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John-Roger’s Memorial: A Celebration for the Ages

The love was palpable in the room at J-R’s memorial. The community came together in Loving as we held each other, shared our stories, honored how J-R touched our lives in a profound way and affirmed how his legacy will live in each of our hearts.
Cheri Jamison, California

What a sweet, profound, tender, magnificent evening of loving, and joy, and fellowship among us lovers of J-R… Having been around since childhood (J-R baptized me in his Baldwin Park pool in ’72 – I was 8) it was particularly moving to see folks like Michael Sun, Michael Feder, Benji, etc, etc. The night was wonderful. Hope we find ways to do more of this as J-R’s love continues to expand and magnify in all of our hearts.
Paul Davidson, California

It was a once in a lifetime experience, to give thanks to a man who has touched so many lives and celebrate his amazing life. It was sacred, joyful and filled with the gratitude of Spirit and of the Christ. I am so happy I was present in fellowship with my beautiful spiritual family.
LeAnna Sharp, California

Feeling so full of loving and so grateful for our true family. We watched the celebration from our home. Beyond word level!!!!
Donna Perdue Hillinshead, North Carolina

I experienced J-R’s memorial celebration as the perfect way to honor and thank our Beloved J-R for all of the ways he served us, for all of the blessings he bestowed upon us, for demonstrating what is truly important – that we love ourselves and one another the way he loved/loves us. It was also a great way for all of us to re-member that J-R is still present with us and always will be. While I know J-R wouldn’t have cared about having a memorial for himself, I do think he knew it was for us who are still here and I think he would have thoroughly enjoyed the evening — and probably did — from his place in the Heart of God. Thank you to all who made the celebration possible, for all who participated, for all who attended. It truly was a glorious event worthy of who J-R was and continues to be!
Candace Semigran, California

Enjoying the Loving, the re-membering, re-connecting … from MSIA in A-s-i-a.
Loving you All…

David Clegg, China

Wondrous! Filled and overflowing with the Spirit of John-Roger, the Love that he is, and the Love that is the I AM in each of us. John-Roger informed and continues to inform every aspect of our lives. Everyone who shared touched our Hearts lifting us Higher and Higher into the Radiant Light of the Traveler and the Christ. We are so grateful to be part of John-Roger’s Living Legacy.
Ron & Mary Hulnick, California

It was a heartfelt, amazing, glorious celebration of the very best in each one of us as we honored our J-R. I had the sense that J-R watched over and blessed us with His radiance from the very Highest of Highs where he now resides.
Rachael Jayne, California

Myles and I thought it was heartfelt, fabulous and a full joyful experience of loving. Took Myles back to his earliest memories of being in MSIA.
Olga & Myles Abrams, California

I do not recall ever going to a memorial to find myself so expanded and energized afterward that I had to force myself into bed at the wee hours of the morning, even though I was still hyped up! Yet, that is what happened at JR’s memorial. Like the man himself, it was an exquisite multi-dimensional experience that stretched my mind, and heart wide open! And that tickled my insides as we got down and got funky on the dance floor! Does this spiritual group edit their physical expression? Not necessarily! Instead, like JR suggests, we like to “LOVE IT ALL!” using everything for our growth, upliftment and learning… even when Usher is under rap!
Julia Snyder, California

So deeply grateful for it all. And I loved bringing Michael Sun back on stage to sing to us about love in his sweet, soul’s voice. Thank you Michael for saying yes.
Carol Jones, California

J-R’s presence was palpable. He spoke through those who shared with the group and his loving filled the room as if he was with us physically on stage being our Traveler. I am so grateful I was there. It was a real demonstration that the spiritual essence of our beloved Traveler is within us.
Lori Matson, California

