Rooted In Community
Sunday, March 1, 2026
Rev. Diana Johnson, IM, RScM, with Chris Netto, RScP, Chris Johnson, RScP, & musician Marsh Brodeur
Video Chapter Index
| 0:00 | Taizé | Clicking on a chapter link will play the segment in a new YouTube tab. Your link to this page will remain open in this tab, but the video will play in the new window. Clicking on the Play arrow in the video screen above will play both Taizé and the Conscious Conversation on this page. To make the picture bigger, you may click the full screen icon in the lower right corner:  To cast the video to your Smart TV, click the Play on TV button:  . Also, we now have Closed Captioning available! To access Closed Captions, start the video and click on the CC icon next to the gear in the lower right of the video screen:  |
| 22:52 | Guided Meditation | |
| 43:25 | Conscious Conversation |
Taizé
Call to Awareness – 3 Bells
Chris N – Opening Prayer
Rev. Diana – Good morning, and welcome. If you’re new with us here this morning… my name is Rev. Diana Johnson. We celebrate the second Sunday of the Lenton Season this morning…a time of releasing, re-thinking, and reimagining. We begin our Taizé Journey by joining our voices in musical prayer.
Rev. Diana, Chris J, & Marsh – Taizé Chants
- Welcome Home to Your Mystic Heart, written by Diana & Chris Johnson
- Beloved, written by Chris Johnson
Rev. Diana – Moving more deeply into the flow of Taizé Meditation…letting go of all that has come before this moment and allowing ourselves to settle…to ground ourselves in Presence…taking a deep breath in and letting it go…breathing in Presence…relaxing the body…letting ourselves be held…and in Sacred Ritual, we take a moment to sense our Oneness with the Global Community.
Envisioning a web of Consciousness surrounding and infusing the planet…seeing and feeling yourself to be a radiant point of Light in that web…knowing every human as an expression of Divine Light.
As we envision every creature, every plant, every rock and grain of sand, shining with the Light of Spirit…the soil…the water…the clouds and wind…the heavenly bodies…each one becomes a golden thread, woven tightly into the fabric of Creation…my Light enmeshed with yours, and with all of Life.
Sensing our oneness, we acknowledge our role as caretakers…in Service to one another…to all life forms…and to the planet that sustains us all.
Grounded in our Oneness, we center our hearts in idea that there is Power in Community, and we acknowledge that whether we know it or not, whether we like it or not, we are Rooted in Community.
By design, we are social animals. We begin life vulnerable and dependent on our caregivers. Over time, we progress to become independent and strike out in the world on our own.
As we mature further, we realize that we cannot take on the world alone and begin to grow toward becoming interdependent…working in harmony with those around us. The goal of our physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual development is to reach a conscious state of interdependence. As we grow in self-awareness, we begin to understand that there is strength in developing strong relations with those around us. We are strong enough to stand on our own, but wise enough to understand there is even greater strength in developing a community.
(Pause)
If you are spending your morning with us today, there is a Divine Impulse, calling you to a deeper way of life. Something has guided you to seek Spiritual Community.
There are three primary reasons to engage in Sacred Community. First, to be part of a group that is developing a culture of Love and support as they learn to embody and live from spiritual principles. (Pause) Second, to be exposed to a line of Sacred Study and Practice that leads to the Mystical Path. (Pause) And third, to allow your direct experience of the Divine to lead you to the Path of Service…the Path of Action.
(Pause)
All people thrive when they are surrounded by, and surrendered to, the Love and support of others. In Spiritual Community, we discover the workings of Spirit by consciously observing Spiritual Principles in action and acknowledging Grace as They move through our lives.
Taking part in Beloved Community offers a gentle reminder…an invitation to stay awake, to look past the appearances of the world to the Truth that lies beneath. As we give more of our time and attention to the Divinity at the heart of all things, we come to know the Presence of God…not as a concept or form, but as a felt experience. This is the Path of the Mystic.
