After a sumptuous luncheon, I gave a class on temptation, with everyone
together, to round out a very full day.
On Sunday a few from the Campo Grande congregation joined with the
Fatima congregation in Rio for the church service. Perhaps 30 were present,
spanning all age groups. Several of the congregation speak English, but most
do not. Thus Andy gave the children’s talk and I preached afterward, with him
translating. (Andy was my faithful and tireless translator throughout.) After
church and some refreshments I gave another class to further explore the
theme of guilt to the assembled group.
On Monday morning the clergy meetings continued, as they did on
Tuesday. But after lunch Gretchen and I had to make our way to the airport for
our return flight. (And as much as they appreciated us being there, I suspect it
took some pressure off by not having to translate everything for us!)
A word about the local clergy meetings. They serve several purposes.
For one, they provide for the far-flung clergy to re-connect (or get to know
each other better), talk about their studies and the uses of the church in
Brazil. Several could not make it this time, but those who attended found it
stimulating and useful.
Another use stems from the students who are invited to attend. For them, it
is a way to expand their knowledge and also provide them with an opportunity
to present ideas and get clergy feedback. There are four students at various
stages in their studies, plus a couple of older gentlemen who participate
sporadically and relish the learning they get there.
Their translation efforts have produced a number of works in Portuguese.
All of the works Swedenborg published are now in print, and many more are
translated and available in electronic format. All that really remains to translate
is the Spiritual Experiences (previous name, Spiritual Diary), which Cristovao
Nobre will hopefully begin work on very soon.
Although the French copies of the Writings served the New Church in
the beginning, it is essential to have the Heavenly Doctrines in the Portuguese
language for future training, outreach and development of the New Church
in Brazil, and perhaps someday in countries like Angola, Mozambique and
Portugal.
Throughout we were warmly received by all. It was delightful to see people
at all stages of development in the New Church – from long-term members
who cherish the Heavenly Doctrines and know them well to those who have
recently found them and are affirmatively exploring them.
The numbers are relatively small in Curitiba, Campo Grande and Fatima.
This is not surprising since the first two are relatively new. And the Fatima
congregation in Rio keeps re-inventing itself with new people finding the
Heavenly Doctrines (or the church building) and becoming steady members.
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