Picture a paradise, a place of beauty, a setting of peace and tranquility that delights the mind, and sets it free to function most fully…. Did water enter your picture-a stream or fountain, a lake or pool, a waterfall or ocean? What would a paradise be without water? A paradise without water is inconceivable!

So, as John stood watching the Holy City come down from God out of heaven, he heard the voice of "Him who sat on the throne" saying "I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts" (Revelation 21:6). And later, as he was examining the City more closely, his angel guide showed him "a pure river of the water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and the Lamb" (22:1). Then, toward the close of his vision, John records: "And the Spirit and the Bride say 'Come!' And let him who hears say, 'Come!' And let him who thirsts come. And whoever desires, let him take of the water of life freely" (22:17).

This theme of the "water of life" which runs through the last two chapters of the Apocalypse says something about the New Church, which is prophesied there. First, the "water of life" is a promise to the New Church-"I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely...." Second, the "water of life" is a reality of the New Church (a river of it flows from the heart of "the City" and nourishes the "tree of life" and makes it fruitful). And finally, the "water of life" is given to those who thirst for it and "come"-that is, to those who desire it and take of it freely.

What is this "water of life" that is the promise and reality of the New Jerusalem? The answer is "truth." The "water of life" is truth flowing from the Lord. But what is truth? Does truth seem as living and vital and beautiful to us as water does?

It is hard for us to appreciate what truth is and what it does for us. Even if we have it in large measure, it's easy for us to take it for granted. Like water, truth is such an integral part of us. It is part of the fabric of our mind. It molds our very outlook and response to life.

The truth that does this for our spirits is not the truth of words. The truth of words is a more external expression of inner truth. Truth falls into words so that we can grasp it in some measure and respond to it, so that we can "have a say" in making it a part of our life. But in itself, the truth is something more dynamic and complex than words.

The "water of life" stands for living truth - truth that has become a part of our mind and life.

The Lord in His second coming in the Heavenly Doctrine for the New Church promises us that we may drink freely from "the fountain of the water of life." The Lord has revealed truths to us that can become a part of our mind, a part of our outlook, a part of the way we respond to life. The truths about heaven and hell, about judgment after death, about marriage and its connection with religion, about the internal sense of the Word, and so forth-these truths enable us to understand the Lord and respond to Him as never before.

But the promise is not to possess these truths as words, as books, as learning. The promise is that they can become living with us. This happens when we believe them, affirm them, internalize them-when we live our lives with the conviction that they are so.

The Holy City, New Jerusalem, pulses with a river of the "water of life." This river feeds the tree of life, which grows in the midst of its golden street and stands on either side of the river, bearing twelve fruits, each yielding its fruit every month, its leaves having the power to heal the nations. The "water of life" courses through this tree, the fruits and leaves. The "water of life" is at the center of the City's fruitfulness and healing power. Living truth-truth lived-is what makes the New Jerusalem perceptive, fruitful, healing.

The image of the river in the Holy City deliberately recalls numerous Old Testament prophecies-prophecies of when a river would flow out of the Temple in Jerusalem. The prophet Zechariah wrote,

And in that day it shall be
That living waters shall flow from Jerusalem,
Half of them toward the eastern sea
And half of them toward the western sea;
In both summer and winter it shall occur.
And the Lord shall be King over all the earth.
In that day it shall be-
"The Lord is one,"
And His name one (Zechariah 14:8-9).

And Joel prophesied:

And it will come to pass in that day
That the mountains shall drip with new wine,
The hills shall flow with milk,
And all the brooks of Judah shall be flooded with water;
A fountain shall flow from the house of the Lord
And water the Valley of Acacias (Joel 3:18).

These glad words tell of the day when a truth would spring from the heart of the Lord's church, which could touch all states of life. Picture the water plunging down the steep valleys, from Jerusalem down to the Dead Sea, thousands of feet below sea level. Ezekiel, in His vision of a new temple, saw this (chapter 47). He saw the fresh water flowing out of the Temple down to the Dead Sea (dead to all life, because of its salt content). He was told of the waters being healed so that a great multitude of fish could live there. He was told of the fishermen who would stand on its banks, from one end to the other, spreading their nets.

The water from the temple, flowing down and bringing the Dead Sea to life, pictures the truth of the New Jerusalem touching the most external states of our life and healing them, bringing them into harmony.

When we view the truths of the New Church as mere words and ideas, we may doubt how much healing they can bring. Their form is so humble and awkward to those who look from without. But let us view them, not from without or from their form, but from their spirit. Let us reflect on their use, their function as they live in the mind-defending us from evil; sensitizing us to evil's subtle, poisoning influence; nourishing us with workable standards of goodness, with wholesome joy, with insights into the meaning of our life; providing us with a sense of direction. It is this living truth that flows from the new temple, from the New Jerusalem. It is this living truth that can touch all the states of our life.