As we begin to sense and know God as Life Itself, we begin to understand our life’s Purpose…to be a Servant of Life…to give of our unique gifts in Service to the Whole.
Musical Meditation – Love, Serve, and Remember, by John Astin
Rev. Diana
The Spiritual Teachings of ancient times stressed the importance of Service. In the 6th century BCE, the Buddha spoke these words: “Teach this triple truth to all: A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are the things which renew humanity.”
(Pause)
Sometime between the 5th and 3rd century BCE, the Hindu Scriptures taught that “Every selfless act, Arjuna, is born from Brahman, the eternal, infinite Godhead. He is present in every act of service. All life turns on this law, O Arjuna. Whoever violates it, indulging his senses for his own pleasure and ignoring the needs of others, has wasted his life.”
(Pause)
And following the teachings of the Rabbi Jesus, Peter reminds his brothers: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
Chris – Guided Meditation
It has been said that there are only two lasting bequests families can hope to give their children: one of these is roots, the other wings… Roots by being confident that they belong… that they are part of something bigger than themselves… And wings of freedom to evolve into their best selves… The same is true of Spiritual Family…
As children of Spirit of all ages, we also benefit from the assurance that we belong… that we have a network of support as we negotiate our Mystical Path… Just as in the forest, where tree roots grow together and intertwine in mutual support, our Spiritual Roots interconnect with each other, sharing the Divine Gift that feeds our Souls…
And it is from this ground of being firmly rooted, stable, and secure that we develop the courage to evolve… Personal Transformation can be frightening… Letting go of our story of limitations and faults may feel like losing our identity… The Love and Support of Beloved Community sustains us through these times of uncertainty…
With the encouragement of our Spiritual Community, we dare to stretch our wings… We risk new adventures in Mysticism… We allow ourselves to let go of the familiar, so that we can explore new possibilities… new visions of who we might be… We soar to new heights in consciousness, knowing we have a safe place to land…
Moving into the Silence, visualize the roots of your Spirit spreading out to connect with those of others in this community… Just as trees share resources through their roots, allow yourself to partake in the sharing of Consciousness with one another… Feel the flow of Divine Energy emanating out from you… and streaming back into you… We are drawing on an Infinite Source… Each of us gives what is ours to give, and receives exactly what we need… Sense the Spiritual Power entering your body from your “roots” and rising up through you…
Silence – 3:00
Allowing our awareness gently to be led back into this place, we give thanks for the support of Sacred Community… Grateful for this time of communion with Spirit and with one another, we truly appreciate the Love and encouragement we share together… Thank you, God, for everyone and everything…
I invite you to know with me now that Spirit is moving powerfully through each of us, and through our Beloved Community… Individually and collectively, we are a powerful spiritual influence on our world… As we evolve in consciousness, the benefits of our growth ripple out, blessing the entire world…
We open our hearts and our minds to the sweet inspiration of Rev. Diana continued message this morning. We rest in Spirit, deeply secure in the knowing that we are firmly Rooted In Community.
Rev. Diana – Being in a community offers profound benefits to body, mind, and spirit. It has been proven to reduce stress, boost immunity, and provide a sense of belonging. Strong social ties lower risks of chronic disease, reduce anxiety and depression, and increase longevity by promoting healthier habits and providing emotional support.
The longest-lived people in the world, those living in the blue zones, have very strong social connections…a sense of belonging in Community. They live lives filled with purpose and Service.
We conclude our contemplations this morning by allowing the words of Rev. Jim Lockard to permeate our consciousness.
The Beloved Community is a place where there is a balance between the everyday and the mystical, where both are taught and seen as two elements of a greater whole.
The soul is fed by meaning, fulfillment, and connection. The soul is fed by the joy of experiencing the mystical side of life with its rich sense of connection to everyone and everything. The soul is fed by the joys and the sorrows of the fully lived human life.
