Hope. An Address by Christine Levy

Hope can be a lovely way to be in life.

How can we find hope, through uncertainty, and loss?

In hope, we can find inspiration in the words and deeds of others.

Hope takes many forms: it can be like an open road, an unturned page, a long-lost glove that returns to its owner.

It’s a feelingof something that needs developing, so it can be optimised.

Coupled with faith, hope assists with the growth of spiritual development.

Hope can also foster determination, despite failures and setbacks. Being hopeful each day will help to change and improve what can’t be controlled.

Hope will speak to the soul to form an inner resilience, to strengthen a better mindset and behaviour.

Hope is a Thing with Feathers by Emily Dickinson

Hope is the thing with feathers,
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune without the words,
And never stops at all.

And sweetest in the gale is heard;
And sore must be the storm
That could abash the little bird
That kept so many warm.

I’ve heard it in the chillest land,
And on the strangest sea;
Yet, never, in extremity;
It asked a crumb of me.

Emily Dickinson was one of the original poets, who challenged the definitions of poetry, like Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Hope to me is like an inner desire which grows an idea, or an inspiration, or optimism that something will happen.

The above poem to me signifies something that’s free and flowing, just like the inner parts of our soul, you hear it calling, if you just listen.

To pause and listen that means listening within.

Words and deeds are very powerful don’t you think?

A person can be inspired by word, it could be a little door, called willingness, it can also unlock a key for that person so that they can grow; for me this is kindness for others.

A word on the other hand can also have a lasting effect, whereby it can leave you upset or hurt.

Words and deeds are very profound don’t you think?

An action can have a rippling effect, this can be good or bad.

In Buddhism, it’s called Karma.

It’s like a drop of water that can ripple outwards.

Cause and effect, when used wisely, can be very enlightening, it can help identify causes to a problem, that means problems can be solved, or explored.

There was a technique developed by Professor Ishikawa, developed in the 1960s called cause and effect analysis.

On the left side on a piece of paper he talked about writing something down, so you can see the problem written.

And the right-side of the paper can be used to brainstorm facts.  This helps to keep emotions, out and a focus on the difficulty.

I always believe never do anything angry PAUSE for a moment.

Pausing, or reviewing, helps the inner inspiration to grow, instead of moaning about a situation or circumstance, pause and let it flow.

Situations can sometimes be hard to deal with, due to a painful experiences. By accepting, just for now, it lets kindness in.

Pausing, lets optimism in.

It leaves the door open to faith and hope.

A lovely way to start the beginning and end of the day is in gratitude.

The Sixth Principle is Compensation and Retribution Hereafter for all the Good and Evil Deeds Done on Earth. It states that we reap what we sow.

It means there is a better understanding that can be developed, no judgement and no blame, just kindness.

This is spiritual progression, being kinder to self-enhances a closer connection to god, or even that god part of yourself. 

Kindness will acknowledge a new way; past errors can now be explored in a better way.

Kindness brings power, which then brings opportunity and that’s love in its highest form.

We as individuals are accountable for our actions.

If given a chance we re-evaluate our behaviours, we can progress. This will open the door to spiritual progress.

Use kindness to every situation, our thoughts are actions, and mistakes happen. It’s how we grow from it.

If we are given opportunities of reviewing challenges why not embrace it.

If we do things long enough better behaviours happen.

If I can leave you with one thought for today, let kindness in to self so that it can be given to others.

Why not try a new hope, find gratitude before you go to bed and when you wake up.

Explore what you are thankful for, that itself is HOPE.

Church Update 21 February 2021

Sadly, we are still closed due to the impracticality of opening the Church in meeting the stringent Covid-19 Secure requirements and the desire to keep our mediums and vulnerable members safe.

We have sent out a newsletter to all of our Members and will send out another letter at Easter.

In the meantime we are publishing weekly addresses and inspirational writing each Sunday. If you would like to contribute to this please let us know – follow the Contact details link.

We are also holding fortnightly coffee mornings on Zoom at 11am on alternate Saturdays as well as meditation evenings every week on a Saturday at 7:30pm. All event details are available on this page. Any queries, please let us know.

