14/10/2024
The workshop on Saturday worked out really well. It was so good to have Jacky Elliott with us, with her walker and our dear friend Lyn Smith, with her walker keeping her company.
It was lovely to meet Sharon and Billie two newcomers to our workshops and maybe there being a smaller group than usual this helped them feel part of the team.
The first section was a talk by Lesley James on EVP, Electronic Voice Phenomenon. How it started in the 1970's, mostly in America. How Lesley became interested when they said people from the Other Side were phoning relatives this side of life. Also generally brief words were collected via cassette tapes, fax machines or TV's when off-station, heard through 'White Noise'. Lesley at that time, went on to run workshops at several churches to see what evidence could be recorded on brand new cassette tapes.
We at the workshop ran two EVP experiments and got some 'noise' evidence. Then Terry Smith talked us through modern EVP demonstrating his modern equipment which in the lunch break he took round and we saw stick pin people in the hall!
We then worked in small groups as to "Where do you turn to when in a difficulty". Lesley heard chocolate mentioned, and the internet, it was nice hearing sharing within small groups.
The discussion on commitment brought forward many thoughts and we didn't really want to start the lunch break!
The next section, "Spiritual Memories", Lesley explained had to be changed as in her preparing for this session 'it all changed'! The pairs instead had some 'draft' Oracle cards to see if the 'wisdom words' were meaningful - this produced a positive agreement and Lesley will keep us informed if they go further.
We then took part in thinking of "What additions would WE like to see brought into Spiritualism?". Lesley's suggestion was to bring Harry & Megan's Gospel choir singing into our churches. There were several great ideas including being more active in our communities. Some of our suggestions you may think of and bring them about in your venue???
The last question on the programme was 'Have you enjoyed your day' - which got resounding yes's!
Lesley then asked Jim to share thoughts. Jim explained they started these days in 2016 and they'd had great input from Penny Cook, then from Fran and today Jane. It all takes so much time to put the day together.
Lesley thought she would be able to say the closing prayer, but she was too choked up. In his closing prayer Jim thanked Spirit for their guidance and the churches for all allowing our hire and all the people that had attended our events and kept supporting us by attending. We are not retiring or moving - it's just so many other things that are filling our minds and we would like to work on. But we thank each and everyone of you. And hope to keep seeing you all as we all move forward. Lesley James and Jim Bates. God Bless!
