Pastor Dzef takes you into a language adventure. Learn Polish and sing along with the Lupinska sisters at the Royal VFW. Use these words in your English conversations and eventually you will become bi-lingual. Practice along with the Royal community. Watch for upcoming Polish language summer camps, Polish story time at the Royal Library and the Kielbasa eating contest at the Lunch Box Cafe.
Today we will put a few words together and create a simple conversation. This is something you can practice alone or with a friend. It is a simple conversation saying hello and how are you to a friend. Some of the words you already know…
Cześć (chesh) – Cześć is a casual greeting that’s commonly used to say “hi” or “bye” to friends and family.
Jak(jahk) – How
Sie(shouw) – A verb that can have multiple meanings depending on how it is used in a sentence. One of the fun things about the Polish language. In this conversation it means “you”.
Masz(mahsh) – Just as the above word Sie, Masz can have multiple meanings too. Won’t this be fun. In this case it means “you have”.
So if we put the three words together into a question we have “Jak sie masz?” Literally “How you have?” So if you think you can literally translate word for word from Polish to English, guess again. “Jak sie masz?” is the informal way of asking a person “How are you?”
Here are the words we can use to create the answer to “How are you?”
Bardzo (bahr tso) – Very (very simple)
Dobrze (dough bshay) – All Right, Good
Nie (nee yeh) – No
Za (zah) – For (remember Polish is non linear)
A (ah) – And
Ty (tee) – You (and no we cannot say “Jak sie ty?”)
So now we have the words. We can create a conversation like this:
Alice: Czesc Mark!
Mark: Czesc Alice! Jak sie masz?
Alice: Bardzo dobrze. A ty?
Mark: Nie za dobrze.
At this point you can continue the conversation in English or whatever language the two of you are fluent in. Maybe stop off at the Lunchbox Cafe for coffee and a bite to eat. Talk and work through the issues. Get to the bottom of the situation. Maybe have a piece of pie or an ice cream sundae. Then as you leave the Lunchbox Cafe you can finish the conversation.
This document outlines the ethical and moral framework that guides the community of the Church of Saint Helga. Rooted in our core beliefs and values, our understanding of right and wrong, and our commitment to living a life of purpose, stems directly from the unconditional love of the Divine.
The Primacy of Love: The Bedrock of Our Ethics
At the heart of our ethical framework lies the Primacy of Love. The boundless and unconditional love of the Divine is not merely a theological concept but the very essence of our moral compass. This love, which knows no exceptions or limitations, serves as the ultimate standard against which all actions, intentions, and decisions are measured. It compels us to move beyond self-interest and embrace a radical inclusivity, recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of every being.
The Divine Image in All: The Source of Our Moral Obligations
Our belief in the Divine Image in All forms the cornerstone of our ethical obligations towards others. Recognizing that every individual is created in the likeness of the Divine imbues each person with intrinsic value and the capacity for love and connection. This understanding demands that we treat all individuals with respect, compassion, and dignity, regardless of their background, beliefs, or life circumstances. It negates any justification for discrimination, prejudice, or the dehumanization of another. Our moral responsibility extends to acknowledging and honoring the sacred spark within each person we encounter.
Love as the Guiding Principle: Practical Application of Our Faith
The principle of Love as the Guiding Principle translates our core beliefs into practical ethical action. It requires us to constantly ask: “What is the most loving response in this situation?” This involves:
Seeking Understanding: Love compels us to listen actively, empathize with different perspectives, and strive to understand the experiences and needs of others.
Uplifting and Supporting: Guided by love, we are called to offer encouragement, practical assistance, and spiritual support to those in need, both within and beyond our community.
Acting with Compassion: Love necessitates a compassionate response to suffering and vulnerability, prompting us to alleviate pain and work towards healing and wholeness.
Choosing Kindness: Even in challenging situations, love encourages us to choose words and actions that are characterized by kindness, patience, and understanding.
Creating a Safe and Inclusive Space: Ethical Imperatives for Our Community
Our commitment to creating a safe and inclusive space is not merely a social aspiration but a direct ethical imperative arising from our core beliefs:
Open Table: Our Open Table reflects the unconditional love of the Divine, extending welcome and acceptance to all who seek connection and spiritual nourishment. Ethically, this means actively dismantling barriers to participation and ensuring that no one feels excluded based on their past, present beliefs, or personal circumstances.
