Our Church, Visiting the Church, Frequently Asked Questions, Membership
Through Spirit communication with Church mediums we are given evidence, unique for ourselves, if we want to hear it, that our loved ones thrive in Spirit and continue to bestow their love upon us. Our Church services demonstrate that life after death is not a vague hope or promise, but a sure and certain fact.
Church Principles:
Our Church is guided by Seven Principles:
1. The Fatherhood of God.
2. The Leadership of Christ & the Brotherhood of Man.
3. The Communion of Spirits & the Ministry of Angels.
4. The Continuous Existence of the Human Soul.
5. Personal Responsibility.
6. Compensation and Retribution hereafter for all the good and evil deeds done on earth.
7. Eternal Progress open to every soul.
With individual liberty of interpretation.
Visiting
If you're new to Spiritualism or have not been to a Spiritualist Church before, we understand that the prospect of visiting for the first time can be quite daunting. This section aims to provide reassurance by explaining what you can expect when you first visit us.
Portobello Spiritualist Church is a friendly, open Church which extends a warm welcome to all visitors, old and new, irrespective of faith/ lack of faith or philosophical perspective. We recognise that people attend our services for a variety of reasons, including bereavement and curiosity. Whatever brings you to our Church, you will be greeted with warmth, courtesy and respect.
Many Church members can recall memories of how they first 'discovered' the Church, their feelings of apprehension before attending for the first time, and experiences from their first visit. Many also outline how their first visit challenged their preconceptions of Spiritualism and opened new ways of thinking.
A Christian perspective.
There is increased interest in 'psychic phenomena'
and Spiritualism in today's media. Much coverage treats the subject as entertainment. Our Church operates within a Christian understanding of Spiritualism, providing evidence of life beyond physical death through the gifts of Spirit communication: mediumship, healing and philosophy. Portobello Spiritualist Church adheres to Seven Principles which guide and inform all that we do. Church mediums who channel spirit communication do so not to offer a 'fortune telling' service, but to provide opportunities for loved ones in Spirit to come forward with words of love, hope and inspiration.
What can you expect when you first visit?
You will be greeted by a member of the Church who will welcome you, provide you with a hymn book and offer you a seat. All our services open in Christian prayer, and we like to sing hymns during service to provide upliftment.
Services providing demonstration of mediumship involve medium(s) giving messages to individuals from the Church platform. Mediums in our Church 'link' with Spirit through thought and communicate using natural dialogue. Such mediumship does not involve the appearance of 'ghosts' or any physical manifestation of Spiritual activity. Given the public nature of how messages from Spirit are communicated in this context, great care is taken by the mediums who work in our Church not to present information which would embarrass or offend. Due to time constraints, Church mediums are often unable to provide messages to everyone in attendance during any given service. However, the Church does provide (limited) opportunities for individuals to arrange private sittings with Church mediums: click here for further information.
What do we expect from you?
We ask that you attend services punctually, and show courtesy and respect to those in attendance at all times. Please remember you are in a House of God and behave accordingly.
We ask that mobile phones are switched off during service.
Please do not bring in or consume food or drink during service.
We provide tea/ coffee and light refreshments in the Church kitchen after services involving mediumship.
Should a medium wish to speak to you during a demonstration of mediumship, we ask that you greet them in a loud voice and provide yes/no answers to the evidence they present to you from Spirit. You are not required to provide any further information.
As a Church we do not charge an 'admission fee' as such, however, we do take a collection after each service and are very grateful for your contribution. We take collections in order to fund the maintenance and upkeep of the Church and to cover expenses such as visiting mediums' fees. (Everyone involved in running the Church does so on a voluntary basis: no-one derives personal income from Church funds.)
Above all else, we ask that you relax and enjoy your visit!
We look forward to seeing you.
Mediumship
Q. What is meant by mediumship?
Spiritualism embodies the main ideas in most religions that there is life after death, immortality and the existence of a God. Spiritualism differs from other religions in that proof of survival of death is provided by a process of communication referred to as mediumship. Those who have died communicate through individual people called mediums, and endeavour to provide evidence of their continued existence in the Spirt world.
Spirit communication is often through the medium’s mind. The medium sees, hears or senses pictures, sounds or feelings within his or her mind first then relays the information to a recipient. Mental mediumship is by far the most common form of communication used today and the general public are becoming increasingly aware of the terminology used to describe this type of mediumship.
CLAIRVOYANCE is a term used to refer to an individual’s ability, “to see clearly” this being a translation from French. Some Mediums may have Clairaudience (to hear clearly) and Clairsentience (to sense clearly). Clairvoyance is a well known term now because of the many public demonstrations in venues other than Spiritualist meeting places.
