News

Atlanta Center News -Past

“If a man wants to become an artist, he should associate with artists. If he wants to be a good businessman, he should associate with successful leaders in the business field. If he wants to become a spiritual giant, he should associate with devotees of God!”

--Paramahansa Yogananda in “Seeking God Together”

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Memorial Service for Ahnah Kramedjian

Atlanta Center Sanctuary

Saturday, January 31st, 1:00 p.m.

Dear Friends:

On Sunday morning, January 25th, Ahnah Kramedjian passed peacefully from our world into a freer sphere of life. Ahnah was a member of the Atlanta Center for over 12 years and served in many ways including being the Atlanta Center Coordinator. Ahnah was a devotee who always personified the highest ideals of Divine friendship, loyalty, service, and courage in her life. We are grateful that we had the opportunity to have such a wonderful friend in Ahnah here in this life, and we pray for light and joy to continue to guide her soul as her journey continues.

~Atlanta Center Devotees~

Ahnah Kramedjian (Her Managing Council Photo)

Ahnah with her Brother and his wife at the Atlanta Center

Ahnah with her dear friend Linda at the Atlanta Center

Ahnah (fifth from left) and Atlanta Devotees at the Atlanta Botanical Garden with Brother Vijayananda and Brother Sarvananda

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Atlanta Center Welcomes Monastics For Christmas 2008!

Brother Ishtananda and Brahmachari Dale will visit Atlanta December 11th thru 14th. Here are some reminders for their visit:

Due to the high attendance on Sunday, please remember for regular members to park at Griffin Middle School to allow our guests sufficient parking at the Atlanta Center.

For the All-Day Christmas Meditation, you must arrive on time. No one will be permitted to enter the sanctuary one the meditation has begun.

Instructions for the All Day Christmas Meditation

How to Prepare:
      Eat lightly or not at all before coming to the meditation.
      Do not bring food of any kind except the fruit for your devotional offering.
      Keep silence before the meditation.
      It is good to arrive a little early to become calm and settled.
      Come in a devotional mood.
      If you have a cold or cough, you should meditate at home
      out of fairness to others.

What to Bring:
      Fruit and pranami (donation) as a devotional offering
      Dress warmly and comfortably
      You may wish to bring a meditation arm rest

The following is the public schedule for events at the Atlanta Center.

Thursday, December 11th
7:30 to 8:00 p.m. Meditation

8:00 to 9:00 p.m.          Inspirational Service

9:00 to 9:45 p.m.          Greeted Monastics in Fellowship Hall

Saturday, December 13th

ALL DAY CHRISTMAS MEDITATION

8:30 a.m. - 8:50 a.m.      Energization Exercises (outside, weather permitting)
9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.    Morning Session
12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.    Intermission
1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.      Afternoon Session (Attend only if you attended the morning session)

Sunday, December 14th
10:00 - 10:45 a.m. Meditation Service
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Lecture Service
12:15 - 2:00 p.m. Buffet Luncheon and Christmas Social with Monastics

Brother ISHTANANDA & BRAHMACHARI ROBERTO

TO visiT THE ATLANTA CENTER AND CONDUCT

WORKSHOP AND OUTREACH EVENT

Brother Ishtananda from Hollywood Temple and Brahmachari Roberto from Mother Center will visit the Atlanta Center from October 16th thru 19th. On Saturday afternoon October 18th, from 2 to 5 PM, Brother Ishtananda will give a public outreach talk, and opportunity to receive basic techniques of meditation for those who signed up for the SRF lessons. The monastics also will conduct a meditation service and talk on Thursday evening . Brother Ishtananda will conduct the Sunday inspirational service. There was also an Indian lunch buffet after the Sunday service.