There is
a calling of the soul within each of us to be an agent of spiritual healing for humanity, even if only for an exceedingly small slice of it…Deep is calling each of us to heed its call – to fulfill our promise and potential as spiritually mature adults. This calling is intended to disrupt old patterns of thought and behavior that do not serve our soul’s longing for connection, love, and compassion, and to develop our innate capacities to live as mature adults with a deeper sense of spiritual poise and strength.
It is the clay from which we will build our collective future. Those of us in spiritual community are involved in something vital; it is up to us to ensure that this vitality is not wasted, but is expressed powerfully in our actions.
We anchor ourselves in prayer as we acknowledge the One Source that I call God, forever giving of Itself as Its Creation.
I accept for myself, and for each one listening, that all beings are perfect and intentional emanations of the One. I Am a unique expression of God in form, and so are you…each of us necessary, irreplaceable.
As I move into the week ahead, I do all that I can…all that is mine to do…in service to the Whole. My thoughts, words, and actions create only Good. I walk as a beneficial presence on the planet, planting seeds of Love and Compassion as I go…leaving a path of Peace and Joy in my wake.
I take time every day to notice the small miracles that permeate my life…to count my blessings, and to make sure my presence is a blessing to others.
Setting this clear intention, my week unfolds Gracefully…I consciously and willingly place my full faith in the Goodness of Life…in the Power of Community. I trust and know that a prayer spoken and deeply felt is a prayer answered, and so I release this prayer now, trusting the Loving and Lawful Presence of God to make it so. It is done…and so it is! Amen!
Love Offering
As we prepare to close our Taizé Meditation, we offer the opportunity for you to share of your financial good in support of the work we do. Circulation is a Sacred Practice that supports Mystic Heart. It is by your generous gifts that we can continue the Good Work of supporting you and engaging in the greater Community. If you’re joining us online, you can find a Donate Button and our mailing address at mysticheart.org. We are so grateful for your generosity.
Offertory Music Video – We Are the World by One Voice Children’s Choir
https://youtu.be/4JdmuMIKbbc?list=RD4JdmuMIKbbc
Rev. Diana – Blessing for the Offering
Brief Invitations
- Tickets for Spring Tea
Rev. Diana, Chris J, & Marsh – Taizé Closing Song
A Soul’s Blessing, written by Chris Johnson
Conscious Conversation
Opening Prayer – Chris N
Rev. Diana – Welcome or welcome back…and thank you for joining us this morning. If you’re new with us here this morning… my name is Rev. Diana Johnson, and I am the Pastor and Spiritual Director of Mystic Heart Spiritual Center. We are an Independent Interfaith Community that teaches Universal Principles and Practical Spirituality, tracing the common threads of Truth that run through all the world’s great traditions. It is my prayer that something you hear this morning will lead you back to the Wisdom and Guidance of your own Mystic Heart.
Let’s get our Conversation started by joining our voices in song and giving our bodies a chance to move!
Rev. Diana, Chris J, & Marsh – Opening Music
- Welcome to the Mystic Heart, written by Diana & Chris Johnson
- One Big Family, written by Robin Hackett & Gary Lynn Floyd
- We Shall Be Known, written by Karisha Longaker of Ma Muse
Rev. Diana – Gently close your eyes and Vision with me a new version of life on earth, a Love Soaked World…where all humans are living from their deepest Wisdom and Generosity, and their most Loving nature…thoughtful of the impact their thoughts, words, and actions have on one another, the community, and the planet…a world without greed, where there is abundance in having enough…where nutritious food, clean water and air are readily available to all beings…
…where warm, comfortable, and affordable housing is a given…where all beings feel a sense of safety, belonging, and contribution…To these blessings, we say Yes!