A group of us gathered at Catherine Corona’s lovely home near Boulder Colorado to share a potluck and the online event last night. I was so moved by everyone’s sharing, especially a few of the old timers who haven’t been around much for a while. In my own typical fashion I closed my eyes at different times and found myself in the room at the 4 Seasons. JR taught me how to do this. And saw other folks in Spirit there, JR showed me how to see that. Then I saw JR, he appeared as himself at different ages. That was beautiful. And he then showed/taught me something new. The Teachings are alive and moving! As I sat and shared in last night’s program, tears started coming again. And I’ve been very teary again today. Somehow there is such deep gratitude in these tears rolling down my face. So much of what is amazing, incredible, beautiful and joyful in my life is in my experience through his loving, through his unconditional giving, through his ruthless help he has given me to reach myself, to be myself, to be Soul Aware. Last night was powerful for me and just keeps reverberating!! Thank you!
Win Hampton, Boulder

I loved that Benji spoke of J-R’s Soul being present as part of the Jewish tradition. It’s no accident that Benji played such a large part in J-R’s last big trip. I LOVED the 2 flies story. I will be interested to see if the archive version is edited as to the Greek woman comments. Pauli Sanderson and Betsy Alexander are the scribes of J-R’s journey with us. I am sure Betsy had an opportunity to be on stage and declined. Leaving Pauli to steal the scribe show with her Second 25 years of J-R account. Michael McBay brought a wonderful POV to the show. Michael (Sun) Davis was the prodigal son returning to bring a radiant energy of loving as if this was the Conference of Loving (which it was/is). Even to the last “bit” of Zeus doing Brick House to Nat’s ethereal George Harrison verse, this event was imbued and thoroughly soaked in the raucous humor that J-R so lived and loved. The last shall be first as Lori Bullock-Bort and Jason Laskay were mentioned at the very end. “Lori the cook and Jason”! It was so beautiful to witness Michael Feder kind of in competition with Russell Bishop. He mentioned Russell’s sharing at least three times. Russell was as good as he gets. Michael Hayes was transcendent and thoughtful as always. John Morton, you rose to the occasion! The Prez had really beautiful stories to tell. This event will stand through all time as a testament to the brilliance and inspiration of the one we knew as John-Roger for those who created it truly demonstrated his teachings, humor, freedom and grace. Kids, you did a really excellent job and we will never know all the behind the scenes dynamics and how all of you chose the higher path to manifest our complete joy. We each individually opened the space in Spirit for the majesty we witnessed.
Peter Bort, Pennsylvania

I watched the celebration online and during the process of sharing about J-R, I found myself really seeing the unfolding through the years that brought me to Soul awareness and change. I met J-R in 1974 with my friend Suzanne Hertzfeld and she said it was very important that J-R meet me and I am sure that my Soul awakening and karmic release began then. Somehow even with all the resistance that I had I began to accept my divine nature and know what I truly wanted, to be devoted to my spiritual growth, to know God and to see the Magic that happens when I get out of the way. I have learned to practice gratitude and loving for myself and others in everything that I do. I always come back to the loving and letting go of anything that does not serve me. I was initiated by J-R and it was a time when he no longer did initiations, and I was told that I was blessed, I realize this now, that I was worthy of love. I am so grateful that I said “yes” to the teachings and continue my learning.
Peggy Millar, California

The day was magnificently put together. That is no surprise because we are J-R’s kids and he taught us well. Love, his ministry, was clearly present. It was so great to see Michael Sun again. I use to sit with him down on the dock in back of the house he lived in with others. I would be composing songs and strumming his guitar. It brought back all the memories of the excitement of the early days. It can be difficult to go back into the world after a day like we had but as J-R told me right from the beginning, “Annette, it is easy to be a Saint when you lock yourself in a room with a book (I was always reading all the lives of the Saints) but your work is out in the world amongst its people.” Since J-R transcended , he has been letting me know that he is still with me. Oh how I so truly Love our Family!
Annette Saint John Lawrence, California

I was online. Magical. Moving, surprising, sweet, heart, mind, memory opening. Funny. I find myself a little ‘out of it’ today in a peaceful way. I am considering my life, calling on the Light and the Traveler/J-R. I arrived on the scene just after Michael Sun left, but loved his music, and felt a great healing /blessing taking place in our family by his presence. Missed Edgar. Loved all the sharings. Still have a crush on MF, I find! LOL. (Slightly embarrassed.) Loved how low key and authentic it was (or appeared to be). There may have been feet paddling like crazy under the surface.
My friend and neighbor came in for part of it. She is the first person to earn her doctorate from Insight University, yet she had had no prior connection to J-R. This was pretty much her first real exposure. Interesting to see what develops, if anything from that. I so loved seeing everyone.

