What a wonderful Sunday service we had yesterday! We had a good number of people joining us on Facebook Live, and we had very bountiful number of people in the physical room as well. It feels so good to experience the energy of more people being lifted into the sense of oneness and connection through just the simple act of being together, as well as to be reminded that we as a community are each part of something greater than ourselves. It felt really great to welcome back several of our old timers (not old in age, of course, but people who have been with our CSL Kelowna for many, many years). We’ve missed you, and are so glad you’re back!
I often wonder if people know how much their presence and energy matters and makes a difference to me, to our leadership, and to those who gather as members and friends of our Centre. It means the world. Without you – without people to share our messages of hope, love, unity and belonging – what would be the point? I guess I just really want you know that YOU matter, YOUR presence makes a difference!
If you keep up with the activities of the Centre, you’ll know that Kenn and I are hosting a gratitude dinner for the people on our Conscious Giving program. (As I mentioned at service, because it’s at our home, it’s given me the impetus to finally clean my oven! I find it very interesting that on my own, I don’t seem to find the time or space to clean it, but with an incentive, wowie! So, thanks!) Even though, realistically who’s going to look in my oven? Probably no one, but left to my own devices I’ve let it go, and using the excuse of the dinner works for me. I hope some of you can relate. When you think about it, what other things might we be putting off until something incentivizes us to “get ’er done”?
But back to the Conscious Givers’ BBQ – for those of you who may not know, our Conscious Giving program consists of a simple form where you prayerfully decide what your level of financial support will be to our Centre (annually), and you let us know how you’d like to fulfill that commitment. (Of course, if your situation changes in any way at any time, your giving can be altered in any way you choose.) This financial commitment sets your sacred intention for the care and keeping of our Spiritual Centre. This is a regular way to invest in and support the place where you are spiritually fed. Importantly, it helps our Board with our annual budgeting process, and to make wise decisions going forward.
We’ve been blessed by having a robust program, where approximately (pre-pandemic) 70% of our income came in through this program. I said it yesterday and I’ll say it again – I’m not sure we’d be here today if not for this consistent, regular support that can be counted on, whether people are in attendance or not. (I’m sad to say that there are more than a few Centres who did not make it through the pandemic and who are no longer in existence.)
Because of my retirement, this is likely the last gratitude dinner Kenn and I will have the opportunity to host. So please know how grateful we are for your support, which for more than a few of you has been in place for many, many years. Your desire to help us grow, to help stabilize our financial budget and your commitment to our mission, has been and is, the greatest blessing.
If you’re not currently on the program but would like to know more and sign up, please RSVP to the BBQ . We’d love to have you come. You can even check out my oven! LOL!
Seriously, on behalf of CSL Kelowna, we are grateful for all the support we’ve received both now and throughout the years.
Blessings,
Dr. Deborah
If you missed yesterday’s talk by Rev. Corinne Crockett, titled Life Uncommon, you can watch the replay and other past services on the CSLK YouTube channel.
MIND-FULL MOMENT
“What I try to tell young people is that if you come together with a mission, and its grounded with love and a sense of community, you can make the impossible possible.”
— John Lewis
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