From Rev. Joyce Murphy

“Where there is no vision, the people perish” And, we did have a vision! “Love awakens the heart (the individual and collective heart) and transforms lives.” 12 inspired people met in a living room and used a consensus process to express that vision, and a mission statement: “New Vision Center is committed to the joy of spiritual growth through openness, integrity and love.” We had one service in that living room while looking for a place to meet – a school cafeteria! – and on January 1, 1989, we launched!

Central to all our activities was using a consensus process for Vision Group meetings, and Board meetings. It sounds a little dry, now in describing it, but it was 6 and 1/2 years of joy and growth, individually and as a community. The process was amazing, keeping individual egos at bay, while Spirit spoke through us! Our Sunday services were designed for inspiration and Vision Group for personal spiritual growth, as well as keeping the vision ever before us. The Board meetings were to deal with implementation. Classes assisted all of us in our understanding of the teaching and in dealing with the blocks in our consciousness that prevented us from allowing Spirit to guide us. What a joyous experience!

I was “called” to the ministry and was “called” to found New Vision Center. I am so grateful to all those who were on the journey with me, and to all of you for keeping the vision alive! It has changed and grown, as it should, and I accept with you all that Spirit is guiding you now, and always!

In Love and Joy,

Rev. Joyce Murphy
Founding Minister