Hi Friend,

Come gather round people, wherever you roam,

soon you may find ISD is your home! A home for learning, growth, community, and a place to pause from the noise and turbulence in the world.  Explore the spiritual nature of life, and your own inner Divine spark, with like-minded friends. See you soon!

May Peace, Love and Light be with you ALL.

Namaste' 

WHEN: Sunday, October 5th at 10am
WHERE: ZOOM or at The NEW Lotus Center
297 River St. Service Road, Suite 3, Oneonta, NY 13820
 

Homily by Rev. Story Ducey

“Revisiting the Seth Materials- Celebrating NY Author and Seer,

Jane Roberts 1929-1984”

Emcee: Connie Lull
 
 Join us in person or on zoom: 

* There is limited parking in the front of the building, by I-88 and the elevator. Lots more parking is in the back of the building, where there is a flight of stairs to climb and a hallway leading to our Lotus Center on the second floor.

We are invited to join  the W.D.C. Chapter and the Sparta, NJ Chapter at a very special service on ZOOM, celebrating the 49th Anniversary of the founding of the Institute for Spiritual Development. The service will be officiated by Rev. James DeBiasio, who co-founded the Institute for Spiritual Development in 1974, and Rev. Norma Victor, Spiritual Advisor from the Sparta, NJ. chapter.  

          Rev. James De Biasio is one of the most sought-after psychic mediums on the east coast. Forty-nine years ago, he founded the Institute for Spiritual Development in response to the need for a balanced and professional organization capable of disseminating the message of a metaphysical approach to life.  Adding to that the importance of the growing movement towards spiritual awareness, The Institute became his life’s work and legacy.
         From his first introduction to Spiritualism, Rev. De Biasio expanded his understanding and connection with the world of Spirit.  For several years he served as a staff medium at Camp Silverbell in Ephrata, PA, traveled extensively in the US and abroad and has shared his unique gifts  with countless individuals in over fifty years as a Spiritual Counselor.

CLICK on the ZOOM Link below to attend the service. 

Shown: at ISD National Conference- March 2025: Rev. Jim with ISD Oneonta attendees- Jaya Buckland, Rev. Story Ducey, Rev. Diana Friedell, Rev. JoAnn Wormuth, Ally Sutton-Pyle

Rev. James DeBiasio presenting a workshop at ISD National Conference March 22nd, 2025

If you’ve ever been intrigued by Taoism but felt unsure where to begin, The Complete Idiot’s Guide to TAOISM offers an accessible doorway. Written in clear, approachable language the book introduces readers to Taoist philosophy, history, and practice without oversimplifying.

The authors, Brandon Toropov and Chad Hansen, offer the reader:

• Spiritual guidance on integrating Taoist ethics into your daily life
• Step-by-step lessons in one of the world’s oldest philosophical and religious traditions
• Enlightening looks at what Taoism teaches us about nature, everyday life, and mortality

Taoism may be translated as “way”or “guide”. The most common English translation is “Way” with a capital W. Tao with a capital T refers to the sum of all guidance in the universe and to its result—-the entire course of history. The authors write with a great deal of humor as they attempt to describe the contradictions of Taoism. Taoism is difficult to describe with words, as
language gets in the way. The Ancient Greeks were fixed on defining words. Ancient Chinese seldom spoke of definitions. The authors say “probably the best definition is something like across between ethics and the laws of nature”. Taoism can be a philosophy to guide your life and/or a religion with traditional rituals. Taoism isn’t just about “going with the flow”, it’s about balance, simplicity and learning to trust the wisdom of nature and the moment. The book explains the roots of Taoist thought in ancient China, with attention to texts like the
Tao Te Ching and Zhuangzi, while also exploring Taoism’s evolution into religious form, rituals and cultural traditions. The name Taoism was coined during the Han dynasty (206 B.C.- A.D.220).

Taoism deeply connects with nature and the patterns of nature, providing guidance for living that include commentary on:

• Pervasiveness
• Trust in nature as an organic pattern
• Water as a redemptive force
• Spontaneity
• Simple Living
• Listening

This Complete Guide also offers insights into how Taoism philosophy is intertwined in the modern Western world including Ecology, Pop Culture, Politics and Health. The World Wide Web section gives resources such as websites offering daily Tao wisdom. Overall the book succeeds in being both inviting for beginners and nourishing for long time disciples who want a deeper dive. For our metaphysical community interested in exploring diverse wisdom traditions, The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Taoism is a valuable and
approachable choice. If you are interested in learning more about Taoism, this is the book for you.

Submitted by Carol Callahan

If you would like to read this book, it is available for ISD members to borrow at the ISD Library in the Lotus Center. Books are loaned for a period of one month and can be renewed one time if there is no hold.

There will be a memorial Service at ISD Oneonta, 297 River St. Service Rd, Oneonta, and simulcast on ZOOM, for our dear friend, leader, teacher and ISD Minister for 5 years.
There will be a formal portion, facilitated by ISD Ministers. as well as informal sharing of memories of Renee as part of the ceremony. Sharing will continue during a reception and refreshments to follow. 

If you have a memory of Renee that you would like to share, please contact Rev. Diana Friedell, and she will add you to the line up of speakers.

