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Swedenborg: Things Seen Heard and Felt
Swedenborg's Birthday Banquet. Introduction by Rev. EH Carswell. | By Dr. Dan A. Synnestvedt | Bryn Athyn Heilman Hall
See Event (23m 51s)
The Dishonest Manager
Worship Service: Informal Family - January 13, 2019
The Lord’s parable of the “Unjust Steward” in Luke 16, about the firing of a manager for mismanagement and corruption, has a message for all of us about how we manage our own spiritual lives. We have a tendency to claim for our own what the Lord has given us. | By Rev. Jeremy F. Simons | Bryn Athyn Heilman Hall
See Event (31m 11s)
Our Gifts for the Lord
Worship Service: Informal Family - December 30, 2018
The wise men brought the Lord symbolic gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh (Matthew 2). We too bring gold when we love the Lord, frankincense when we love one another, and myrrh when we wish to be of service. Yet when we reflect more deeply we see that these are actually gifts the Lord gives to us (Secrets of Heaven 9938.2). | By Rev. John L. Odhner | Bryn Athyn Heilman Hall
See Event (35m 06s)
I saw God today
Worship Service: Informal Family - December 23, 2018
“And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. … Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.” (Luke 2:16-20) This service is composed of some Christmas readings, a pageant with a chance to go see the baby Lord, and lots of singing of Christmas carols. As always, the posted recordings have the copyrighted music edited out. Some of the readings are also edited out, since copyrighted music was playing behind the readings. | By Rev. Solomon J. Keal | Bryn Athyn Heilman Hall
See Event (13m 21s)
Keeping Watch By Night
Worship Service: Informal Family - December 16, 2018
The shepherds knew that night could be a dangerous time for the sheep, so they were diligently keeping watch. Little did they know of the spiritual darkness that was deepening and creating dangers for human beings. The darkness was suddenly removed with the appearance of an angel bringing them “good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.” We too have times when we need to keep watch within times of spiritual night with the hope and promise for our lives that the Lord’s birth into the world can bring to each of us. (a non-copyrighted song is included). | By Rev. Eric H. Carswell | Bryn Athyn Heilman Hall
See Event (35m 51s)
The Christmas Census
Worship Service: Informal Family - December 09, 2018
The Christmas story takes place during a census, which would have been an inconvenience for Mary and Joseph (Luke 2:1-3). But providentially this led to the Lord’s birth in Bethlehem. What is the “census” in our own lives that leads to the birth of the Lord in our hearts and minds? | By Rev. Solomon J. Keal | Bryn Athyn Heilman Hall
See Event (31m 21s)
The Birth of John the Baptist
Worship Service: Informal Family - December 02, 2018
We begin a series this week leading up to Christmas. Our first topic is the story surrounding the birth of John--how he would prepare the way for the Lord, and how his father Zacharias went from doubting the word of the angel to blessing his son and giving a prophecy of his future work. | By Rev. Jeremy F. Simons | Bryn Athyn Heilman Hall
See Event (34m 14s)
Giving Thanks for the Lord's Coming
Worship Service: Informal Family - November 25, 2018
As we conclude our Thanksgiving weekend and start thinking of Christmas, our topic is “Giving Thanks for the Lord’s Coming.” Prophecies said that the Lord would come to conquer (Psalm 24), to judge (Psalm 50), and to comfort and heal (Isaiah 35, 40). How do we experience the Lord coming into our lives? | By Rev. John L. Odhner | Bryn Athyn Heilman Hall
See Event (27m 58s)
Like A Fruitful Tree
Worship Service: Informal Family - November 11, 2018
The Lord tells us that our lives can be like fruitful trees and grapevines that bear bountiful grapes. They also can be like prickly thorn bushes or withered and barren plants. Our choices are what make the difference in what kind of plant we are. | By Rev. Eric H. Carswell | Bryn Athyn Heilman Hall
See Event (30m 31s)
Love Wins
Worship Service: Informal Family - November 04, 2018
In the final week of “Love Over Ego,” we look at the story of Daniel in the lion’s den (Daniel 6). The Babylonian governors got King Darius to make a law that everyone had to worship him. Daniel continued to pray to the Lord, and so he was thrown in the lion’s den. How does this story illustrate love finally winning over ego? | By Rev. Solomon J. Keal | Bryn Athyn Heilman Hall
See Event (43m 27s)
Contentment over Materialism
Worship Service: Informal Family - October 28, 2018
Can we avoid letting anxiety and worry diminish our feelings of contentment, peace and satisfaction? Can material things reduce our quality of life as well as increase it? We continue our Journey series about the book of Daniel and Love Over Ego with the story of the next king of Babylon (Daniel chapter 5). Belshazzar has a great feast using the gold and silver vessels stolen from the temple in Jerusalem. A hand appears writing a mysterious warning. It seems that Belshazzar cares only about power and wealth. Daniel has no desire for the rewards of power and wealth that the king offers. He trusts the Lord for all his needs. We too can choose “Contentment over Materialism” like Daniel, who did not covet the rewards and riches that Belshazzar so highly valued. | By Rev. John L. Odhner | Bryn Athyn Heilman Hall
See Event (31m 42s)
Humility over Shame
Worship Service: Informal Family - October 21, 2018