Vivien Young, Texas

It was all about LOVE. More Love than ever. Deeper, bigger higher LOVE. J-R is LOVE. Every story , every Joke every song every J-R excerpt was filled will glorious LOVE — around the world we felt it. Highlights for me were ( wow so many — in fact ALL was a HIGH LIGHT). But Russell’s sharing was a good one ! So was Michael McBay’s, so was Pauli’s … I do like funny. And Boy J-R was funny…. beautiful music from Tony Selvage. Then Michael Davis Sun turns up… stunned thrilled, touched and what a beautiful song… and it was ALL ABOUT LOVE! It all came together on so many levels and I KNOW a major blessing was had by us all and in fact all creation…then to top it of John Morton FINALLY showed the clip of him singing “Carrying the Torch.”
The first time I heard JM sing that ( i dunno was it 15-20 years ago ? ) was the day I knew who he truly was — the day it was worth being born. It was so profoundly beautiful… and wow. Ok Wow. Thanks John Morton. Thank you Jsu Beloved and Nat the sweetie Beloved. Thanks J-R and we all feel so close.
LOVE IS THE WAY. AMEN.

Irene Teresa Chlopicki, Australia

I am basking in the loving. So grateful to have shared the amazing day with you all.
I loved seeing friends I had not seen for ten years, telling Michael Sun ( whom I had never met) how much I love his music, chatting with Michael Feder (yes- still have a crush), dancing and just being a part of the love fest!
I lost it at El Shaddai. I love you All Ways J-R. Thanks to all who gave us this amazing day!

Jan Elpers, California

I was in awe yesterday, both at the beauty of the day celebrating JR’s life, and at the awareness of how quickly this large event was put together. Thank you to all those who put in the many hours to prepare the place for us to bathe in this latest tide of the swell of JR’s life and gifts to us. Thank you for the chance for us to be together in our home of homes. Thank you, Jsu and Nathaniel and John, for including us in JR’s family’s expressions, and those who hadn’t been around in a while. I was so appreciative of the uniqueness of this gathering. The sacred and so free Amazing Grace at the start by Eric was perfect, and to hear and experience Michael Sun Davis, a very satisfying surprise. I felt and feel, as Phil Danza expressed, that JR is right here, and as if the smile of his presence is wider and huger than ever. I experience John Morton as brimming and almost bursting quietly with blooms of expanded loving and Light. I continue to send Light to all of us and all varied emotions and experience of this process.
I so enjoyed Benji’s sharing, and would love to know more about the Kabala/MSIA parallel.
I felt so honored to be present at the Morton family sharing; I see Claire as having given so much to JR just by her presence, and my heart goes out to her in peaceful trust and love and appreciation.
I appreciated the timing of the day, the chance to share and hear stories with those sitting around us, to laugh, to be fed, to be there with my mom, Mary Lou Jacoby, who brought JR into my life, my husband Gavin, with whom I get to share this sacred journey, and to joy-boogey to Phil Danza’s great beats. Thank you, and to those who made the beautiful JR clips. It was such a very very fitting celebration.

