Click here to view a photo slideshow by David Sand from the MSIA events in San Francisco
This year’s MSIA visit to San Francisco had a mixture of something old and something new for all of us. Vincent and Lesley Dupont and Paul Kaye started MSIA Services on Thursday as the warm-up act for what was to be a festive weekend full of events and special surprises. Sharon Trieste, the Northern California MSIA Rep had been preparing the space for months, organizing the Services, coordinating with Christi Mider for the book/DVD event, and Bonny O’Daniels and many more volunteers for the Closed MSIA Seminar and MSIA Ministers and Initiates Q&A/Brunch.
Saturday
This morning — surprise — the sun is brilliantly shining. The NOW crew are up and at ’em starting to set up for the Closed MSIA Seminar later this afternoon in our hotel. Paul, Vincent and Lesley are doing Services. It’s a beehive of activity as other of our MSIA family members from all over the world arrive to check in, grab a little sight-seeing and snacks before this afternoon’s event.
By 4:30pm all is in readiness for the next part of our warm-up to Living in Grace weekend festivities. Chuck Millar is our impish and well-loved host for the evening. Chuck, a former long-time NorCal MSIA Rep, is a veteran to our annual San Francisco gatherings. He introduces Daniel Millar who does an original song a-la-rap reminding us (in my words) that no matter what it looks like it’s all good! Taras Lumiere and ensemble give us a lively rendition of his original song titled “Grace”. With tenderness Chuck introduces John Morton who takes us on a journey a bit of which is through memories of his early days with J-R, and of course much much more. Thankful for the blessing of having the Traveler be with us yet again we each take off for either the delights of San Francisco at night or the quiet of our rooms, or both. And there’s more to come tomorrow!
Sunday
This morning brings us into an even deeper focus of loving and service and being with the Traveler as we gather as MSIA ministers for ordinations. As we share in the blessings, I’m reminded of what a privilege, blessing and honor it is to be a minister in the Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness.
After ordinations are done, the doors open to receive the MSIA Ministers and Initiates that have come to be and share with the Traveler. Sindy Wilkinson, our gracious MC, welcomes us and calls us forward into the Light. As part of preparing us for the Traveler, Laila Millar sings an old carol called The Huron Carol, which has beautiful words and a lovely melody. Aletha Lamb is sublime, with her clarinet she lifts us into the perfect space of loving openness. John steps up onto the stage and the questions and answers flow with blessings pouring out for those who have the ears and eyes and hearts to receive. Afterwards a delicious brunch is in readiness and we’re able to ground ourselves just a little and fellowship before heading out towards Asilomar for the Living in Grace training or back to our cities. Wherever we go the Traveler goes with us and we are living in Grace.