In week four of “Love over Ego,” we look at Daniel chapter four, in which Nebuchadnezzar had a dream of a tall tree that was chopped down to a stump. Our ego sometimes thinks too highly of ourselves, but our ego can also feel the shame of being ‘cut down to size.’ How can we instead find true humility, which opens us back up to the Lord’s love and joy? | By Rev. Solomon J. Keal | Bryn Athyn Heilman Hall
See Event (41m 27s)
Confidence Over Arrogance
Worship Service: Informal Family - October 14, 2018
All of us like to get our way, and at times that desire can take on alarming proportions in our lives, and can seem to swamp our desire to do what is right. We'll look at how Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego dealt with this problem and how it applies to what to do when our ego rises up. The song "The Fiery Furnace" is included with permission of the author, Lori Odhner, and the Choristers singing, led by Robin Bier. | By Rev. Erik J. Buss | Bryn Athyn Heilman Hall
See Event (40m 04s)
Intentions Over Expectations
Worship Service: Informal Family - October 07, 2018
In week two of “Love Over Ego,” we look at Daniel chapter two, in which Nebuchadnezzar had a dream of a statue made of gold, silver, bronze, iron, and clay. The statue was then shattered by a stone. How does this vision describe our expectations in life? | By Rev. Solomon J. Keal | Bryn Athyn Heilman Hall
See Event (49m 16s)
We Are What We Eat
Worship Service: Informal Family - September 30, 2018
As we begin the Journey series “Love Over Ego,” we look at Daniel chapter one, in which Daniel and his friends refused the King of Babylon’s delicacies, and instead chose to eat vegetables and drink water. “We are what we eat” is a principle that applies spiritually as well as naturally, and it relates to our “true identity.” This is a Holy Supper service. | By Rev. Solomon J. Keal | Bryn Athyn Heilman Hall
See Event (41m 56s)
Tabernacle Community
Worship Service: Informal Family - September 23, 2018
When building the Tabernacle, Moses called for all the people to contribute whatever materials they could offer (Exodus 35). The Tabernacle took form because of these freewill offerings. How does the construction of the Tabernacle represent the way community works in our lives? The song from the service "A Dwelling Place for You" is included as Track # 2 with permission of the composer, John Odhner, and the singers. | By Rev. Solomon J. Keal | Bryn Athyn Heilman Hall
See Event (43m 16s)
Turning to the Lord
Worship Service: Informal Family - September 16, 2018
Some plants turn their flowers to face the sun from morning until evening. We are taught that angels always have the Lord in front of them. The ancient Israelites were led by pillars of cloud and fire. In good times and bad, the Lord encourages us to turn to Him for all the good things He can bring us. Public domain music included, as well as "Sunflowers" (21 minutes into the recording) by permission of the authors, Warwick & Bier, and singers. Recording by Keith Genzlinger. | By Rev. Eric H. Carswell | Bryn Athyn Heilman Hall
See Event (01h 14m 31s)
Don't Bring Your ‘Dog’ to Church
Worship Service: Informal Family - September 09, 2018
We look at the story of Lazarus, the dogs that licked his sores, and the need to quiet our inner “watch-dog” and be willing to believe. | By Rev. Jeremy F. Simons | Bryn Athyn Heilman Hall
See Event (35m 07s)
O Come Let Us Worship!
Worship Service: Informal Family - September 02, 2018
The Lord can make our morning worship service a deep and powerful experience that lifts us up, connects us and inspires us with life in a way that we cannot manufacture by ourselves. This connection derives its life from our efforts to love and serve others from the Lord’s own life and power. | By Rt. Rev. David H. Lindrooth | Bryn Athyn Heilman Hall
See Event (46m 13s)
Am I Good Enough?
Worship Service: Informal Family - August 26, 2018
This is a question many of us ask. We'll be looking at it as we explore the Creation story. What is good enough? What does the Lord think is good enough? | By Rev. Erik J. Buss | Bryn Athyn Heilman Hall
See Event (46m 02s)
The Fig Tree
Worship Service: Informal Family - August 19, 2018
Jesus, being hungry, came across a fig tree which had only leaves and no fruit. He “cursed” the tree and it withered away (Matt 21; Mark 11). His disciples were amazed, and asked Him how He did that. What does this strange miracle symbolize in our lives? | By Rev. Solomon J. Keal | Bryn Athyn Heilman Hall
See Event (42m 48s)
Filling with Oil
Worship Service: Informal Family - August 12, 2018
A widow asked Elisha for help. She was afraid she would lose her sons because of debts she had. Elisha told her to gather many pots and jars. Then she was to pour oil into them from the small jar she had. When we are feeling empty and concerned for future happiness sometimes the best thing to do is recognize some area of life into which you can put caring and attention. | By Rev. Eric H. Carswell | Bryn Athyn Heilman Hall
See Event (45m 12s)
Noah and the Dove
Worship Service: Informal Family - August 05, 2018
Freedom from the Flood. During the Flood, Noah released first a raven and then a dove to see if there was any hope of dry land (Genesis 8). At first the dove came back with nothing. Next the dove came back with an olive leaf. Finally the dove didn’t come back at all. What does this symbolize about the gradual escape from spiritual “floods” in our own lives? | By Rev. Solomon J. Keal | Bryn Athyn Heilman Hall
See Event (38m 08s)
Finding Heaven in Daily Life
Worship Service: Informal Family - July 29, 2018
Where are angels? Can our eyes be open to seeing angels around us? Where have you had a heavenly experience in your daily life? [Elisha] answered, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” (2 Kings 6:16) | By Rev. John L. Odhner | Bryn Athyn Heilman Hall
See Event (37m 19s)