The following is the schedule for their visit:

Thursday Evening, October 16th

8:00 - 9:00 p.m. Inspirational Service

9:00 - 10:00 p.m. Refreshments and Greet Monastics

Saturday, October 18th:

9:30 - 11:00 a.m. Group Meditation

2:00 - 5:00 p.m. - Outreach Program

Sunday, October 19th:

10:00 - 10:45 a.m. Meditation Service

11:00 a.m.- Noon Inspirational Service

12:15 - 2:00 p.m. Social Gathering / Lunch

2:00 - 3:30 p.m. - Film: Yoganandaji Returns to India

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Brother Ishtananda, Brother Ritananda, and Brother Vijayananda

April 10^th thru April 20th, 2008

Monastic Visit Schedule

Thursday, April 10th (Brothers Ishtananda and Ritananda)

7:30 – 9:00 p.m. Inspirational Service - Satsanga

9:00 – 10:00 p.m. Refreshments and Greet Monastics

Friday thru Sunday, April 11^th thru 13^th (Brothers Ishtananda and Ritananda)

Silent Retreat at Cohutta Springs Conference Center

Thursday, April 17th (Brothers Ishtananda and Vijayananda)

7:30 – 9:00 p.m. Inspirational Service

9:00 – 10:00 p.m. Refreshments and Greet Monastic

Saturday, April 19th (Brothers Ishtananda and Vijayananda)

6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Volunteer Appreciation Dinner (Fellowship Hall)

By Invitation – Must RSVP by April 9th

Contact the Atlanta Center for Information

Sunday, April 20^th (Brothers Ishtananda and Vijayananda)

10:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. Meditation Service

11:00 a.m. - Noon Sunday Service

12:15 - 2:00 p.m. Refreshments and Greet Monastics in Fellowship Hall

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Brother KESHAVANANDA & BRAHMACHARI ABRAO

visiT THE ATLANTA CENTER AND CONDUCT

SECOND OUTREACH EVENT

Brother Keshavananda from Pasadena Temple and Brahmachari Abrao from Mother Center visited the Atlanta Center from September 13th thru 16th. On Saturday afternoon September 15th, from 2 to 5 PM, Brother Keshavananda gave a public outreach talk, film, and opportunity to receive basic techniques of meditation for those who signed up for the SRF lessons. Twenty-five new lesson students signed up and attended the special techniques review class on concentration and meditation. The monastics also conducted a meditation service and talk on Thursday evening and a meditation and satsanga on Friday evening. Brother Keshavananda conducted the Sunday meditation and inspirational services. There was also an Indian lunch buffet after the Sunday service followed by a special closing program that featured the showing of the "Life of George Washington". Attendance for the Outreach program on Saturday and the Inspirational Service on Sunday set records!

The following was the schedule for their visit:

Thursday Evening, September 13th

8:00 - 9:00 p.m. Inspirational Service

9:00 - 10:00 p.m. Refreshments and Greet Monastics

Friday Evening, September 14th:

7:00 - 7:45 p.m. Group Meditation

8:00 - 9:00 p.m. - Spiritual Life Class

9:00 - 10:00 p.m. Refreshments and Greet Monastics

Saturday, September 15th:

9:30 - 11:00 a.m. Group Meditation

2:00 - 5:00 p.m. - Outreach Program

7:00 - 9:00 p.m. - Sanctuary Open for Meditation

Sunday, September 16th:

10:00 - 10:45 a.m. Meditation Service

11:00 a.m.- Noon Inspirational Service

12:15 - 2:00 p.m. Social Gathering / Lunch

2:00 - 3:30 p.m. Closing Program - Video

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Atlanta Center Welcomes Monastics For Christmas!

Brothers Prafullananda and Priyananda visited Atlanta December 14th thru 18th. The following was the public schedule for events at the Atlanta Center.

Thursday, December 14th
8:00 to 9:00 p.m.          Inspiration Service and Welcome

9:00 to 9:45 p.m.          Greeted Monastics in Fellowship Hall

Saturday, December 16th

ALL DAY CHRISTMAS MEDITATION

8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.      Energization Exercises
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.    Morning Session
12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.    Afternoon Session (Attend only if you attended the morning session)

Sunday, December 17th
10:00 - 10:45 a.m.         Meditation Service
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Lecture Service
12:15 - 2:00 p.m.           Buffet Luncheon and Christmas Social with Monastics
2:00 p.m.                      Silver Comet Trail Walk With Monastics

Monday, December 18th
8:00 - 9:00 p.m. Satsanga with Brother Priyananda

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Brother KESHAVANANDA & BROTHER ISHTANANADA visit

Dear Friends:

There have been a few revisions to the agenda for the upcoming February 15-19 visit by Brother Keshavananda and Brother Ishtananda.

