SPIRITUALIST CHURCHES AND CENTRES

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jay Gage - Open Arms Haven on December 31, 2008 at 9:36am

Your'e welcome Christina ! Its a great idea this site ! To all reading this thread - Christina is one of the most impressive mediums I have seen - she works at the Haven on a regular basis. and is really amazing ! Book her for your centre/church whilst you can !
Christina - Im proud to number you amongst my friends !

Jay
xxx

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Bill on December 31, 2008 at 1:45pm

Hi Jay I have seen Christina working on platform many times, and I think she is THE most impressive Spiritualist medium I have ever seen, and I have seen a lot x

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Steve on December 31, 2008 at 1:13am

As a consequence of my work, I have visited many spiritualist churches and centres around the country over the past 15 years or so. They all, almost without exception, suffered the same problems highlighted in your comments. They were always polite (of course), but mostly disinterested in casual visitors. The regulars dominate to create a 'club' mentality, which you're either in or not. After some years away from these environments I recently visited a local church, only to find the same old story; a group of mostly mature ladies sharing companionship in more of a social, than spiritual setting; one member even asked if I was a newspaper reporter, as they'd recently received unfavourable comments in a local newspaper article! I said no, but an air of distrust lingered. It was a sad reminder and I gracefully vanished never to return.

Its a great shame, as I'd love to spend more time with people of my own persuasion, but its long been evident that my personal development is not best served in such environments. I wonder how many are being turned-off before they get a chance to be turned-on by spirit!

Still, one of the best spiritual centres I ever visited is based in Swansea, called SwanseaSpirit. I've not been there for many years, but I've fond memories of a wonderful greeting, a broad range of teaching methods, interesting philosophical sessions, mediations and all manner of demonstrations and so on.

As far as attracting new people is concerned (let alone young people), most have their work cut out for them, as the good folk running these places seem blissfully unaware of how dreary and unwelcoming they're environment really is. A simple example is the rise of vegetarianism in society; it just isn't good enough to see spiritual teachers munching on sausage rolls and the like during intervals; they seriously need to wake-up and show some sensitivity to their visitors, a significant portion of which will likely be vegetarian because of their spiritual beliefs. Right now, most can't manage a sensitive 'hello' and 'welcome to'....

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Jay Gage - Open Arms Haven on December 31, 2008 at 9:40am

Hi Steve

Im glad Im not alone in this opinion. Its such a shame that the movement still has this "old lady" reputation. The Haven is such a vibrant and young place - have you seen our film on the site ?
Much as I hate to bring in Mammon to this discussion, I have to admit that as I work in sales and marketing, it comes as second nature to me to promote the Haven in a very proactive way. This means that we are very visible in the local area, always involved and in the local press and I do believe that this approach has helped our success. In the six months since we have opened we average around 30-40 regular visitors a week.
One of the most frustrating people I have ever worked with in the movement had blind faith that "spirit will provide" and was then amazed when no-one showed up to events that had taken months to arrange ! Yes, Spirit will provide, but they do need a little earthly help manning the photocopier lol :)

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by wanda on December 31, 2008 at 10:56am

Anyone visited the Harlow centre?

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by susan scott on December 31, 2008 at 2:57pm

Although I have just reached 60 years, when I walk into a church run by twinsets and teacups, it makes me feel like a teenager again! Let those who need that environment be happy in it, and there are very many who do. Let those who need something more vibrant, alive and happy enjoy their time well spent where they naturally gravitate to. I just pray that somewhere, somehow those who practically wont even let a newcomer sit in an older member's chair, read these heartfelt articles and liven the churches or centres up to welcome newbies one and all!

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Jay Gage - Open Arms Haven on December 31, 2008 at 7:07pm

The Haven wishes all our friends, old, new and those to come a wonderful 2009, a time of peace, prosperity and personal growth as well as fun and laughter. Have a great time everyone xxx

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Paula Leahy on January 3, 2009 at 12:15pm

Yes, Happy 2009 to all at the Open Arms Haven ... it is such a warm, welcoming and friendly place to spend a Sunday evening.
Well worth a visit if you have not already been! You will feel the energy of Love & Laughter and a wonderful uplifting experience.

Warmest wishes,
Paula.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Mick Avery on January 1, 2009 at 1:50pm

Hi there,
Happy New Year!!
In the years of our work we now very rarely present at churches. I was originally developed at one for my gifts of spirit but it became obvious there were other agendas at work so after nearly 3 years we left, the bickering arguments rambled on for years I understand.
It appears by their very nature, because they tend to place all other ways of doing things, like for example a Reiki practitioner or Federation healer cannot heal in a spiritualist church and many would scoff at Deep Trance healing too, it means then many perfectly able practitioners are left out. Some of this has now arrived because of the recent repeal of the fraudulent mediums act which only seems to have opened the floodgates for fraudulent mediums using £1 per min, lines and companies controlling them to up their game.
There also appears to be a real disassociation with the realities of life too, particularly financially which is fine if you keep your day job and bring on your mediumship as a hobby, but what of those who immerse themselves in spirit work every moment of their life?
I believe it is because people make the mistake that if it is a churchy kind of environment then all rational thinking has to be left on your way in and that somehow outside influences, such as we relate to in our real life, are obscured by 'we must only do it to this rule. Human beings make rules through judgment, but spirit judge no one and present themselves in the face of great adversity, with freedom.
love as ever,
Mick

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Jay Gage - Open Arms Haven on January 1, 2009 at 4:25pm

Hiya Mick
At the Haven we are very informal and are a centre, rather than a church. We welcome people from all disciplines to work with us, and in addition to our registered SPHA healers, have regular Reiki, aromatherapy, crystal, and all sorts of alternative therapies on offer each week. Much has been made of the fraudulent mediumship act, which in hindsight, I believe was unnecessary. I would not walk into an established church and ask them to prove to me their God existed, so why should I feel intimidated into the burden of "proof" at my centre? The only "proof" I need is that which I see every week, of upliftment, joy and happiness in the faces of our visitors.
We dont make money at the Haven - every penny profit we make we donate to a local mental health charity, and Im proud to say that in the 6 months since we opened we have given them £1k. Thats personal choice, I am very aware that there are people out there who rely on their work for their income, and indeed most of our practitioners do just that but are happy to work for us for free as an extra - which often results in private work anyway !
Jay xxx

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Colin on January 2, 2009 at 3:15pm

Hi Jay
Interesting comments. I attend the Chelmsford Spiritualist Church and we always extend a warm welcome to all who enter our church, regulars and newcomers alike. We are also continually looking for ways to encourage people to join us. To help them discover their Self within. This month we are starting a Beginners Circle Plus, on Wed 21st. We know from our starter beginners circle that many want more. They want to do more now, not later. Hence our new beginners circle. Sometimes habit becomes a 'comfort zone', hopefully we are moving with the energies and moving into new times, new ways.
Colin

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Jay Gage - Open Arms Haven on January 2, 2009 at 4:00pm

Hiya Colin - sounds like Chelmsford may have similar ideas to ourselves - good news ! Who runs the Church, I wonder if I know of them ? Jay xxx

▶ Reply to This

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• 2
• 3
• …
• 5
• Next ›
• Page