It is Sunday and the glowing light of the sun shines on this day of the Conference of Spiritual Promise. The excitement and enthusiasm of seeing old friends from around the world is sweeping the lobby area of the Sheraton Universal Hotel where we are gathering for the MSIA Ministers Meeting. Our morning begins in the Studio Rooms where we experience three very delightful baby blessings followed by twenty one ordinations that are well attended even at this early hour. We are all blessed in receiving new ministers into our family.
As we enter the Grand Ballroom, we are greeted by the smiling faces of beloved assistants at every turn holding signs requesting “silence” in various ways. I find it very welcoming, and loving. “Peace Be Still” at the door. As I proceed into the room I see “Enjoy The Silence”, then “Loving The Silence”. As we sit in this sacred silence chanting the name of God, there is peace melting into the room like a lullaby cradling us individually and collectively. I experience my heart warm in the Christ Peace.
Our President Paul Kaye takes the stage as the meeting begins. Paul calls us forward into the Light, and begins with welcoming everyone. He then starts to speak about our new beautiful Ministerial Handbook. The new handbooks were placed on each seat as a gift to all Ministers.
Paul then reads the names of the current L.A. Board Members and asks them to stand. Those that are continuing into their second year of service remain standing as Paul reads the names of the new board members. They receive applause. Paul then reads the names of all the active advisory members as they stand and are recognized. He also introduces the executive board: Genie Ford, Steve Sheppard, and Laren Bright. Then Paul asks everyone who has ever served on a ministerial board to stand and it seems like everyone in the room stands up.
Next Stu Semigran, one of last year’s Ministers of the Year, presents the first Minister of the Year award to Mark Lurie. Our second Minister of the Year award goes to Betsy Alexander. This came as a very special and heart warming surprise for Betsy. It is her second time being awarded Minister of The Year, the first time anyone has ever received the award twice! Then, our beloved Traveler John Morton, Minister of the Year from last year (although he is a recipient in our hearts year round), presents a Minister of the Year award to Jsu Garcia, and then also to Nathanial Sharratt. Joyful surprises all around and it is nice to see these very deserving ministers receive joyful and rousing rounds of applause.
We next view a Moment of Peace announcing a way to view the Travelers on You Tube (go to www.youtube.com and search for John-Roger or John Morton). Also we see announcements for upcoming screenings of Spiritual Warriors (July 8 in Beverly Hills and July 29 in San Francisco, both at 7PM). Paul Kaye shares with us about God is Your Partner television and we see video clips of the new GPTV series (www.godisyourpartner.tv).
Vincent Dupont and Mark Lurie then join Paul Kaye on stage to present this year’s recipients for “Volunteer of The Year”: Joan Mary Grus, Alicia Landa and Jennifer Cayer receive the honors. All recipients enjoy a warm and happy congratulations.
Next we hear Nathanial Sharratt singing one of the many beautiful songs on his This Life CD. This opens our heart for the Traveler to share with us. John Morton takes the stage and shares with us some heartfelt information about his genealogy, and of course, he relates it all to Spirit and the Traveler in a unique and wonderful way.
After John’s sharing he introduces J-R to share with us. What a blessing. For me, a spiritual promise is presented. Deep in my heart I listen to J-R. Before our very eyes he radiates youth and vitality as Spirit moves through him and around him and all over the ballroom. He speaks about being a minister and the choices we make in being one. We are encouraged to go forward into the world ministering and respecting those we minister to. We are truly blessed. We are truly rich. The Spiritual Promise IS. God Bless us one and all.
Read more articles from MSIA’s Conference of Fulfilling Your Spiritual Promise 2007