Ours is a world where mental/physical health, education, and healthy relationships are ensured by social systems grounded in Integrity, Honesty, and Wholeness…where all beings work and play at whatever feeds their soul and are well compensated for their Service…where authenticity and vulnerability are not only welcomed, but celebrated…where the Peace we cultivate within ourselves shows up as a world free of violence, hatred, or indifference…ours is a world where the Love that we are here to share is given freely to whomever our hearts are called to love…where we have moved beyond all lines of separation, and live as one human family, caring for one beautiful planet with the reverence she deserves. To these blessings, we say Yes!
We recognize that transformation is an on-going process, and especially in times of great change, people benefit from working, playing, and simply being together. And so this Community stands as an open and welcoming place for all who seek support, belonging, and a sense of Family. …it redefines Church as a place of Self-Discovery, Authenticity, Kindness, Radical Inclusion, and Love. To these blessings, we say Yes!
We recognize that transformation is an on-going process, and in times of great change, people benefit from working, playing, and simply being together. And so this Community stands as an open and welcoming place for all who seek support, belonging, and a sense of Family. …it redefines Church as a place of Self-Discovery, Authenticity, Kindness, Radical Inclusion, and Love. To these blessings, we say Yes!
It is by the Power of the Great Mystery moving through each one of us that this prayer is acted upon, answered even as it is spoken…Divine Presence, Timing, and Process make it so. And so it is with profound gratitude and great Joy that I release my Word to the One Who Gets It Done…And so it is!…Amen!
Bringing awareness back to the body, to the room, to this beautiful life, and to the amazing beings who share this space with us this morning…
Can you feel the shift in energy as we center ourselves in such a positive and powerful Vision? I think we’re ready to have a Conscious Conversation.
This morning our topic has been Rooted in Community. During Taizé, we spent time contemplating our inherent interconnectedness as human beings. We looked at three reasons for engaging in Spiritual Community: first, to be part of a group that is developing a culture of love and support as they learn to embody and live from spiritual principles; second, to be exposed to a line of Sacred Study and Practice that leads to the Mystical Path; and third, to allow your direct experience of the Divine to lead you to the Path of Service…the Path of Action. If you are just joining us, you can find it on our website and our FB page. I think it’s worth a listen.
But for our Conversation this morning, I want to shake it up a little bit. I have two topics, both related to the Power of being in Community.
But first, today’s topic is the Power in Community. What is the Power of being in Community?
What are some of the benefits to people who are strongly rooted in Community?
(reduce stress, boost immunity, and provide a sense of belonging. Strong social ties lower risks of chronic disease, reduce anxiety and depression, and increase longevity by promoting healthier habits and providing emotional support)
The longest-lived people in the world, those living in the blue zones, combine a plant-heavy diet and lots of physical activity with very strong social connections…a sense of belonging in Community. They live lives filled with purpose and Service.
Okay, I’d like to read you a paragraph from Creating the Beloved Community (by Rev. Jim Lockard) and then ask you some questions about it. Okay?
Read from page 100
Pretend you have just entered a new Spiritual Community. You may not have to pretend.
In that context, what do you suppose translation means? (The process of trying to view the world through the prism of a new philosophy. It includes new terms, meanings, practices, rituals, and ways of living; the process of becoming a member of the Community culture)
One of the unique qualities of our Community it that we welcome and honor people from all faith paths that recognize the action of a Higher Power in our lives and in the world. Now say you have come here for support and fellowship, but your personal spiritual life is right on track…you’re happy with it and don’t wish to adopt any new philosophies, beliefs, or practices?
Is the process of translation still beneficial to you? Why? (Openness to learn about new ideas allows us to listen generously, consider what we’re hearing, and honestly question the value that a new concept may or may not bring to our lives. If we’re not open, we’re stunting our own growth)
In the context of Spiritual Community, what do you suppose transformation means? (Transformation involves change at depth within the individual; the process of going beyond learning about one’s spiritual nature and actually experiencing it. When we have embodied a Spiritual Truth to the degree that we are living from it, not even having to consciously direct ourselves to do things differently, we are transformed. Transformation happens in degrees, as well.)