Whilst the Church is closed, we still have outgoings for the building, membership of the SNU, insurance etc but no income. If you would like to make a donation to the Church, our BACS details are:

W-S-M SPIRITUALISTS NAT CHURCH
Natwest Sort Code: 60-23-32
Account Number: 00506869

If you would like to send a donation by cheque, please make the cheque payable to “Weston-super-Mare Spiritualists National Church” and send it c/o our President Pat Bendall. If you require Pat’s address, please request it by private message. Pat’s address is on the recent letter to Members.

We are investigating the use of PayPal. More details to follow.

Please stay in touch and let us know if you need any support through the Contact details on this page and the main website.

Doing the Best We Can. A Poem by Philippa Hooper

When we are in a war, we fight the best we can.
To unknown forces that will try, and get the upper hand.
Whether it’s across the sea, or on our own home turf.
Perseverance will withstand, this almighty force.

It’s the gathering together, a unity for all.
Against this frightening virus, it will not make us fall.
Into the darkest of despair, or a place with hope no more.
For we are all mighty warriors, that can combat and win this war.

It’s only when we are as some say, stood against the wall.
 That we see the wonders of the world, and the beauty of it all.
It’s times like these that the clock stands still, and we have moments to reflect.
What life is really about, and what should we do next.

It’s being the best of what we can be, in any given way.
Whether on the front line, or staying in to keep the germs at bay.
Life is but a mystery, and sometimes we just haven’t got a clue.
Where we are going, or what perhaps we should do.

Let’s look deep within our hearts, and feel the valves that flow.
For with every breath of life we take, we perceive that God truly really knows.
The reason for existence, and why we’re here at all.
Is it to fight the mighty battles, for a truly worthy cause.
To climb the highest mountains, and learn not to fall.

But falling is a fact of life, and through it we learn , oh so much more.
In the darkest times of life, we are searching for the truth.
We see the good and bad in all life forms, we ponder and we muse.
Why is there such a dividing line that sets some of us apart.

To put it in perspective, we are what we are.
Let’s not judge each other, or cast the first stone.
Be united together, until we reach our final home.
For when we return to spirit and our life on Earth here’s through.
We will all live in God’s Kingdom, evolution through and through.

Angels of the Light. A Poem inspired to Sue Chard

We come each day as we have done for centuries. We bring joy, light and love to all.

Man is in crises and needs our help to undo the hate and greed.

To find the freedom of love!

This is a time of awakening, a time of ‘re-creation’.

A New Dawn!

A time to surrender and sacrifice the material wants for a better place to live.

Listen to us: the voices within. We, your guardians!

Do not fear, it will be a better place.

We are one, we will come together…

Be ready!

Inspired to  Sue Chard by Angels and Seraphim’s  25-11-2011

Shared with love X

Meditation Evenings

Weston-super-Mare National Spiritualist Church is starting a series of weekly online meditation evenings led by our President Pat Bendall. These Meditation Evenings will be held on Saturday evenings for one hour starting at 7:30pm prompt. No admission after 7:35pm. The first Meditation Evening will be on Saturday 20th February 2021.


Pat will lead the meditation focussing on connecting with the Higher Self initially to provide the wisdom to help others and to enable spiritual growth. In later sessions, Pat will help you to connect with Spirit.


All levels and abilities are welcome.

The meditation sessions will be free of charge, however donations to the Church will be gratefully received to cover the costs of Zoom.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7357590363?pwd=V0xYanA3Z2RSbncrdjNEaGozRzRBdz09

Meeting ID: 735 759 0363
Passcode: WSM

You Never Walk Alone. An Address by our President, Pat Bendall

We Never Walk Alone by Gerry Marsden

When you walk through a storm, hold your head up high and don’t be afraid of the dark.
At the end of the storm there’s a golden sky and the sweet silver song of a lark.
Walk on through the wind, walk on through the rain though your dreams be tossed and blown.
Walk on, walk on with hope in your heart and you’ll never walk alone.  You’ll never walk alone.