The truths of the New Church are quite basic and simple to live. They become difficult when they are viewed merely intellectually. They become "spirit and life" only with those who thirst for living truth.

The Lord promises the "water of life" to those who thirst, to those who desire. In the spiritual sense, we're told, "thirsting" means "to desire for the sake of some spiritual use" (Apocalypse Revealed 889). Those are given a spiritual thirst, who seek truth with the end "to serve the neighbor out of love to him, to consult the good of their souls and that of their own, thus [who desire truth] on account of the Lord, the neighbor, and salvation" (ibid.).

In short, no one can drink of the "water of life" flowing in the New Jerusalem, unless he or she lives for others. Those who live for themselves have no thirst for living water. The interest in others' salvation, in seeing them happy, awakens in us a longing to know what is real and best. This interest and longing is the key to gaining light from the Lord. All who have such love have light. And the promise to the New Church is that we may have a clearer, more accessible fountain from which to draw.

"Let him who hears say, 'Come.' And let him who thirsts come, and let him who desires take of the water of life freely." These words, we're taught, contain a prayer. They mean that a person

who knows anything about the Lord's coming, and about the New Heaven and the New Church, thus about the Lord's kingdom, should pray that it may come; and that he who desires truths, should pray that the Lord may come with light; and that he who loves truths will then receive them from the Lord without his own work (Apocalypse Revealed 956).

Let this be our prayer and hope as well, that the New Church may grow in our hearts, that its truths may be living and vital in us, bringing us satisfaction, beauty and joy. Let us pray that we may live not for ourselves alone, but rejoice at the outpouring of waters from the New Jerusalem and stand with the fishermen along the Dead Sea, in the hope of seeing others raised to life by its wonderful truths. May we be a part of this desire for human salvation. For in having this at heart, we will come to know a genuine thirst, a thirst that the Lord Jesus Christ will quench with eternal joy.

Lessons:
Ezekiel 47:1-12; Revelation 22:1-2, 16-17; Apocalypse Revealed 954-956

(Reprinted from New Church Vineyard website.)

Somebody sent to me, Margaret Skinner if I remember rightly, some verses and saying about Hugs. Well, nobody hugs better than Margaret. It was at the first church camp I attended that I was standing alone at the far end of a long room looking lonely. I guess hearing loss had begun then; that Margaret came down and said, "You look as though you need a good hug" and promptly gave me one of those special hugs of hers.

Here are the first two verses of one the poems.

Hugs

There's something in a simple hug
That always welcomes us back home,
And makes it easier to part.

A hug's the way to share the joy
And sad time we go through,
Or just a way for friends to say
They like you 'cause you're you.

I decided to see what the Writings say about hugs. I was referred to "embrace".

Remember that Jacob had stolen his brother Esau's birthright, then departed for another country. Years later, married and with family he returned, afraid though that Esau might now hate him and be violent. However Esau "ran to meet him and embraced him" and also "he fell upon his neck and kissed him" - an even closer conjunction. It reflects well on Esau for having forgiven Jacob.

Swedenborg relates that when he was with a married couple from heaven a worthless spirit "by cunning and speech" took away from them the idea of what is eternal in marriage. The couple began to lament, saying that they could no longer live. However that worthless spirit was removed and the thought of what is eternal in marriage instantly returned and they rejoiced with great happiness, very tenderly embracing each other. (Conjugial Love 216)

Cherish the joy a hug can bring,
That takes only seconds, but then,
Thinking about it again and again,
Doesn't that make the heart sing?

N.H.

Joy was mentioned, and it should be said that the joys of heaven are very different to those of this world and much greater. To describe this adequately would take too long, but can be pursued fully in the Arcana Coelestia from number 537 and onwards.

". . .heaven consists in this, that from the heart we wish better for others than for ourselves, and desire to be of service to others in order to promote their happiness, and this for no selfish end, but from love." Arcana.Coelestia. 452

When we spend our lives seeking for our own happiness, and not the happiness of others, our lives become desolate and bleak. If we are in this state, we cannot see even a glimpse of happiness. All we see is doubt and uncertainty. It is as though a barrier has been placed before our eyes so that we cannot see beyond that barrier. It is truly a state of devastation and is far away from a life of charit

From the Doctrine of Charity for the New Church, we learn that the first thing of charity is to look to the Lord, to flee from evils as sins against the Lord and then to do good things from the Lord. So we come to see that we need the Lord's help constantly in every aspect of our lives, from the smallest most insignificant items of our lives to the most significant items.

Happily married men and women love their partners and their children perpetually. Apart from being useful to the community, their greatest love and joy is to love their spouse and their children. When they are away from their partners and their children, their predominant love is to be useful to the community.

