Breaking Bread

The celestial man is ‘the seventh day’; and because throughout the six days it has been the Lord at work, that man is called ‘His work’. In addition, because conflict at that point ceases, the Lord is said ‘to rest from all His work’. It was for this reason that the seventh day was made holy and was called the Sabbath from a word for ‘rest’(Secrets of Heaven 84)

In this issue:-

1. Article on ‘Day Seven Spiritual Work’ from Rev. Darren Brunne.
2. Upcoming events.
3. Jordan’s Adventures
4. Roster Calendar.

DAY SEVEN

Genesis 2:1-4

Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.

And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God

created and made.

These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when

they were created,

in the day that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens…

The Brisbane Society of the New Church - Breaking Bread - Page -2 of 9

Day Seven - New Rest and Lasting Peace

Welcome to Day Seven. Immediately preceding were the battles of Day Six. The dust is still settling and yet now comes a subtle but overwhelming peace. Its intensity will softly build into joy and rapturous love for life, for the people of love and the Father of Lights. Day Seven holds for us the sweet intoxicating fruits of the Tree of Life. Its delicious juice is warm and inviting at the very first taste. Its powerful nectar consists of nothing else but pure unconditional Love. The pain and struggles of the previous day now drain away and are replaced with strength, reassurance and tremendous building powers. And yet, paradoxically, at that very same moment, the peace of Day Seven invites us, ever so sweetly, to rest, relax, be still and enjoy the presence of the Lord. You are now in the most inviting company ever to be found in all of creation. We have an expression - a labour of love. This encapsulated wonderfully how Day Seven spiritual Work can be an end to ‘our’ labours or work because it is now the Work of Love following through us unimpeded. To the point, this is the very meaning of the ‘Sabbath’ or a day of rest. It does not mean that we cease from activity but instead we cease from the ‘work’ of overcoming the lower ego simply because Love, Heaven and the Heavenly ego are now able to function as the Lord intended. Thus, it is the Day of the Lord. Think of it this way, when a loved one comes home after a day of work or a long period of travelling, we greet them with a loving kiss and a long warm hug. There is no ‘work’ or duty in this act. It is spontaneous and filled with delight. In other words, it is an irrepressible ‘action’. It is Love at work in us and through us. So too is the Work of Day Seven. Nothing of ‘self’ is pushing, dictating or dominating the intentions or actions of the advancing soul. We are living and dwelling in the ‘flow’ of the heavenly life. We are in the zone of the Celestial and nothing can resist its warm, gentle but steady and consistent current. Day Seven is LIFE itself, the Life we have been so desperately searching for - only to be found in the Tree of Life growing freely within New Jerusalem, our eternal home - the great City of Lights. Another important aspect of Day Seven Work which I affectionally refer to as the ‘Watchmen’ is an internal state of awareness. Unlike Day Two where we are actively observing our states and discerning what is from ‘below’ and what is from ‘above’, the awareness of Day Seven is more of an ongoing enjoying of the Lord’s presence with an unimposing ‘willingness’ to be called once again into ‘action’. Quietly and patiently, we listen for the Lord’s leading to return to any of the ‘Work’ of the previous Six Days. Thus, the state of the ‘Watchmen’ is equivalent to the blissful and somewhat carefree mind and heart of the child of God. However, we are not ignorant nor careless. In any instant the Wisdom of the Divine is available for us. And yet, by the power of Grace, our delight in Lord and His presence flows on uninterrupted. As long as our attention and focus remain upon Him, we can be untroubled and unconcerned by evil and its pursuits of destruction. How is this possible and how are the processes of Day Seven notably different from Day Two? Divine Peace is the key as highlighted in Psalm 119:165 “Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” The heart of the advancing soul is fixed and grounded in His Heavenly peace. Peace is where we are meant to live. Peace is the food of the Seventh Day. Peace is the fruit growing upon the Tree of Life. Day Seven calls us to dwell in His Peace until that flow of peace is interrupted, at which point we follow His leading into the next season of ‘work’. Therefore, Colossians 3:15 instructs us - ‘And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body.’ And in Philippians 4:7 – ‘And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.’ Day Seven invites us to rest in the Lord until He requires us to stand to attention as an obedient Soul Warrior in the great holy battle for Heaven and salvation. Day Seven allows us to safely rest without fear of assault from the darkness. There is complete trust in the Lord’s care and oversight. Nothing of the hells can approach. And here we rest until called forth again. How can we recognise this great call to attention? Whenever we experience an interruption of the deep and underlying peace, He is calling us to attention. Gently but firmly, we internally intuit a subtle change of state, a stirring and new alertness to attend to spiritual processes. The time for resting has passed and a new exciting Work awaits.