Address

Times are hard for us all at present.  Many of us feel isolated, restricted and feel as if we are in a dark tunnel.  However, we are now beginning to see the first glimmer of light as we all suffer in one way or another from the effects of Covid 19.  How we miss those hugs from our families and loved ones, and life can appear to be very monotonous, the same old thing everyday with little or no social contact.  Some of us may have lost a loved one or be suffering from either a physical or mental illness and may be feeling alone, unsupported, and that no one cares, so those of us who are healthy and in a good relationship with their household should feel rather more fortunate.

How are you coping in this crisis?  Are you just thinking of what is missing in your life?  Are you feeling sorry for yourself and saying, “poor me?”  Remember when times are tough it is then that we have the maximum opportunity for spiritual growth in that we have more time for reflection in order to know ourselves.  Spiritualists should know that they are living the earthly life in order to make spiritual progress and also aware that they can advance themselves by praying, meditating, sending absent healing and by service to their fellowman.

Therefore, with the knowledge we have we should be saying, “what can I do at this present time to help others and our world?  There are plenty of people who are worse off than me.”  This still applies if we are cut off from others as Spiritualists know we never walk alone.  There is no excuse for us to feel isolated and we all have access to either a pen and paper, a phone, or the internet.  Perhaps we should be thinking more of those who are not of our understanding who really are feeling isolated and others less fortunate than ourselves, who are physically or mentally sick, and those who have recently lost loved ones and contact them, talk to them and give them support.  Those of us who have the gift to make people laugh can do wonders this way and really lift their spirits.  Not only will they feel better for the contact but you will too.

We must always remember that the knowledge we have brings extra responsibilities (our 5th Principal, Personal Responsibility) and so we should use it in order to help others.  During this period of restrictions with Covid 19 many more people are seeking our spiritual truths and are more willing than ever to listen to them.  What better way to serve our fellowman than to give him/her hope for the future.  We can also build up a better relationship with the God within and with our guides at this time by meditating more.

However, there are some in our world that are always in denial of the continuity of life, even though they may receive brilliant evidence of survival from one of our mediums.  There are also those who deny that Coronavirus exists, and people and like Donald Trump who deny failure, so do not waste your time with them as there are so many others who will listen and need our help.  As Jesus said, “Do not cast your pearls before swine”.

In summing up, it is the way we conduct life’s journey that counts, be positive in your outlook and, as Spiritualists, we should know that we never walk alone, so walk through the storm with your head held high.

With love from

Pat Bendall.

Hope. An Address by Sharon Ledbrook

Personal Responsibility

Last year was a year all of us were glad to see the back of, with the hope that the new year would be a turning point and we could all start to get our lives back on track. With the promise of vaccines becoming available putting an end to Covid.

However, patience is still needed. For many their lives will have changed completely. Hopes, dreams and ambitions having to have been put on hold. A reassessment of what is important may have to take place. Many of us may move our lives along in a completely different direction. Others will struggle and flounder, coming to terms with the loss of job, security, loved ones. Many will be able to pick up and continue with their lives relatively unchanged

As we move forward, we should never forget to have hope. Hope is to want an outcome that makes your life better and it can eventually improve your life, because it envisions a better future and motivates you to take the steps to make it happen,

I am reminded of the beautiful poem by Mary Stevenson written in 1936

Footsteps in the Sand

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.

In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand, sometimes there were two sets of footprints other times there was only one.

This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life, when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat, I could only see one set of footprints, so I said to the Lord.

“You promised me Lord that if I followed you, you would walk with me always, But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life there has only been one set of footprints in the sand, why when I needed you most have you not been there for me?

The Lord replied, “When you have seen only one set of footprints my child is when I carried you.”

When the days are short and cold and the nights are dark and long, our problems can seem to loom larger and our hopes and dreams can become diminished, but modern technology has certainly come into its own. Those who feared, disliked or avoided modern technology have discovered new skills. We have access to the outside world through the internet and are able to see and speak to friends and loved ones. We have television, radio, mobile phones and good old-fashioned telephones. To be in touch with friends and families is of an enormous benefit helping to lift spirits and boost confidence and well-being to us all, particularly those who have been confined to their homes for months.

