On Sunday, September 9 the Phoenix Temple had an Open House commemorating World Unity and celebrating world peace. The morning began with a special meditation dedicated to world peace which was followed by an inspiring service by Brother Satyananda expounding on Paramahansa Yogananda's teaching showing us that when we focus our mind and consciousness on God and meditation we begin to draw closer to God and we begin to experience that all people in all the countries of the world are really our brothers and sisters. Then we moved outside and witnessed a beautiful release of a group of white doves who soared high into the clear blue sky. We concluded with a savory selection of tasty food from different cultures which was accompanied by live music and folk dancing.

We would like to thank everyone for volunteering their time and giving generous donations to help our children and youth attend the Self-Realization How-To-Live Youth Camp this summer. Everyone enjoyed delicious bean burritos and homemade baked goods prepared by members and friends of the Phoenix Temple.

The SRF Boys and Girls Youth Camp is offered for children ages ten to sixteen, and it is held every summer at the beautiful San Bernandino mountains in California. The program strives for an environment that balances the spiritual activities and practices as taught by our guru, Paramahansa Yogananda, with the outdoor and recreation aspects of the camp experience.

Children ages 3-12 years enjoyed a day of spiritual fellowship and fun during our Sunday School Retreat. The children made musical instruments that were used during a Kirtan meditation led by our Teen Group. They also had some time for games and relays. The program also included the practice of a skit that was later presented to the rest of the group and parents. Each group enjoyed designing their own costume for the presentation. We want to thank our Sunday School teachers, parents, and Teen Group for their valuable contribution.

Our Guru, Paramahansa Yogananda, wrote: "I am awake in Spirit; but whenever God commands me to act in His dreamland of creation, I willingly undertake whatever comedy or tragedy or beautiful part He wants me to play.... All are sweet; for I feel it is He who is playing through me during all my scenes on the stage of this colossal dreamland."

It was in this spirit that our Phoenix Temple celebrated Halloween this year. It was an evening of fun and fellowship. The program included a visit from the Fairy Queen with her royalty. Our Fairy Queen, a representation of Divine Mother, offered her blessings to everyone present. Among other activities was a costume parade, games, a visit to the astral world, a puppet show about the story, "The Mouse who Became a Tiger," and a Haunted House and a skit put together by our teens.

We would like to thank everyone for helping make of event a successful one!

In our efforts to help bring peace and understanding to the world, our Phoenix Temple held a Peace Sunday. The program included a guided meditation led by our Minister. There was a lecture focused on the spiritual principles that come about from world events, and how the result of these experiences can bring new growth, faith, and trust. These experiences bring a spirit of hope that begins to manifest and creates a channel through which the light may come to lead us to emerge with a new spiritual sight.

Peace flags and other special projects that were put together by our children were displayed on the Temple grounds. We also enjoyed an international potluck, and a special program that concluded with the release of doves as a symbol of peace and freedom.

We would like to thank everyone who volunteered and participated in this event.