The Lord showed the apostle John many wonderful visions while he was on the island of Patmos. One of the most spectacular was the Lord riding on a white horse. This vision illustrates His love, His wisdom, and His power. The sword pictures His truth ready to conquer evil and falsity. His eyes-looking like a flame of fire-picture the Lord's deep love for all people and His desire to protect and lead them to heaven. The white horse upon which He is riding symbolizes a spiritual understanding of truth in the Word.

By revealing the spiritual meaning of His Word, the Lord has made His second coming. This revelation gives us a new way to understand the Lord and to "see" Him. By reading His Word, we can see the Lord's wonderful qualities and how He operates in our lives. __Having revealed the inner meaning of the Word, the Lord is also establishing a New Church with all who acknowledge Him, learn truths from His Word, and then do them. All people are invited to be a part of this New Church and to follow the Lord on white horses, as the host of angels did in John's vision.

(From the New Church Vineyard section of the General Church website http://www.newchurch.org/resources/vineyard/2004june/index.htm )

A recent addition to the Hurstville Society's church garden, in keeping with its theme of correspondences of the natural world with the spiritual world, is a stone altar with a marble carving of the open Word engraved with the texts:

"Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" Psalm 119:105

"And I saw heaven opened and behold a white horse" Revelation 19:11

Standing by a nearby water feature is a marble statue of a white horse. There is a seat where you can sit and meditate in the pleasant surroundings.

A World War I song began "There's something about a soldier". I think it is even truer to say that:

"There's something about a garden,
That is fine, fine, fine."

Certain proof is that if in the city you leave the crowded footpaths, the din of traffic and walk into the Botanic Gardens, there, with green grass, trees and flowers all around, you enjoy the calm and peaceful feeling that seeps into you almost immediately.

If you go on to explore the Gardens you will be astonished at the great variety of plants and trees. In the Fernery for instance there are hundreds of different ferns, from tiny ones to tree ferns that can grow to twenty metres. There is also a rainforest, a tropical garden, a rose garden and others. A surprising thing also is that, as with people, no two plants are identical. We see in this evidence of the infinite Wisdom of the Creator, our Lord.

All over the world there are many lovely gardens, public and private, giving great pleasure to those who build them and to the many who visit and enjoy them. Yet, despite their beauty and variety we are told that they do not match the gardens in heaven where, we are told, gardens of inexpressible beauty are seen. Inexpressible! That is, in natural language but not in heavenly language. The angels too enjoy the spiritual correspondences in all that they see, as Swedenborg did also. He writes: "Often when I have been in gardens and have looked at the trees, fruits, flowers and vegetables, I have observed the correspondences in heaven." (Heaven and Hell 100)

It is likely that many people still believe that the Garden of Eden was a real garden where two people, Adam and Eve, lived. We now know from revelation that by the Garden of Eden is meant the intelligence and wisdom of the people of the Most Ancient Church. "In the Word, churches are described by gardens." (Arcana Coelestia 1069) We read also: "As intelligence and wisdom were signified by a garden or paradise, the Church also is meant by it and as the Church is so also is Heaven, so too in the supreme sense is the Lord." (Arcana Coelestia 4447)

A garden in general corresponds to heaven as to intelligence and wisdom and therefore heaven is called the garden of God and paradise. (Heaven and Hell 111)

Our own church garden is becoming a pleasant one to wander through and perhaps meditate on spiritual things. Even the writer from a garden magazine thought so. Not being like the angels who perceive the correspondences of things in their gardens, therefore we have signs here and there to help us think about the spiritual significance of trees, flowers, animals and birds.

Some visitors have remarked that in our garden they feel a long, long way from the city and one lady of a tennis team writes to say they "are enjoying the ambience of our court." Ambience is a more poetic word than "surroundings."

Gardens need constant care but that can be a pleasure. One poet, Shakespeare I think, wrote: "To what we love we rise betimes and go to it with delight."

During this past month the Hurstville Society has had a most enjoyable and stimulating visit from Rev Alain and Jeanne Nicolier. Although they were here for only just under two weeks the visit was action packed. Alain gave two services, one on "The Widow and the Pot of Oil" and the other called "The Divine Positive"; both most encouraging and challenging in which his friendly direct style was much appreciated.

One evening Alain gave a talk on the church in West Africa where he has done much work in the Ivory Coast, the Cameroons, Togo and Central Africa. It was fascinating to learn of the different attitudes to life and religion that these people have. In contrast to our frantic, high speed existence the African people find the time to enjoy themselves. It was also interesting to hear of the high regard that a minister of religion is held which is very often not the case in our society and to learn of the rapid growth of the church there. Two French speaking candidates will soon begin study at the Bryn Athyn Theological College USA.

