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BMG Building Initiative Update
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BMG Building Initiative Update
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Dear Friend,
Warm greetings from the Building Committee of the Boston Meditation Group! You may have noticed how present economic conditions resemble those when Paramahansa Yogananda first established Self-Realization Fellowship: challenges at every turn. But the Master said: "Avoid a negative approach to life. Why gaze down the sewers when there is loveliness all around us? ... Look only for the good in everything, that you absorb the quality of beauty."
In 2006, guided by Self-Realization Fellowship and surveys of our members, we launched a project to acquire a small church, commercial or residential property in the Waltham area which provides (or could provide) a chapel, parking, social and meeting rooms, kitchen, Sunday School, gift shop and area for a small garden and energization exercises. SRF will own the property. We plan to raise sufficient funds to acquire the property outright so that it can be maintained without the strain of mortgage payments.
Great progress was made in 2008, our first full year of fundraising. Through your prayers, positive thinking and donations we have now raised $360,000! Many of you participated in planning meetings and "enthusiasm events" in 2008. SRF monastics visited and offered guidance and we meditated together at Lester Terrace, Somerville (former home of Sister Yogamata) and Plum Island, where Paramahansaji and Dr. Lewis meditated. The BMG Web site will announce more events in 2009 and provide updates on the Building Project.
In 2008 we evalauated three residences and two churches in Waltham, Belmont and Watertown. The homes were not large enough and had public access or parking issues. Both church properties were very large. Philips Congregational Church in Watertown is well-located but requires costly repairs and also has zoning restrictions. We looked hard at Our Lady of Mercy church in Belmont, 5 parcels in one package not far from Harvard Square. We toured the property, examined use/resale options, conducted fundraising and held planning meetings but could not arrive at a workable solution before the Archdiocese accepted an offer from a developer. We will keep an eye on this property in 2009. It may be possible to acquire only those parcels which meet our needs.
In 2009 we'll make a special effort to find the right property and acquire it - economic conditions may produce a unique opportunity. If you become aware of a property that meets the criteria, please contact the Building Committee.
Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to the Building Project.
The final story of how the Boston Center of SRF was acquired will have several interesting chapters - many pages are yet unwritten. Please join us in authoring this intriguing story!
You can find more information here:
If you have not yet pledged support and would like to do so, please complete a Pledge Card or pick one up at the Center. The Pledge Card assists our planning. We will never contact you about your pledge. If you choose to donate anonymously, please send a Pledge Card with “Anonymous” in place of your personal information.
In divine friendship,
The Building Committee of Boston Meditation Group