Newsletter

                
 
                  

June, 2008

 

 

The second millennium started out with celebrations round the world. So much hope! A fresh start! High expectations! Then September 2001 sent a shock wave round the world; a shiver into the soul of our very being; an audacious attack upon the very symbol of freedom, the values of democracy held so dear, straight to the heart of a nation considered by many to be invincible!

 

But was it a wake-up call to us all? A reminder, despite many advances, complacency had no place now? So much yet to do, and so little time left to do it? Was chaos about to descend upon the world?

 

Was it coincidence, on that fateful day in September 2001, that a small group gathered together in meditation at the base of Uluru received direction to print the contemporary message of Jesus contained in the book entitled “A Course in Miracles” and simply give the book away? And upon return to their hotel was it coincidence to be confronted immediately with footage on TV of the world trade center in New York collapsing in a column of smoke? What a terrible way to convey the imprimatur: “There is no more time to lose, be about it!”

 

A wake-up call to the entire western world, not just America! Was it heeded? Apparently not. The traditional fear response was to find something to attack. Not for a moment did any western nation take the time to look within and ask: “What might be done to heal this mighty rift?” What nation invited, let alone allowed, informed debate upon the problem or canvassed for solutions? Individuals: “perhaps,” but an entire nation: “no”!

 

Since then the messages have been getting louder and stronger. The tragedy that is now Iraq! The threat of global climate change and its unknown consequences! The tsunami! The floods! The earthquakes! Genocide! Human rights abuses on a massive scale! Diminishing supplies of fresh water pointing towards imminent catastrophe for countless millions! Food shortages! Recent turmoil in financial markets and now skyrocketing global oil prices!

 

Never was there a greater time of need of help! We all need help! The planet needs help! But what help? And where? This time it will require the dedication of all who hear to wake up and answer the call!

 

How can you help? Where can you start?

 

The answer surely is: “Only with ourselves.”

 

And for help in our personal endeavour, where better than to turn to the Course. For remember, “…. minds cannot BE separate.” [Text, page 551, paragraph 2, line 8] “You are not the victim of the world you see because you invented it. You can give it up as easily as you made it up.” [Lesson 32, paragraph 1, line 2]

 

How? How can you give it up?

 

Remember, “forgiveness” is the key. And yes, it will take a “miracle.”

 

 

 

May 19th 2008
 
Obituary
 
On Tuesday 13th May 2008 the world lost a mighty champion of A Course in Miracles. Charles (Chuck) Anderson, known to some affectionately as Dear One (and to many more as the Master Teacher from Endeavor Academy, Wisconsin, USA) passed away at approximately 8.30 pm (11.30am on Wednesday 14th May EST Australia) in Wisconsin Dells. His single-minded dedication to spreading the message of Jesus as expressed in His Course in Miracles worldwide will be questioned by few. May he be an inspiration to many!
 
******
 
 
The usage meter on the website continues to record an increasing number of visits. Not surprising really, with Oprah’s support now attracting some 2 million worldwide to her own TV station’s daily readings of the Workbook Lessons by Marianne Williamson (this news item was first mentioned in the January Newsletter). Not to mention her program featuring Eckhart Tolle and his recent book “A New Earth,” whose stated purpose is “to awaken you,” which has been downloadable on the internet. An extraordinary presentation!
 
 
The number of Course groups open to being listed continue to grow. Some appear more focused upon studying the message, while others are content to join together and simply meditate. Whatever the form, the Holy Spirit will make good use of your intent with benefit to all who are open to the call. The list, first posted in the March Newsletter (and updated from time to time), is reproduced below for convenience. Note also the growing number of expressions of interest in joining or forming a local group also listed. If you would like to have your group listed, or are interested in joining or forming a group in your locality, email info@thetfordfoundation.org
 
 
 
Course Groups
 
TASMANIA
Eggs & Bacon Bay 7112
Hobart 7000
Contact Anne
Adrienne & Joe
(03) 6297-8209
Gone sailing
Landline only
Gone sailing 
 
QUEENSLAND
Toowoomba 4350
Brisbane Bayside
Contact Glenda
Contact Peter
(07) 4634-7451
(07) 2822-8524
 
Mobile 0412-110-355
 
NEW ZEALAND
Howick, Auckland
Riverdale, Gisborne 4010
Contact David
Contact Julie
(09) 535-7384
(06) 863-1930
Monday 7.30-9.30pm
 
NEW SOUTH WALES
Bowral 2576
Wolumla 2550
Contact Chrystabel & Tim
Contact Veronika
(02) 4861-1110
(02) 6494-9190
 
 
 
 
In addition, expressions of interest in joining or starting a Course group are as follows: -
 
ACT
Dickson 2602
Contact Annalisa
(02) 6257-7893
 
 
NEW SOUTH WALES
Albury
Lismore
Contact Vicki
Contact Lee
 
 
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Klemzig, Adelaide
Contact Sarah
 
 
VICTORIA
Boisdale 3860
Contact Colleen
(03) 5145-4485
 
 
 
April 2008
 
Welcome to the Thetford Foundation website, whether for the first time or as a regular visitor! Another month has passed and the plan keeps unfolding.
 