Susan Frye, California

Terry and I watched J-R’s celebration online yesterday…when it was over I said, “It’s such a shame that I’ll never get to meet J-R…I never got the chance.” It probably won’t come as much of a surprise to many of you that last night J-R appeared in my dreams and I had an interaction with him. He touched my shoulders and said they were cold, and told me just what I needed to hear right now, then he took me in an elevator with a few other people, and we walked through the doors, without them having to open. Thank you J-R for giving me the experience I sought — I feel like now we have met — and thanks also to everyone who made yesterday’s celebration so heartfelt.
Keidi Keating, Ohio

I felt so deeply connected to J-R and all the rest of our beautiful spiritual family. The sharings were so heart-felt and so genuine that I felt like I was right there in the room. I saw my old, dear friend, Angela Bell up there hugging John Morton and I just sort of slipped in there in Spirit and joined in a group hug with the two of them. I was especially moved by Michael Sun’s (Davis) performance. Seeing him again really moved me — I am a musician and I have always been in awe of his music… and besides, he did my ordination. I often listen to my ordination tape and it brings up a lot of Love not only for the Traveler, but for Michael as well. Deepest, heartfelt thanks to every last one of those who participated and every last person who helped plan and put it together. J-R was probably there watching it all, laughing, dancing, joking and smiling — perhaps saying … Look at that, look at that, will ya? They really got it. They’re really doing it. God Bless us, each and every one.
Craig Reid, Connecticut

20 of us Coloradans gathered at my house outside of Boulder, starting to come around 2:30. One person came from Crestone, 4 1/2 hours away, many from Denver made the effort and the drive. We had a beautiful light circle calling in the light before the event began. The caring and loving in the room was profound. Some of us took a computer into a quest room and cuddled on the bed to watch, We had a huge and delicious feast (seems it’s not an MSIA event without a wonderful meal). Some stayed to midnight. We shared and laughed and loved and there were some deep moments of quiet and stillness between us all, just being together in the loving and the silence. Watching the Celebration online was magnificent. It was as if the room in California expanded to encompass our room in Colorado and then stretch throughout the world connecting us all in a giant matrix of loving and transcendence of Soul where there is no space or time only loving. Thank you JR! I hope you had fun!
Catherine Corona, Colorado

WOW!!!! I found it such a gloriously awesome Honoring of our Beloved Such caring, Loving, Peace, Joy present, not to mention the power of Spirit! Awesome video stream, too!!! Thank Hu all involved, on all the levels ~ soooo, so Loving our glorious MSIA family!!!! Love, Love, Love To All!!! Bless + Wow!!!!
Dawn White, Australia

Experiencing such great appreciation for Jsu, Nat, John, the Prez, NOW productions, and all the many hands and hearts who made such a beautiful event for us.
Martha Boston, US Virgin Islands

What a love-filled experience. I sat enthralled for 6 (SIX!) hours, with everything from tears to belly laughs. THANK YOU, THANK YOU to one and all for your heartfelt contributions.
Susan Wiltse, Michigan

MORE COMMENTS
It was so worthwhile to come here in person from the East Coast… I had been saying to myself for many years that when J-R passed, I wouldn’t want to miss being there. This was such a wonderful tribute, so many of my amazing family members spoke with such love and humor and insight about the experiences — I laughed till I cried!!! SO blessed that I was able to be here… J-R’s love and laughter were so present and that amazing feeling when the Traveler’s spirit is filling the room!!! Thanks to everyone for putting together such an inspiring tribute!!!!
Michael Slom, New Jersey

This was a fabulous Christmas gift, and as I walked in and out of the room doing laundry and other things, the energy was right there. For me it was also an experience of completion…finally hearing stories from people
who I don’t know personally but who exemplify the excellence of service that JR has always encouraged in us. And to hear John sing … priceless!

Susan Woolley, Washington

I was so filled with love. I so enjoyed hearing people speak about the stories of JR. And the music. I felt it was so beautiful. So nice to see people I only knew by name — wonderful to have an experience of them. I came away feeling JR is still here. Not such a loss after the Celebration. Thank you for all the work you did. The beauty on the background and the flowers on the stage were gorgeous. Such a beautiful touch. I am still today filled with love with all the sharings and laughter. God bless.
Madonna Donna Morrow Smyth, Colorado