Wednesday night: Brother Ishtananda will be available for personal counseling from approximately 6:00 – 9:00 pm. Please sign up on the sheet on the Book Room bulletin board.

Friday night: Brother Ishtananda will give an inspirational talk and slide show on “The Relationship between Breath, Life-Force, and Divine Consciousness” beginning at 7:00 pm. All are invited to attend this inspirational event.

Saturday afternoon: The technique review class from 2:00-4:00 pm in the Sanctuary is for devotees who are studying the lessons and will be a review of the OM and Hang Sau techniques. This will be accompanied by a question and answer session by Brother Ishtananda. There will be a sign-up table before the session for anyone desiring to begin Lessons Study. Individuals signing up before the event begins will be able to attend.

Please deposit any question(s) you might want our visiting Monastics to answer in the box on the table in the Book Room.

Hope to see you often during the weekend!

Friday Evening, February 16:

7:00 - 8:30 p.m. "The Relationship Between Breath, Life-Force, and Divine Consciousness" / Presentation

Saturday, February 17:

8:00 a.m. Energization Exercises (outside / weather permitting)

8:00 - 9:00 a.m. Sanctuary Open For Meditation

9:00 a.m. Continental Breakfast (Provided by the Atlanta Center)

9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Service Reader Review (Current Service Readers and Those Interested)

2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Meditation Techniques Class *

Sunday, February 18:

10:00 - 10:45 a.m. Meditation Service

11:00 a.m.- Noon Inspirational Service

12:15 - 2:00 p.m. Social Gathering / Lunch

Monday, February 19:

8:00 - 9:00 p.m. Satsanga

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Memorial Service for Barbara Cooper

Atlanta Center Sanctuary

Thursday, December 14th 7:00 p.m.

Send Flowers and Cards To:

Larry Cooper and Family

4681 Outer Bank Drive

Norcross, Georgia 30092

Dear Friends:

Last Sunday morning, December 10th, Barbara Cooper passed peacefully from our world into a freer sphere of life. Barbara and her husband Larry have been members of the Atlanta Center for over 11 years and have served in many ways including managing the Center's bookroom and special events sales. Barbara and Larry are devotees who have always personified the highest ideals of Divine friendship, loyalty, service, and courage in their lives. We are grateful that we had the opportunity to have such a wonderful friend in Barbara here in this life, and we pray for light and joy to continue to guide her soul as her journey continues.

~Atlanta Center Devotees~

Brother Devananda, Barbara (in background) and Larry Cooper at Convocation

Scott McIntyre and Barbara Cooper at the 2003 Christmas Social in Atlanta

Larry and Barbara Cooper and Atlanta Devotees at the Atlanta Botanical Garden with Brahmachari Paul and Brahmachari Kirk

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2006 Atlanta Center Special Program

"How To Find Spiritual Peace In A Challenging World"

Saturday, June 24th 2:00 - 5:00 P.M.

Brother Keshavananda from Pasadena Temple and Mother Center gave a special talk on Saturday, June 24th, from 2:00 - 5:00 P.M. during his visit to the Atlanta Center of Self-Realization Fellowship. Spending four days in Atlanta, he and Brother Ishwananda conducted the Thursday inspirational service at 8 P.M. with a light refreshments afterwards, a 3 hour meditation on Friday evening from 7 - 10 P.M. , the special program on meditation on Saturday from 2 - 5 P.M., and the Sunday meditation and lecture services with a luncheon social at 12:15 P.M.. A special video presentation of "Glimpses of a Life Divine" was shown as part of the program on Saturday.

An opportunity to apply for the SRF lessons and receive instructions for techniques of concentration and meditation was offered after the introductory lecture. Over 160 attended the Saturday lecture and 32 people applied for the SRF lessons. On Sunday, over 120 attended and enjoyed the vegetarian buffet luncheon.