The Brisbane Society of the New Church - Breaking Bread - Page -3 of 9

May your times of rest and attentiveness go well, Rev Darren Brunne

MARK AND THE MESSIAH

We continue to make great progress through Mark and the Messiah, during the family service on the first Sunday of the month. August will see us complete chapter 4 and move into chapter 5. Throughout this series, our goal is a monthly and continuous exploration of the Book of Mark, seeking to uncover the personal internal sense of Sacred Text while drawing out a number of practical goals for us to work on for that month.

SACRED CIRCLE

UNLOCKING THE POWER OF SACRED TEXT - 40 PARABLES Last year we finished compiling all forty parables into a complete study guide (over 350 pages). We are currently looking at the second set of studies from Day Two spiritual work. Unlocking the power of Sacred Text takes us through the Seven Days of spiritual work using those seven categories (one for each of the seven days of the creation story) to study the Lord’s parables. The 40 parables of the Lord have been reorganised into seven groups of study best suited to the Seven Days. Thus, moving forward with Sacred Circle, our time of exploration over the parables will equip us with revelation and wisdom to help us move forward through any of the seven stages we may find ourselves in –

1. New Light to help us travel – Day One (light-bearer/lamp)
2. Power to separate from the ‘ego’ and observe – Day Two (Seer/eagle)
3. Re-engage with the ‘new’ earth. Same activity, new level – Day Three (traveller/map)
4. Receive special guidance – Day Four (navigator/compass)
5. Nurture, expand & cultivate our inner promised land – Day Five (Merchant/pearl)

The Brisbane Society of the New Church - Breaking Bread - Page -4 of 9 6. Defend against and conquer negative states within – Day Six (warrior/sword) 7. Relaxing into and delighting in loving encounters – Day Seven (watchman/cup)

The Brisbane Society of the New Church - Breaking Bread - Page -5 of 9

ABIDING IN THE VINE MANIFESTATION SUNDAY – 100 VIRTUES

If you have never attended one of our third Sunday Services - the Abiding in the Vine project I would like to invite you along to experience the transformative quality of studying virtues. Each month we study a different virtue and focus in, especially for that month, on manifesting more of this virtue in our lives. We have recently finished the virtue Moderation on July 16 th and in August we will be working on Mindfulness. This project allows us to focus in on Day Three spiritual work – ‘New Earth’ – re-engaging with daily life but from a higher plane of existence and Day Five spiritual work – Cultivation of the Promised Land.

UPCOMING SPEAKING EVENT Thursday August 10 th at 6:30pm.

Rev Martin Pennington sharing at the Brisbane New Church I would like to invite you to Martin’s Thursday night talk entitled: - ‘Why Did God Do That? - A Retelling of the Genesis Creation Story.’ Discover a whole new meaning to the Creation story and how it reveals a map for your spiritual journey. During this talk you’ll find new relevancy for many passages in the Bible

that are building upon the Seven Day creation story.

1/24 Railway Terrace, Dutton Park

Jordan’s Adventures The Jacob’s creek family camp.

On the other side of the planet, 107 New Church members (seven of which were babies) trekked their way through the mountains of Pennsylvania to the Laurelville campgrounds. This camp is lovingly christened ‘Jacob’s Creek family retreat’ due to the stream that runs through the campgrounds. This year, Julie and Jamie Uber, Brad and Andrea Cranch, and a slew of other volunteers—worked hard to create a fun, family-friendly environment for everyone. This camp opened with a huge ice-breaker and ice cream. As the theme this year was “the seven days of Creation”, participants played a creation-themed ’20 questions’ game where they had to guess a word that was associated with the creation story. Words ranged from ‘ox’ and ‘wheat’, to difficult words such as ‘memory knowledge’ and ‘vivification’ (don’t worry, those words were assigned to the ministers). Day two and three were filled with classes examining the spiritual sense of the creation story and how each day was a roadmap on our journey to become angels. After the doctrinal sessions, there was time to discuss. For recreation, we had music, line dancing, and a talent night. On the final day, we looked at how creation can be mapped onto human history and the cycle of the five churches. Overall, I had a good time learning, laughing, and playing with my New Church peers. If I had to pick the statements that had the biggest impact on me, I would choose the following: aim for the highest heaven, because the Lord wants you there; work to get better friends, because your friends reflect who you are! So, I hope the Lord has surrounded you with good people who are encouraging you to grow closer to Him every day. Many blessings, Jordan Brunne