Mystic Heart loosely defines itself as an Interfaith Community with threads of Nature Mysticism running strongly through. We are grounded in Universal Spiritual Principles rather than a particular belief system or doctrine.
You might say we are grounded in the Teaching Itself, rather than in the work of a particular teacher. Our focus on the Spiritual Qualities of Peace, Love, Joy, Beauty, and the rest is what unites us.
While we honor all forms of prayer because there is not one right way to pray, we teach our Practitioners and Community Members Affirmative Prayer.
So when we say that we’re Practicing the Possible through Prayer, this is one of the forms we use. In my personal Practice, I use Blessing and Silent Communion, as well, all in the affirmative.
Let me start by asking, what do you know about Affirmative Prayer?
How might it be different from other forms of prayer?
(Its language is spoken in the affirmative; it looks past appearances to the Spiritual Truth; it does not ask, beg, barter, or petition; it is spoken in the present tense, as though it is already done)
Why might this be a useful form of prayer to add to your toolbox?
(useful in helping you change patterns of thought and speech that no longer serve you; an effective way to clear your head and heart before settling into the Silence)
Okay, who knows what the preparation for Affirmative Prayer looks like? (the same as most other forms of prayer…Get quiet, relax, breathe…listen within for what is calling for prayer)
When we’re first learning Affirmative Prayer, we teach it in steps. And there is a purpose to these steps. Once we get familiar with the steps, and the language becomes more natural, the feeling of following steps falls away, and we become grounded more in the feeling.
Keeping it really simple, who knows what the first official step of Affirmative Prayer is?
(Acknowledging, feeling, knowing that God is all that is)
What comes next?
(If God is all that is, then I must be one with God…an expression of the Divine. Feel it, know it…)
Then what?
(Feel & know the Spiritual Truth that addresses your challenge or blessing)
Once you can feel the Spiritual Truth of your statement, what’s next?
(Gratitude…for the infallible nature of the Loving and Lawful Presence and whatever else you’re thankful for)
And what comes at the end? Release it, lay it on the altar…let go and let God. Don’t dig it back up…don’t keep thinking about it. Go on with your life. Let’s take a moment to embody that process, using music as our teaching tool.
Song – And So It Is by Karen Mitchell
https://music.apple.com/us/song/and-so-it-is/464177197?l=ko
Affirmative Prayer is a powerful tool, and it is one way that we are Rooted in Community. Join me in knowing that this Beloved Community is growing, thriving, and serving as a unique, perfect, and intentional expression of the One Divine Power…
There is one, and only one thing going on here, and that is God, Source, Spirit, expressing Itself as It’s Creation. That’s it…nothing else…there is no spot where God is not.
Knowing this to be the Absolute Truth, I Am and must be, a perfect and intentional slice of the Almighty, with all the Qualities and Potential inherent in that title already in place, factory equipment!
Here is what I know…this Beloved Community is growing and thriving because Generosity and Abundance are Qualities of Spirit that run in and through every person who walks through our doors.
Its members and friends are growing and thriving because expansion and evolution are Divine Attributes that live within each one of us, just waiting for us to fully engage them.
My world is a Loving, Joyful, Peaceful, and Beautiful place, because The Great Mystery is at work in all of it. The Divine Light of Spirit
Beyond all appearances, I know this to be the Truth…I know it in my mind, I feel it in my heart and in my bones! And so I give deep and profound thanks for this Spiritual Truth…I give thanks for the knowing that God’s Loving and Lawful Presence is forever at work in my life. I am so grateful for the many, many blessings of this and every day….for this Spiritual Community…for our beautiful and comfortable space…for the beautiful beings who share my life…for the countless hands it took to bring our food to the table today. Centered in Praise and Thanksgiving for all of it, I release my Powerful Word, knowing that a prayer spoken and deeply felt is a prayer answered, I call it done. And so it is! Amen!