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2006 Atlanta Center Silent Retreat

At the Calvin Center, Hampton, Georgia

Friday, April 7th thru Sunday, April 9th

It is the great joy of the Atlanta Center of Self-Realization Fellowship to have held a special SRF Regional Silent Retreat conducted by Brother Devananda and Brahmachari Terry from Friday, April 7^th to Sunday, April 9^th. This three-day retreat was located at the Calvin Center some 20 miles south of downtown Atlanta. This 550-acre secluded retreat center contains numerous lakes and walking paths and should provide an ideal setting for a weekend of deep mediation and reflection. Directions to the Calvin Center are attached.

The program included meditation, review classes, plenty of free time, vegetarian meals, an evening Satsanga, and a devotional service on Sunday. About 90 members attended from the Southeastern United States and even from California! More details and pictures will be coming soon!

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Atlanta Center Welcomed Monastics for 2006

Monastics visited Atlanta January 26th thru 29th, 2006. The following was the schedule for events at the Atlanta Center.

Thursday, January 26th
8:00 to 9:00 p.m.          Inspiration Service and Welcome

9:00 to 9:45 p.m.          Greeted Monastics in Fellowship Hall

Friday, January 27th
7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Meditation

Saturday, January 28th
8:00 - 8:45 a.m.             Open Meditation in Sanctuary
8:30 a.m.                      Lite Breakfast Buffet
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.    Communication Values Seminar in Fellowship Hall

Sunday, January 29th
10:00 - 10:45 a.m. Meditation Service
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Lecture Service
12:15 - 2:30 p.m. Buffet Luncheon and Social with Monastics

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Atlanta Center Welcomes Monastics For Christmas! 2005

Monastics visited Atlanta December 15th thru 18th. The following was the public schedule for events at the Atlanta Center.

Thursday, December 15th
8:00 to 9:00 p.m.          Inspiration Service and Welcome

9:00 to 9:45 p.m.          Greeted Monastics in Fellowship Hall

Saturday, December 17th
10:00am - 2:00pm Morning Session
2:30pm - 6:00pm Afternoon Session (Attend only if you attended the morning session)

Sunday, December 18th
10:00 - 10:45 a.m. Meditation Service
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Lecture Service
12:15 - 2:30 p.m. Buffet Luncheon and Christmas Social with Monastic

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Atlanta Center Welcomes Monastics for Techniques Class 2005

Brother Keshavananda and Brahmachari Augusto visited Atlanta November 17th thru 20th. The following was the public schedule for events at the Atlanta Center.

Thursday, November 17th
8:00 to 9:00 p.m.          Inspiration Service and Welcome

9:00 to 9:45 p.m.          Greeted Monastics in Fellowship Hall

Friday, November 18th
7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Meditation

Saturday, November 19th
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.      Introduction to Meditation
                                    Concentration / Meditation Class
                                    (Lessons Students Only - Signup availble on site)

5:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Light Refreshments in Fellowship Hall

5:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. "Glimpses of a Life Divine"

Sunday, November 20th
10:00 - 10:45 a.m. Meditation Service
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Lecture Service
12:15 - 2:30 p.m. Buffet Luncheon and Social with Monastics

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Atlanta Center Financial Update

Brad LeRay, Coordinator for the Atlanta Center, presented a brief overview of the Atlanta Center's yearly expenditures and financial needs after the July 17th Sunday service. Brad covered current status of donations and pledges to the Atlanta Center and compared them to the same time period for 2004.

While noting that the Atlanta Center is in sound financial condition, pledges and donations are down about 20% from 2004. An appeal was made for members to consider the value the Atlanta Center brings to members lives, and for members to evaluate their level of financial commitments. For those interested in pledging or donating funds, contact the Atlanta Center for more information. Forms are also available in the bookroom.

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Atlanta Center Welcomes Monastics 2005

Monastics visited Atlanta April 21st thru 24th. The following was the schedule for events at the Atlanta Center.