If you have a really great photo to add to the slide show of memories, please contact Kimberly Winsor, who is putting together a powerpoint to show at our "Renee Day".

To attend via ZOOM, please click on our regular Sunday Service Zoom Link at button below. . .

SAVE THE DATE!!
Halloween Spirit Fest
WHEN: Sat. Nov. 1st, 9:30 am - 4pm
WHERE: ISD Lotus Center
 297 River St., Oneonta, NY
WHAT: Yay for Fairy Hair! Authentic Psychic Readings, check your astrology, rejuvinate with energy healers, home-made harvest soup, muffins & baked goodies. Schedule ahead for Personal Psychic Readings and energy healings with tried & true practitioners for only $30. Free Workshops!

See complete schedule & register at link below.  . .

This fundraiser Benefits ISD Oneonta

Finding Your Own Way

Today's Presenter: Story Lucile Ducey, 25 year Psychic Medium, and metaphysical teacher,  guides us in the history of meditation practices in the West.  We will continue to develop and deepen meditative states where we experience oneness, and communion with Spirit, universal energy for guidance on our life path, and help each other interpret the images, and symbols we receive in answer to our questions.

I can’t meditate! The minute I close my eyes, my busy mind takes over and and I am quickly back in everyday mind chatter!  We’ve all been there.  There is a peaceful state of mind I want to reach and I can’t find my way there.  Peace, stillness, transcendence, connection with the Divine part of you where all the answers are known-  are all within reach, and in this series with experienced ISD Faculty, you will drop into meditation easily. Join Diana, Jaya, Kimberly and Story, as they lead you on a journey towards discovering the benefits and joys of meditation and establishing a practice that works for you.

Indigenous Australians used Sound therapy 40,000 years ago. The ancient Egyptians perfected it. Every cell and organ vibrates.  The whole universe vibrates! Come join us for an exciting journey discovering the healing powers of vibration. Be amazed how this natural alternative therapy works. Now Medical science has scientifically demonstrated the Bowl's benefit in treating; stress, anxiety, PTSD, depression, blood pressure, blood circulation, cholesterol, enhances breathing and accelerates healing.  
 
Relaxation activates the Vagus nerve which turns on the parasympathetic nervous system AKA THE relaxation response. Next smooth muscle tissues dilate blood vessels, reduces muscle tension, reduces fatigue, improves vital organ function, clears the mind and opens the heart. Think "Anything that stress makes worse....relaxation makes better."
 
Learn about:

-Various bowl sizes, shapes, materials strikers and pads,
- Holding, positioning, moving, striking and caring for your bowls
-Using your intuition and sensing energy while using the bowls
-Opening up the body to allow the energy to flow better
-Combining with abdominal breathing, meditation, guided imagery, affirmations and of course, intention.

Each person will have the opportunity to experience 1:1 how the bowls actually work on their: anxiety, tension, pain ( head, back, stomach, etc.) or racing thoughts.  Wear comfortable clothing and come with a curious and open mind. 

Join us at the INSTITUTE FOR SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT, both in person and/or on zoom for four Thursday evenings in October for, an exploration of “THE SETH MATERIAL” with Connie Lull, Intuitive Reader, Healer and Astrologist at ISD, Angel Card Reader, and Auric Field Life Reader with 25 years of metaphysical training. Meet Jane Roberts; author, poet, and gifted trance medium from Elmira, NY who channeled the ancient energy personality called, "SETH" from 1963-1984.

The volume of material from Jane and Seth resulted in 47 separate publications of profound information and wisdom on subjects such as:

The Validity of the Soul
The Nature of Personal Reality
The Way Toward Health
The Nature of Mass Consciousness
Dreams and the Psyche

Throughout the tremendous volumes of wisdom are weaved the basic premises of Seth’s wisdom. To name a few:

You create your own reality. Exactly how you create your own reality. You have immediate and continuous access to the full levels of your Soul and to “All That Is,” and how you use that knowledge and ability to your advantage. Your basic Core Beliefs and World View profoundly influence your life, and how to adjust these if you are not happy with the results.
The point of power is in the present, called the “Moment Point” by Seth.

Each week we will cover some of the material, have a chance to experiment with some of the exercises given by Seth, and to discuss our ideas about the information given. Join us for fun and informative gatherings to explore the “Nature of the Personal Reality” that we all create.

What is the Institute for Spiritual Development?

It's both a metaphysical church and an educational center originally founded 47 yrs ago in Sparta, NJ. With the belief that all paths lead us Home, ISD is dedicated to helping each spirit walk their path with courage and joy.

The Oneonta NY chapter of ISD was Lovingly created by Rev. Diana Friedell & her sister Rev. Sue Landon. We are now led by a powerful leadership team, and executive board.
 
Welcome Home!!!

Your gift helps to sustain Oneonta's first Metaphysical Church and learning center.

Thank you for being a part of the ISD community!

Get in touch

Rev. Diana Friedell, Pastor, 607-433-2089

297 River St. Service Road, Suite 3

ISD Lotus Center Landline: (607) 353-7001‬

isdoneonta@gmail.com

Like and follow us on Facebook