Q. What's the difference between mediums, clairvoyants and psychics?
Some people describe themselves as MEDIUMS, CLAIRVOYANTS or PSYCHICS but may not be Spiritualists. Spiritualist mediums study and train to become controlled or directed routes for Spirit communication so that the source of any information received is known to be sound and genuine. Spiritualist mediums will seek to give evidence of survival of death for those who are mourning. They do not predict the future.
PSYCHICS or CLAIRVOYANTS who work in the public domain often advertise their services. Some, while very sincere, may have little if any training and so may be open to unknown Spirit influences. As well as contacting the Spirit world some will often seek to concentrate on an individual’s personal situation and foretell future events for them. Money is charged for this service with individual clairvoyants setting their own fees.
The Church cannot recommend mediums, clairvoyants or psychics.
Q. Do we all have a psychic ability?
Everyone has a psychic faculty. Some people are more aware of it than others. Many have been aware of it since childhood. Usually awareness decreases as children move into adulthood and other material interests occupy their thoughts. Many people try to understand and work with this awareness and decide to act as channels for spirit entities without guidance or consultation and no real understanding of what is happening or who is communicating.
Initially working can be fun and often there is a belief that others can be helped with the information that comes from these spirits. However, sooner or later, some people who have fostered communication with spirit beings in this way may become uncomfortable, or worse cannot close down the links that have been established. Only at that stage when there is the wrong connection do they seek guidance or help. Several things must now be understood. The world of Spirit has many dimensions and channelling or mediumship as it is called in Spiritualism is not lightly undertaken and then only under the guidance of experienced workers. Many spirit beings, for a variety of reasons, wish to establish communication with people and if thoughts are open to them they will use any channel they can find. If the channel lacks the training to control the messages they are receiving then some problems may arise.
Q. What is meant by 'Development' within the Church?
For Spiritualists, developing their psychic faculty is undertaken as part of developing personal spiritual awareness. The two go hand in hand. A medium in the Spiritualist Church learns how to open their thoughts to spiritual beings who are carefully directed to that individual medium by other Spirits referred to as guides. But of equal importance they are taught how to close their mind to communication. In this way a medium works in a controlled situation at agreed times and knows who is permitted to communicate through their mediumship.
Development circles train Spiritualist mediums and if you really feel you want to develop your awareness then you must find a circle leader who would be prepared to take you into their circle at this stage. You would have to approach Spiritualist organisations in your region and talk with the circle leader. Portobello Spiritualist Church’s Development Circle has a Christian perspective and takes church members who have attended the church on a regular basis and have an understanding of Spirit communication in that context. Other organisations may have a different policy so it is worth investigating further.
Q. Does the Church offer private sittings?
A private reading in our Church is a confidential service, especially for those who have been bereaved and are seeking comfort and upliftment.
It may be possible to book a private reading with a Church medium.
We request that people who would like to arrange a private reading speak in person to a member of the Church Committee shortly before/after one of our services.
(We do not book private readings by phone or email.)
Private readings are given by Church mediums and the sittings last for half an hour. You are welcome to record your sitting, but please bring your own equipment.
To gain the most benefit from this service, we recommend that you visit the Church in person and attend several of our services. In this way you become familiar with how mediums provide evidence of survival and are better prepared for your reading.
All our mediums are volunteers so any charge for a private reading goes to Church funds. In individual sittings, the Church always explains to people that if they are not satisfied with the evidence given for WHATEVER REASON there is no charge. All communication must be considered as an experiment as mediums cannot guarantee to contact individuals in the Spirit World, but can only pass on any information provided by Spirit.
All mediumship is governed by UK consumer protection regulations (following an EU directive). The Church operates within this framework.
Membership of the Church
As an open, friendly Church we encourage new folk to join us on the path of spiritual development. People who accept the Seven Principles of the Church are most welcome to join ‘the family’ as an Associate Member. (After a year, Associates can apply to the Church Committee to become Full Members.)
Membership of the Church offers many benefits:
- Invitation to special evenings of clairvoyance by
visiting mediums, and to selected workshops, talks & seminars
held within the Church;
- discounts on the ticket costs of special events;
- invitation to our Annual Members Evening
(a special evening of mediumship);
- invitation to attend our Annual General Meeting
(voting rights for Full Members);
- regular email bulletins/ web services
to keep you up to date with Church news; and
- a welcome pack and membership card.
Members of the Church Committee are always willing to answer any queries you may have about membership of the Church.
Application forms for Associate Membership are available within the Church.
As an open, friendly Church we encourage new folk to join us on the path of spiritual development. People who accept the Seven Principles of the Church are most welcome to join ‘the family’ as an Associate Member. (After a year, Associates can apply to the Church Committee to become Full Members.)