Thursday, April 21st
8:00 to 9:00 p.m.          Inspiration Service and Welcome

9:00 to 9:45 p.m.          Greeted Monastics in Fellowship Hall

Friday, April 22nd
7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Meditation

Saturday, April 23rd
8:00 - 8:45 a.m.             Open Meditation in Sanctuary
8:30 a.m.                      Lite Breakfast Buffet
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.    Communication Values Seminar in Fellowship Hall

4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. "Spirit of George Washington" Video
Fundraiser for Chapel Chairs - $10 suggested Donation

Sunday, April 24th
10:00 - 10:45 a.m.         Meditation Service
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Lecture Service
12:15 - 2:30 p.m.           Buffet Luncheon and Social with Monastics
3:00 - 4:30 p.m.            Walk with Monastics on Silver Comet Trail

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Letter from Sri Daya Mata

Concerning Catastrophe in Asia

December 29, 2004

Dear Ones,

My deepest prayers and those of the Prayer Council are reaching out to all those affected by the catastrophic events unfolding in Asia. In my heart I feel their pain, and during my daily meditations I ask Divine Mother to comfort them and enfold them in Her boundless compassion. I know that many of you around the world are joining us in your own prayers, and I encourage you to continue those efforts. Sometimes we may find our-selves thinking, “What can I, as one individual, do to help when there is a tragedy of such magnitude?” Never underestimate the power of your positive thoughts and prayers when they are offered with love, with faith in God, and with the full concentration of your will. There is no greater power than divine love to bring solace and to dispel the darkness of fear and confusion. Through the compassion of your heart, and your inner efforts to hold these souls in God’s light, you can increase their receptivity to His healing peace.

Gurudeva’s heart always went out to those in need, and he helped them both spiritually and materially. In addition to prayer, Yogoda Satsanga Society, our sister society in India, has already donated funds and immediately sent monastics and devotee volunteers, headed by Swami Krishnananda, to offer direct assistance. Self-Realization Fellowship will also be contributing financially from its charitable funds toward the relief of the stricken areas.

When events take place that are difficult for our human heart to accept, and beyond our mind’s power to fully understand, we need most of all to turn to the One who alone can see the whole of the vast panorama of the universe, and holds in His loving hands the destiny of each soul. Amidst all that we go through in this world, we can never be outside of His care. Let us look to Him as our supreme shelter and source of security, remembering these reassuring words from the Bhagavad Gita: “He who watches Me always, him do I watch. He never loses sight of Me, nor do I lose sight of him.” Reach out to God in your thoughts, in your prayers, and serve Him through every selfless action. As you merge your efforts with those of caring souls everywhere, the influence of His love will increase, helping to change the karmic trends in this world and to uplift His children. May God bless each of you as we unite as one family to send our hearts’ love, support, and prayers to those in need.

God love you and hold you in His care,

Sri Daya Mata

President and Sanghamata

Self-Realization Fellowship/Yogoda Satsanga Society of India

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Atlanta Center Starts

Second Coming Study Group

The Atlanta Center has a study group for the recently released book "The Second Coming of Christ." The meetings are held the second and fourth Sundays each month from 12:15 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Each member should bring their own copy of the Second Coming. The format for this study group is similar to the the Lessons Study group. It consists of prayer, meditation, and members taking turns in reading aloud passages from the text. Please join us regularly for this special study group!!!

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Atlanta Center Hosts SRF First Member Support Visit 2004

Brother Ishtananda Speaking At The Atlanta Sunday Service

SRF Monastics (Brother Ishtananda and Brother Atmananda) came to Atlanta to host a special SRF Member Support Visit April 22nd thru April 25th at the Atlanta Center of SRF. Included in this visit was a Kriya Yoga Initiation ceremony on Saturday, April 24th (the first ever at the Atlanta Center!). Over 180 members and guests attended the weekend activities. Below was the schedule for this visit.

Friday, April 23

7:30 - 8:30 p.m.                 How to Live Class
9:00 -10:00 p.m.                Meditation

Saturday, April 24

9:00 a.m. - Noon            Techniques Review Class and Meditation *
6:00 p.m.                       Kriya Yoga Initiation **

Sunday, April 25

8:30 - 10:30 a.m.            Kriya Yoga Review Class **
11:00 a.m. - Noon             Sunday Service
12:15 - 2:00 p.m.               Social Gathering in Fellowship Hall
2:00 - 3:00 p.m.                 Closing Program and Video

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"India Unveiled" Slide Presentation

By Robert Arnett

The Atlanta Center was proud to host a very special slide presentation on the "Autobiography of a Yogi" by our very own fellow member and devotee Bob Arnett.

