice which the Lord has revealed. And the first
law of justice is to reject what is wrong in us because it
hampers all further acts of good.
Of ourselves we can do justly. But how can we make
ourselves love mercy? We may speak of mercy. We may
force ourselves from conscience to show mercy. But what
power in the human mind can create the love of mercy?
Can we walk humbly? We may be able to curb pride and
conceit. We ought intellectually to acknowledge that all is
from the Lord, and without Him we could have no life. But
can we walk humbly? What power in us gives birth to that
spirit?
We cannot do these things. There is no power in man
to create a celestial or spiritual love. Yet the fact is that it is
part of justice to show mercy and to show humility even
when we do not feel or love them. It is part of justice to seek
for and long for a merciful and loving spirit in dealing with
others, and a humble heart in the presence of God.
No person in his early age can be merciful or humble
in spirit. Perhaps that is true through most of our lives. But
from early age we can long for mercy. We can long to lose
conceit. We can read the teachings about these things in the
Word and try to apply them. When we are angry with
someone else we can try to show mercy, shun unforgiveness.
When someone has done something wrong, we can pardon.
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We can develop a way to overcome self-righteousness and
the wish to condemn, try to
foster in ourselves a
willingness to overlook the faults of others—or better yet,
to help them with them if it lies within our power.
When we have done what is right, we can actively
seek to be humble. We can find ways not to take the credit.
Even as we smile and accept the thanks, we can consciously
turn to the Lord and give Him the glory. We may know that
the spirit of conceit has not yet been fully cast out, but we are
trying to walk humbly, and the Lord will hear and make our
efforts succeed.
As a church and as individuals we can love mercy by
seeking it. We can walk humbly by consciously avoiding
conceit and the desire for recognition, and by trying to be
grateful in the presence of our Lord.
What does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to
love mercy, to walk humbly with your God? The word
"require" means two things here. The Lord requires these
things in the normal sense, that is, He says it ought to be so.
But in a deeper sense, when the Lord gives an order, it comes
to pass. He makes it come to pass.
There is only one thing in all of life that we can give
to Him that is not His. That is our freedom. There is only one
thing which the Lord cannot have unless we give it. And that
is the decision to do justly. That is ours to give. And when
we do, He can give us the other two, more gentle qualities.
That is what He meant when He said--and these words are on
the beginning of the New Revelation given to the New
Church--"Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His justice,
and all these things will be added to you." Amen.
Lessons: Micah 6:1-9, Luke 18:9-14, AC 4899:3
Congratulations to our 4 new ministers who were
ordained on May 31.
Brett Buick is being assigned as Assistant to the
Pastor in Kempton, PA.
Jared Buss is being assigned as Assistant to the
Pastor in Toronto, Canada. He will also be doing some
travelling work in Canada.
Joel Glenn is being assigned as Assistant to the
Pastor in Oak Arbor, Michigan.
Thomas Floyd will be serving groups throughout
Scandanavia.
Congratulations, and best wishes to each of these
men and their families.
Listen to the sermon from the ordination service,
given by Brett Buick on www.newchurchl.org.
Philippine NewS
NCCS
Our New Christian Church School began SY 201516 with parents attending the orientation given by Head
Teacher Veron Cayabyab and staff. Parents participated in a
drawing to determine which session their child would
attend. We have two Kindergarten classes in the morning
and one in the afternoon. There is one Preparatory class in
the afternoon.
Officers were elected for the Parent-Teacher
Association.
Work for the NCCS staff continued during vacation
with preparations for the next year, including building
maintenance and cleaning. Another activity that goes on
during and between the school years is personal tutoring of
students.
New Ministers
PNJC LALAWIGAN
Rev. Merlita Rogers holds Bible Study on Fridays in
the Lalawigan New Church with other meetings on Saturdays
in the rural community of Lorta. Lorta meetings are outside
under the trees, weather permitting, during the rainy
season. She also preached Sunday services in Lubao,
Pampanga, during Rev. Ronnie Sauler's recovery from eye
surgery.
Merlita was surprised by a "Celebration of Life"
observance after the June 7 Lalawigan church service to
mark one year since her heart surgery and revival from code
blue in the ICU. There was a special meal with cake and ice
cream for the congregation.
-Franklin Rogers
Jared Buss, Brett Buick, Joel Glenn , and Thomas Floyd
(from left to right in the photo) were all ordained on May 31,
2015 in Bryn Athyn, PA.
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Unlike last year where there was a visible divide
between those who support Women’s ordination into the
ministry, and those who vote for a male only clergy, this
year’s discussions and overall mood of the different meetings
were peaceful and loving. A separation in the clergy is
certainly not something on the table as we all love our church
and we pray that God Himself guides our hearts and minds.
We pray that the Lord continues to shed some light where
our understanding seem to be obscure or partial. “Blessed is
the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not turn to
the proud, to those who go astray after a lie!” Psalm 40:4.
Although I suspect that some church members feel like they
are not valued or that their voice is not heard by the clergy, I
would invite all of us to trust in the Lord that He will always
render justice, should there be the need. Let us all strengthen
the New Church!
As the church is growing in different parts of the
world, such as India, Africa, Europe, Asia … there are huge
challenges that face the USA. And it is all of us our duty to
hold on tight and confirm our faith and love to the Lord by
growing His church. The Lord is always teaching goodness
of life for people who are to be constituents of His New
Church, which is the New Jerusalem. Let’s open up to His
goodness and His truths for the sake of our own salvation.
I will end with the following question: How often do you
read the Writings? How can you contribute to the growth of
the New Church in your area and elsewhere?
May the Lord bless you all.
Rev. Jean Atta.
