The definition of Ministering is expanding. That was the theme for our Minister presentation at the April 2014 meetings of the Khalsa Council. When you say Minister (which is what the Siri Singh Sahib named us), we who came from a Judeo-Christian background tend to think of a religious setting like Gurdwara. Yes, of course, our touchstone is the Guru; but how else do we minister? Thanks to so many of you who responded to our request for pictures and video, we have an expanded global view of our Ministry (see our Ministers in Action Video).

Here are some examples: SS Guru Simran Kaur, Espanola, NM started a weekly program for feeding school children as part of her seva project from the course Journey to the Heart of Sikh Dharma. SS Sunder Singh of Virginia ministers by supporting Kundalini Yoga teachers who serve people with HIV and other conditions in Cambodia, Viet Nam and Myanmar. SS Sada Bahar Kaur, San Leandro, CA works in hospital chaplaincy in San Francisco.

SS Gurubachan Singh, Albuquerque, NM travels with the Lord of Miracles Tour in South America and Asia, bringing the blessings of Guru Ram Das’ healing light. SS Har Nal Kaur, Espanola, NM has traveled to Chile several times to help set up Gurdwaras for those seeking the Guru’s blessings. SS Sat Hari Singh, Germany has created a space of peace and grace called the Golden Temple TeaHouse, along with beautiful music and an Aquarian business model.

SS Shanti Shanti Kaur, Espanola, NM, director of the Guru Ram Das Center for Medicine and Humanology, has trained Kundalini Yoga teachers in 17 countries to help people facing chronic or life-threatening illness. She shares the transformational healing power of the Shabad Guru with men and women at the most challenging time in their life.

SS Nam Nidhan Kaur, Chile, ministers to women of South America, China, and Spain through the Mujer de Luz programs. She has also been working with government agencies to change policies regarding women’s issues such as domestic violence, health care, poverty, and education. This is no small endeavor!

MSS Guruka Singh, Espanola, NM shares his love for Guru and the Sikh Dharma technology at Sikh Youth Camps around the world as an ambassador of SikhNet, counseling and bringing the Siri Singh Sahib’s teachings to the kids who are most hungry for it. And yes, the list can go on and on. Sure, email us, tell us what you are doing. It is time for us to expand our view of ministering, yet maintain our base and follow Guru’s guidance.

Serving as Ministers

We have a wonderful opportunity to serve as Ministers at this year’s 3HO Summer Solstice celebration in New Mexico. Jaap Gardner, serving 3HO as Chief Executive Officer, has asked for our help. These days people with a wide variety of backgrounds and interests are attending 3HO Summer Solstice including people who regularly attend Gurdwara.

Some people  don’t want to attend but want another inner connective option during that time; people who are curious about Gurdwara and Sikhism but are not sure how to attend or be involved; and people who want to be involved in the frequency but not in a formal way.

In order to honor the time and vibration of Gurdwara, yet speak to these various needs, regular classes will not be scheduled during this time. There will be a few offerings that are in alignment with the frequency of the Gurdwara.

As Sikh Dharma Ministers, we are being asked to act as greeters and hosts at the entrance to Gurdwara on Sunday and during Friday Ransubhai. We would be identified as Sikh Dharma International Ministers and would be available to answer questions or guide someone who may not have attended Gurdwara before. You can be there to welcome friends and family from around the world. Thank you in advance for your service.

Humbly,

SS Dr. Sat-Kaur Khalsa, Secretary of Religion

More Ministers in Action

Minister Training Yatra 2014
Minister Honored for Chaplaincy Work
Long-Time Minister Recognized for Education 

 

About THE SECRETARY OF RELIGION

SS Dr. Sat Kaur Khalsa has served as Secretary of Religion since 1991 and was ordained as a Sikh Dharma Minister in 1975. As Secretary of Religion, Dr. Sat Kaur oversees and is ultimately responsible for the delivery of the functions of this Office. Dr. Sat Kaur is a long-time member of the International Khalsa Council and the Khalsa Council Executive Committee. Dr. Sat Kaur maintains a full-time psychotherapy private practice in Santa Monica, California and Santa Fe, New Mexico. She counsels individuals, couples, and families to support their personal and spiritual growth. She is a certified Kundalini Yoga teacher, facilitates White Tantric Yoga®, and is a published author.