Sunday School Lesson #1

Supplies needed.
Large sketching paper.
Color pencils.

Initiate the class by informing the children that you, as the instructor, would like them to help you draw a picture of your day at the beach. Explain to them that you are not very artistic and state that the image they create d would be framed to hung in the class for the rest of the year.

Instructor. State that the first thing you would like to express in the artwork is that your trip began in darkness of the night and ended in the light of the day. Suggest that by shading the upper portion of half of the white paper would demonstrate the effect of darkness vs. lightness. Have on of the children shade the paper.

Instructor. Tell the children that the second thing you noticed when arriving at the beach was that off in the distance the sky seemed to meet the water. The only thing that separated the two was a line. To illustrate the idea to them draw a line on the paper just below the shaded area. Extend the line completed across the paper.

Instructor. Explain to the children that the third thing you noticed was that the water and the dry sand also formed a line. Again draw a line across the paper that extends from side to side.

Point out the area between the two lines and state that this was about the level of the water. Tell the class this is really where you needed help with the drawing. Ask one the class members to pick a color for the water and shade in the area on the paper. Request that another choose a different color for the sand or dry land and have her or him color in that area.

Instructor. After looking at the shaded piece of paper ask the children what would make the darkened area look more like the night and what would help someone identify the light area of the day. Guide the class into answering the sun, moon and stars. Again have three different children draw images of the mentioned on the sketch. After the children complete the images, state yes that the moon, stars in the and sun in the was the fourth thing you noticed on your beach day.

Instructor. Tell the children that the fifth feature you wanted included in the drawing was the birds that you saw in the sky and the different fish you noticed in the water. Again have different members of the class sketch images of birds and fish on the illustration.

Instructor. Inform the children that the sixth thing noticed on the beach was people playing with their animals and that if you became to warm you could cool off by sitting on a bench shaded by trees and surrounded by flowers and grass. Since the things mentioned were apart of you beach day, ask different children to draw, people, animals, trees, flowers and grass on the drawing.

Instructor. Let the children know that watching all the activity around you make you tired so the seventh and last thing you did on the beach trip was rest. Since you decided to rest that would be the best place to say the drawing was complete.

At this point , inform the children that before starting the Bible lesson for the day you needed to review the lesson. Ask the children to review the picture they created while you were looking over your notes. After a few minutes state that while looking over your notes you discovered a marvelous thing the children just accomplished. State that even though the class completed a drawing of your beach day, stress that they imaged the way God created all. To show the comparison different children read the seven days of creation while others point out the areas on the drawing that correspond to the days.

1. Day/light-night/darkness
2. Firmament
3. Water/land
4. Sun/Moon/Stars
5. Birds/fish
6. Man/animal/vegetation
7. Rest Conclude the lesson by stating that the title of the artwork would be Gods creation of all. Artists names of the children in the class.


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Our Newest Feature is called the RSS Feed. It's a great way for you to keep in constant touch with what's new at the Seminary. By using any of these buttons: you can personalize your




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My name is Rev. Amy Long and I've been a minister with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since its inception. I've been a member of ULC for many years and my site has created a terrific ULC Forum. We also have the most extensive catalog of Universal Life Church materials.

Being in the moment

Spontaneity

By John Naulin

We all want to be spontaneous. We want to grab life with vigor and shake all we can out of it!

But, some of us think too much. Our obsessive desire to analyze everything to death grabs hold and we in turn ruin many if life’s special moments. The spontaneous moments.

Here’s an example. Two individuals are faced with a romantic weekend away. Let’s see how they each respond:

The Truly Spontaneous person ?

Wow, a weekend in the mountains!

I’ll bet this is going to be an adventure. I can’t wait!

This is fun. The room is nice.

The weather is great. My partner is being very romantic.

Wow, what a fabulous time!

The trip was great. The romance ?? Great!

I can’t wait till we get another opportunity like that.

The Overly Analytical Person ?

My partner has asked me to go to the mountains for the weekend.

I wonder what he/she is after.

How should I dress? After all I don’t want seem too eager do I?

Good thing I brought all my clothes cause the weather is better than I’d thought.

What does my partner expect? After all the room was designed for sex.

Does he/she think I’m the kind of person to fall head over heals for a romantic room?

Why is he/she doting on me? Why doesn’t he/she pay this much attention to me at home?

Well, that was pretty good! I’ve still got the moves!

What was that all about?

What am I supposed to do now? Does he/she think that one romantic weekend will turn me into his/her drooling love slave?

Just how much am I willing to give up for the occasional romp in the mountains?

Exactly who does he/she think they’re kidding?

Well, if he/she thinks so little of my character, they can just go to Hell!?

