The Institute For Spiritual Development invites you to participate
in the Special Services which have an important significance in the spiritual
life of the Church. Many may seem familiar in that they are common
Christian Holy Days. What brings a deeper spiritual meaning to these
Services is that they offer a universal metaphysical interpretation and
understanding of the particular events. Rather than just the celebration
of a particular individual's pathway to God, it becomes a metaphor and map for
our own journey back to the Divine.
Service of the Roses (Palm
Sunday)
The joyous welcome greeting
the soul sets the dramatic opening of the events to follow. Soon the soul
self must suffer the ordeal of the total annihilation of the ego self,
abandoned by the same support which hails it at the beginning of its
journey. Palm Sunday is an important part of the Easter Week's "Dark
Night of the Soul" and glorious ascendancy. It marks the great enthusiasm
and joyful celebration heralding the soul's true spiritual journey.
SERVICE OF THE ROSES Order Of
Service
The Entrance Hymn and Processional
The Opening Service
Call To Worship
Opening Hymn - Holy, Holy, Holy
Invocation
Lord's Prayer
Doxology
Declaration of Principles
Special Music
Healing Service
Healing Hymn
Blessing Over the Cup
Healing Meditation
Healing Prayer
Responsive Reading
Lesson Service
Reading
Homily
Offertory Service
Offertory Charge
Offertory Call
Offertory Hymn
Dedication and Blessing of Gifts
Announcements
Congregational Prayer
Service Of The Roses
Hymn - Canticle Of The Sun
Reading -- Psalm 148
Hymn -- Gloria Patri
Blessing Of The Roses
Distribution Of The Roses
Rose Meditation
The Closing Service
Prayer of Closing
Benediction
Closing Hymn - The Rose
Service of
the Shadows (Good Friday)
Metaphysically the
crucifixion is symbolic of the initiation into the higher planes of
consciousness. Initiation into these realms is a journey we must make
alone. Jesus, as the Way Shower, established a compelling example for all
humanity to follow. As the seven words are examined spoken by Christ on
the cross, allow yourself to receive insight for your own spiritual
progression.
SERVICE OF THE SHADOWS Order
Of Service
Invitation
Prayer of Preparation
Journey Into Jerusalem
The Beginning
Jesus is Condemned to Death
Jesus Receives His Cross
Jesus Falls the First Time
Jesus Meets His Mother
Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus
Jesus Falls the Second Time
Simon Helps Jesus Carry His Cross
Jesus Speaks to the Women of Jerusalem
Jesus Falls the Third Time
Jesus is Stripped of His Garments
Jesus is Nailed to the Cross
The Last Words "Father forgive them for they
know not what they do."
Metaphysical Lesson
“Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in
paradise.”
Metaphysical Lesson
“Woman, behold your son. Son, behold your
mother.”
Metaphysical Lesson
"My God, My God, why have you forsaken me."
Metaphysical Lesson
"I Thirst"
Metaphysical Lesson
“Into Thy hands I commend my spirit”
Metaphysical Lesson
It is finished!
Metaphysical Lesson
Meditation (Adagio for Strings --
Barber)
Benediction
All leave in silence in the darkness
Easter
Metaphysical Service
The Individual
Consciousness, in the awareness of its own Divine Nature, was and is
continually appearing as creation. It is the only light there is in the
dark abyss of physical existence. This life and this light exists even
when we — in spiritual ignorance — fail to comprehend it.
Anyone in darkness, lacking the sight of intuitive perception, cannot
perceive the light, even though it is in, and through, and around them—
and without which they would not be.
Each person must become
spiritually illumined before she or he can comprehend the Truth of Life.
This awakening is the promised second birth ... the resurrection which is born
from the passing of the lower self into the awareness of the finer forces and
energies in nature which enables us to realize the true nature of God.
As the denser nature of the
candle yields to the purifying flame and is thus able to transmute and ascend
to its perfect state, so too we must reach for, welcome and accept the Divine
Annihilation of self unto the ultimate realization of our true being. Why
seek you, then, the living among the Dead? As we come forth from the dark
bondage of self-limitation, let us celebrate the light. For it is in
light that my Spirit would dwell. Likewise, to one another be a light, a
force, a truth made whole and perfect in unselfish love. Know well that
the truth shall set you free.
EASTER METAPHYSICAL
CELEBRATION Order Of Service
The Entrance Hymn - Hail Thee Festival Day
Processional
The Opening Service
Call To Worship
Opening Hymn - Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee
Invocation
Lord's Prayer
Invitatory
Lighting of the Christ Candle
Hymn - Christ the Lord is Risen Today
Dedication
Lighting of the Christ Candle
Prayer In Unison
Special Music
Responsorial
Lesson Service
Scripture Lesson
Homily
Prosperity Service
Offertory Charge
Offertory Call
Offertory Hymn - Now Thank We All Our
God
Dedication and Blessing of Gifts
Announcements
Easter Litany
Hymn - Morning Has Broken
Easter Litany
Meditation
Congregational Prayer
The Closing Service
Prayer of Closing
Special Music - The Holy City
Benediction
Closing Hymn - Let The Whole Creation Cry
Recessional
Anniversary Service (Mother's
Day)
The Washington Institute's
first Service was held in a small classroom at Mount Vernon College in
Georgetown on Mother's Day in 1986. The nurturing energy and
unconditional love of motherhood embodies the character and day-to-day practice
of the Institute. Those who enter the Church are greeted by a reminder of
the transforming energy of love, "Let Only Words Of Love Be Spoken Here."