“Hand in Hand with Angels” is one of my favourite hymns. In particular two lines in the last verse:

Hand in hand with angels never let us go
Clinging to the strong ones, drawing up the slow.

So, as we move forward with the Hope of good things to come. Let’s remember to value our families and friendships. Put disputes and quarrels behind us and reach out to others with kind words and smiles, and to support each other through these difficult times.

Our fifth Principle is Personal Responsibility and it tells us:

In his wisdom, God has given us enormous potential. We can use that potential to improve our own lives and the lives of others. We have the ability to make decisions throughout our lives as we see fit. What each of us makes of our life is our own Personal Responsibility. No one can replace or override that right. No other person or influence can put right our wrong doings.

Letter to Members and Friends from Pat Bendall, President WSM National Spiritualists’ Church

Dear Friends and Members,

Unfortunately, we are living in very difficult times when our Church is unable to open due to Coronavirus but we would like you to know that your Church is still here to help and support you. We, the Committee, are doing the best we can in the circumstances, so rest assured that your Church is being well looked after.  It is regularly inspected, utility and insurance bills are regularly paid as well as S.N.U. Membership fees, which are now due.

On behalf of the Committee, I would like to advise you that you are very much in our thoughts and you will be advised when the Church is likely to reopen, but not for some time yet, I fear.  The main reason we are closed, when other churches are open, is simply due to the size of our building which means we can only accommodate very few people if we comply with social distancing, together with the fact that many of our members are elderly and vulnerable.

Those of us on the Committee have contacted most of you, either by phone, email, or Facebook.  However, we are aware that we have not contacted just a few of you and this is due to us having incorrect or out-of-date details, so if you are one of them, kindly let us know your email address and phone number and we will include you.

Due to the Church being currently closed, we would remind you that your annual subscription of £6 is now due, so, if you have not already done so, would you kindly forward either your cheque to me made payable to “Weston-super-Mare Spiritualists National Church” or, should you prefer BACS, our Natwest sort code is 60-23-32 and our account number is 00506869.  Thank you for your co-operation with this.

If you have not already looked us up on Facebook (www.facebook.com/wsmspiritualistchurch) or on the Church website (www.westonsupermarespiritualistchurch.co.uk/), please do so as every week we have an address, not only from our own mediums but from other mediums too who regularly serve our Church.  We also include information about any changes, and this will be the method in which we will advise you when the Church reopens.

We are holding a Zoom Coffee Morning starting fortnightly from Saturday 6th February at 11.00 am so please join us for a friendly get-together and a chat.  You will be more than welcome!  (See details below)

Our Healing Team are still active so if you know of anyone who is in need of healing, or if you need some yourself, please advise us and the Team will add you to their absent healing list.  Also, if you are troubled in any way, or know of someone else who is, i.e. feeling depressed, lonely, unsupported, sick, or suffering from a bereavement etc., please let us know and we will do our best to give support and help in any way we can.  This is what Spiritualism is all about, helping one another.

It would be much appreciated if some of you have suggestions of anything extra you would like the Committee to consider providing in these very restricted times so that we can discuss them at our next Zoom Committee Meeting.  Therefore, we look forward to hearing from you so please keep in touch.

I show below details of the Church email address, website, Facebook page and my own address and phone number.

Thank you all for your help in all the matters mentioned above, and I look forward to seeing you regularly once Coronavirus begins to recede.

With love to you all,

Pat (Bendall)

President                                                                                                                      

email: westonsupermarespiritualistchurch@yahoo.co.uk

website: www.westonsupermarespiritualistchurch.co.uk

facebook: www.facebook.com/wsmspiritualistchurch

Details of the Zoom Coffee Morning are:- Meeting No. 73575903.  Password:  WSM.

My address: 56 Norfolk Road, Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset, BS23 3BG.

Also my phone number is included if you wish to contact me- 01934 613437.