An exaggeration? Unfortunately not. Too many people think exactly like this and as a result they miss out on a lot that life has to offer.

Ask yourself which person you are in the scenario outlined above. If you look deeply enough a lot will see at least part of themselves in the second individual.

Try not to over think life. Here is one way to start:

Plan a trip by not planning it. Pick a destination and make a room reservation; nothing more.

Once there, look at the paper to see what’s happening in town, or ask the staff at the motel. Explore the area. Get lost and find your way back by stopping at all the interesting little places you see along the way.

Regain the inquisitive child in you and relax and enjoy the adventure!

Grab life and shake it, my friends! What falls out may surprise you.

God provides us with so many opportunities to live …. don’t drown them with your own insecurity. Be spontaneous!


Click This Link For Free Instant Online Ordination!


Our Newest Feature is called the RSS Feed. It's a great way for you to keep in constant touch with what's new at the Seminary. By using any of these buttons: you can personalize your




or Google page to give you a daily, self-updating feed of information from the Seminary. For more information on how to do that, go to the RSS Feed page or click the appropriate button

My name is Rev. Amy Long and I've been a minister with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since its inception. I've been a member of ULC for many years and my site has created a terrific ULC Forum. We also have the most extensive catalog of Universal Life Church materials.

ULC Ministry FAQ's

1. I wasn’t able to print my credential. Can I get another one?
I’m afraid that the program generates the credential at the time of ordination. To get another one, you’d need to ordain yourself again or order one from the site.

2. I don’t remember my ordination date. How can I get it?
To get your ordination date, send your request to generalcontact@ulchq.com Give them your full name and address at the time of ordination and they will give it to you.

3. I need a letter of Good Standing to do weddings. How can I get one?
You can order this from headquarters as well. Write to generalcontact@ulchq.com. Give them your full name and the address you’d like it mailed to. There is no cost for this.

4. How do I know if I need a letter of Good Standing?
Look at the Marriage Laws in the FAQ section and the training section. You can also confirm by calling the local county clerk where the wedding will take place and ask if you need to register.

5. I live in one state and I was asked to do a wedding in another. Can I do this?
Yes. You are legal to do weddings in all 50 states, as long as you’re at least 18 years old.

6. I’m getting ready to do my first wedding, what do I need?
Aside from possibly needing a letter of Good Standing, you would do well to order a book of ceremonies and certificates. (Basic Wedding Pack, for starters.) You should also read the training section (under ‘classes’) that has wedding training, as well as the wedding FAQ section.

7. I want to start doing weddings, how do I get started?
Start by ordering the Wedding Officiant Training Kit. It has all the materials you’ll need. Then get business cards and later a website. If you are not in time to get into the phone book, start by going to all the wedding facilities in your area (or calling them) and ask to be put on their Preferred Vendor list. You will get calls this way. To get started doing funerals, you’ll want to go to Funeral Homes and do the same thing.

8. How do I know what to charge?
Call other ministers from the phone book. Look under wedding supplies and services and look for the ministers. Ask them and then determine your price from there.

9. I live in Canada. Is my ordination legal here?
In some provinces yes and some no. Get a letter of Good Standing and present it in your province to see. It varies greatly depending who you ask.

10. I want to start a group of ULC ministers in my area. How can I do this?
Ask for people to join you on the forum and look through the directory. We don’t handle the formation of the groups, but we’ll be happy to invite it on the discussion board.

Universal Life Church Ministry

Click This Link For Free Instant Online Ordination!

Our Newest Feature is called the RSS Feed. It's a great way for you to keep in constant touch with what's new at the Seminary. By using any of these buttons: you can personalize your




or Google page to give you a daily, self-updating feed of information from the Seminary. For more information on how to do that, go to the RSS Feed page or click the appropriate button

My name is Rev. Amy Long and I've been a minister with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since its inception. I've been a member of ULC for many years and my site has created a terrific ULC Forum. We also have the most extensive catalog of Universal Life Church materials.

Forum News

The ULC Seminary Forum's new post is several of the more active sections are now RSS'ed.

What this means is you can use the RSS link to have post brought right in to your RSS reader (AOL, Yahoo, Google, MSN, etc) have have it displayed with your other RSS Feeds such has New, Blogs, etc.

Also in RSS news, all new post on the ULC Seminary Blog will be able to be read without having to leave the forum, just look in the Forum Section title RSS Feed's. If you have a RSS feed you would like to see put in there, be it a religious news site, updates from your site, etc, just let me know and we might be able to accomodate you!

Click This Link For Free Instant Online Ordination!