Robert Arnett is a photographer and author of the award winning book "India Unveiled", a breath-taking travelogue of Bob's pilgrimage throughout India.

The slide presentation of "Autobiography of a Yogi" included pictures from Bob's book, the birthplace of Paramahansa Yogananda, his home in Calcutta, SRF pilgrimage sites, Babaji's cave in Dwarahat, and lots, lots more. Everyone who attended had a wonderful time.

For more Information on India Unveiled, go to www.atmanpress.com .

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Atlanta Center Hosts Monastics

For Christmas 2003 Visit

Brother Priyananda enjoys Christmas Dinner at the Atlanta Center Fellowship Hall

Brother Priyananda and Brahmachari Clive from Self-Realization Mother Center visited the Atlanta Center in December. Both monastics conducted services at the Atlanta Center. Here was the schedule of events:

Thursday Dec 11th
8:00pm - 9:15pm Inspirational Service/Prayer Service
9:20pm - 9:45pm Greet Monastics - light refreshments served

Friday Dec 12th
8:00pm - 9:00pm    Satsanga
9:00pm - 9:30pm    Greet Monastics - light refreshments served

Saturday Dec 13th (Christmas Meditation)
9:00am - 1:00pm    Morning Session
1:30pm - 4:30pm    Afternoon Session (Attend only if you attended the morning session)

Sunday Dec 14th
10:am - 10:45am       Meditation Service
11:00am - 12:00pm   Reading Service
12:15pm - 2:00pm    Christmas social - meet Monastics

2:15 pm - 3:30pm Walk On Silver Comet Trail, Everyone Invited - Bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes

Monday Dec 15th
8:00pm - 10:30pm Talk and Satsanga

Tuesday Dec 16th
10:00am - 5:30pm Outing To Stone Mountain

Special outing to Stone Mountain Park and a luncheon.

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Atlanta Center Hosts Monastics

For October 2003 Visit

Brother Santoshananda talks with Atlanta Devotee

Brother Ishtananda and Brother Santoshananda from Self-Realization Mother Center visited the Atlanta Center in October. Both monastics conducted services at the Atlanta Center and participated in a video program produced by the Atlanta Interfaith Broadcast (AIB). This 30 minute program featured interviews with Brother Ishtananda and members of the Atlanta Center. Also included were excerpts from services by Brother Ishtananda and Brother Santoshananda. A special vegetarian luncheon was served after the Sunday service. More details and pictures coming!!!

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Atlanta Center Hosts Monastics

For Sunday, September 13th-14th Visit 2003

Brahmacharis Heinz and Brother Achalananda enjoys Atanta Center visit

Brother Achalananda and Brahmachari Heinz from Self-Realization Mother Center visited the Atlanta Center on September 13th and 14th. A special Science and Religion program showing the video "The Great Year" was held on Saturday evening. Both monastics attended along with over 40 guests. Brother Achalananda gave comments and insights following the showing of the video. Brahmachari Heinz conducted the Sunday Meditation Service and Brother Achalananda conducted the Sunday Service. After the Sunday Service there was a vegetarian pot luck dinner and social that Brother Achelananda attended along with Brahmachari Heinz. Over 90 devotees attended the Sunday events.

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Atlanta Center Hosts Monastics

For Spring 2003 Visit and Workshop

Brahmachari Paul and Brahmachari Kirk visit with Atlanta Center Managing Council

Brahmachari Paul and Brahmachari Kirk from Self-Realization Mother Center conducted services at the Atlanta Center of Self-Realization Fellowship during their April visit. On Thursday, April 3rd, Brahmachari Kirk conducted the Thursday Evening Inspirational Service. This was followed by a light refreshment social for the monastics to meet and greet the Atlanta devotees. On Friday, April 4th, the monastics conducted an extended meditation service with the Atlanta Center Kirtan group.

On Saturday April 5th, Brahmachari Paul conducted a workshop for those serving at the Atlanta Center. On Sunday, April 6th, a meditation service was conducted by Brahmachari Kirk, and a special Sunday service was conducted by Brahmachari Paul. Following this service, a luncheon and social was held for those attending to greet the monastics. The monastics then visited the Atlanta Botanical Gardens with a small group of devotees.