Love Offering
Thank you so much for joining me here today. We’re going to bring this part of the morning to a close, but before we do, we’d like to invite you to join in the celebration of the work we are doing in the world by sharing of your financial Good. If you are at home, you can go to mysticheart.org to use our Donate Button or to find our mailing address.
We are an independent, self-supporting organization, and your financial gifts are what make it possible for us to do our work and provide this beautiful and safe space to gather. We thank you in advance for your generous hearts.
We acknowledge and give thanks for the Infinite Abundance of Spirit moving through you.
Please join me in going to a dance party the Mranch!
Offertory Video: Look for the Good by Jason Mraz
https://youtu.be/rPq2Vo3yWIk?list=RDrPq2Vo3yWIk
Chris N –Bless the Offering
Chris N – Brief Invitations
- The Mystic Heart Book Club is reading Return to the Sacred: Pathways to Spiritual Awakening on Tuesdays from 2-4
- Radical Knowing: A Study in Consciousness This is an accredited class facilitated by Rev. Diana, Tuesdays from 2 – 5pm, February 24th – June 2nd. It started last week. There is one more week to add.
- Shining Light on Scripture meets on Wednesdays from 11:30am–1:30pm, facilitated by Chris Johnson. We are currently reading The Dhammapada by Eknath Easwaran.
- On Grief and Grieving: Finding the Meaning of Grief Through the Five Stages of Loss, by Elisabeth Kubler Ross and David Kessler. Join Rev. Diana on Wednesdays from 2:00-4:00 pm for this powerful book study and support circle. We’ll be starting chapter 2 this week.
- Fast Track to Wellness meets on Thursdays from 11:30am – 1:30pm. This is a body/mind/spirit support circle. We are currently listening to and discussing selections from Good Stress and Life in the Fasting Lane. And this week is Community Cooking Day. We’ll be making Wholesome Cookies.
- Mad Hatter Spring Tea Party, March 7th , Noon to 3pm: Tickets are only $25. There are flyers with more information available. This is a Mystic Heart Community FUN-Raiser! For more information, or to purchase your tickets, please contact: Chris Netto (469)964-9369 OR Lucinda Alton (530)604-7294
- Join April and Maile on Wednesday, March 18th, 6:30 – 7:30 pm for a quarterly Healing Sound Bath. As the Spring Equinox approaches and the light returns, sound and vibration guide you from winter’s stillness into warmth, balance, and renewal.
- Uniquely You: A Jewelry-Making Workshop with Kimberly McIntosh. Saturday, March 28th, 1:00-4:00 pm. Join Mystic Heart for this meditative journey of Creation. Rev. Diana will begin with a guided meditation to open the Creative Centers. Then Kimberly will demonstrate her stone-wrapping and other jewelry-making techniques and guide you in making your own beautiful necklace and earrings. Bring a favorite stone, gemstone, or pendant… bring a couple… All other materials will be provided. There will be time to share our creations, and to snack and visit with friends toward the end of the Gathering. Payment of $25 is required in advance so that we have materials, snacks, and beverages. You won’t want to miss this… This is a perfect time to bring friends and family to our Gathering Place.
There is more information available on new classes and activities in the March Bulletin.
Information Cards only if new people
Prayer Requests: I am available after service for prayer, in our beautiful Prayer Room or fill out a prayer card and I will get your request to our Prayer Team for daily prayer.
Rev. Diana, Chris J, & Marsh – Closing Song
- Love Be With You, written by Lainey Bernstein & Gary Lynn Floyd
©2025 Mystic Heart Spiritual Center, All Rights Reserved
Permission is granted to duplicate for non-commercial educational use only.
All rights to music performed remain with the copyright owners.
Diana Johnson’s music is © by Barefoot Angel Publishing, ASCAP.
Chris Johnson’s music is © by SeaJay Music & Publishing, ASCAP.