Through Spirit communication with Church mediums we are given evidence, unique for ourselves, if we want to hear it, that our loved ones thrive in Spirit and continue to bestow their love upon us. Our Church services demonstrate that life after death is not a vague hope or promise, but a sure and certain fact.
Church Principles:
Our Church is guided by Seven Principles:
1. The Fatherhood of God.
2. The Leadership of Christ & the Brotherhood of Man.
3. The Communion of Spirits & the Ministry of Angels.
4. The Continuous Existence of the Human Soul.
5. Personal Responsibility.
6. Compensation and Retribution hereafter for all the good and evil deeds done on earth.
7. Eternal Progress open to every soul.
With individual liberty of interpretation.
Visiting
If you're new to Spiritualism or have not been to a Spiritualist Church before, we understand that the prospect of visiting for the first time can be quite daunting. This section aims to provide reassurance by explaining what you can expect when you first visit us.
Portobello Spiritualist Church is a friendly, open Church which extends a warm welcome to all visitors, old and new, irrespective of faith/ lack of faith or philosophical perspective. We recognise that people attend our services for a variety of reasons, including bereavement and curiosity. Whatever brings you to our Church, you will be greeted with warmth, courtesy and respect.
Many Church members can recall memories of how they first 'discovered' the Church, their feelings of apprehension before attending for the first time, and experiences from their first visit. Many also outline how their first visit challenged their preconceptions of Spiritualism and opened new ways of thinking.
A Christian perspective.
There is increased interest in 'psychic phenomena'
and Spiritualism in today's media. Much coverage treats the subject as entertainment. Our Church operates within a Christian understanding of Spiritualism, providing evidence of life beyond physical death through the gifts of Spirit communication: mediumship, healing and philosophy. Portobello Spiritualist Church adheres to Seven Principles which guide and inform all that we do. Church mediums who channel spirit communication do so not to offer a 'fortune telling' service, but to provide opportunities for loved ones in Spirit to come forward with words of love, hope and inspiration.
What can you expect when you first visit?
You will be greeted by a member of the Church who will welcome you, provide you with a hymn book and offer you a seat. All our services open in Christian prayer, and we like to sing hymns during service to provide upliftment.
Services providing demonstration of mediumship involve medium(s) giving messages to individuals from the Church platform. Mediums in our Church 'link' with Spirit through thought and communicate using natural dialogue. Such mediumship does not involve the appearance of 'ghosts' or any physical manifestation of Spiritual activity. Given the public nature of how messages from Spirit are communicated in this context, great care is taken by the mediums who work in our Church not to present information which would embarrass or offend. Due to time constraints, Church mediums are often unable to provide messages to everyone in attendance during any given service. However, the Church does provide (limited) opportunities for individuals to arrange private sittings with Church mediums: click here for further information.
What do we expect from you?
We ask that you attend services punctually, and show courtesy and respect to those in attendance at all times. Please remember you are in a House of God and behave accordingly.
We ask that mobile phones are switched off during service.
Please do not bring in or consume food or drink during service.
We provide tea/ coffee and light refreshments in the Church kitchen after services involving mediumship.
Should a medium wish to speak to you during a demonstration of mediumship, we ask that you greet them in a loud voice and provide yes/no answers to the evidence they present to you from Spirit. You are not required to provide any further information.
As a Church we do not charge an 'admission fee' as such, however, we do take a collection after each service and are very grateful for your contribution. We take collections in order to fund the maintenance and upkeep of the Church and to cover expenses such as visiting mediums' fees. (Everyone involved in running the Church does so on a voluntary basis: no-one derives personal income from Church funds.)
Above all else, we ask that you relax and enjoy your visit!
We look forward to seeing you.
Mediumship
Q. What is meant by mediumship?
Spiritualism embodies the main ideas in most religions that there is life after death, immortality and the existence of a God. Spiritualism differs from other religions in that proof of survival of death is provided by a process of communication referred to as mediumship. Those who have died communicate through individual people called mediums, and endeavour to provide evidence of their continued existence in the Spirt world.
Spirit communication is often through the medium’s mind. The medium sees, hears or senses pictures, sounds or feelings within his or her mind first then relays the information to a recipient. Mental mediumship is by far the most common form of communication used today and the general public are becoming increasingly aware of the terminology used to describe this type of mediumship.
CLAIRVOYANCE is a term used to refer to an individual’s ability, “to see clearly” this being a translation from French. Some Mediums may have Clairaudience (to hear clearly) and Clairsentience (to sense clearly). Clairvoyance is a well known term now because of the many public demonstrations in venues other than Spiritualist meeting places.