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Atlanta Center of SRF Hosts

Christmas Season Monastic Visit 2002

Brahmachari Luis and Brahmachari Martin at entrance to the Atlanta Center

The Atlanta Center of SRF welcomed Brahmachari Martin and Brahmachari Luis from Mother Center on their surprise visit to Atlanta. The brothers conducted the Thursday evening service on December 12th, the all day Christmas meditation on Saturday, December 14th, and the Sunday services on December 15th. There was a luncheon on Sunday to greet the brothers and thank them for their visit. See more pictures at MONASTIC VISIT DECEMBER 2002 .

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Atlanta SRF Youth Group Holds Luncheon Fundraiser

The Atlanta Center of SRF Youth Group hosted a fundraiser luncheon on November 17th in Fellowship Hall. Over 30 people attended the dinner which was prepared by the Youth Group. Entertainment with classical Indian dancing was also enjoyed by all. Pictures of this luncheon can be seen at YOUTH FUND RAISING DINNER NOVEMBER 2002.

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SRF Sisters Visit To Atlanta Center September 2002

The Atlanta Center of SRF welcomed Sister Madhuri and Brahmacharini Elvira when they come to Atlanta on a "Spiritual Fellowship - Atlanta Center" visit. Below was the schedule.

Thursday, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. September 26th: Commemorative Service

Friday, 7:00 - 7:15 p.m. September 27th: Ribbon Cutting for Monastic Quarters

Friday, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. September 27th: Energization, Meditation, Video

Friday, 9:30 - 9:50 p.m. September 27th: Greet Monastics and Refreshments

RETREAT DAY IN SILENCE (Saturday, September 28th)

9:00 a.m. - 12 Noon - Energization, Long Meditation, Technique Review

12:00 - 1:00 p.m. - Lunch (Bring Your Own)

1:00 - 2:00 p.m. - Class with Meditation

2:00 - 2:30 p.m. - Break (In Silence)

2:30 - 4:30 p.m. - Devotional Class

Sunday, 10:00 - 10:45 a.m. - Meditation Service

Sunday, 11:00 a.m. - 12 Noon - Sunday Service

Sunday, 12:00 - 2:30 p.m. - Light Lunch Social in Celebration of the 2nd Anniversary of the Atlanta Center

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Atlanta Center of Self-Realization Fellowship

SRF REGIONAL RETREAT

MAY 10-12, 2002

Over seventy devotees attended the 2002 SRF Atlanta Regional Retreat held at the Calvin Center south of Atlanta, Georgia. Brother Atmananda and Brahmachari Dale conducted the three day retreat held on May 10th thru May 12th. This weekend included a commemorative service for Swami Sri Yukteshwar on Friday evening, and a celebration of Mother's day on the Sunday. The silent retreat included classes on the SRF meditation techniques as well as a Satsanga and special video presentation of Sri Daya Mata.

The retreat ended with a special social celebrating the 90th birthday of Margaret Scheibler. Margaret is one of Atlanta's long time members, and has served as coordinator and other officer duties in the Atlanta group for many years. Margaret now resides in South Carolina, and attends the Atlanta Center whenever she can. See SRF REGIONAL RETREAT: ATLANTA 2002 for more photos of retreat and social.

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Sunday School and Youth Group Move to New Rooms

Thanks to the generous donations of our members, the upstairs Sunday School and Youth Group rooms are completed. The Sunday School and Youth Groups are moving in to their new rooms this summer.

Fellowship Hall is also complete, and was dedicated by some of our Youth Group members at the Spring Social this year. We look forward to adding additional activities for our wonderful new space.

Work continues on the monastic quarters. We hope to have construction completed in June, and the furnishings completed in time for our second anniversary on September 30th.

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Atlanta Center Holds First Work Retreat

The Atlanta Center of SRF held its first work retreat on June 6, 2001 to help polish up our center and clean up the woods next to the sanctuary. The team effort really paid off with our Center looking better than ever!

Thanks to everyone who helped!!!

"Everything else can wait, but your search for God cannot wait."

- Paramahansa Yogananda

For Site Information contact
grbundy@bellsouth.net
Date Last Modified: September 24, 2009