Arriving at the Sheraton Universal at 11:45 a.m., I am greeted by loved ones just outside the main ballroom. Lots of friendly, loving faces from far away places I see only once a year on this most special day of Conference. Entering the ballroom where chanting is in process is a beautiful delight.

The meeting begins with Chairperson Philip Barr taking the stage welcoming everyone. Philip immediately welcomes Mahduri Marelli on stage to lead us in an invocation of Light by singing “Our Song of Love” as we individually call ourselves forward into the Light of the spiritual heart of God. This is followed by five minutes of chanting.

Philip once again takes the stage and begins to announce that we are joined by fellow ministers tuning in around the globe from Australia, Colombia, Argentina, and Chili. We then welcome the twenty newly ordained ministers. Acknowledgements to follow include the current ministerial board that has been serving over the past year, the advisory members actively serving past their term, and the incoming members voted in this year, as well as the Executive Board. A special mention to Rev. Julie Lurie who has been heading up the children’s H.U.G.S. program during Los Angeles ministers meetings over the years. All members stand to receive acknowledgement for their ministerial service.

Next we move into some special moments of acknowledgements — Minister of the Year Awards. These are ministers who have stood out in the hearts and minds of those who have benefited or have been inspired by their continued selfless acts of loving and doing what is called for at any given moment regardless of the circumstances. Richard Price, last year’s recipient comes up to give the first award to Reymi Urrich from Santiago, Chile. Maria Teresa Kelber accepts the award on her behalf and gives thanks.

Next we have Dr. Ron Hulnick, also last year’s recipient, to present the next award to Paul Mychaluk. Paul comes to the stage to receive in gratitude. Our third award is presented by Dr. Mary Hulnick, also last year’s recipient, to a very grateful Leigh Taylor-Young. All recipients receive a standing ovation.

Manager of NOW Productions, Phil Danza, takes the stage to share with us the behind-the-scenes activities at NOW. Phil talks about some of NOW Production’s history including the thousands of pieces of media from the body of work presented by John-Roger over the past forty-three years. We see film footage of the media stored in very well protected vaults, a database system that tracks all of this media, and evidence of countless hours of work by volunteers and staff over the years. Phil speaks about the new CD set titled “Lighthouse of the Soul” and of the J-R Legacy Fund to preserve J-R’s teachings, and how we can contribute to that fund if we choose. Phil shares some fun stories from his thirty-five years with J-R.

President Paul Kaye takes the stage next, mentioning that we have over 900 ministers in the room today. Paul brings up two ministers from South America to share their heartfelt and inspiring experiences with tithing. Paul follows with a seeding meditation and encourages us to seed for J-R and ourselves as well.

We next see the full MSIA presidency of Paul Kaye, Mark Lurie, and Vincent Dupont take the stage to present the Service Awards to Volunteers of the Year. These volunteers have selflessly put their bodies on the line to serve in dedication, devotion and loving. Making themselves available to do what is necessary to get the job done.

Mark Lurie gives the first award to Justin Jayne, Vincent Dupont gives the second award to Ezra Mack, and Paul Kaye gives the third one to Trini Alday. All recipients receive a happy round of applause.

Next Philip Barr welcomes our beloved John Morton to the stage to share with us. The ministers stand and welcome John warmly. John reminds us that we are truly blessed. John acknowledges Pauli Sanderson who facilitated the “Wayshower Workshop” this weekend. John speaks about the rich body of stories Pauli has since meeting John-Roger many years ago.

John reminds us of the importance of engaging ourselves with our spiritual practices on the journey home. He reminds us to have compassion, understanding and the willingness to sacrifice our judgments, letting go and letting God by being the example through demonstration. John speaks also about his relationship with John-Roger over the many years of working with him.

To close the meeting, Kate Sexton-Blakeslee sings beautifully to us to share her heartfelt ministry with us all.

We are truly blessed.