Our Newest Feature is called the RSS Feed. It's a great way for you to keep in constant touch with what's new at the Seminary. By using any of these buttons: you can personalize your




or Google page to give you a daily, self-updating feed of information from the Seminary. For more information on how to do that, go to the RSS Feed page or click the appropriate button

My name is Rev. Amy Long and I've been a minister with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since its inception. I've been a member of ULC for many years and my site has created a terrific ULC Forum. We also have the most extensive catalog of Universal Life Church materials.

Wiccan Studies

What I learned from The Wiccan Studies Class

I really enjoyed the history portion of the class. It is very interesting to see the evolution of ‘Pagan” type religions. Having no previous knowledge of the evolution of civilized religions vs. pagan religion, you article was a real eye opener for me.

I also enjoyed the section on Dowsing. I have seen individuals use this technique before and didn’t even realize it was consider part of the Pagan culture.

As I continued to read the lessons, I realized that a lot of what my mother had taught me over the years, had roots in the Wiccan religion! Boy was my mom surprised. My mom was so impressed by what I told her, she actually went out and bought a book to read up on the subject.

I think the holidays were my favorite part. I was surprised to find that there were other names for the solstice holidays and what the belief was behind each one. In our family we have always acknowledged the solstices and for the summer and winter solstice we always have had a celebration. Now I know how to incorporate what I learned about the holidays into our celebrations.

Thank you for a very informative course.

Rev. Dorothy Torres

http://www.castleministries.com

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. I have been a proud member of the ULC for many years and the Seminary since its inception.

The Universal Life Church offers handfasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge selection of Universal Life Church  minister supplies. Since being ordained with the Universal Life Church for so many years and it's Seminary since the beginning, I've watch the huge change and growth that has continued to happen.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Wiccan Studies

What I learned from The Wiccan Studies Class

I really enjoyed the history portion of the class. It is very interesting to see the evolution of ‘Pagan” type religions. Having no previous knowledge of the evolution of civilized religions vs. pagan religion, you article was a real eye opener for me.

I also enjoyed the section on Dosing. I have seen individuals use this technique before and didn’t even realize it was consider part of the Pagan culture.

As I continued to read the lessons, I realized that a lot of what my mother had taught me over the years, had roots in the Wiccan religion! Boy was my mom surprised. My mom was so impressed by what I told her, she actually went out and bought a book to read up on the subject.

I think the holidays were my favorite part. I was surprised to find that there were other names for the solstice holidays and what the belief was behind each one. In our family we have always acknowledged the solstices and for the summer and winter solstice we always have had a celebration. Now I know how to incorporate what I learned about the holidays into our celebrations.

Thank you for a very informative course.

Rev. Dorothy Torres

http://www.castleministries.com

squeak@gci.net

351-6437 Cell

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. I have been a proud member of the ULC for many years and the Seminary since its inception.

The Universal Life Church offers handfasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge selection of Universal Life Church  minister supplies. Since being ordained with the Universal Life Church for so many years and it's Seminary since the beginning, I've watch the huge change and growth that has continued to happen.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

ULC Seminary FAQ's

Below you will find some Frequently asked questions about our Seminary program. If you have any questions that aren't answered below, please write to amy@ulcseminary.org and she'll do her best to answer them. If the question is asked often enough, it may be added to our list of questions. If you look on our seminary page, you'll find in depth descriptions of the different courses, along with course descriptions which may also answer some of your questions. 

1. How do the courses work? The courses are all done through email. Each week, you will receive an email with that week's discourse. It's your job to read each discourse (essay/lesson) at least 3 times each and to absorb it as best you can. Most of the lessons contain homework for you to do. We usually won't be collecting it, but it's very beneficial for you to do and will help you increase your knowledge and skill as a ULC minister.

2. When I finish the course, then what happens?  Each of the seminary courses require you to write an essay, which will be posted on the forum and on our ULC Seminary blog. This fulfills the requirement of having your work published and subjected to peer review.

3. When will I get my degree? You will get your degree for each course upon successful completion of the course and the essay requirement. When you mail in your essay, be sure to include your snail mail address to ensure that the Seminary has your updated address for sending your degree.

4. What do the degrees look like? All of the degrees are mailed on certificate paper with gold foil highlights. Each certificate also has a pen and ink signature, a gold foil seal and is custom printed with each name in matching font. They are very attractive and professional.

5. How do you graduate from the Seminary? Currently, we are requiring 40 credits to receive an undergraduate degree and 60 credits for a post graduate degree. You will receive a Master of Ministry for the undergraduate degree and a Doctor of Ministry for the post-graduate degree.

6. It doesn't look like there are enough classes available to graduate, so what do we do to get the rest of the courses? We have new courses being added all of the time, so start with the ones available and add them as they are released.