Respect for Diversity: Our Respect for Diversity acknowledges the inherent value in the multitude of human experiences. Ethically, this requires us to actively listen to and learn from different perspectives, challenge our own biases, and foster an environment where all voices are valued and respected.
Commitment to Non-Judgment: Our Commitment to Non-Judgment stems from the understanding that each individual is on a unique spiritual journey. Ethically, this means refraining from condemnation and criticism, and instead offering compassion, understanding, and support. We recognize that judgment can create division and hinder the experience of unconditional love.
Engaging in Service, Spiritual Exploration, and Mutual Support: Ethical Expressions of Our Faith
Our engagement in acts of service, spiritual exploration, and mutual support are not simply activities but ethical expressions of our core values:
Service as an Expression of Love: Our belief in Service as an Expression of Love compels us to actively work for justice, compassion, and the well-being of all. Ethically, this means identifying needs within our community and the wider world and responding with practical action, advocating for the marginalized, and striving to create a more just and loving society.
The Value of Spiritual Inquiry: Our affirmation of The Value of Spiritual Inquiry recognizes the diversity of paths to the Divine. Ethically, this means fostering an environment of intellectual and spiritual freedom, encouraging questioning and exploration, and respecting the individual’s journey of faith, even when it differs from our own.
The Importance of Community Support: Our belief in The Importance of Community Support highlights our interconnectedness. Ethically, this requires us to actively care for one another, offering practical assistance, emotional support, and spiritual encouragement. We recognize our responsibility to build a community where everyone feels seen, valued, and supported.
Fostering Personal Growth, Building Meaningful Connections, and Extending the Transformative Power of Love: Ethical Aims
Our aspirations for personal growth, meaningful connections, and the transformative power of love are ethical aims that guide our individual and collective endeavors:
Growth in Love and Understanding: Our belief in Growth in Love and Understanding calls us to a lifelong commitment to spiritual development. Ethically, this means actively seeking to deepen our capacity for love, empathy, and compassion, and to continuously learn and expand our understanding of ourselves, others, and the Divine.
The Power of Connection: Our recognition of The Power of Connection emphasizes the ethical importance of building authentic and meaningful relationships. This involves cultivating trust, practicing vulnerability, and actively nurturing our connections with one another as sources of strength, encouragement, and shared purpose.
Love as a Force for Transformation: Our belief in Love as a Force for Transformation inspires us to extend the unconditional love we embody to our community and the wider world. Ethically, this means actively working towards healing, reconciliation, and peace, recognizing that love has the power to break down barriers, overcome division, and create a more just and compassionate world.
Conclusion
The ethics and morality of the Church of Saint Helga are inextricably linked to our core belief in the unconditional love of the Divine. This love serves as the foundation for all our values and guides our actions in the world. By embracing the primacy of love, recognizing the Divine image in all, and striving to embody love in all our interactions, we aim to create a community and contribute to a world that reflects the boundless compassion and inclusivity of the Divine. This is an ongoing journey, requiring constant reflection, intentional action, and a deep commitment to living in accordance with the transformative power of love.
This Halloween weekend Trick or Treat on down to the Royal Bijou for the classic horror comedy movie Spooks Run Wild. Come in costume and receive half off the admission price. Pastor Dzef and the staff at the Lunchbox Cafe have conjured up some fun treats to eat while you enjoy this cult classic. There will be Bobbing for Apples, Pin the tail on the Donkey and Ghost in the Graveyard games for the kids. Afterwards the kids can Trick or Treat down Main Street (No soaping windows please). End your day at the Royal VFW where Tommy Melk and the Melk Duds will haunt you with a ghoulish sing along and dance music for the young and young at heart.
A Spooktacular Evening For One And All!
Click the “Play” Button for a preview of the movie
The silence of Royal deepened as Ethan drifted into a restless sleep. The encounter with the spectral woman had left him unsettled, his mind racing with unanswered questions. He tossed and turned, his dreams a confusing jumble of shadowy figures and whispering voices.
Meanwhile, a different kind of activity stirred in the stillness of the night. From the edges of town, spectral figures began to coalesce, their forms shimmering in the moonlight. They were the ghosts of Royal, drawn together by an unseen force. Their eyes, though filled with an ethereal light, held a sense of purpose.
