February Issue

The Sermon this month comes from London, where Rev. Fred Elphick has been the Pastor for a good number of years. The lesson is how to apply the measurement of the Holy City to our lives. Does this mean we compare ourselves with other people? There is a right way to go about it.

A second sermon we believe was delivered on board the USS Stennis, an aircraft carrier, one location Chaplain Rev. Martie Johnson has served. We don't often consider Grace or Epiphany, but it is worth reflecting on this January event so soon after the celebration itself. There is a way the wise men can lead the way for us to follow.

We have seen the passing of two ministers of the General Church, the Rev. Kenneth O. Stroh, and the Rev. Erik Sandstrom Sr. We include some cogent extracts on these loved and well known servants of the New Church.

Church News include an exciting view of the New Church in India! Reports are coming in, and we now have brethren and sisters in the Church there and it seems certain that more will come. Rev. Appelgren was the ambassador while Mr. Devassy is the actual newcomer to the New Church who is evangelizing his countrymen.

Rev. Frederick C. Elphick is the Pastor of Michael Church, London but will retire in July when Assistant Pastor Alan Lewin takes over. Fred was inaugurated into the priesthood on June 6, 1984 and ordained into the second degree on September 23, the same year. He has served as the Pastor of Michael Church since that year, as well as visiting pastor to he Surrey Circle in England. From Oct 1987 until 1989 he also visited the Letchworth Group. He has edited the UK Newsletter since January 1986, and continued visiting the group in the Netherlands in 1992. More recently, he has become chairman of the Swedenborg Society Council, and also serves on their Advisory and Revision Board. Fred lives with his wife Jane (Gill) in Beckenham, London.