1. Our community is made of innumerable segments. Every moment of our lives we are recipients of the work that others have done. As I sit at the computer and tap away at the keyboard, I humbly admit that my knowledge of computer technology is small. Yet I am always grateful for the technology on which others have laboured and which enables me to express thoughts on the computer screen.
2. To live a useful life in the community it is not necessary to know what is occurring in the private lives of the members of the community. What is necessary is that we keep a steady and persistent focus on our duties to the community.
3. Our responsibilities to the community are never-ending. Every second of our lives we are receiving countless benefits from members of the community who have laboured to produce these benefits. So we come to see our lives as a conglomeration of benefits far too numerous to enumerate, unless we happen to be a lecturer on social welfare.

What can we do but acknowledge our inestimable debt to our community and pray to the Lord for guidance that we may give back to the community at least some of the enormous benefits we have received from our community.

At the end of the day when we are with our loved ones, let us give thanks to the Lord and to the community for the abundant benefits we have received this day. And let us rejoice that the Lord provides us with the means to render back to the community at least some of the benefits we have abundantly received.

"And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave - just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." Matthew 20:27,28.

The mission of the Swedenborg Centre is to foster an affirmative interest in the spiritual message disclosed by Emanuel Swedenborg through making available his writings and other material advancing the life and principles they advocate, across Australia.

Neville Jarvis, who has managed the Centre for 28 years, will be retiring in December, and the Sydney Society of the New Church, of which the centre is an integral part, invites expressions of interest from people interested in the position.

The Centre has a lending library; publishes, purchases and sells books; produces and distributes leaflets, brochures, and increasingly, electronic material; produces a newsletter; maintains a website; responds to personal inquiries; and organises talks and meetings. Its programs and administration are integrated with those of the Swedenborg Association of Australia under a Memorandum of Understanding between the SAA and the Sydney Society of the New Church. The Centre operates from leased premises located away from the Church, where there is a part-time assistant, and through representatives in other parts of Australia.

The Centre has a budget and a strategic plan approved by the Committee of the Society, to whom the Director will be responsible. It has been in existence for almost 50 years, initially under the management of the incumbent Minister, and then of Mr. Jarvis. The Centre's programs and organisation have continually adapted to changes in society and technology over that time and will need to continue to do so. The Committee has carried out an initial review of the activity and has enthusiastically resolved to continue it. We want to work with the new Director to review the Centre's location, in particular, and to develop the program for the coming years.

The appointee will

• have a firm belief in and a good knowledge of the Writings,
• appreciate the many strands of Australian culture and attitudes to spiritual things,
• be able to communicate effectively with individual enquirers about spiritual things generally, and about the Writings,
• understand the opportunities and limitations of communicating in person and through written, electronic and broadcast media,
• be a good organiser, and
• be able to work within a budget.

Specific skills in such fields as public presentation, information technology, finance and management would be an advantage, although support and/or training could be provided.

Remuneration and the initial contract period will be negotiable. As a guide, it is envisaged that the package will be broadly comparable to that of a Minister.

This is a wonderful opportunity for someone who believes in the truth of Swedenborg's Writings to promote them beyond the organised New Church.

If you feel you may be that person, please obtain an information package from Mr Graham Hall, Hon. Secretary, Sydney Society of the New Church, 263 Trafalgar Street, Annandale NSW 2038. Please feel free to discuss the position in strict confidence with him on (02) 9692 0941, and/or the Minister, Rev Julian Duckworth, on (02) 9416 7032.

Applications for the position in writing or email to hallct@ozemail.com.au must reach the Hon. Secretary by Monday, 13 July, 2009.

Rev Robert Cooper	Rev Coleman Glenn

The above pictures were taken on 23rd May at the graduation from the Theological College of a number of students. Notably for us in Australia one was Robert Cooper pictured with his wife Huiling and son Matthew. Hurstville had an official photographer on hand Carolyn Heldon pictured with Coleman Glenn who also graduated. Many of you will remember Coleman who served in Hurstville last year for just over two months as a theolog. The actual ordinations occurred on the next day but no photos were allowed in the cathedral for that. Robert will begin his ministry as the assistant pastor in Pittsburgh and Coleman has been assigned to Toronto.

This year June 19th falls on a Friday and it was decided at the Society Meeting to have a Dinner and program on that date. To assist with catering please RSVP by Sunday 14th June to Patricia Walsh (ph 9792 2008). Cost will be $10 per head.

Happy Birthdays: Connor Hinds (3rd), Angela Heldon & Michelle Heldon (8th), June Kirsten (9th), Isaak Horner (17th), Callista Barritt (22nd)

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	7th June	NO CHURCH AT HURSTVILLE Service at Roseville
Friday	12th June	6 00 p.m. Young People (at Roseville - to be confirmed)
Sunday	14th June	10. 00 a.m. Worship
Friday	19th June	7. 00 p.m. June 19th Dinner and Program
Sunday	21st June	10. 00 a.m. Worship
Sunday	28th June	10. 00 a.m. Worship