They glided towards the outskirts of town, their translucent forms barely disturbing the dust on the deserted road. There, bathed in the pale glow of the moon, sat Bessie, Ethan’s faithful Mercury Cougar. The car, a symbol of the outside world, stood in stark contrast to the timeless stillness of Royal.
The ghosts moved with a coordinated grace, their spectral hands passing through the metal of the car as they lifted it with surprising ease. It was as if they were moving an illusion, yet the weight of Bessie was undeniably real. They carried her through the silent streets of Royal, their forms glowing faintly as they moved.
Their destination was an old, deserted gas station just off Main Street. The building stood as a relic of a bygone era, its pumps rusted and its windows dark and empty. The ghosts glided through the walls as if they weren’t there, their forms illuminating the interior with a spiritual light.
They carefully maneuvered Bessie into the garage stall, their movements precise and deliberate. Once the car was safely inside, they closed the garage door, sealing Bessie within. A final, bright glow pulsed through the windows of the garage, then faded away, leaving the gas station in darkness once more. The ghosts vanished as quickly as they had appeared, leaving behind only the silent mystery of their actions.
The morning dawned with a clear, bright sky, casting a warm light over the town of Royal. Ethan awoke with a start, his head still foggy from the previous night’s unsettling encounter. He decided to get his belongings out of Bessie and figure out his next move.
He walked out of the abandoned house and headed towards the spot where he had left Bessie. He expected to see his car, his only connection to the outside world, waiting for him. But the spot was empty.
Ethan’s heart skipped a beat. He scanned the area, his eyes searching for any sign of his car. There was nothing. Bessie was gone.
A wave of panic washed over him. His car, his lifeline, had vanished without a trace. “Bessie?” Ethan called out, his voice echoing through the forest.
He ran along the side of the road and looked for tire tracks. Nothing. No broken glass, no signs of a tow truck, no indication of how his car could have been moved. It was as if it had simply disappeared.
Ethan felt a surge of anger and frustration. He kicked at a loose stone on the road, his emotions threatening to boil over. He wanted to lash out, to break something, to vent his frustration. He ran back to town. He ran up to the window of the first building he saw. He picked up a rock and threw it at the window. The rock went right through the glass as if it wasn’t there. He tried again. It was the same thing. Ethan tried another window and the same thing happened.
He felt a wave of despair wash over him. He slumped to the ground, his head in his hands. He felt utterly alone, lost in a town that seemed to exist outside of reality.
“I’m never going to get out of here,” he muttered to himself, his voice choked with emotion. “No one even knows where I am.”
He felt a deep sense of self-pity. Everything he owned, all his possessions, all his hopes and dreams, were tied to Bessie. Now, they are gone.
He stood up and aimlessly wandered back to the house where he had spent the night. He felt a deep sense of unease. He started rummaging through the house. He opened a cabinet door and found an open bottle of whiskey. He picked it up and took a swig. It was still good.
Ethan was feeling really sorry for himself, so he decided he was going to get drunk. He spent the day and night wandering through the town aimlessly. He looked through the windows of the buildings, his mind a jumble of confusion and despair. Ethan’s life was in that car. Everything that he had done in college, all his ambitions, all his dreams and aspirations were in the car and now the car is gone. He doesn’t even know how that car could’ve been stolen. There were no tracks, no nothing. There was nothing to show that somebody actually got in the car, got it to start and drove off.
Ethan was in a drunken stupor. Late in the evening, he stumbled into an entryway of a local business. He was crying, his body shaking with sobs. He took another swig of whiskey, the burning liquid doing little to soothe the ache in his heart. He slumped down onto the sidewalk in the doorway, his body giving way to exhaustion. He passed out, his tears drying on his face.
The ghost that Ethan had seen the night before materialized once again. Her form shimmered in the dim light, her presence a silent vigil. She sat down next to him, her spectral form radiating a gentle warmth. She laid next to him, her radiance illuminated the entryway, casting a soft, celestial glow. She stayed there throughout the night, her silent presence keeping Ethan warm in his drunken slumber.
The next morning, Ethan awoke with a groan. His head was pounding, his mouth was dry, and his stomach churned with nausea. He was hung over, the effects of the previous night’s drunken binge weighing heavily on him. He didn’t feel well. He saw the empty whiskey bottle and realized what he had done.