7. How do I join the seminary? You can join by filling out the form on the website. Each application is reviewed by hand to avoid adding people who are not serious about the seminary. When you are accepted, you will receive a different email approximately every two weeks with course samples, educational material and interesting articles.

8. Is there a cost to join the seminary? There's no cost to join and the bi-weekly emails are part of the student curriculum. There is also no obligation to take courses at any time and you can take them at your leisure and as finances permit.

9. Are the courses accredited? The ULC Seminary is not accredited by any agency nor are we currently seeking national or regional accreditation. Most Department of Education recognized National Institutional and Specialized Accrediting Bodies are linked to mainstream Christian and Jewish faiths and their accreditation requirements would severely limit the breadth and variety of course offered by the Seminary on a plethora of religious paths.

We are open about our Non Accreditation and why we are not currently seeking national or regional accreditation because there are many "internet degree" programs are "accredited" by an agency not listed as recognized by the Department of Education. Many of these "agencies" are merely extensions of the Institution offering the degree and created for the sole purpose of "accrediting" their own programs. We at the ULC Seminary do not use these tactics and nor endorse of this form of misrepresentation.

To find out more about accreditation visit the Dept of Ed's accreditation page http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html

10. Are the degrees legal? Absolutely! The Seminary degree program is registered with and meets all the requirements of the State of California's Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education and operates under the CALIFORNIA EDUCATION CODE ?94739 (B)(6) and can be found listed on the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education website at https://app.dca.ca.gov/bppve/school-search/...hlcode=58707730

(Full text of CEC ?94739 (B)(6) can be found at http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/cacodes/edc/94710-94746.html)

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. I have been a proud member of the ULC for many years and the Seminary since its inception.

The Universal Life Church offers hand-fasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge selection of Universal Life Church  minister supplies. Since being ordained with the Universal Life Church for so many years and it's Seminary since the beginning, I've watch the huge change and growth that has continued to happen.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Pagan explanations

All right, here goes...

The strict definition of the word Pagan is a person who is of a non-Abrahamic faith. In other words, someone who is not a Christian, Muslim, or Jew. Obviously this includes a lot of faiths and belief systems that most of us do not identify as Pagan.

The ones most regularly identified as Pagan by most people are various religions which tend to be very earth-centered. The seasons and cycles of life and the Earth are a primary focus and inspiration for these beliefs. Some of these include Wicca, Asatru, Druidry, and Native American Spiritualism. Also, many people simply identify themselves as Pagan without feeling the need to align themselves with a definied tradition.

There is, however another broader set of religions that may not self-identify as Pagan, but whose Gods or practices are very often adapted by people of those faiths more commonly called Pagan. Hindu deities are often incorporated into many Wiccan traditions, as well as deities from Celtic, Egyptian, Roman, and Greek pantheons.

Confused, yet?

Don't worry, I'll keep going. There are other religions that often are grouped under the Pagan umbrella that actually have ties to Christianity. Some examples of this are Santeria, Vodoun, and Satanism. But then again, Christianity itself has strong Pagan ties. Many holidays and their traditions that are thought of as good Christian traditions actually stem from Pagan origins. So sometimes the line between Christianity, Paganism, and other religions is pretty blurry.

Defining one tradition thoroughly actually often leads into discussion of another faith. And many people intentionally blend faiths, such as Christo-Wiccans. Bear in mind, too, that even within each one of these faiths, there can be an infinite number of variations. If someone tells you they are a Wiccan, they could be a Gardnerian Wiccan, a practitioner of Faery Wicca, etc.

You can spend a LOT of time learning about just ONE branch of the Pagan family tree. I would suggest that if you are truly interested that you just pick one and start learning. You will be led from one tradtion to another and another. One place you can get some really good information about many faiths is www.religioustolerance.org.

I have a page on my website devoted to helping people learn about other faiths. For each faith listed there is a link to another site devoted specifically to that faith.

If you would like to learn more about the melding of the Christian and Pagan traditions, visit my page here: The Pagans and the Christians

Browse around at my website www.American-Pagan.com to learn more about my branch of the Pagan tree and for some really good links to learn more about Paganism. Good luck, and if you have any other questions just ask!!!

Join The Seminary Today For FREE!


My name is Rev. Amy Long and I've been a minister with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since its inception. I've been a member of ULC for many years and my site has created a terrific ULC Forum. We also have the most extensive catalog of Universal Life Church materials.

ULC Seminary Live News Feed

ULC SEMINARY NEW FEATURE!!
Universal Life Church News Feed!


The ULC Seminary has a new feature! It's called RSS, which stands for Real Simple Syndication.