Q. What's the difference between mediums, clairvoyants and psychics?
Some people describe themselves as MEDIUMS, CLAIRVOYANTS or PSYCHICS but may not be Spiritualists. Spiritualist mediums study and train to become controlled or directed routes for Spirit communication so that the source of any information received is known to be sound and genuine. Spiritualist mediums will seek to give evidence of survival of death for those who are mourning. They do not predict the future.
PSYCHICS or CLAIRVOYANTS who work in the public domain often advertise their services. Some, while very sincere, may have little if any training and so may be open to unknown Spirit influences. As well as contacting the Spirit world some will often seek to concentrate on an individual’s personal situation and foretell future events for them. Money is charged for this service with individual clairvoyants setting their own fees.
The Church cannot recommend mediums, clairvoyants or psychics.
Q. Do we all have a psychic ability?
Everyone has a psychic faculty. Some people are more aware of it than others. Many have been aware of it since childhood. Usually awareness decreases as children move into adulthood and other material interests occupy their thoughts. Many people try to understand and work with this awareness and decide to act as channels for spirit entities without guidance or consultation and no real understanding of what is happening or who is communicating.
Initially working can be fun and often there is a belief that others can be helped with the information that comes from these spirits. However, sooner or later, some people who have fostered communication with spirit beings in this way may become uncomfortable, or worse cannot close down the links that have been established. Only at that stage when there is the wrong connection do they seek guidance or help. Several things must now be understood. The world of Spirit has many dimensions and channelling or mediumship as it is called in Spiritualism is not lightly undertaken and then only under the guidance of experienced workers. Many spirit beings, for a variety of reasons, wish to establish communication with people and if thoughts are open to them they will use any channel they can find. If the channel lacks the training to control the messages they are receiving then some problems may arise.
Q. What is meant by 'Development' within the Church?
For Spiritualists, developing their psychic faculty is undertaken as part of developing personal spiritual awareness. The two go hand in hand. A medium in the Spiritualist Church learns how to open their thoughts to spiritual beings who are carefully directed to that individual medium by other Spirits referred to as guides. But of equal importance they are taught how to close their mind to communication. In this way a medium works in a controlled situation at agreed times and knows who is permitted to communicate through their mediumship.
Development circles train Spiritualist mediums and if you really feel you want to develop your awareness then you must find a circle leader who would be prepared to take you into their circle at this stage. You would have to approach Spiritualist organisations in your region and talk with the circle leader. Portobello Spiritualist Church’s Development Circle has a Christian perspective and takes church members who have attended the church on a regular basis and have an understanding of Spirit communication in that context. Other organisations may have a different policy so it is worth investigating further.
Q. Does the Church offer private sittings?
A private reading in our Church is a confidential service, especially for those who have been bereaved and are seeking comfort and upliftment.
It may be possible to book a private reading with a Church medium.
We request that people who would like to arrange a private reading speak in person to a member of the Church Committee shortly before/after one of our services.
(We do not book private readings by phone or email.)
Private readings are given by Church mediums and the sittings last for half an hour. You are welcome to record your sitting, but please bring your own equipment.
To gain the most benefit from this service, we recommend that you visit the Church in person and attend several of our services. In this way you become familiar with how mediums provide evidence of survival and are better prepared for your reading.
All our mediums are volunteers so any charge for a private reading goes to Church funds. In individual sittings, the Church always explains to people that if they are not satisfied with the evidence given for WHATEVER REASON there is no charge. All communication must be considered as an experiment as mediums cannot guarantee to contact individuals in the Spirit World, but can only pass on any information provided by Spirit.
All mediumship is governed by UK consumer protection regulations (following an EU directive). The Church operates within this framework.
Membership of the Church
As an open, friendly Church we encourage new folk to join us on the path of spiritual development. People who accept the Seven Principles of the Church are most welcome to join ‘the family’ as an Associate Member. (After a year, Associates can apply to the Church Committee to become Full Members.)
Membership of the Church offers many benefits:
- Invitation to special evenings of clairvoyance by
visiting mediums, and to selected workshops, talks & seminars
held within the Church;
- discounts on the ticket costs of special events;
- invitation to our Annual Members Evening
(a special evening of mediumship);
- invitation to attend our Annual General Meeting
(voting rights for Full Members);
- regular email bulletins/ web services
to keep you up to date with Church news; and
- a welcome pack and membership card.
Members of the Church Committee are always willing to answer any queries you may have about membership of the Church.
Application forms for Associate Membership are available within the Church.
As an open, friendly Church we encourage new folk to join us on the path of spiritual development. People who accept the Seven Principles of the Church are most welcome to join ‘the family’ as an Associate Member. (After a year, Associates can apply to the Church Committee to become Full Members.)
