Dear Friends,
Thank you to Rev. Robert McCluskey for walking us through the deeper spiritual insights of the parable of the sower, which Jesus explains in Matthew 13:18-23:
Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.
One important takeaway from this parable: each place where the seed lands represents a part of ourselves. We are complex, and the secret to spiritual growth is to find and cultivate the piece of good soil within us, the part that hears the word, understands it, and acts on it.
You can listen to Robert’s sermon HERE.
This Sunday
This Sunday, we’re excited to welcome back Kelly Crouch, who will share the third part of their sermon series on the Prodigal Son, this time through the eyes of the father. Kelly will open the service with live music at 6 PM ET.
In Jesus’s parable of the lost son, the father runs to embrace the returning younger son and goes out to plead with the resentful elder son. In the final part of this three-part series, we turn to the father and ask what it means to grow into that kind of love. The younger son had to journey far from home to find himself. The elder son had to reckon with the resentment hiding beneath his faithfulness. But the father represents something further still: a person so rooted in compassion that they can hold both sons, both the lost and the self-righteous, without flinching. What does it take to stop identifying as the one who needs to be found, and to become the one who goes out looking?
We are also delighted to welcome a longtime member of our church back in person this Sunday.
With gratitude and blessings,
Rev. Rich Tafel
This Sunday: Johnny Appleseed Festival
This Sunday we also celebrate John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed, who carried the writings of Emanuel Swedenborg across the American frontier along with his apple seeds. He makes a fitting companion to last Sunday’s Parable of the Sower. Following the service, we will have our inaugural Johnny Appleseed Festival with a presentation on his fascinating life, apple-themed bingo with prizes, a cider tasting, and a delicious spread of fall treats. We’ll cap off the evening with a screening of the Swedenborg Foundation’s Johnny Appleseed and the Frontier Within (1981). We ask that you RSVP HERE, where you can also find the full event description.
Our Sunday Speaker: Kelly Crouch
Kelly Crouch is a minister and spiritual educator whose work includes reflective discussion, contemplative practices, vocational discernment, public service, and community engagement. Kelly draws inspiration from Christian mysticism and its connections to other wisdom traditions.
Readings for the Coming Sunday
Isaiah 55:1 (NRSVUE)
Hear, everyone who thirsts;
come to the waters;
and you who have no money,
come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
without money and without price.
Luke 15:20, 31 (NRSVUE)
So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him.
Then the father said to him, “Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.”
Swedenborg’s Insights
Heaven and Hell §545
So the real doctrine of the church, which is from the spiritual meaning of the Word, teaches something else. It teaches that the Lord never turns his face away from anyone or spurns anyone, never casts anyone into hell or is angry.
Upcoming Events at Swedenborg House DC
Johnny Appleseed Festival
Sunday, September 27th | 7:00 PM ET
Join us at Swedenborg House DC for a celebration of Johnny Appleseed, the legendary folk hero who was also a devoted Swedenborgian missionary! Discover the fascinating story of his life and faith, then enjoy apple-themed bingo with prizes, a cider tasting with alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, delicious fall treats, and a cozy screening of the Swedenborg Foundation’s film Johnny Appleseed and the Frontier Within (1981). Feel free to bring your favorite apple-based dish to share! Click HERE for the full event description and to RSVP.
Blessing of the Animals
Sunday, October 4th | 6:00 PM ET
Join us for our Blessing of the Animals, a beloved tradition observed on the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals. It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the animal companions who bring so much joy, comfort, and love into our lives. You’re invited to bring your pet to church in person to receive a blessing or join us online; we will also offer prayers for pets who have passed on and you’d like to honor their memory.
Please contact the church in advance if you would like your animal added to the prayer list or plan to bring a pet in person. The evening will open with a special animal blessing, followed by a sermon on the spirituality of animals.
Save the Date: How to Handle Political Upheaval and Grief with Piano Performance
Thursday, October 16th
Mark your calendars for October 16th. Filmmaker, political consultant, and activist Annabel Park will host a salon at Swedenborg House titled How to Handle Political Upheaval and Grief. She’ll be joined by a piano performance from Makiko Hirata. More details to come.
Spiritual Entrepreneur Fall Intensive
Saturday, October 24 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM ET
How do you create work that matters while paying your bills, charge for spiritual and creative work without selling out, and stay true to your values while working within capitalism? This intensive is for creatives and entrepreneurs wrestling with these questions, helping you develop a clearer mission, a workable business model, and concrete next steps. You’ll also connect with like-minded builders through honest feedback, meaningful networking, and the option to continue through a peer coaching circle. Click HERE for the full description and to purchase your tickets!
ONGOING: The Church of the Holy City Read & Discuss Book Club
Mondays on Zoom | 7:00 PM ET
Current Read: The God Test: Artificial Intelligence and Our Coming Cosmic Reckoning
We hope you’ll consider joining the weekly CHC Read and Discuss Book Club, a welcoming, member-led gathering that has brought our community together for more than a decade. Meeting on Zoom, the group offers an opportunity to explore the readings, share perspectives, and enjoy thoughtful conversation.
Other Events of Interest
Ecclesiastes, Part 2 with Dell Rose
Thursday September 24 | 7 PM ET | Swedenborg Library of Chicago | Zoom
On Thursday, via video, Dell Rose from the Swedenborg Library of Chicago will present insights into the text of the Book of Ecclesiastes and the intellectual concerns which drive it.
Ecclesiastes, as a wisdom text, is arguing for a specific response to the ethical concerns of the day.
You’ll find two readings for this session on their website, https://swedlib.org/.
Join via Zoom HERE, or dial into their Zoom Room at 558 403 3057, Password: Swedenborg.
Church News in Photos
Below you will find a photo from the recent Swedenborg Salon, The Sabbath: How We Help Each Other Slow Down, along with a photo showing activity outside Swedenborg House during a recent public demonstration in Washington, DC.
Community Connection Form
We would love to celebrate birthdays and special moments with you! Please fill out this form (linked HERE) which helps us stay connected, recognize important dates, and support one another as a community.
Having trouble with the form or prefer another way to respond? Please contact the church office through the CHC website.
Thought of the Week