Alain also addressed a group on the correspondences of food and disease giving us much to chew on - much food for thought! The Lord really did design nature in a marvellous way but unfortunately we so often think we know better. And one evening Alain and Jeanne joined with Rev Julian and Ruth Duckworth to host a Young Peoples' evening at the Roseville church.

At other times during their visit they fitted in some sightseeing to the Blue Mountains and Sydney Harbour and also travelled to Canberra where they were hosted by Philip and Eleanor Richards. Alain was able to address a group in Canberra on the church in Africa. Alain and Jeanne would like to come back again and they will be very welcome. Alain also does counselling work in France. As well they have just begun to host retreats for couples and small groups (see following article).

Alain & Jeanne at Echo Point in the Blue Mountains

The Burgundy Retreat

(The following is taken from a pamphlet by Alain Nicolier advertising the Burgundy Retreat. Copies can be obtained by contacting Owen or Margaret Heldon.)

"Away from the noises of the world, away from the everyday earthly worries, come to a space to enable your conjugial love to be enriched, to grow in a mutual understanding. Give also your bodies a break away from the urban foods with natural home grown organic meals, and daily activities such as biking, hiking, and rock climbing in the Burgundy countryside.

The Burgundy Retreat is the place where you come to:

• Relax, get a message, do yoga
• Eat healthy, organic, well-balanced, nutritious meals
• Lose weight, get fit, accomplish personal goals while learning how to make it part of your lifestyle
• Explore the beautiful countryside while exercising
• Grow in mutual understanding thanks to workshops led by Alain Nicolier himself.

The Burgundy Retreat is a warm and cosy countryside stone manor tucked away in the Burgundy hills and vineyards. The common areas include a spacious lounge with a library heated by a wood burning fireplace, a rustic home-style kitchen and intimate sleeping quarters with shared bathrooms.

The grounds contain a large organic garden with many seasonal fruits and vegetables, private areas to sun, sleep, picnic, read or do yoga. In addition you can explore the Burgundy countryside by foot, bike or car. Make your way through the vineyards or run trails in the local forests and fields.

At The Burgundy Retreat you will be eating home cooked meals prepared by Jeanne's magical fingers while enjoying discussions about herb healing and benefits about organic eating. Alain will provide individuals or couple's therapy, various workshops on relationships, communication, intimacy, relaxation and more.

Alain and Jeanne believe in daily exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle. They will take you on various hikes and bike rides in the countryside. Rock climbing, canoeing and horse back riding are also available a short drive away."

Alain and Jeanne have expressed a keen interest in exploring the possibility in setting up a similar facility in Australia in conjunction with the Hurstville Society. Is this a way of reaching out and helping people that the traditional format of a church society is unable to do, especially in the modern world? What do you think?

If I want to succeed in coaching or accompanying a human being towards a specific goal, I have to look for him in the place where he is at, and start there, just there, specifically there.

If I don't know how to do that I am fooling myself in thinking that I can help him.

In order to help a human being, I certainly must understand more than him, but first understand what he understands.

If I cannot do that, it is useless for me to be more capable and more learned than he is.

If, first of all, my desire is to show him what I know, that's because I am conceited and because I want to be admired by him rather than help him.

All support and help starts with my own humility in front of the one that I want to help, and this is why I must understand that helping does not consist in mastering but in serving.

Soren Kierkegaard (1813-1855) was an influential Danish religious author.

This is what I found out about religion: it gives you courage to make the decisions you must make in a crisis, and then the confidence to leave the result to a higher power. Only by trust in God can a man carrying responsibility find repose.

Dwight D Eisenhower

The 3rd Gathering Leaves Retreat will take place next year in the newly refurbished Purley Chase Retreat Centre, Atherstone, Warwickshire, England.

We aim to welcome New Church women from around the world and provide opportunities to share ideas and experiences and to create new energy and harmony in our work for the Lord.

We are hoping to include a visit to a local historical site such as Warwick Castle or Shakespeare's Stratford.

To express interest please contact Rita Russell on 01332 606551 or email rita.russell@generalconference.org.uk

Please note the date and start saving. More details later.

The Mission Statement for the Gathering:
We are gathering to promote harmony among women who are associated with the various Swedenborgian organizations around the world. We are coming together to acknowledge our common beliefs, explore our differences, develop a respect for one another's contributions, create an atmosphere for healing, and celebrate our spiritual sisterhood. It is our intention to promote a sense of charity and goodwill so that we might say, "No matter what form her doctrine and her external form of worship take, this is my sister; I observe that she worships the Lord and is a good woman."

I am pleased to announce that the Rev. Dr. Andrew M.T. Dibb has been appointed Dean of the Theological School, effective July 1. He will succeed the Rev. Eric Carswell, who becomes President of the Academy on that date.

