Sermon Topics

December 2023 Theme – Holiday Light

by millig2 · Published December 1, 2023 · Updated January 14, 2024

During this holiday time of year, we sometimes feel we have too many things to do and too little time to do them, winding up harried and hurried. Or, for some, this time of year intensifies past or current hurts and sorrows, and we spend the month in sadness. This month at the Santa Anita Church, we will gather each week to release all of that as we learn how to experience the L-I-G-H-T of the holidays – Living Inside God’s Highest Truth.

December 3 – Your Christ Light (Rev. Gina)
In the Science of Mind Textbook, Ernest Holmes wrote, “In studying the life and teaching of Jesus, the most unique character of history, we discover a few simple ideas underlying his philosophy, the embodiment of which enabled him to become the Christ.” This Sunday, we will look at two of those simple, yet transforming ideas, the embodiment of which will illuminate our Christ Light. [NOTE: The audio quality of this track may be degraded as it was recorded in the Fellowship Hall as part of our Annual Pancake with Butter & Sermon service.]

December 10 – Shining Your Light (Rev. Gina)
As expressions of God, the Great Giver of Life, we each express our Highest Truth and shine our lights most brilliantly when we choose to be givers to life — not in obligatory ways, but because it is our Divine Nature to give. This Sunday we look at gifts we can share that don’t cost a cent and what it is like to adopt the Buddhist attitude of being a “kingly” giver.

December 17 – The Light Inside (Rev. Gina)
We are all familiar with the elements of the Christmas story – Jesus was born in a stable because there was no room in the inn surrounded by shepherd and wise men who had followed a star to be with him. As colorful as this story may be, this is the outside story of Christmas. This Sunday, we will look at the INSIDE story of Christmas and how it can lead to our living in the Light.

December 24 – The Christmas Light (Christmas Eve morning)
Many come to our annual candlelight service at 7pm Christmas Eve, but because it lands on a Sunday this year, we have the unique opportunity to offer a break from the norm. Enter into quiet contemplation as we open our minds and hearts to the significance of the Holy night ahead in this meditative and powerfully moving service.

December 24 – The Other Wise Man (Christmas Eve evening)
Learn of the fourth wise man as the story of his journey to deliver his three precious gifts to the new born king weaves in and around the life of Jesus.
(full service audio)

December 31 – Be Ye the Light (Rev. Gina)
We bring our month and the year 2023 to a close by focusing on our Light. Not only will we focus on our Light, but we will build our body of light through a powerful meditative experience you won’t want to miss.

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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
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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
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