The Spiritualist’s SNU Service (Spiritualist National Union)

Two kinds of service are the weekday and the Sunday Service.

The weekday is a shorter version with mostly no 'readings' or 'philosophy'.

The object of the Spiritualist Church Service is to give proof that there is no death, and the existence of the 'after life', meaning that when our physical bodies are left behind in the materiel world, our spirit goes to another existence or place; it is possible for some people to communicate with these people and they are called mediums.

Philosophy ~ the 'Address' ~ is a talk about aspects of Spiritualism. To see articles on philosophy go to that section on the main menu 'Spiritualism' then 'Philosophy'. This talk is not a sermon but a spiritual spontaneous form of mediumship, sometimes call ed 'overshaddowing 'and it might be about reflections of spiritualism on daily life, or quite often it's the speaker’s own experiences and opinions, which are varied and often can be controversial. 

This talk would also be based around the seven principles, which are accepted by all Spiritualists as a ‘guiding light’ for our way of life. We believe in One God, for all men and women, therefore all mankind are equal in the sight of God.

The religion of Spiritualism stands firmly on the three pillars; Evidence (Proof), Philosophy and Healing, all are needed to make the whole complete.

If you attend a meeting in a Spiritualist Union Church, you will see that  hymns are sung, and prayers are just like any other Church, healing is offered, usually after the main service, and you would find that a part of the service is given to personal contacts - or messages as they are often called - between those who have passed through the veil into spirit, and their family or friends in the congregation.

This message part of the service is to prove that the spirit survives what is called death, meaning that 'death' is only physical, and this other part of us is able to communicate with those that are left behind on the material plane, through the Clairvoyant ability of a medium.This is not psychism at all, and there can be some confusion between the two.

The medium may relay names and personal details, memories of shared past experiences, and often characteristics of the communicator; depending on the ability of the medium, names and other details are forthcoming too. It is this factual evidence that proves the continuation of the spirit or soul self. 

We have found that those who have 'died' do in fact continue to exist in a ‘spirit world’ which is interrelated with our own physical world. Communication between the two dimensions is not only possible but natural.

WE DO NOT RAISE THE DEAD. We open the channel and the spirit helpers eagerly respond, although it is not easy for them and we do know it takes a lot of energy.  I have often heard it said that the laws of physics are the same in all worlds, we just don't know them all as yet!

For many years Scientists have been investigating the factual evidence provided by our mediums, and have found that it by stands up to rigorous testing within the concept of natural laws. Therefore those who have an aptitude for the scientific aspects of Spiritualism will find an endless supply of research material. [See the book list]

The philosophy provides as excellent basis for living. When considered fully, it opens up a vast area for expansion of thoughts, on the whole concept of life. We worship one God. We are Spirit, here and now, within a physical ‘overcoat’. Unlike the Greater World Spiritualists we of the Spiritualist National Union cannot adopt the Biblical idea of a vengeful God with human failings, or the principle of a Saviour.

Spiritualism is not just another 'religion’. Its principles offer a completely new way of life, turning material values into eternal values, National Union Spiritualists accept Personal Responsibility for all their actions. Our years here on earth are just a small part of our full life span. What we are doing today is must building the foundations for a far greater tomorrow, The way forward is open to everyone who is willing to overcome the obstacles of inherited tradition.

There comes a time when we must ask ourselves does our religion provide us with any factual answers about the purpose of life and death. Spiritualism does! Our world is suffering because of the selfish desires of materialism and scepticism, yet there is so much apathy when we offer an opportunity for personal progression.

Explanation of the seven Principles:

The Parenthood of God

The universe is extremely complex, both in physical and spiritual terms. Not only is there the known universe that scientists can prove, but there are the astral planes and all other worlds. This could not have come about by chance. A supreme plan is in existence of which we know so little, a plan must have been orchestrated by some supreme being. Perhaps not an old man with white hair sitting on a throne or a 6 headed monster, but maybe a vibrant intelligence and energy that we cannot possibly comprehend.

The Family of humankind

We are all equal because we are all children of the one supreme God and therefore brothers and sisters. Though equal we are also unequal. There is a great inequality of wealth and prosperity, a great inequality of physical abilities and strengths and also a great inequality of spiritual awareness and advancement. However, it is the soul that is equal to every other soul - albeit at different stages of development. In the ultimate stage all will be level because perfection is a definitive thing, and perfection is God Supreme.

The Communion of spirits and the ministry of angels

The 'communion of spirits' with humans occurs not only in the public performance of a medium on the platform, but also in everyday life. By the intuition we receive, the presence we feel, our thoughts are interlinked between the two worlds and also by astral travelling in both the physical and the spirit world during dream or trance states. The 'ministry of angels' is from our helpers in the spirit world who we might regard as 'guardian angels', or guides. They provide the powers of healing, inspirational writing, trance, etc.

The Continuous Existence of every soul

Our existence is eternal. We always have been, we are now, and always will be, in whatever form or plane our spirit or soul is in. Most religions believe this but the Spiritualist religion explains it more simply and more correctly. For example, the soul does not lie with the body until the trumpet call on judgement day, it moves instantly at the moment of physical death into another world, to another plane, to another challenge.

Personal Responsibility 

Every action we take, every thought we think, every word we speak is our responsibility. We can never blame anybody else for our errors or give credit to others for our successes. The mind is responsible for its own actions. To illustrate, two persons could be in exactly the same situation but react differently - one may be highly stressed, the other may calmly handle the situation. Since each responds in a different way to the same situation, then it is their state of mind which is different, and therefore they are personally responsible for their own thoughts and actions.

Compensation and retribution hereafter for all good and evil deeds done on Earth

In the infinite and unending existence of the soul, the law of karma has to be worked out. Every evil deed, thought and word has to be paid for; but we are our own judge, and on our return to the spirit world we shall see for ourselves what recompense must be made.

Eternal Progress Open To Every Soul

To follow on from principle 6, nothing is lost or irredeemable. We can progress to higher and higher planes of development when we have learnt our lessons and repaid our dues. We can climb to unbelievable heights. To understand this progress and what life and spiritual eternity is all about, imagine the whole complex as a giant pyramid of infinite size. The pyramid is God. The pinnacle is the Godhead, the supreme being. The pyramid has no base but extends downwards from the Godhead forever. The stones are not solid but fluid, and each stone is a soul, all part of God and all-important to the whole, therefore the lower layers are as important as the top. There are countless positions within the pyramid, again each is as important as the other. The base is larger than the top because there are far more of us humble beings trying to achieve a higher position in the pyramid, working to achieve perfection - the Godhead the pinnacle.

There are many more churches that are Independent - to find one near you look in the local paper or if you are on holiday in a new town ask at the citizen’s advice office, that’s what we do ......

Before you read the next article that takes your interest, why not ask for Spirit guidance?

How? Just say a few words to yourself [ inside your head ] for example, "Spirit friends guide me please. " That's all folks ... it's as easy as that, and then watch to see where they take you. It might be something for a question you have already asked, or it might be for a question that is going to come up soon, ya never know!

End.