Join with us as we celebrate the Anniversary of our beloved Spiritual Home and
as we recommit to making these words of healing and acceptance real and active
in our lives.
ANNIVERSARY MOTHER'S DAY
SERVICE Order Of Service
Prelude
The Opening Service
Call To Worship
Opening Hymn - Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee
Invocation
Lord's Prayer
Declaration of Principles
Special Music
Healing Service
Healing Hymn - Rock Me On The Water
Blessing Over the Cup
Healing Meditation
Healing Prayer
Special Music
Responsive Reading
Special Music
Lesson Service
Reading
Homily
Prosperity Service
Offertory Charge
Offertory Call
Offertory Hymn
Dedication and Blessing of Gifts
Announcements
Special Music
Congregational Prayer
Candle Lighting Service
Lighting of the Candles
The Crown Of Life Is
Love
Love
Unity
Joy
Spiritual
Enrichment
The Glory of Life is
Service
Cooperation
Service
Peace
Knowledge
The Beauty of Life is
Order
Abundance
Spirit
Personal
Responsibility
Unknown
The Blessing of Life is
Contentment
LIfe
Community
Tommorow
Friends
Hymn -- Bless This House
Congregational Prayer of Consecration
Anniversary Prayer
The Closing Service
Prayer of Closing
Benediction
Special Music - The Lord Bless You And Keep
You
Closing Hymn - Holy Ground
Volunteer Appreciation Service
A Spiritual Community is
created not by one or two, but by the consistent enthusiasm and commitment of
many like-minded individuals. We are pleased to take this opportunity to
thank and to reward the volunteers who re-create the Institute daily. It
is through their love and effort that the Institute thrives and is the haven
for peace, insight and spiritual attunement. We invite you to share with
us the honor of acknowledging and thanking these devoted and dutiful
souls.
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION SERVICE
Order Of Service
The Opening Service
Call To Worship
Opening Hymn
Invocation
Lord's Prayer
Declaration of Principles
Special Music
Healing Service
Healing Hymn
Blessing Over the Cup
Healing Meditation
Healing Prayer
Responsive Reading
Lesson Service
Reading
Homily
Prosperity Service
Offertory Charge
Offertory Call
Offertory Hymn
Dedication and Blessing of Gifts
Announcements
Congregational Prayer
Volunteer Appreciation Service
Hymn - No Man Is An Island
Opening Prayer
Volunteer Awards
Member
Awards
Non-Member
Awards
Outstanding Volunteer
Awards
The Closing Service
Prayer of Closing
Benediction
Closing Hymn
Thanksgiving Stewardship Service
A time of harvest, sharing
of our bounty and genuine thanksgiving mark the beginning of our Pledge Year.
Join us as we consecrate our renewed stewardship pledge of faith and love for
our Spiritual Home. Add your prayer of thanksgiving to our community's
heartfelt gratefulness for the bounty in our lives.
THANKSGIVING STEWARDSHIP
SERVICE Order Of Service
The Opening Service
Call To Worship
Opening Hymn
Invocation
Lord's Prayer
Declaration of Principles
Special Music
Healing Service
Healing Hymn
Blessing Over the Cup
Healing Meditation
Healing Prayer
Responsive Reading
Lesson Service
Reading
Homily
Prosperity Service
Offertory Charge
Offertory Call
Offertory Hymn
Dedication and Blessing of Gifts
Announcements
Congregational Prayer
Consecration Service
Hymn
Opening Prayer
Silent Dedications
The Closing Service
Prayer of Closing
Benediction
Closing Hymn
Children's
Christmas Service
The joy and wonder of the
Season of Light is most apparent through the eyes of children. Honoring
the child with each of us, the Institute pays special tribute to this magical
season by inviting children to participate in this Special
Service. Children of all ages are welcome.
CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS
SERVICE Order Of Service
The Opening Service
Call To Worship
Opening Hymn - Hark The Herald, Angels Sing
Invocation
Lord's Prayer
Declaration of Principles
Special Music
Healing Service
Healing Hymn - Silent Night, Holy Night
Blessing Over the Cup
Healing Meditation
Healing Prayer
Responsive Reading
Lesson Service
Storytelling and discussion with the Children
Homily
Prosperity Service
Offertory Charge
Offertory Call
Offertory Hymn - It Came Upon The Midnight
Clear
Dedication and Blessing of Gifts
Announcements
Congregational Prayer
Affirmation of Spirit
Hymn - O Little Town Of Bethlehem
Messages for Children
The Closing Service
Prayer of Closing
Benediction
Closing Hymn - Jingle Bells
Christmas
Eve Metaphysical Candlelight Service
Twice our loving Creator has
blessed us with the light. On the first day of creation when the words,
“Let there be light,” were spoken -- and there was light, dispelling
the depths of darkness. And again on the day we now hallow, a light was
given to us — The Master Brother and wayshower, The Christ — to
banish the darkness of our souls, and illuminate our lives with perfect love.
We give our thanks for this
great gift. For this day was the day of our true creation, for through
the light of the Christ Consciousness we come to life, and are enabled and
empowered to accept our true spiritual selves. We charge and bless this
flame, that it may carry the light of the New-Born Christ within each person
through me and hence forth from me into all place and all time.
CHRISTMAS EVE METAPHYSICAL
CANDLELIGHT SERVICE Order Of Service