I know that a lot of you don't necessarily have time to visit the ULC Seminary site as often as you'd like, but you still want to be kept up to date with the latest news, sermons, products, etc. So now we have a solution!


You can put our RSS newsfeed onto your personal webpage. I don't mean you have to have a website, but rather the free personalized webpage that is available through Google, Yahoo, MSN and AOL.

To add the newsfeed to your personalized page, go to www.ulcseminary.org/blog and scroll to the bottom.


There you will find small boxes at the bottom to add the feed. The feed address, if required (Google requires it) is below:


http://www.ulcseminary.org/blog/?feed=rss2


For your convenience, I have added the buttons on the front page of the site as well. Just click the appropriate button and follow the instructions. I personalized my MyYahoo page as well as a Google page for myself.

To make a personalized Google page, I went to www.google.com and clicked the 'personalized home page' button at the top. I created a free account, then added content. The above feed link is what I used. I edited my Google page to allow as many feeds to show as we currently have.

As we add more feeds, you can allow more to show. Yahoo allows up to 30 to show at once, which will give you access to a lot of information. You can also edit it to show the blurb.


If you are having trouble, find the button on your personalized page that says, "Add Content". The feed listed above is the content you want to add. Just copy and paste it into the box.

The feeds update daily or more often as the mood strikes. Sometimes it will update several times a day. You'll get a headline of the article and you can decide if it interests you. If you'd like a short summary of the article, you can edit your preferences to show that.


I hope you get a chance to take advantage of this opportunity. We, at the seminary, are doing everything we can to keep you up to date and informed. We'll be posting the announcements on the feed, as well as the site itself, along with any new training segments, articles, products and more.



Thanks again!

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. I have been a proud member of the ULC for many years and the Seminary since its inception.

The Universal Life Church offers hand-fasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge selection of Universal Life Church  minister supplies. Since being ordained with the Universal Life Church for so many years and it's Seminary since the beginning, I've watch the huge change and growth that has continued to happen.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Seminary student Letter

Dear Friends and Fellow Students:

Upon completion of my course studies in Metaphysics & Miracles last year, I embarked on my new career as a Therapist and Writer. I am happy to announce the publication of my first book entitled: In 3 Words or Less - Simply Stated Aspirations to Live & Thrive By.

I hope that you will join me in my celebration of becoming a first-time published author! Here is an editorial review of In 3 Words or Less:

"In today's hectic world of multi-task living, more and more people are finding less and less time to just sit back and smell the roses. No longer content with living life in the multi-task and fast lane, the author shares with her readers how recalling a childhood memory and receiving a soul-awakening letter changed the way she lived her life forever.

The author takes us through her journey of using life's sweet-and-simple wisdoms to create simply stated aspirations designed to enlighten and transform our hearts, minds, bodies and souls.

Exceptionally simple and inspiring, this book contains 173 aspirations written in 3 words or less. The succinct, wise aspirations stand by themselves as gentle yet potent reminders for us to keep our lives simple and enjoy life's simple, yet profound, pleasures."

In 3 Words or less:

~ offers the simplest path towards self-healing and self-transformation,

~ is a gentle guide for inspirational living ideas,

~ provides the perfect resource for anyone needing easy-to-read and easy-to-do aspirations, and

~ is an essential first-aid book for quick and soothing remedies off the multi-task and fast lane.

"Following simple aspirations, when we practice them regularly, slowly leads us to an experience of inner peace and opens us up to life's most priceless moments."

This is a wonderful book for anyone who needs a little reminder to slow down and enjoy the simple treasures of life.

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Spirit Quest

Universal Life Church

Hi Amy,

I have loved every one of the Lessons in this class from beginning to end. I must tell you I have learned more from you than I have for the past seven years. I go to a church that is open to all of this and have learned a lot from them too. I have been taking classes from there also. A lot of this is review.

The roses and Suns are new and fun to work with I like the grounding cords and the info on the main energies that comes in handy too. I have a group that comes to my place and we are working with crystals to heal with.

All of what is in the lessons go hand in hand with my healing group. How can I help others heal if I can not heal myself first? I have always thought in the positive. Always try to see the good in others. This can be hard work. I have one son and God bless him but he is in jail because he does things that put him there. I do not wish to see him like this but it is his realty . His life, His lesson for him to learn from. Now for me it is letting go of all the negatives that comes from this. To stay strong for myself first with roses there that helps a lot. It gets rid of all the hurts in life and they help to heal oneself.

In talking to my spirit guides they do talk to me and I hear them, when I wish to speak to them. Others by smell, others by movement in the room, and other I see, others by feeling them in the room. It just depends on who they are and what they are tiring to reach. There is so much in this world to do. All if what you give are wonderful tools. I will be taking another class soon.

