We celebrate our nation’s independence and the freedom it brings us.  Yet there is a fascinating paradox about freedom that impacts each one of us – and is essential we understand.  Join us for a celebration of freedom.

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To hear and see the SERVICE each SUNDAY at 10:00 a.m:

     Link to CLICK: http://bit.ly/SLC-LiveStream(Or, go to YouTube and search SLCTROY)

When the live stream begins, click on the “Live Now” window.

(Note: The stream is scheduled to begin at 9:45 am and the service will begin at 10:00 am. If you do not see the video by 10:00 am, try refreshing your screen or scrolling to the right.)

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Join us afterward for “Coffee Hour” and connecting with each other via Zoom: Please refer to our bi-weekly church email for the details on accessing services via Zoom. Thank you.

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We are grateful for your support!  Your tax-deductible donation will be secure and simple.

We cannot tell you how grateful we are for your part in Spiritual Life Center of Troy, financially and otherwise.

Questions about online giving?  Read about Square’s Online Security

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Announcements

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At the end of the Services, on both Wednesdays and Sundays, the Zoom audio and video will be opened up to all who would like to connect with one another.  As we do, it can feel a lot like when we interact in the Lobby after a Service.  Know that, for those who choose, you can merely observe and not be seen or heard. We hope you will join us online this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. (Zoom will be used after the main service on Sundays, for a time to connect and have a virtual “Coffee Hour.”)

In Spiritual Unity, Revs Ron, Eileen and Lenore, Ministers, Spiritual Life Center

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Wednesday Evening Virtual Prayer Circle

In addition to the Sunday Service online, a 7:00 p.m. Wednesday Virtual Prayer Circle has been added to the Church calendar.  Join us any  Wednesday evening for a time of communal prayer, guided meditation, and visioning is conducted by Rev Eileen and is a wonderful opportunity to connect and join in the power of combined prayer during this time of social distancing.  Please join us weekly at 7:00 p.m.  Instructions on how to access this virtual meeting will be communicated by email to the subscribers of the church email distribution list each Monday morning.

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Know that we are holding each of you in the Highest during this challenging time.  If any of you needs prayer support or other assistance during this time, do contact any of us.

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You can receive a recording of the Sunday Service.  It will go to any person who sends an email requesting to be added to the weekly subscription. (You can also watch archived services via our YouTube .)

Podcast:  Check back here in a week for a podcast of the service.

(The recorded video will become available Sunday evening or Monday morning as YouTube takes a while to finalize the recording).

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POINTS TO REMEMBER
Jesus spoke to the idea of freedom when, in John 8:31 he is quoted as saying, “…if you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”

When Jesus says, “if you continue in my word,” he is referring to the Divine Realm, the way of God.  This Truth is the body of teaching that explains the will of God for humankind.  And reliance on this Truth, what is known as ‘absolute Truth,’ will make you free.

There is a paradox about freedom that impacts each one of us.  On the one hand, our freedom is essential if we are to live balanced, healthy lives.  And this requires freedom of communication, of religion and freedom to choose how we will live.  But this is all ‘outer’ freedom.

To live by Truth principles taught by Jesus requires an inner freedom.  A total focus on ‘outer freedom’ results in our living according to  personal consciousness -which is another term for our ‘ego.’  And that results in self-centeredness, egotism and greed.  But, there is a path that allows both inner and outer freedom to co-exist.  This comes from our pursuing Christ Consciousness.  And, when you do, you seek not independence, but inner dependence, a dependence on your true inner Self, a dependence on God.  And God will provide you outer freedom.

Because you are free, you are a clean slate.  This means you are not locked into yesterday, and are always able to claim a ‘new you.’  When you free the Christ that lives within you to be your guide, you become a force for good that blesses every person whose life you touch.

More and more in these times, we see the ramifications of leaving out anyone.  When we do, the freedom of us all is impeded.  Yet, it is possible for us to see the mistakes of our country’s past without being critical, and having compassion that some may have done their best while living in the norms of that time.  We can imagine how people two centuries in the futures may look back on this time and question why.

Our system of government allows us to move toward greater freedom for women, for people of color, LGBTQ folks, and for the poor .  The history of our nation’s freedom symbolizes our personal transformation.  As we pursue our inner freedom, all forms of freedom are furthered.