Birthday Celebrations Triple Homerun: Denver, CO
It was a triple home run for the weekend of Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s Birthday Celebrations with three community events held in Denver, CO – a ‘Love Fest’ of an energetic uplifting session of song and storytelling, a collaborative Health Fair offering free medical screenings, and a ‘Birthday Extravaganza’ for the ages. The dream was finally realized.
First, on Thursday, November 21, 2024, a vibrant group of Young Adults from the Sri Sathya Sai Baba Center of SE Denver hosted a special guest, Dr. Joe Phaneuf, for a ‘Sacred Songs Session’ in preparation for the Sunday’s Birthday program. Fifteen Sai devotees joined in communion to sing universal songs led by Dr, Joe, accompanied by guitar, harmonium and tambourine, while they joyfully clapped in rhythm. Interwoven through the session was the sharing of Sai stories, Sai Baba’s teachings and personal Sai experiences. A savory dinner followed and fellowship was enjoyed by all. “What an exciting warm welcome for Dr. Joe to Denver while we joyously learned new uplifting sacred songs together!” one participant exclaimed. Love and laughter rang throughout the room.
“Group devotional singing must spread good-will, love, ecstasy; it must cleanse the polluted atmosphere; it must invite all to share in the joy and peace." ~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba , July 23, 1971.
On Saturday, November 23, 2024, the excitement surged as members of the Sri Sathya Sai Centers of SE Denver and Boulder collaborated with Grace United Methodist Church in Denver, CO, to host a Community Health Fair. Forty-two volunteers, aged 14 and above, and 15 healthcare providers lovingly served 69 guests. The Health Fair offered screenings in various specialties, including dentistry, pediatrics, orthopedics, and ophthalmology. Guests came primarily from three homeless shelters, representing diverse backgrounds, with eight families speaking only Spanish, requiring translators. Two translators joined remotely from the Ashland Free Medical Clinic in California.
Dr. Joe Phaneuf, Director of the Ashland Free Medical Clinic in California and Health Fair Consultant, shared insights from ‘Inspired Medicine – Sathya Sai Baba’s Influence in Medical Practice.’ Twenty-five complimentary copies were available at the Gratitude Table, where Dr. Joe signed his chapter, ‘Putting Sai Baba’s Teachings Into Practice.’ Guests were also treated to a savory lunch and received goody bags.
One grateful guest shared, “My little girl was in pain for days, and we have no healthcare. Thanks to this Health fair, we learned she might have a fracture and were directed to appropriate care. May God bless your efforts!” This testimony highlighted the event's life-changing impact.
“Service to man is service to God. All great men have sanctified their life only by serving humanity.” ~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba,
The culminating celebration of Sathya Sai Baba’s 99th Year of Advent took place on Sunday, November 24th 2024, in the beautiful Sanctuary of Grace Church, with 52 attendees. The event brought together the Health Fair volunteers, Grace Church community members, and the Sri Sathya Sai congregation. Dr. Joe Phaneuf concluded the three-day community festivities as the Guest Speaker, delivering an inspiring address on the theme, ‘Know Thyself – Heal Thyself’. The sanctuary resonated with universal devotional songs, including ‘Open the Eyes of My Heart Lord’, ‘I Offer Myself to Thee’, and ‘This Little Light of Mine’, accompanied by guitar. Dr. Phaneuf’s message about the power of prayer, describing it as our greatest strength and God’s greatest weakness, deeply touched the audience. The program concluded with devotional songs, a Young Adult Medley, closing prayers, and the children’s rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ accompanied by the cutting of a birthday cake.
Following the program, attendees enjoyed dinner and joyful conversations, with some selecting special gifts from the ‘Free Table’. These gifts, including books, music, prayers, and Vibhuti (Sacred Ash), served to further spread Sathya Sai Baba’s Mission and Message of ‘Love All Serve All’. A miraculous moment occurred as a splash of Vibhuti appeared on the Holy Bible before Dr. Joe’s departure, a beautiful blessing of Grace
The event fostered a strong connection between Grace Church and Sai Center members, culminating in an invitation to a community breakfast to explore future Health Fairs and community service initiatives. This heart-to-heart connection promises a bright future of unified service.