You Light up my Life with your tools and knowledge.

Rev. Lisa Becker

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. I have been a proud member of the ULC for many years and the Seminary since its inception.

The Universal Life Church offers hand-fasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge selection of Universal Life Church  minister supplies. Since being ordained with the Universal Life Church for so many years and it's Seminary since the beginning, I've watch the huge change and growth that has continued to happen.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Occult Information

Warm Greetings, All,

Apologies for any vagueness here, but I studied the Kabbalah, also known as the Qabbala, in some depth, but it was 30 years ago. The Kabbalah is not a book, per se, but is a system of ancient Jewish mysticism that, its devotees say, is the key to revealing the "hidden truth" of the Torah, that is, the Jewish Bible, or what Christians know as the Old Testament. As a system of oral teaching and personal study it does not have a precise date of origin; it clearly had arisen by at least the second century A.D., and at least some of the teachings clearly had their roots in much older Hebrew scholarship and mysticism. There is a book called the Zohar which is regarded by conventional Jewish thought as apocryphal, that is, of dubious origins, and it is not given the canonical status of the Torah or even the Talmud, the book of rabbinical interpretations of the Torah to practical matters. Kabbalistic thought occupies a portion of the Zohar.

Occultists and mystics have been studying the Kabbalah for many centuries, and many of us were there long before Madonna. As I noted above, I delved most deeply into it about 30 years ago. The Kabbalah teaches a complex organization of the "Tree of Life" into a system of Sephiroth, stations of wisdom or intelligence, and a complex system of numerology is also associated with it. Some also posit a Kabbalistic astrology. The basic philosophy of the Kabbalah is somewhat similar to that of Gnosticism, in its emphasis on esoteric knowledge underlying the sacred texts, hidden wisdom lurking beneath the surface of events, and its view of the perfection of the light spirit of God being cloaked in the darkness of ordinary matter.

More information can be found by searching through those sections of the library in which one finds books on the occult and parapsychology, although one must be aware that some of the occultists who wrote expositions on the Kabbalah may have come by their understandings by dubious and/or idiosyncratic means, and may have had other agendas as well.

In Unity,

j.j.salt

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.

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Paganism Course

Universal Life Church

Essay on Paganism Class

Paganism is, by definition, of the country and/or any religion not Christian, Jewish or Muslim. This seems to fit my profile.

The class on Paganism opened my eyes to a few things, one of them being I am a true Pagan. The other being a number of religions state they are not Pagan, but they seem to me, to be of Pagan origin. I was not raised Catholic, but I am around many people who call themselves ‘recovering catholic’. The Catholic religion seems to come straight from the Greek/Roman belief in gods, many of which seem to have parallels in function.

Finding that I am a true Pagan is enlightening. I find that may of the things I do naturally are classified as Pagan. For example, I have always had a relationship with dreams being prophetic, working with angles in my healing sessions, working with herbs/flowers/animals/birds and asking permission from them before taking anything and leaving an offering for the gift they give.

I did find the work with chakra imagery helpful for balancing my energies. Going through the meditations and guided imagery was most instructive. I have learned new ways to help myself and others with the exercises of grounding and balancing given in the class.

As of yet, I have not set-up and official alter, although, I seem to have many mini alters all around my home, yard and office space. I love rocks and feathers and plants, herbs most especially, and seem to have instinctually set up the things I find helpful to balance energy in a space or that carry great meaning to me.

In closing, you may see why I feel truly Pagan, I am of the country, and I follow my instinctual nature and hold all things in the universe as precious, giving thanks to each one for their special gifts. I feel the Spirit around me always and in all things, not in one special place or one special deity.

Rev. Robin Muldowney

Paganism

My name is Rev. Amy Long and I've been a minister with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since its inception. I've been a member of ULC for many years and my site has created a terrific ULC Forum. We also have the most extensive catalog of Universal Life Church materials.

Comparative Religion

ULC Seminary Comparative Religion

Dearest Sirs:

Thank you for offering a very enlightening and informative course on comparative religion. I learned about the interfaith process, perspective, the differences and similarities of different religions, about the meaning of sacred texts and languages, religious celebrations, observances, events and traditions of various faiths.

I learned about how great teachers inspire others and guide others, and affect the spiritual evolution of those whom they teach. The course covered information about stories that are historical and how they affected religions and cultures around the world such as the huge flood of the ancient times, and stories that sanctify social change such as the bible story of Abraham and Issac.

There was information about religious teachings that were similar such as the golden rule and peace. There was information about youth education and the importance of song and dance in various religions.