He slowly stood up, his body aching, and got his balance and bearings. The sun was shining brightly, its rays piercing through the gloom of his hangover. He felt a wave of shame wash over him as he remembered his drunken despair.
He decided to head back to the house that he stayed at the night before. He needed to get himself together and figure out what to do next. When he arrived, he was startled by what he saw on the porch by the front door. It was his suitcase, backpack, cooler, and his violin.
Ethan was dumbstruck by all this. Who put this on the porch? He cautiously approached the porch, his eyes scanning the area for any sign of movement. There was none.
He carefully picked up his suitcase, then his backpack, cooler, and finally, his violin. What’s happening here? He carried his belongings into the house and closed the door behind him, his mind reeling with confusion and a flicker of hope.
The Church of Saint Helga is a welcoming community dedicated to embodying and sharing the unconditional love of the Divine:
The Primacy of Love: The central tenet of our faith is the unconditional and boundless love of the Divine, a love that knows no exceptions or limitations. This love is the foundation of all our teachings and actions.
The Divine Image in All: Every individual is created in the image of the Divine and therefore possesses inherent worth, dignity, and the capacity for love and connection. No person is inherently excluded from the Divine’s love or our community’s embrace.
Love as the Guiding Principle: All actions, teachings, and decisions within the Church of Saint Helga are to be guided by the principle of love, seeking to understand, uplift, and support all.
The Church of Saint Helga strives to create a safe and inclusive space where all individuals, regardless of background, belief, or life circumstance, are embraced with compassion and respect:
Open Table: Participation in our community is open to all who seek connection and spiritual nourishment, regardless of their past, present beliefs, or personal circumstances.
Respect for Diversity: We recognize and value the diversity of human experience, understanding that different backgrounds, beliefs, and life circumstances enrich our community and offer unique perspectives on the Divine.
Commitment to Non-Judgment: We strive to create a space free from judgment and condemnation, recognizing that each individual is on their own unique spiritual journey. Compassion and understanding are paramount.
The Church of Saint Helga engages in acts of service, spiritual exploration, and mutual support:
Service as an Expression of Love: Engaging in acts of service, both within and beyond our community, is a fundamental expression of our love for the Divine and our neighbor. We are called to actively work for justice, compassion, and the well-being of all.
The Value of Spiritual Inquiry: We encourage and support diverse paths of spiritual exploration and understanding. There is no single “right” way to connect with the Divine, and questioning and seeking are valued aspects of faith.
The Importance of Community Support: We believe in the power of mutual support and recognize our interconnectedness. Caring for one another, offering practical assistance, and providing emotional and spiritual encouragement are essential aspects of our community life.
At the Church of Saint Helga we seek to foster personal growth, build meaningful connections, and extend the transformative power of love to our community and the world:
Growth in Love and Understanding: We believe that spiritual growth is a lifelong journey of deepening our capacity to love, understand, and connect with the Divine and one another.
The Power of Connection: Building authentic and meaningful relationships within our community is vital for personal and collective well-being. These connections are a source of strength, encouragement, and shared purpose.
Love as a Force for Transformation: We believe that the unconditional love we embody and share has the power to transform individuals, our community, and the wider world, fostering healing, reconciliation, and peace.
WRYL is always interested in the thoughts, comments and opinions of the citizens of Royal both young and old. Today we are outside the entrance to Benjamin Franklin School asking grade school students “What scares you the most?”
James – What scares you the most?
“Werewolves”
Linda – What scares you the most?
“Sharks”
Michael – What scares you the most?
“The unstoppable marching of time that is slowly guiding us all towards an inevitable death.”
Pastor Dzef takes you into a language adventure. Learn Polish and sing along with the Lupinska sisters at the Royal VFW. Use these words in your English conversations and eventually you will become bi-lingual. Practice along with the Royal community. Watch for upcoming Polish language summer camps, Polish story time at the Royal Library and the Kielbasa eating contest at the Lunch Box Cafe
Today’s Word: Witamy
Witamy (vitamee) – Welcome
Example:
Witamy to my home.
Witamy to Frederick’s Mortuary and Cold Storage where on the slab can mean two different things.
What would you do if you had to write a letter to God? What would you say? How would you start the letter? Would you say, “Dear God, How’s it going?” -or- “Hi Dad!”
l never really thought about writing a letter to God. Does God read his mail? l mean He knows all, sees all and hears all. I would think He would read all of his mail.