The Brisbane Society of the New Church - Breaking Bread - Page -6 of 9 Birthdays To all our friends celebrating birthdays throughout these months, we wish you birthday greetings and blessings. August 2 nd Julie Barns, 3rd Elijah Brunne, 23 rd Francis Fitzgerald, 24 th Josiah Brunne September 5 th Diane Thompson, 16 th Kimberly Chambers, 18 th Ian Arnold, 21 st Grace Brunne, 23 rd Isabella Lee October 5 th Vivian Lawler, 11 th Annabel Duff, 17 th Mrs Evelyn Williams, 18 th Sophia Barns, Mrs Muriel Barrett, 23 rd Matthew Heldon, 28 th Ken Thompson, 30 th Daniel Harry CHURCH CONTACT DETAILS Our services are held 1st, 2nd and 3rd Sundays, at 10.30 a.m.at our Centre – 1/24 Railway Terrace, Dutton Park. Always check the last page of the Calendar for services. Pastor: Rev. Darren Brunne, contactable on 0421 319 252 Treasurer: Mr Paul Evans, contactable on 0428 796 471 Secretary: Mr Cor Visser-Marchant contactable on 0416 243 242 or [email protected] Address: 48 Asperia Street, Reedy Creek, Qld, 4227 For activities on the Gold Coast and Mt Tamborine meetings contact Mrs Gaye Heldon on 0419 778 717 Sunday School Coordinator: Darren Brunne, contactable on 042131 9252 or [email protected]

SOUL WARRIOR Late in the year of 2017, I completed the novel ‘Soul Warrior’ in which you, the reader, are taken on a journey of discovery into the practice of spiritual warfare. Follow apprentice Mathetis on his own awakening as he learns to use the whole armour of God. You will be introduced into all seven stages of the armour through a part story, part parable approach. You can purchase the book through Amazon for $15.99 US Soul Warrior or pick up a copy from our Brisbane Centre for $20.00 when attending one of our services. Alternatively, you can contact me via [email protected] and I can post you a copy of ‘Soul Warrior’ for $20 AUS + postage.

The Brisbane Society of the New Church - Breaking Bread - Page -7 of 9

CALENDARS Aug 2023 Sun 6th

Sun 13th

1st SUNDAY FAMILY SERVICE including HOLY SUPPER

led by Rev. Brunne at 10.30 a.m. Mark and the Messiah - Chap 4:35-41 Sacred Circle, 10.30 a.m.

Fri 18th

Gold Coast Discussion Group Brian and Gaye Heldon’s at 10 am. Sun 20 th Abiding in the Vine led by Rev. Brunne at 10:30 am Sun 27 th Free for phone contact

Sep Sun 3rd

1 st SUNDAY FAMILY SERVICE including HOLY SUPPER led by Rev. Brunne at 10:30 am Mark and the Messiah - Chap 5:1-13

Sun 10 th Sacred Circle, 10.30 a.m. Fri 15th

Sun 17th

Gold Coast Discussion Group Brian and Gaye Heldon’s at 10 am. Abiding in the Vine led by Rev. Brunne at 10:30am

Sun 24th Wed 27th

Free for phone contact

Night Time Talk at the Theosophical Society (Rev Darren)

Oct Sun 1 st

1st SUNDAY FAMILY SERVICE including HOLY SUPPER

led by Rev. Brunne at 10.30 a.m. Mark and the Messiah - Chap 5:14-20 Sun 8th Sacred Circle, 10.30 a.m. Fri 13th

Sun 15th

Gold Coast Discussion Group Brian and Gaye Heldon’s at 10 am.

Abiding in the Vine by Rev. Brunne at 10:30 a.m. Followed by the AGM at 11:15 am (To be confirmed)

Sun 22nd Free for phone contact Sun 29th