News from Los Angeles:
In our humble attempt to grow, we are facing several
challenges that remind us that church growth has never been
an easy business. It takes more than willingness. Actions
must confirm ideas for change to take place, and there is no
accomplishment without disciples and vision. Like the
Lord’s Divine Providence, church growth and spiritual
leadership should regard what is eternal, and continually lead
unto salvation.
Upcoming activities in the Los Angeles area:
Board meeting: July 9, 2015 at 7PM (Discussion about the
future of the New Church of Los Angeles)
Church service: July 5, 12, 19, 26. August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 ...
NB: Doctrinal class after church service on July 5 & 12 and
every other Sunday.
Please contact us at newchurchla@yahoo.com or
818-442-1014/818-249-9163 for any questions or comments.
Also visit our website: www.newchurchla.org for more info.
God bless. –Rev Jean Atta
Merlita and Franklin Rogers with her Celebration Of Life cake
Palo Atlo News
Our next service is July 19 when Rev. Jean Atta
will preach, then Mark Perry visits again on August
16.
We look forward to seeing you at Church!
-Hannah & Jonathan
Los Angeles News
Dear friends of the New Church in Los Angeles,
It has always been a pleasure for me to share a few
words of hope and love with you.
I just returned from the General Church Council of
the Clergy Meetings. Several ministers from all over the
world met in Bryn Athyn, PA for a series of meetings and
workshops. It was wonderful to experience love and hope. I
have always dreamed of a New Church that promotes the two
great commandments of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Let’s all remember that the Lord is not only the truth, the
way, and the life, but also the only God of heaven and earth.
Whenever the clergy meets in the name of the
salvation of souls, the Lord’s Divine Influx is within them. In
fact talking of the Lord’s Divine power and activity, the
Writings state in True Christian Religion 146 that: “The
activities of the Lord (reformation, regeneration, renewal,
quickening, sanctification, justification, cleansing, the
forgiveness of sins and finally salvation) are sent by the Lord
to affect the clergy as well as laymen, and they are received
by those who are in the Lord and have the Lord in them
(John 6:56; 14:20; 15:4, 5).
And the reason why enlightenment and instruction
are especially given to the clergy is that these things are a
part of their duties, and that ordination into the ministry
carries these with it…” We all pray that the Lord continues to
use us as tools for the salvation of souls.
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Peter Devrassy from India, Derek Elphick from Rochester,
Michigan, Andy Dibb, Dean of the Theological School,
Gorán Applegren from Sweden and Jay Barry from
Glenview, Illinois. These meetings were good for me,
mostly because they recharged my batteries and gave me
inspiration to return to San Diego to do the job of
Ministry. Listening to and being part of a worship with
about 80 other ministers is a moving experience. Morning
worship singing is just awesome! I still believe we should
cut a “ministers sing hymns” CD.
June 19th
Our New Church June 19th day pick nick was just
about perfect! The weather was warm and clear and the sky
azure blue. We gathered at a new location this year at Lake
Poway (thanks Jessica Pham for finding this incredible
spot). In fact we all loved it so much we plan to reserve it
again next year. Our service looked at many of the blessings
and promises in Revelation chapter 21 & 22.
There was boating (thanks woman’s guild for paying
for the rental) and fishing (thanks Errol Ovid for bringing out
the gear we needed) and great fellowship. We have a great
congregation and I love and care about you all! I love being
your pastor and I love you all.
-Mark Perry
The June 19th picnic
By Sean Perry
The celebration this year took place at Lake Poway.
The place we reserved was area 17. It was located on top of
the hill that overlooks the lake. There were a lot of fish in the
lake (one of them rumored to be tagged that could be traded
for a million dollars).
It started with a sermon with Pastor Mark Perry
telling of his understanding of the book of revelation. After
the sermon, the picnic began. With plenty of food, the picnic
lasted for many hours. The Women’s Guild paid for the kids
to ride a pedal boat. Many of the men tried their luck in
fishing. Sadly (form what I heard) they caught nothing.
Overall, everyone had a good time. The reserved
location was a beautiful place, and many want to reserve the
location next year. Special thanks to Jessica Pham for getting
our reservation for area 17. Another special thanks to Lyn
Perry for helping organize the pedal boats.
San Diego News
New Look for San Diego Chapel:
I am delighted with our new backdrop that was
painted by my aunt Yoné Goodall, visiting from South
Africa. This painting has given a wonderful depth to our
shallow chancel. The detail of the butterflies is stunning and
I love the river of life theme! The flora, particularly the
agapanthus is very San Diego. Thank you Yoné!
Minister’s Meetings in Bryn Athyn:
Meetings this year were rather enjoyable. There
were a number of thoughtful papers given on the topics of
salvation, what constitutes church and the life after death
amongst others. What stuck me as surprising was there was
virtually no conversation on the subject of woman in
ministry. I got to spend some one on one time with friends:
Editorial:
I hope you are having an excellent summer! Because
the summer is a slow time for news, we are combining this
digest into a July/August combo issue.
Catie Junge
California Digest Editor
949-285-3626
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California Digest
Los Angeles New Church
San Diego New Church
Publisher: California New Church Board (CNCB)
Editor: Catie Jungé
Tel: 949-285-3626
(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.org
2701 Meadowlark Drive
San Diego, CA 92123
Sunday Filipino Service 9:00 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
We meet in the chapel of St. Mark's Episcopal
Church at 600 Colorado in Palo Alto. It is the
small building to the left as you face the main
building.
God
Is
Good!
Central California New Church
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
"He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you but
to do justly, and to love mercy, and to humble yourself to walk with your God?"
(Micah 6:8)
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