63

Beloved co-servers,

It is hard to believe that we are beginning the last quarter of this year. Time has surely flown, for it seems like just yesterday when we were all celebrating not only the beginning of a brand new year but a new two thousand year cycle. So much has been accomplished and we have received so many gifts and blessings so far this year.

Many chelas came together on Sunday, September 3rd to celebrate the reopening of the Angel Room. Appropriately, Archangel Michael was the Presiding Master for the service that day. Due to the generosity of the chelas, the Angel Room has a new coat of paint on the ceiling and trim, beautiful new wallpaper on the walls and a brand new plush carpet on the floor. For those of you who have not yet made your donation to the Angel Room Fund we will not be ordering the plaque to commemorate this project for another month so there is still time to be included. After the service everyone in attendance enjoyed 'breaking bread' and spending time together. Thank you to everyone who helped restore this room to its magnificent perfection.

A week later a beautiful group of dedicated chelas came to Shamballa to participate in the Full Member Symposium. Along with many opportunities to unify our energies and offer service to our Mother-Father God, we took a look at what has been accomplished since last year and planned for the future.

Already, we are planning ahead for the New Year Conference. For those of you who are already making plans to attend please be aware that beginning with this conference there will be no overnight accommodations available on the grounds of Shamballa. However, we will be working closely with one of the local hotels to make your time on Long Island as pleasant as possible. Be aware that this hotel fills up early so make your reservations soon. For more information, please contact the office and speak with Joanne.

Before closing my message I would like to share the following with you. During the last three months of this glorious year, may each of us find and follow our individual star of Christ Consciousness. As we allow this consciousness to take full command of our outer self, may we also grow in maturity and mastery through our own individual and group experiences.

May the year 2001 begin with the pages of our own Book of Life wiped clean in the cosmic flames of mercy and forgiveness. And may we happily accept the opportunity given to us to express only the perfection of God each and every day of the coming twelve month period.

For the encouragement, kindness, patience, support and understanding of each and every one of you during this time of transition and transformation I and the Staff here at Shamballa offer you our deepest gratitude and eternal thanksgiving.

Rebecca Ann Laycock

President