One Family Serving Around the World -- Conference 2004 Representatives Meeting

Click here to view a photo slideshow from the Representatives Meeting at the Conference of Service 2004

Our 2004 Conference of Service Representatives Meeting began with Vincent DuPont of the MSIA Presidency, welcoming Reps from all of the organizations founded by John-Roger. Representatives from MSIA, Peace Theological Seminary (PTS), Institute for Individual and World Peace (IIWP), Heartfelt Foundation, University of Santa Monica, Insight, NOW Productions, J-R and John Morton Library and Archives and Esprit Travel gathered as one united family serving together.

Vincent reminded us of how in 1988 John-Roger had made clear the following “bullet points” of our service to the Traveler – (1) The business of MSIA is Soul Transcendence, (2) The mission of MSIA is to make the teachings available to those who are looking for them, and (3) Our work is to love and serve one another. It was a beautiful morning of learning and sharing how all of us involved with these blessed organizations across the planet do just that in many special ways.

Carol Jones updated us on the wonderful renovations going on at Peace Awareness Labyrinth and Gardens (also known as Prana). The new kitchen and dining facilities will be ready soon and will make it easy for folks from all over to enjoy meals and events in the beautiful and comfortable, state-of-the-art surroundings.

Patti Rayner shared how the Heartfelt Foundation had its first fundraiser within the world of show business by having a night at the renowned Comedy Club. Patti reminded us that Heartfelt is here in service and inspiration to all of God’s children.

Ron Hulnick, President of the University of Santa Monica, explained how for 25 years USM has been providing graduate education in spiritual psychology, and how grateful he is for having been able to be involved with the growth of USM all these years.

David Rodgers, Managing Director of the Institute for Individual and World Peace, shared with us about how today is the first day of our next 32-day worldwide peace prayer. He also shared about peacemaker gatherings, peace classes, and the Adopt-a-Horse program to help support Windermere Ranch.

All the Reps present were given a beautiful new Peace Theological Seminary catalog, designed by Shelley Noble-Kaye, which outlines all the graduate and undergraduate, closed and open, email and correspondence courses currently offered by PTS. The catalog will be mailed to PTS Reps and anyone else can purchase one from PTS for $10. Also available is a new PTS Facilitator Handbook for all those who volunteer to facilitate PTS classes around the world. New classes are being written based on the books, The Blessings Already Are by John Morton, and Momentum: Letting Love Lead by Paul Kaye. Look for them in 2005.

Candace Semigran, Chief Executive Officer of Insight Seminars, informed us that as of today, over one million people have participated in Insight around the world! She explained how Insight has a new executive leadership team, new folks are coming on board to help with Insight promotion and enrollment, new programs are being developed for Insight Grads, and at all Insight seminars, materials are now being made available to participants about all of the organizations founded by John-Roger. Because of the growing interest in Insight in Europe, there will be a Founders Insight I, facilitated by John-Roger (health & schedule permitting), John Morton and Russell Bishop, in London this August. MSIA Ministers are encouraged to participate or assist to help build the energy for Insight everywhere.

Steve Beimel of Esprit Travel, talked with us about the Japan tours in which Esprit specializes. In 1992, the first Japan tour had four people. In 2004, with thirty tours happening, over 600 people are participating in Japan tours through Esprit Travel.

Barbara Wieland, Manager of the J-R and John Morton Library and Archives, shared with us how volunteers transcribe tapes and retype seminars from J-R and John. She explained how from this process, the Library is building a computer database of all the teachings brought forward by J-R and John, and that the materials are then used for editing SAT tapes, videos, articles and books.

Phil Danza mentioned that his simple volunteer experience duplicating some tapes back in 1975 miraculously expanded into the profoundly powerful enterprise we know as NOW Productions. Phil shared highlights from the brand new — and an MSIA first — DVD set of John-Roger excerpts from the PAT IV’s and PAT V travels to Egypt and Israel.

During a break of schmoozing with one another and enjoying some treats, the Reps had a chance to pick up the latest literature from each of the organizations as well as chat informally with the organizations’ leaders. It was a wonderful chance to check things out and learn more about all the good works to take back home and share with our communities.

After the break, John Morton joined us and he shared with us about how we are here to love all and serve all. John related our Reps’ gathering to a loving flock of birds who come from all over and gather in a tree, chirping together to their hearts’ delight. John suggested that in our inspiration, we go forward as Ministers into the world, not so much looking at what we’ve accomplished, but being open to what is next for us. He reminded us that the consciousness of service is not an obligation. We are free to choose how we serve, and to have faith, that our faith in the Divine is what heals us. Our meeting closed with a sweet blessing from John for all of us who joyfully choose to serve the growing family of John-Roger organizations around the world.

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