Since the revision of the site content was completed late last year there has been a steady increase in the number of visitors. The intention is to present basic information about the Course and its origins, apart from making the Course freely available to all who wish to undertake it – bearing in mind the directive in the introduction to chapter one of the Text that “This is a course in miracles. It is a required course. Only the time you take it is voluntary.”
 
So far a google search of Thetford Foundation still throws up the opening lines of the original Purpose page, now revised. There is no mention of A Course in Miracles or anything really helpful in locating the site, apart from the foundation name itself. We need help to correct this, so that the site becomes more accessible.
 
If you have a suggestion for any improvement drop us a line at info@thetfordfoundation.org.
 
We have added some new distributors to the Orders& Distributors page and now have a fledgling list of Course groups. Plus, a short list of persons interested in joining a Course group. These details have been added to the March newsletter below. If you would like to add your name or group to to either of these lists just email us at info@thetfordfoundation.org.
 
On the finance scene cash and bank funds as at 30th December 2007 amounted to a round $5,800.00 while donations for the first 6 months amounted to $1,600.00 odd with expenses amounting to just under $2,000.00. While budgeted expenses are broadly within range budgeted donations for the current 12 months is $5,700.00, resulting in a first half-yearly shortfall of around $1,200.00.
 
A reminder to all distributors, please bear in mind that a practical way for a grateful recipient of the Course is to make a donation!
 
 
 
For students who commence Lesson one of the Workbook on the 1st of January each year you will have arrived at Lesson 92 around the 1st of April (this being a leap year). A short article prompted by Lesson 99 is offered below. Enjoy!
 
 
Why am I here?
 
The Course presents the idea that “Salvation is my only function here.” (Lesson 99) This lesson also presents the idea that “Salvation and forgiveness are the same.”
Is this, then, the reason I am here? Or rather, is the answer to this question that I am here only to wake up and, to achieve that end, that outcome, my only function is to practice forgiveness?
If this sounds too simple a solution, it is easy to put it to the test; just practice forgiveness for one single day, with no exceptions. Yes, none. Not even that tiniest irritation, which may arise into your awareness, is not insignificant enough to justify avoiding forgiveness.
You may be pleasantly surprised!
 
 
 
March, 2008
 
Newsflash
 
Since the January newsletter the list of distributors continue to expand. In addition there has been some response to our request for listings of Course groups.
 
Until a separate page is set up the initial listing is as follows: -
 
 
 
 
 
 
TASMANIA

Eggs & Bacon Bay 7112
Hobart 7000
Contact Anne
Adrienne & Jo
(03) 6297-8209
gone sailing
 
 

 
QUEENSLAND

Toowoomba 4350
Brisbane Bayside
Contact Glenda
Contact Peter
(07) 4634-7451
(07) 2822-8524
 
Mobile 0412-110-355

 
NEW ZEALAND

Riverdale, Gisborne 4010
Howick, Auckland
Contact Julie
Contact David
(06) 863-1930
(09) 535-7384
 
Monday 7.30-9.30pm 

 
NEW SOUTH WALES

Bowral 2576
Wolumla 2550
Contact Chrystabel & Tim
Contact Veronika
(02) 4861-1110
(02) 6494-9190
 

    
 
In addition expressions of interest in joining a Course group are as follows: -
 
ACT
Dickson 2602                        Contact Annalisa (02) 6257-7893
 
NSW
Albury                                     email: info@thetfordfoundation.org
 
Lismore                                 email: info@thetfordfoundation.org
 

January, 2008 

 
Three events have occurred so far since the December Newsletter; all highly significant – each in their own way!
 
The first involves a major light insertion into the continuum in the form of a radio broadcast of the daily Lesson of the Workbook. Commenced on January 1, 2008 the readings are apparently by well-known author and advocate of the Course, Marianne Williamson. Not only is that significant, but the broadcast is to be hosted by Oprah Winfrey’s “Oprah & Friends” on Oprah’s XM Satellite Radio programme. For more information about this email us at info@thetfordfoundation.org
 
The second is the availability of a modest place of retreat in South East Queensland. If solitude in a quiet rural setting is your need email us at info@thetfordfoundation.org for more details.
 
