Summit LighthouseÒ

The potential for this study group is enormous. Having a small established sanctuary independent and outside of any single person's home has made the group very resilient to changes in membership. The focus, situated in the 2^nd floor of a commercial building, is available for our use at any time of the day or night all year long. The group presently has three services a week, but seven services a week are possible if only desired! The focus is also ideal for lecture and audio-visual presentations to any interested persons, as the group recently acquired a combination TV/VCR player. With the future acquisition of the necessary computer equipment and phone service, it would also be possible for this group to patch into the Mother Church and rise to a higher level of discipline and worship. New inquiries showing genuine interest in the study group and the Teachings of the Ascended masters is promising, and should result in growth in membership this year. Perhaps we will even "burst our seams" and require a larger sanctuary!

However, in the past year, the sanctuary has been underutilized and is taken for granted by the membership. Attendance at services has been very low. Contributions have been just sufficient to meet rent obligations, with special requests having to be made for additional funding needs. It is imperative that the membership recognize the intrinsic value of our study group, and the magnification of the power of worshipping together as the Body of Christ. It is unusual for a study group of our size to have a beautiful sanctuary outside of a members residence, and as such enjoy its stability and benefits. The sanctuary can be used 'round the clock and has few limitations on its use. The membership should capitalize on the benefits of worshipping together in the sanctuary, else we loose it! The study group has come a long way since inception, and the torch should not be dropped.

Understandably, all have reasons for not being able to attend services. Some have health problems, some financial, some job related, and a list of other special circumstances. However, the membership will find that in placing God first, all problems can and will be resolved. This is the opportunity in lifetimes to serve God, your I AM Presence, in mitigating personal karma and local, national, and planetary cataclysm. Participating in decree services with the local study group makes decrees more effective, exponentially more effective and powerful, for oneself and for humanity.

Your input - your flame - is a vital part of the study group, and the course the study group takes will be not be the same without it. The membership should search their hearts and attend the services that one is compelled by God to attend. Personal matters will fade as God finds a solution for each and every problem. With a strong participating membership, the study group could make a global difference in achieving a gentle transition into the golden age, as Saint Germain envisions. And that could earn each and every member their ascension in the light!

I thank all whom have supported the Study Group, both by their presence at services and their financial support. I also dearly thank the other members of the Board, whose efforts have by far exceed that of the President.

Sincerely,

Srinath Balachandran

SUMMARY OF OUR HISTORY

The Summit Lighthouse Study Group of Manchester NH had its humble beginnings in the Fall of 1993. There were several Keepers scattered geographically across the state. This was unbeknownst to each other until each received a call from a C.U.T. minister who was in the area combining vacation time with outreach activities. Each Keeper was invited to attend a lecture on "Angels" in Keene NH, and it was through that vehicle that Keepers in the state banded together in a united effort to conduct services and decrees.

For the following year, the Keepers collectively met for each Sunday service at the home of one of the Keepers. In May 1994, these same Keepers, numbering approximately a dozen, were able to collectively obtain the funds to lease space for conducting services. The arrangements continued until the landlord was forced to seek alternate quarters.

After much searching, the group was successful in securing a new lease (Fall, 1996) in the center of downtown Manchester, the largest city in NH, and continues to house its sanctuary at this location (the "Center") to the present day. The group conducts three services per week (Wednesday Healing, Saturday St. Germain, Sunday service). Through the consistent effort of members the group received a charter in August of 1997.

In April of 1998 the Study Group sponsored a booth at the Body, Mind, Spirit Exposition at the Center of NH, Manchester. Fliers were distributed and materials sold. Over a hundred people received a chart of the Presence and informational fliers. A raffle was held which facilitated the creation of a mailing list and a checklist of people's interests. Based on these responses, there have been several "Inquirers' Classes" sponsored at the "Center" during the past year, focusing on "Accessing the Power of Your Higher Self" and other related topics. The group hopes to repeat the Exposition effort with a more thorough follow-up for 1999.

Although the group has evolved from its original membership to its current member base, what is evident is the fiery determination of the core group to continue outreach activities and bring the teachings to those in surrounding communities. Our goal is to continue to maintain our existing service schedule and outreach activities - via Inquirers' classes, Expositions, and other gatherings - throughout the coming year and years to come to expand our active membership and bring greater awareness and understanding of the Teachings to the area.

Outputs and Outcomes

Worship

Output: Sunday Ashram or Sacred Ritual typically accompanied with a teaching, decree session, dictation, and Holy Communion. Average attendance: 3 people.

Outcome: Members were edified and encouraged, received the Light of a dictation and the Grace of the Sacrament.

Output: Wednesday Healing Service (Jesus' Vigil of the Hours, Mother Mary's Scriptural Rosaries, The Fourteenth Rosary, Chakra Meditations, Heart Meditations). Average attendance: 3 people.

Outcome: Members made calls for wholeness for themselves, each other, the community, and world. They were able to learn and build a momentum on various methods and techniques. A book is kept in the outer room for people to write their request for calls. The book is brought to the altar during this and other services. We have thank-yous and encouraging words next to successful requests for calls for the sustaining of a family through a personal tragedy, the delivery of a healthy baby to a woman with Lupus with a dangerous pregnancy, the successful surgery and quick recovery of a four year old, the health and well being of a mom and premature child and others.

Output: Saturday Saint Germain Service. Average attendance: 3 people.

Outcome: Members came together to do the decree work for personal and world transmutation. Some time was spent in discussion of concepts and practical application for spiritual growth.