The course was very enlightening and informative, covering a variety of topics regarding religion and it enhanced my knowledge and understanding shedding light on situations once appearing dark and uncertain. I learned that all are striving for the same things, and that each person is able to commit to their own understanding or interpretation of the Divine.

As I read the materials, I realized that having knowledge of other traditions would help me in my walk as a minister as I will be able to connect to Spirit through greater understanding of philosophies of other faiths, cultures.

I liked the ability to see Spirit in each faith. I enjoyed the course so much there is nothing that I would change about it and found it fascinating and would most certainly take another course taught by Reverend Kythera Ann. I think it could be improved by doing even more in-depth comparisons and extending the course to forty weeks or two semesters. Thank you for offering this course.

I highly recommend it to all as a very enlightening addition to the sacred and holy path of the truth seeker. I can truly say that it enhanced my eternal journey of truth.

In Divine Love and Service,

Rev. Tracey Loper

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Spirit Quest

As I embarked upon my journey of the metaphysical studies of Spirit Quest, I wasn't sure of what to expect or of how the teachings would pertain to my life. However, as I read the material, I soon realized that information contained in the discourses were giving my being the clarity that it so desperately needed.

Originally, I signed up for the Masters of Metaphysics program to aid me in the spiritual counsel of others and to provide me with the tools of becoming a more enlightened minister. Though I do not like to label my beliefs, many would classify me as a Wiccan of sorts, and thus, I feel that a working knowledge of metaphysics is essential to understanding and maintaining a positive relationship with the world that we live in; applying metaphysical thinking is also crucial to influencing internal reactions to the external environment. Though I learned something valuable from each lesson, I felt that there some discourses that opened my eyes up to a new way of thinking.

First, lesson 13, Your Spiritual Path, gave me more insight on how to know my true self (the self that I was born with, minus outside influences) and to recognize the need of ridding myself of false personality. By striving to know my true self, I am becoming closer to my spirit.

Discourse 15, Affirmations, has made me more aware of how harmful,ingrained beliefs can and need to be changed; though it may be difficult at times, we, as individuals have the inherent power to change our own thought systems, especially if our beliefs are based on the poisonous pedagogy acquired throughout our lives. Daily, I try to look at things from a more pure, internal perspective, rather than to eye them from previous, external influences.

A very enlightening discourse, Tools for Getting Unstuck, part 2, is filled with very useful information on encouraging one to broaden their horizons by learning new life lessons and to allow for spiritual growth by constantly challenging oneself. From this discourse, I am learning to know what I am capable of achieving from my life and how to find the courage to follow my true path. Also, the lesson has helped me to use my emotions, such as anger, in a more controlled manner, and to transform these emotions into a more positive force that I may be able to use to my benefit.

The last lesson that I would like to mention is: Money, discourse 29. This discourse is important in re-difining the meaning and purpose of money and how to make and keep it. This discourse also touches on the subject of making money in a way that one enjoys; it is from the advice in this lesson that has prompted me to the reach the decision of working for myself in the very near future.

In a final survey of Spirit Quest, I have say that by subscribing to the program, I am becoming a more well-rounded individual. I have stopped trying to fit into the "rat race" by discovering the real me. I am now listening to what my spirit is telling me, and as a result, I am finding that I am more happy and comfortable with my life choices. I am more relaxed and know that it is imperative to stop to enjoy life, and, at times, still your body and mind to attune with Akashic consciouseness. It is my hope that by applying the techniques presented to me in Spirit Quest, I will continue to grow spiritually and use the teachings to help others when warranted. I also want to remember and convey to the masses that sometimes the mysteries of life are the most beautiful when they remain just that -- a mystery.

By Rev. Cheryl Kautzman

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. I have been a proud member of the ULC for many years and the Seminary since its inception.

The Universal Life Church offers hand-fasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge selection of Universal Life Church  minister supplies. Since being ordained with the Universal Life Church for so many years and it's Seminary since the beginning, I've watch the huge change and growth that has continued to happen.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Shamanism Course

Warm Greetings, All,

I'm sure everyone is aware of the more spectacular instances of the movements usually referred to as "cults" using psychological techniques to brainwash people into becoming blind followers. In an earlier post, I made light of the issue of brainwashing, stating in response to someone who commented about 12-step programs being "brainwashing" that when I began working the steps of a self-help program, brainwashing was all right with me, because my brain needed washing! There is a kind of thorough indoctrination into new ways of thinking and relating to others and to the universe as a whole that is part of the self-help recovery movement. In a sense this is "brainwashing"; however, this is not the kind of brainwashing used by cults, as I'll contrast here shortly, and this is done only when individuals need an almost complete revamping of their minds, as is true in recovery from addiction, and is done only when the person agrees to surrender their will--not to the group, or to the leader, but to a Higher Power. When I was new to recovery I attended 12-step meetings nearly daily, and continued quite regular participation for several years. As time went on, I gradually withdrew from the program, quite uneventfully.

