It wasn’t until MC Rachael Jayne was calling in the Light on this first morning of our Heartfelt Service workshop that I noticed the stage backdrop. Instead of flowers, trees or a summery island, what was with the snowy pine trees? Or, come to that, the two huge lighted Christmas trees? Soon enough the explanation came: it was “Christmas in July”. Some of you may remember a seminar John-Roger gave at Arrowhead years ago about Christmas in July, saying, “We don’t have to wait until December 25 to celebrate the Christ-mass.” Well, this year, it was our turn. I love Christmas, so that only enhanced my joyful anticipation.
The theme of the workshop is Heartfelt Service, and I was coming with a question of my own along the lines of, “How can I contribute considering my physical challenges? How can I be of service whilst truly taking care of myself?” I realized almost immediately that being open to contributing was the first step, and that I didn’t need to know exactly how.
The atmosphere in the room so early in the day was already lively, warm, and buzzing with keen participants, when John Morton, Candace Semigran and Joey Hubbard — our esteemed facilitators — took the stage. First they acknowledged Patty Rayner, long-time Director of the Heartfelt Foundation, on this the occasion of Heartfelt’s 30th birthday. Patti received a hearty round of applause and said “Thank you for coming to my birthday party!” John introduced us to the concept of the Servant Leader and then announced that we would each be receiving a copy of J-R’s latest book, “Serving and Giving- Gateways to Higher Consciousness”. On first perusal, it’s a beautifully-presented and richly-satisfying book, which I look forward to reading.
We watched an excerpt from J-R’s “Christmas in July” seminar, which I thoroughly recommend if you haven’t already seen it. Then followed the marvelous Moment of Peace with J-R and Mother Teresa. By the time the videos were done, my heart was opened and my vision inspired. John Morton says, “You can bring the blessings of who you are to any situation simply through your loving and compassion.” And “Service is just another name for loving one another.” Really? Well, I can do that! Suddenly being of service didn’t seem so daunting. What if I could be more imaginative in how I served?
The morning included time for reflection, journal-writing and one-to one processes on service, with lyrical versions of traditional Christmas carols as accompaniment. Then there were some electrifying audio excerpts from several of Martin Luther King’s speeches, in particular the one entitled “The Drum-Major Instinct”. Hearing the fire in his voice and experiencing the Light moving through him made me ready and willing to do whatever I could to be of service: “Okay, Lord, I’m ready, what now?”
Before lunch, we were blessed to be able to see an excerpt from a new movie Jsu Garcia and John-Roger are working on. I was riveted, and can’t wait to see it in its entirety. Lunch was surprisingly quiet and relaxed on the lawn this year, and when we returned to the workshop, the participants of the Youth Workshop expertly serenaded us and then shared about their forthcoming service trip to Tanzania. I was so impressed with the confidence with which they addressed the crowded ballroom. John Morton supported them in asking for the funds that they still needed, and within minutes we had raised around $10,000 — almost the entire amount.
Suddenly, a striking figure strode the length of the room and took the stage, rainbow shirt daringly unbuttoned to the waist. It was Paolo, Paul Kaye’s alter ego, dominating and flirting with the captivated audience, before encouraging us to sponsor a Windermere horse. It was one of those moments when I wondered what a newcomer could possibly make of MSIA.
After Paolo’s exit, a familiar song began, “El Shaddai”, and we knew that J-R was about to enter. Each year, his willingness to continue to participate and minister to us moves me more and more. He and John took the stage, and we were treated to a couple hours of sharing. . The themes of the sharing included how to be of service 100%, how to know one is worthy of God’s love, and how to take better care of oneself. John emphasized that it begins with ministering to ourselves. Michael Hayes also contributed in his masterful way. What most touched me about the sharing was the heartfelt gratitude and joy of so many to be able finally to come to Conference, sometimes from great distances, and be with the Travelers physically.
After another rousing excerpt from a speech by Martin Luther King, Candace and Joey announced that our homework was to get into groups and prepare for a service project to take place the following morning. My group consisted of all those like me who were in the