God is all forgiving. So l could write a letter of apology for all the bad things I have done. But l think God would rather hear about good news instead of bad. And l bet he would appreciate a “Thank You” once in a while for all the cool stuff he created (although l am still not so sure about the giraffe).
Would God expect us to use all those fancy words in the Bible? How many times have you used “thee” or “thou” in a letter? And what about the word “begat”? What does “begat” mean anyway? Can you use it in normal conversation?
It should be easy to write a letter to God. My kids write letters all the time. I find these little notes on my desk, in my pockets, on the car dashboard . . .
Dear God,
We just got back home from vacation today. It rained every day we were on vacation. My dad was very very crabby. He used your name in vain several times. Do you give time outs? He sure needed one!
Mom says we start Sunday School this Sunday. Why is Sunday School on Sunday? I thought it was supposed to be our day of rest?
My Aunt Terry got married in church last Saturday and they actually kissed in church. ls that ok?
At my Aunt Terry’s church we got to go to a Bible class. It was so cool. They talked about doing unto others as they have done onto you. And if that is the case, I am going to fix my big sister real good. They also talked about Cain and Abel. They talked about all the fighting, and complaining the two did. I figured if they had their own bedrooms like my brother and I do there wouldn’t be any of that stuff at all.
I have to go now. I have to read a book about Thomas Edison for science class. It says he invented light. But in Sunday School I was told you did. So I think he just stole your idea.
Sincerely yours,
(wait you know my name — you know everything!)
P.S.- Mom says we are going to have another sister. I would rather have a pony. Can you work on it?
The Church of Saint Helga is a welcoming community dedicated to embodying and sharing the unconditional love of the Divine. We strive to create a safe and inclusive space where all individuals, regardless of background, belief, or life circumstance, are embraced with compassion and respect. Through acts of service, spiritual exploration, and mutual support, we seek to foster personal growth, build meaningful connections, and extend the transformative power of love to our community and the world.
In the heart of the Great Up North, nestled amidst a sprawling wilderness, lies the forgotten town of Royal. Once a bustling artist’s colony, it now stands as a reminder of its former glory, its streets eerily silent and its buildings succumbing to the passage of time.
Into this desolate landscape stumbled a young man named Ethan, a 23-year-old adventurer with a penchant for the offbeat. His trusty steed, a beat-up old Mercury Cougar named Bessie, had sputtered and died on the outskirts of Royal, leaving him stranded in the middle of nowhere.
As Ethan wandered through the deserted streets, a strange sense of unease settled over him. The town seemed to whisper secrets, its empty storefronts and decaying houses filled with the echoes of a bygone era. He felt a presence, a watchful eye that seemed to follow his every move.
That evening, as Ethan huddled in an abandoned house, a chilling gust of wind rattled the windows, sending shivers down his spine. He wasn’t alone. A figure materialized from the shadows, a woman in a faded dress, her face obscured by a wide-brimmed hat. She glided towards him, her footsteps silent on the creaking floorboards.
Ethan’s heart pounded in his chest, but he found himself strangely drawn to the spectral figure. She spoke in a voice as soft as a whisper, her words barely audible above the howling wind.
“Don’t be afraid, Ethan,” she said.
Then she vanished.The house was still and quiet.
Ethan’s initial fear gave way to curiosity. Who was this woman? How did she know me?
Ethan stood up and walked out of the house. He stood in the middle of the road and stared into the nothingness. The moonlight cast an eerie shadow on the silent empty town. Ethan looked up to the stars.
You asked for this and this weekend only at the Royal Bijou, one of the greatest musicals of all time. 42nd Street starring Warner Baxter, Bebe Daniels, George Brent, Ruby Keeler, Dick Powell and Ginger Rogers. With musical numbers staged and choreographed by Busby Berkeley. Treat yourself to an evening of music, dancing and romance.
WRYL would like to thank Katrina Wasski and the Ladies Fine Arts Club for presenting this timeless classic musical. On Saturday Katrina and the Ladies Fine Arts Club would like to invite everyone to the Royal VFW after the film for an evening of dance music provided by Tommie Melk and the Melk Duds. A light lunch will be provided by Pastor Dzef and the Lunchbox Cafe.