I have been so filled with the Loving heart, hearing the experiences and feeling the Love coming forth. It was beautiful. Unfortunately, being on the East coast I wasn’t able to make it past 12:15 EST. Moved to tears all with overflowing love, sadness and laughter, often interchanging at the drop of a dime, it was quite a beautiful moment for me. I haven’t been in the CA loop. However, I have probably seen J-R probably 3 times over the 17 years in the Movement and he always had something to say. (I think that was brought up last night about the direct relationship he had with each of us.) Once I was even scolded by him during a seminar! What a joy it is to watch now and know it was me he was directly talking to!
Deb Hursa, North Carolina

So grateful to everyone who put this together, but more grateful to all the people who spoke from their heart, their experiences with J-R, their authenticity, their vulnerability — J-R was/is present there, here, now. Thank you all!
Linda Joy LaPointe, California

It was magnificent.
Sally Kirkland, California

Thanks for asking … actually I was asleep almost the entire time … could not stay awake even in the middle of the day in Australia!! Woke remembering an in-depth conversation regarding wisdoms with a beautiful palomino horse … I am looking forward to partaking of the taped version and finding out what lots of other people did … the small bit I did see, I realized that JR was present in just as tangibly and more expansive a way, than when here physically here … and then I was not awake here … my story …
Michelle Hulley, Australia

Several of us gathered at Ann Folks’ house to watch. Had trouble at first, couldn’t get onto Chrome. Throughout we had intermittent green pixels covering the people onscreen! But hey, green pixelations can’t prevail against J-R and his people, and it was the sweetest experience ever. I really don’t think it could have been planned any better. Loved every minute, and stayed till midnight, just to see my beloved friends dancing.
Marsha Winborn, New Mexico

Had a great day at the McVicar’s home on the northern beaches of Sydney. As someone who only really got to know J-R on the inner levels it was still fun to hear the stories. The U.S. J-R the man, MSIA the organisation and what goes on over there is not part of my life and is only the 10% but I am grateful to those who put themselves on the line and make the teachings available. Everyone was well behaved, we shared stories, and laugh and lots of food. So many keys revealed to me during the online transmission. No words to describe.
Coco Rose, Australia

So blessed…
…the Grace of being J-R’s Beloved
part of the body of the Christ …
…called forward in even deeper,
more profound ways…
I am on my knees.
gratitude … awe
… no words
to describe.

Leslie Sann, Illinois

What a wonderful gift to us all (22 of us together in Brisbane Australia). We all felt so blessed to have the opportunity to share such a unique experience to Celebrate J-R.’s Life – the loving, the stories, the tears, the emotion, the joy!
Adele Newberry, Australia

Surprised myself by staying up and watching from 12am till 6.30 am UK time. Felt truly blessed as I have been feeling much stronger constant connection since J-R ‘s passing. So many people who I have never met. Beautifully executed, full of grace and nuances of newness which I was not aware of previously. Thank you all who worked hard to put this all together. Looking forward to rerun.
Annaliisa Gillings, United Kingdom

Sitting here in Georgetown, Texas feeling my warm, relaxed, electric filled body after our celebration last night. Thank you Jesus, Nathaniel, and John for creating and directing a fully loving celebration of our Beloved John-Roger for us all. 30 MSIA folks gathered here at my daughter’s home. As we all have been experiencing, JR’s presence filled every aspect of my being and I ,once again, melted into the Beloved Oneness we are. We cried, laughed, shared our stories. Seeing Mike Feder there filled my heart with loving and meeting Michael Davis after listening to his love songs to our Magical, Mystical traveler was joyous. I am full and in deep gratitude to JR and us all. God bless us.
Cleora Daily, Texas

I sat and watched the whole thing with my mom, Carol Towle, (other than a half hour break for dinner.) We loved it, didn’t want it to end. Was such a moving, heartfelt event. My son, Jorin Antero-Towle attended in person, representing our family there.
Penelope Towle, California