Output: Mother Mary's First Saturday Services. Average attendance: 5 people.

Outcome: Attendees were able to answer the call of Mother Mary to the dedication of First Saturdays.

Output: Christmas Eve Service. Attendance: 6 people.

Outcome: Members and their children were able to come together to listen to the story of and celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, to thank Jesus before the manger, and make calls for the birth of Christ within.

Outreach

Output: Body, Mind, and Spirit Expo

Outcome: The group came together to communicate the Teachings. Over a hundred people received a chart of the Presence and informational fliers, 60 were added to a mailing list, 30 requested further information, 12 attended one or more classes at our Center bringing four friends with them, and $90 in materials were sold.

Output: Informational Mailing

Outcome: Some members who had been absent for a time, were encouraged to begin attending and a couple of seekers have responded.

Output: Presentations on the Teachings (Introduction to the Teachings, Accessing the Power of Your Higher Self - 2 classes, Chakras - a Discussion on the Energy Body) Average attendance: 5 people.

Outcome: Several seekers expressed that they would be adding decrees and work with the Violet Flame to their spiritual efforts, at least one became a Keeper of the Flame, and a few have joined in some services. Most acquired materials to use ($65 in resources).

Spiritual Community

Within our small group we have attempted to be a support on the Path to one another, helping to encourage, exhort, and support as member struggles with a job, family life, their own doubt or confusion, etc. In the coming year we need to develop and expand adding activities to facilitate its growth.

Spiritual Education

Output: Teaching segments (scriptural reading and audio excepts) and discussion times incorporated into services.

Outcome: This has sparked discussions and growth in understanding as well as providing a point of focus in ritual.

STRENGTHS

Largest city in the state
Downtown, central location for group "Center"
Dedicated, committed core officers/members
A few loyal members with in-depth understanding of the Teachings
Business conducted with an open spirit with members' gifts being honored

CHALLENGES

Small core of loyal, committed members
Few members willing to hold office and conduct services
Unsuccessful in attracting inquirers to membership
Attendance to services is minimal

VICTORIES

Exposition

When we discovered the Body, Mind, and Spirit Exposition was being held down the street from us at the Center of New Hampshire, we contacted them to get information with the likelihood of getting involved in 1999 (as it was taking place so quickly). We received the opportunity to participate in 1998 at a discounted rate.

Seizing the opportunity our active members pulled together to quickly develop what was needed for the outreach by allowing participants to take control of the areas they were comfortable with and talking through ideas as a group. We had a very nice display, materials to sell, and fliers to handout. A raffle for the book "Kabbalah" was held which facilitated the creation of a mailing list and a checklist of people's interests. Over a hundred people received a chart of the Presence and informational fliers (nearly a quarter of Exposition attendees), 60 were added to a mailing list, 30 requested further information about the Church and the Teachings (a least one becoming a Keeper soon after), and 12 attended one or more classes at our Center bringing four friends with them. We are grateful to all those that helped Above and below.

Adding more Teachings and a Diversity of Spiritual Techniques to Services

We have successfully enriched many of our services with reading of scriptures, audio excepts of lectures, and a variety of meditations and spiritual techniques. Though we used a variety, we took many of the techniques and applied them for a series of services allowing attendees to learn them and build some momentum. On several occasions members have acquired the materials needed to continue with it in their spiritual work at home. We plan to continue this as well as adding a schedule of video airings with discussion for 1999.

Overcoming the impact of a Break-in

Our Center was broken into. Although the culprit passed by many items of value on his way from the window through the main room, the sanctuary area remained untouched. Equipment was, however, stolen from our outer room. Our members, even those who have not been able to be active members, pooled resources and replaced the stolen items with even better equipment.

LEARNINGS

A Clear Outreach Follow-up Plan

As mentioned above the Exposition outreach came together rather quickly. Although the day went well and we communicated with quite a few people, we had not, in our haste, laid out a clear follow-up plan. Although we distributed our service times and descriptions, ideally, we should have been able to tell all who we contacted a date when to come to our Center for an introductory presentation or an informal Tea. Instead much time elapsed and people received a less personal invitation by mail. Other smaller efforts with an immediate invitation showed the value of this.

Well Timed and Promoted Classes

We held several classes with varying attendance. All were based on expressed interest of inquires. Those that received the greatest response had been mentioned and discussed at a previous event or had been announced in an early mailing and a flier sent out closer to the date. One class had no attendance even though we had interest expressed earlier and phone calls from those who planned to participate. It had been timed near a holiday and had only one announcement. We salvaged some of this by announcing and holding a series of services based on the class material (which did have some attendance).

Preparedness to Meet the Needs of Those That May Come

New comers need guidance and need to be brought to a level of comfort within the group and its activities. When some one new shows up unexpectantly, the service leader (or fellow member) needs to be prepared to address this (and the individuals unique needs). We have had issues with this that we are working to overcome. One day a women came with her children. The service was not typically attended by children and was not designed well for them. The leader made some adjustments but did not feel well with how it went. Although the visitor was very excited about the Teachings and has corresponded some with us, she has not returned for services.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Current Board Members:

Srinath Balachandran, President Length of Service: 7 months

Prior Service: Vice President, 1 year 5 months

Nina Kelly, Secretary Length of Service: 5 years

and Acting Vice President 7 months

David Sevigny, Treasurer Length of Service: 1 year

Former Board Members: (who rendered service earlier in the year)

Alice Gianninoto, Former President

Michael Gianninoto, Former Treasurer

Randall Borgman, Former Trustee

Anita Surdukowski, Former Trustee