In the cults, however, the emphasis on surrendering one's will is always to the group leader, who is viewed as God, or God's incarnation, or the Second Coming, or at the very least a Prophet, with a capitol P. Techniques such as hypnosis, altered states of consciousness, and guided imagery are used, but these are only part of a much broader set of techniques that are designed to obliterate the individual's will and identity. Thus in cults you will see hypnosis used along with sleep deprivation, forced isolation from friends and family, control of all information received by the individual, control of diet, control of sexuality, forced participation in spying on other members, use of coalitions and cliques, over-practice and over-repetition of behaviors and statements to the point of insensibility, and the use of doctrines that minimize the individual and aggrandize to the point of deity the leader. The use of mind-altering drugs is also not unusual. Movements that utilize these techniques are truly "cults" and not merely new religions or self-help movements. The People's Temple of Jim Jones and the Branch Davidians of David Koresh are perhaps the best known and most spectacular of such cults, but there are many smaller ones that have done almost as much evil, and some that have made the transition to being religions with some degree of public acceptance.

When someone encourages you to turn your will over to God, it is worthwhile to listen, to explore what that would mean for you, and to ponder what sort of God is being advocated, and whether this God is consistent with the God of your understanding. When someone encourages you to turn your will over to them, don't listen, and run like hell!

In Unity,

j.j.salt

Shamanism

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. I have been a proud member of the ULC for many years and the Seminary since its inception.

The Universal Life Church offers hand-fasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge selection of Universal Life Church  minister supplies. Since being ordained with the Universal Life Church for so many years and it's Seminary since the beginning, I've watch the huge change and growth that has continued to happen.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Spirit Quest

Universal Life Church

So far so good on Spirit Quest for me. I think my favorite lesson is the second discourse, although I am enjoying all I have received so far. Particularly because I come from a place where this was one of my major lessons in life. I know this one well and know how to forgive for myself. So much has been done to me, however, I feel so much release of anger since I learned this lesson years ago. I wanted to share since I read so many have a problem with this one. You can't help what others have done to you and once you forgive inside yourself, you are released and feel free to live. Just my opinion.

I do want to add that I see the word "Perfect" in every discourse. Yes, I feel we were created in a perfect image, however, we are humans and not perfect by any means. We make mistakes and go through growing pains. Nothing will be perfect. It can be close, but we are mere humans. I look at my cats and dog, the trees, the rocks, hear the wind, see the sun...to me...that is perfect and as close as we will get to it

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. I have been a proud member of the ULC for many years and the Seminary since its inception.

The Universal Life Church offers hand-fasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge selection of Universal Life Church  minister supplies. Since being ordained with the Universal Life Church for so many years and it's Seminary since the beginning, I've watch the huge change and growth that has continued to happen.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Spirit Quest

Universal Life Church

Thirty Lessons seems just right and at the same time, to short for this course. The student is advised to read and practice the exercises at least three times a week. This is indeed an important part of the study.

I liked the early lesson that included dropping an energy cord, draining off the excess and later learning how to run energy. I do this as a habit now when I feed harried or stressed or even a bit too jazzed over something. This causes a calming yet energizing effect.

It was difficult to work the forgiveness lesson and while I was not successful, I am aware of the effects.

The wrap up lesson bothered me a little. The idea of giving an uninvited embryo the boot, seems counter productive. I have come to accept that as pre-borns. we choose our families and our goals for the life we are about to experience. I never considered a baby not being welcomed. I am still assimilating this issue.

As far as creating a miracle for myself, I'm not sure, I did find new ways of calming myself, opened up to new ideas and learned of places where I need work. Personal growth may be considered a miracle of human evolution.

A change in the way I can drain off energy and recognize negative or competitive energy has been helpful. Being able to send people energy, just because I learned how to do it has given me some weird feeling of power. It is not a bad thing, it is something people generally don't do. We want to know what's in it for us.

Finally, I enjoyed this course. I recommend it to everyone, if only one of the thirty lessons takes root, the student will be a better human.

B*B

Sally

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. I have been a proud member of the ULC for many years and the Seminary since its inception.

The Universal Life Church offers hand-fasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge selection of Universal Life Church  minister supplies. Since being ordained with the Universal Life Church for so many years and it's Seminary since the beginning, I've watch the huge change and growth that has continued to happen.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar