When I was opened 26 years ago at Rocky Gap, immediately after my first latihan—an experience I’ll never forget—I felt compelled to return to my hotel room, lace up my sneakers, and run for hours in over 100°F heat around the lake at Cumberland Gap, Maryland—much of it off-trail and through ravines. I wasn’t a runner then, though I became one later. The entire time I ran, my inner voice said, “Allah, Allah, Allah.” Even when I’d stop, focus, and try to say something else it would just come out, “Allah, Allah, Allah.” At that moment, I knew that I needed to experience this so that I would never forget that God and the latihan are real.
I couldn’t have had that experience—or countless others—if people like you hadn’t donated their time and money to organize gatherings and support helper travel. I know I owe Subud far more than I give, so I’m grateful for the nudge that got me to serve on the committee. I’m a full-time dad, full-time CEO, and Chair of Subud USA, and I can say with complete honesty that the more I give to Subud in both time and money, the lighter, easier, and more fulfilling life becomes. The company I started, Noxgear, has become an unexpected success as an international brand with a devoted following. The latihan has guided my work, not through testing, but through how I move, think, and feel as I do it.
That’s why I’m writing today to ask for your help. As someone who is equally committed to supporting Subud, I wonder how you might write this letter to members inviting donations. (It turns out that serving as Chair doesn’t automatically make me an expert fundraiser.)
I might want to understand the impact of my past donations—and why I should continue to give. But in truth, what compels me to donate each year is actually this one question: “Where would I be without the latihan?” It is without a doubt the most important part of my life, not only because I attribute many of my outward successes to the guidance it’s given me, but because of the experience itself. It is real and beyond anything I could have imagined.
Practically speaking, your donation makes it possible for others to experience the gift of the latihan. It supports the gatherings that take time, money, and effort to organize and helps our National Helpers travel across the country to serve our members. It also sustains our essential operations as a charitable organization, including the creation of a national database and directory, our member communications, and makes possible travel for delegates to the World Congress. Your donations also support similar Subud work internationally, including the WSA Archives.
We need your help to prepare for the future—not only for the changing needs of our members but for the next chapter: Subud’s rapid growth. As Bapak explained, “This Subud is not an endeavor made by human beings. It is the grace of the One Almighty God.” I can’t influence Subud’s growth in the same way I might as a CEO (and what a relief that is). From what I’ve heard in conversations across the country, humanity is asking for exactly what we receive in the latihan, and this is being echoed on prominent podcasts. I believe these voices could become a channel through which Subud experiences rapid growth. As Bapak said, one day soon Subud may need to open and support millions of people. We must begin preparing now, and your support makes that possible.
With gratitude,
Simon Curran
Chair, Subud USA
A memorial is planned for around 100 days from her passing on February 14th, 2026, from 4 pm with service followed by a dinner reception at the Seattle Subud Center (Spring Street Center) at 1101 15th Ave, Seattle, Washington 98122.
Please RSVP on this website. Please bring a side-dish or dessert to share. We plan on streaming service on Zoom.
May God in his love and mercy make her passage easy,
Her devoted Husband, Marston Gregory
Link to the memorial information here! https://www.eventcreate.com/e/hadidjahgregory
Meeting Decorum: Basic Rules
1. Preparation
– Be on time (or a few minutes early).
– Review the agenda beforehand so you’re ready to contribute.
– Bring any required documents or notes with you.
2. Respect & Courtesy
– Listen attentively without interrupting.
– Avoid side conversations or multitasking (checking phone, typing emails).
– Address people by name and acknowledge their points respectfully, even if you disagree.
3. Participation
– Speak clearly and concisely—don’t dominate the discussion.
– Stay on topic; save unrelated issues for later.
– Ask clarifying questions rather than making assumptions.
4. Professional Conduct
– Maintain a calm tone of voice; avoid sarcasm or hostility.
– Respect confidentiality if sensitive matters are discussed.
– Refrain from blame or personal attacks; focus on issues, not individuals.
5. Meeting Flow
– Let the chairperson or facilitator guide the order of discussion.
– Wait to be recognized before speaking in formal meetings.
– If decisions are made, respect the group consensus even if you disagree.
6. Follow-Through
– Take notes on your responsibilities.
– Honor any commitments or deadlines you agree to.
– Provide feedback politely if something about the meeting could be improved.
Lisa Allen sent some photos from Seabeck below:
Jim O’Halloran
Hanafi and Kathleen
Marston And Hadidjah
Click this link to see the Seabeck photos! https://photos.app.goo.gl/6Ln5cYmV3u5uAghM8
Spring Street Center
1101 15th Ave
Seattle, WA 98122
Latihan at 3
Help Setup for Selametan at 4
Selametan Dinner 5-8 PM
Dear Brothers and sisters
May God’s peace and grace always attend
There are very long-time members that are or were in the PNW that we likely have lost track of over the last several years. So, Elderberry has a large need for an Elderberry Rep. for the region. We pray those who came before us are getting along ok. Please consider this position or just helping with information about a Subud elder that you have concerns about or lost track of.
Your Brother
David McCormack
Check out the link at the end for more information about Elderberry!
call or email me at 317 728 6014 imdavidmccormack@gmail.com
or Rosetta Narvaez 808 – 829-8134 rosettanarvaez@icloud.com