New Church Life July/August 2016 | Page 6

n e w c h u r c h l i f e : j u ly / au g u s t 2 0 1 6 the New Church should appeal to them.” (Page 352) Have you ever wished there was a condensed version of Arcana Coelestia that would make it easier to read and understand all the spiritual treasure there? Well, that is possible now with a new book, The Abridged Arcana Coelestia, written over the past 20 years by a dedicated layman in South Africa, Dr. Willard Mansfield. In a review of the book, his long-time friend, the Rt. Rev. Peter M. Buss Sr., calls it truly “a remarkable gift to the Church.” (Page 363) What does “The Sound of Infinity” actually sound like? The Rev. Stephen D. Cole finds it in the power of names in the Word – especially the Lord’s Divine Name – and within the quiet beauty of the Hebrew language. (Page 370) After 30 years of dedicated service as Director of the Swedenborg Library in Bryn Athyn Carroll Odhner is leaving that position to focus her passion and energy on Swedenborgiana and New Church research. We are happy to reprint a retrospective on her inspiring career, which included hosting Queen Silvia of Sweden at the dedication of the Library. (Page 366) Apparently none of Jonathan Olds’ Academy of the New Church classmates in 1942 remembered much about him or had any contact after graduation. But he came back for his 50th reunion, and an invitation to Charter Day a few years ago stirred his affection for the Academy enough that he rewrote his will. He passed away last summer and left a small fortune to the Academy for an endowed scholarship. Judy Lopacki, Director of Planned Giving for the Academy, says this “will continue to support many students and will make an immeasurable difference in their lives.” (Page 375) Church News, beginning on page 380, includes: • The latest minister moves around the Church • Reports on the commencement ceremonies, graduates and awards for Bryn Athyn College and the Academy Secondary Schools • Reports from the spring meetings of the General Church Board of Directors and the Academy Board of Trustees • A preview of the upcoming Charter Day events in October • A special award for the stunning façade for the Bryn Athyn Cathedral pipe organ • A first-ever conference of Swedenborg and the Arts, planned at Bryn Athyn College next June and a call for papers 318