The music has stopped,
The last song has played.
Time now for rest,
Though some do delay.
Old friends catch up;
New friends are made;
But all start the trek:
The Homebound Parade.
Stories were shared,
Songs had been sung;
DELICIOUS COOKIES!
…No bells were rung.
Those filled with Love,
Enveloped in Light,
Rejoice in his name
And make the world bright.
Though their eyes may hold tears,
They continue the plan
For all to feel joy
In every land.
LFTHG,

Jorin Antero-Towle, California

‘THANK YOU’ I had a smile on my face and my heart was full for almost over 6 hours of LOVING. Yes, JR was there he was smiling in my heart, thank you JR. What an amazing service and blessing to us all and I am so in gratitude to ALL and for all those wonderful people who made this happen. These words say it all.
BARUCH BASHAN

Elizabeth McGlynn, Australia

Everything that happened was perfect. Awesome. True. We held JR in the regard he deserves without arrogance or apology. I would have liked a sacred blessing/eulogy/memorial moment.
Rachelle Zazzu, California

Golly. It was beautiful. Appropriate that his closest family hosted it. Very clear and nice.
I am profoundly moved by being together in this way. Honoring J-R by opening our hearts and loving each other creates so much energy.
I need steady doses of this.

Maryann Castellanos, Florida

I watched all 6 hours and 20 minutes feeling all of the blessings and loving exuding from everyone who spoke. I loved seeing those I have known and those whose names I’ve seen. I loved hearing from J-R’s brother and the family side of him I wasn’t aware of. Most of all I relished the grace and the juxtaposition of my own memories interwoven with those who shared their stories. Thank you for having it available online. J-R touched so many of us and I am forever grateful that I had the opportunity to be with him, to be touched in my heart and soul by him, and to be able to continue to be with him in Spirit. He has left an incredible and indelible legacy.
Nancy Grace Marder, Illinois

In gratitude of all who contributed to such a “once-in-a-lifetime” event. It was pretty amazing!!! J-R was like being there with all of us. Though I’ve never met him personally, the memorial just consolidated my knowing him. Such a great man, loved by people with great hearts!
Lady-Lallaine Medina Reed

J-R’s Memorial and Celebration was magnificent! But that’s no surprise to me. In all my years of organizing/attending events around the universe, the MSIA organizers and facilitators are unparalleled! That said, I was so moved watching and listening (online) to so many of the folks I first knew, tell their stories. I too, laughed and cried as I found myself remembering, deeply experiencing how I first came on board. So many bits I could share with such deep fondness… I realized the compassionate connection I’ve had to so many for so long. Russell, dear PK, Mark Lurie, Candace and Jan, to name a few… I loved watching the chosen clips and felt them so clearly, perhaps more so than ever, in perspective. My heart went out to John empathetically as he teared up and encouragingly as he sang his tune. It’s amazing, isn’t it… the way each person chosen for the roles they’d play in the life of this lovely Traveler, were and are still just as they should be? Yes, John-Roger will be missed on this earthly plane, but his teachings will prevail through eternity. Thank you all! LL
Shar Kanan, California

I watched it from Chile and it was amazing. So loving, so much fun, A delight, so J-R. Thank you.
Nora Valenzuela, Chile
VIEW THE PHOTOS

3 thoughts on “John-Roger’s Memorial: A Celebration for the Ages”

  1. Nathalie Franks

    Just watched the re-run of the memorial celebration. It was magnificen,t every one’s sharing touched me in different ways. How blessed we are to be a part of this family and for our beloved JR to have chosen us to be his initiates. Thanks David for the photo;s.

  2. We laughed and cried a bit and remembered amazing and sweet moments in the presence of the Beloved. Being in Anchorage AK, it was wonderful for the five of us who came together to share through the online broadcast. I am thrilled with knowing how we are so connected – all over the planet and beyond. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. And in the fullness of our loving and of the Mystical Traveller, may we be connected forevermore, with loving and laughter weaving us together. I love J-R. I love John. I love you. I love us. I love me. Baruch Bashan.

  3. Thanks to all for your love and sharing and to NOW Productions for making this available for those of us who could not attend in person. Love, Light, Peace and Blessings – Bob Stone, Maui, Hawaii

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