The Cross

The Cross hanging in the Tower of Light

Suspended over the altar table in the Tower of Light is a Lucite cross. When the cross was delivered to the church during the initial construction, the maker apologized for an internal flaw at the intersection of the arms. Those present when the box was opened found that the center was cracked noticeably. They prepared to send it back to the manufacturer, when Ethel Barnhart, founder of The Santa Anita Church, spoke in her gentle and knowing way, “It is that way for a reason. It will stay.” When the vendor offered to remake the cross, Ethel replied, “That won’t be necessary, It’s perfect just the way it is.” Many have since speculated that perhaps she saw the fractures as a symbol of humanity’s fragile nature, or of Spirit’s unwavering and absolute love for all living things. We can only imagine her reasoning, and employ our own wisdom while gazing upon the cross.

April 2024 Theme – The Virtues Project
“Virtues are our inner strengths, the content of our character, and the truest expression of our self. Respect, Integrity, Justice and Trustworthiness, to name a few examples. Values are culture specific, while virtues are universally valued by people of all cultures. Virtues are the common thread that unites humanity.” ~The Virtues Project As noted in the quote above, virtues are universal. This fact allows The Santa Anita Church to teach the Barnhart School children regardless of their religious or spiritual beliefs. Each week a virtue card from The Virtues Project is discussed with the children. This month, Rev. Gina is asking congregants to pick the virtue card that will be discussed each Sunday. April 7 – Caring is a VirtueCaring is giving tender attention to the people and things that matter to us. It is being a compassionate witness, listening to another wholeheartedly and without judgement. We show that we care with thoughtful acts and kind words. When we do a careful job, we give it our best effort. We are not indifferent to things that matter. We care deeply about the principles we believe in. Caring is a sign of love. When we care for others, we notice how they feel and what they need. When we care for ourselves, we have more to give to others. Caring is a gift from the heart. April 14 – Assertiveness is a VirtueAssertiveness is speaking one’s truth with peaceful confidence. It is discerning the song we were given to sing and using our talents as a gift to the world. We have the courage to speak up for what we believe is right. We tell the truth about what is just. Assertiveness comes from knowing our own worth, and honoring the dignity of who we are. We stand on our own holy ground, and set boundaries without guilt. We never beg or make demands. We ask for what we need by making simple, positive requests. We treat ourselves with respect and expect respect at all times. April 21 – Reliability is a VirtueReliability is being dependable. Others can rely on us to be responsible. We genuinely care about keeping our commitments. When we say we will do something, we do it in a predictable way without forgetting or having to be reminded. We avoid taking on too much, so we can give fully to what we choose to do. We finish on time. No obstacle can stop us from giving our best. When friends need us, we are there. We are promise-keepers. April 28 – Trust is a VirtueTrust is having faith, hope, and a positive outlook. Trust is believing in someone or something. We have confidence that the right thing will come about without trying to control it or make it happen. We trust others to do what they say they will do, and give them the space to be trustworthy. Sometimes it is difficult to trust when life brings painful experiences. Trust is being sure, in the depths of our being, that there is some gift or learning in everything that happens. We move confidently with the flow of life, gathering strength from adversity. We know we are never along. The Virtues Project
[more...]

The Cross

This Month's Sermon Theme

Upcoming Events

Affirmation for 04/26/24

OUR YOUTUBE

Our Facebook

The Santa Anita Church