The third event is the commencement of a list of Course groups throughout Australia and New Zealand. This list is being compiled in response to regular requests from new students to the Course who would like to make contact with like-minded people in their neighbourhood. If you would like your contact details listed, or those of your group, please email us at info@thetfordfoundation.org

 

News - December 2007


Dear fellow students

Newsflash

Until this year the Thetford Foundation was the only source of the Thetford edit in book form. However, this version is now available for purchase worldwide from the US based Course in Miracles Society, whose book is entitled “A Course in Miracles – Original Edition.” To access this website click here: www.jcim.net

The Purpose page has been further expanded, following its previous revision in May and the list of distributors of the Course around Australia and New Zealand has also been updated. This list appears on the Orders & Distributors page.

The Links + page, also substantially revised in the last newsletter, now has a book list. The article section has been expanded. Additional topics include articles on miracles and forgiveness and the part that projection plays in the egoic mind.

The Foundation continues to actively give away the Course in Australia and New Zealand since first receipt of a print run of 5,000 copies of the “sparkly” A Course in Miracles in July 2005.


Study Groups

While the Thetford Foundation is not directly connected with study groups it does receive requests for such contact. If you are involved in a study group and would like to have it listed, please advise contact details and the general location for inclusion on this site.


Current stocks

Over 2,000 books have now been distributed throughout Australia and New Zealand. Stock levels still available for distribution stand at some 2,500 books.


Distributors

The number of local distributors continues to expand. If you would like to become a distributor in your area contact us: -

by phone on (07) 5450-1129

by mobile on 0400-186-045

or by email to info@thetfordfoundation.org


Accounts & Budgets

The Foundation was set up in August 2004 and printing of 5,000 copies of the “sparkly” book completed in June 2005. Distribution of the book commenced in July 2005. Accounts for the last financial year’s operation to 30th June 2007 appear at the end of this Newsletter.

Apart from an initial grant and direct funding of almost $75,000.00 for the first print run of the “sparkly” book in June 2005 private donations have averaged approximately $5,000 annually for the last three years. Based upon three years of operation budget estimates to cover basic distribution and running costs for the fourth financial year (ending June 2008) suggest a “break even” target is achievable. The budget for 2008 is posted as part of this Newsletter and appears at the end of the Financial Statements section.


Current Funds

Funds currently available still stand at $6,500.00. While operating the foundation and managing its finances has been a challenge at times Foundation policy is to deny no one a copy of the book (within the limit of its operating charter) while stocks last, trusting that each will receive according to his need and contribute according to his ability. This policy extends to minimizing the cost of distribution, hence our band of volunteer distributors. Check the Orders & Distributors page for a distributor near you.

So, to our faithful band of distributors, please accept our heartfelt thanks and appreciation.

And to our many donors – a heartfelt thank-you also.

As to the question of funding a further print run, that answer is yet to be revealed to us all.

Love and Blessings to us all
from
The team at Foundation headquarters.

 

 

 

Profit & Loss Statement
Year ended 30th June 2007
(Third year of operation)
 
INCOME

Donations
Postage contributions
Interest received
 
Total income
 
5,560.84
     40.00
     14.13
_______
5,614.97


EXPENSES

Accountancy fees
Bank charges
Cartage
Fees ASIC
Legal fees
Office expenses
Postage
Printing
Storage
Telephone
Travel
Web site
 
Total expenses
 
Shortfall
 
 
Total cash and bank accounts
as at 30th June 2007
   903.10
   263.35
   550.00
   212.00
1,522.59
   367.95
1,658.45
   480.30
   647.95
2,630.53
     10.00
   100.81
_______
9,307.43
_______
3,732.06
_______
 
 
6,243.28

 

Budget Estimate
Year ended 30th June 2008
(Fourth year of operation)
 
INCOME

Donations
Postage contributions
Bank interest
 
Total income
5,500.00
   190.00
     10.00
_______
5,700.00

EXPENSES

Accountancy fees
Bank charges
Fees ASIC
Office expenses
Postage
Printing
Storage
Telephone
Travel
Web site
 
 
 
Contingency
 
Total expenses
   900.00
   250.00
   212.00
   400.00
1,700.00
   488.00
   800.00
   550.00
     50.00
   200.00
_______
5,550.00
 
   150.00
_______
5,700.00
_______

 
website developed by flashybits.com