Andy was born in South Africa. He is married to Cara Glenn Dibb and they have three children. He graduated from Bryn Athyn College, majoring in Religion, and was ordained in 1984 after graduating from the Theological School. He also earned Bachelor and Master's degrees - with distinction - plus a Doctorate, all in Church History, from the University of South Africa.

He has served in Caryndale and in Buccleuch, South Africa, where he was Dean of the South African Theological School. He has been an assistant professor in the Academy Theological School since 2002.

Rt. Rev. Thomas L. Kline
Chancellor of the Academy

We are looking forward to the visit of Rev George and Lois McCurdy who will be arriving on Monday 18th June and staying until 27th August. They will be here in time to celebrate New Church Day the following weekend.

Sunday 24th June will feature a New Church Day service followed by a banquet lunch during which George will talk to us about his experiences and insights gained from his time as a minister. The lunch will be provided and a charge of $10 per adult and $5 for students and pensioners will be made to cover costs.

During their stay here it is expected that they will be able to visit other church groups around Australia.

Last month we gave details of the next Summer Family Camp to be held at Mangrove Mountain Retreat about 1_ hours drive north of Sydney. Now there are brochures available and we urge you to start planning to attend. The camp begins on Monday 31st December 2007 and runs to Sunday 6th January 2008 - a little earlier than usual. It is important that we get a good indication of numbers by 1st September so that firm arrangements can be made with the Conference Centre organisers.

The booking officer for this camp is Carolyn Heldon and a deposit of $50 for individuals or $100 for a couple or family should be forwarded to Carolyn by that date. Please make cheques payable to Sydney Society of the New Church and mail to:

Carolyn Heldon
15 Browallia Cr,
Loftus NSW 2232

Additional general information can be obtained from Rev Julian Duckworth on (02) 9416 7032 and enquiries about subsidies should be made to Murray Heldon on (02) 9579 5248 or email murrayheldon@optushome.com.au. If you haven't received a brochure or want an additional copy please contact either Rev Julian Duckworth or Owen and Margaret Heldon (02) 9545 3823

We will begin June using a series of three sermons by Rev James Cooper under the banner of "What's New About The New Church".

• 3rd What's New About the New Church? (A New Idea of God)
• 10th What's New About the New Church? (A New Idea of Heaven)
• 17th What's New About the New Church? (A New Understanding of the Purpose of Life)
• 22nd Doctrinal Class (Rev George McCurdy)
• 24th New Church Day Service (Rev George McCurdy)

We understand that Rev Ian Arnold has been appointed Acting Bishop of the Philippines New Jerusalem Church and will be assisted in this work by Rev Trevor Moffat. Ian will be taking over from Rt Rev Bishop Louis B King who had urged the church there to ask Ian to succeed him.

Stuart Heldon is having a relaxing holiday overseas for a couple of months. He is currently in Italy and will be visiting the USA and Costa Rica later before he returns home.

Passing through Sydney during May on his return to Bryn Athyn was Preston Alden who had spent several months in Queensland.

Email Message Received from Robert Cooper
I have now completed the first year of my studies [at Theological School] and everything is still on track! Little Gengy is now walking with assistance, climbing up the furniture, tipping things over etc.

Please pass on all our love to the Hurstville crowd.
Rob, Huily and Gengy (Matthew)

Congratulations Robert on a successful first year of studies! In a second email Robert mentioned that Huiling and Matthew would be visiting China for an extended stay of 9 months. This would serve the dual purpose of a family visit and helping with the high cost of living in Bryn Athyn.

Footnote: We understand that Alex Benjko from Perth has been accepted into the Theological College starting in September. Congratulations and best wishes Alex. Good to see the Australian representation is growing.

Happy Birthday: Connor Hinds (3rd), Angela Heldon (8th),Michelle Heldon (8th), June Kirsten (9th), Isaak Horner 17th)

Note: All events are located at the church at 22 Dudley St, Penshurst 2222 (off Hillcrest Ave) unless otherwise stated. Contact the Hurstville New Church on (02) 9580 1589 for more information or email us at newchurch@optusnet.com.au All are welcome and refreshments are served after church each Sunday.
Sunday	June 3rd	10 00 a.m. Worship ("What's New About The New Church - A New Idea of God") - Lay Service
Sunday	June 10h	10 00 a.m. Worship ("What's New About The New Church - A New Idea of Heaven") - Lay Service
Sunday	June17th	10 00 a.m. Worship ("What's New About The New Church - A New Understanding of The Purpose of Life") - Lay Service
Friday	June 22nd	7 30 p.m. Doctrinal Class (Rev George McCurdy)
Sunday	June 24th	10 00 a.m. NEW CHURCH DAY SERVICE followed by Banquet Luncheon