Happy Happy Holidays to Everyone!
I’m sitting here in disbelief that it’s Christmas time again, filled-up and joyful following yesterday’s masterful Celebration of Light. I admit to crying my way through the morning, touched at depth by the music and Dr. Kenn’s deep and meaningful Christmas message. I will be listening to it again, and again, and again. I’m so grateful Dr. Kenn said yes to sharing his brilliance with us again, this final year of the Gordon’s tenure as Senior Ministers.
Thank you to Neal Klassen, Rev. Barb Samuel, Sista B and the Boyz, Katie Fletcher and Delphine Litke, Dr. Kenn and Dr. Deb; my heart is cracked open and it now feels like Christmas!
What a year it has been, full of re-connection, change, blessing, generosity, and celebration.
Since our return to in-person services in March, so much has happened in a seeming blink-of-an-eye. They say as one ages, time goes more quickly and, while I believe that may be true, I also believe time flies when you’re having fun! And, being back in spiritual community has been so much fun.
This has been a year so filled with joy for me. Joy at being back in physical spiritual community, being with people I value and adore, and working so closely with my spiritual companion, Dr. Deb. Words will never convey how beautiful this experience has been to work along side of her.
The Gordon’s legacy will always remain with us as they have been named as Founding Ministers Emeritus of CSL Kelowna by our Board of Trustees at the December meeting. This distinction is more than name alone, because it carries an important energetic imprint that is the foundation of the love and vision that birthed and sustained our beloved community for these 30 years.
In many ways, we’ve circled back to a place of new beginnings, which seems appropriate. As Drs. Kenn and Deb prepared food for us for both the Conscious Givers’ Dinner and again for our Blessing Ceremony, these loving acts reflected to me the hands-on, done-with-love style of ministry that’s allowed this community to flourish and grow through the years. There was a sweetness in knowing the food we ate was prepared in their kitchen with their own hands; a love offering for sure.
Speaking of love: I’m wondering if there would have been a room in Kelowna large enough to host Drs. Kenn and Deb’s Retirement Gala had it not been held on American Thanksgiving! As good wishes poured in from around the world, I felt privileged to listen to stories about the impact these two giants in Religious Science have had on so many people’s lives.
The Gala was a night filled with beauty, connection, remembrance, love, laughter and dancing. Visiting ministers raved about the CSL Kelowna community and people, as 121 people gathered to respect, honour and thank our beloved leaders as they sail into their next great adventure. Just sayin’, some visiting ministers were even a bit envious at the way we love to dance! And dance we did to Sista B and the Boyz, who were on fire!
It was truly a weekend jam-packed with opportunities to connect and remember our journey, to remember and recommit to the life of our Centre and participating in creating a world that works for all.
The many events of late have offered us an opportunity for coming together and healing as we stand on the precipice of Kenn and Deb’s re-wirement. From my Installment as Assistant Minister in July, to our October Water to Vapour and Celebrate Life Dance Party visioned by Annie Zed, to the most amazing Gala, Blessing Ceremony, and Celebration of Light, we’ve had the opportunity to be together in meaningful ways and remember our reason for being as a Centre.
This year, more than ever, ensuring you’ve signed up for membership is of vital importance. In 2023, as our Interim Minister, Rev. Karin Wilson, mid-wives us through the processes required to call in our new Senior Minister, we need your presence, ideas, and voice. Membership is essential in ensuring you have a voice is what’s next.
You can sign up for membership on our website, or following Sunday service. It’s also a great time to consider becoming a conscious-giver to support the life at our Centre. It’s been our membership who’ve shown up and said yes, our volunteers who so joyfully serve and make everything happen.
I thank you, our community, for your strong support of Briton Slum School in Kenya, of which Rev.’s Barb and Gwen are co-spiritual-leaders. Each and every child and staff member were sponsored! The implications of this are huge for the lives of these precious souls. I’m filled with joy and more tears by your generous support. Lives were changed!
I want to thank each and every one of you for the amazing support and love I’ve experienced in my role as Assistant Minister. I’ve been lifted by Dr. Kenn’s words from the Gala as I consider my role in the re-visioning of our Centre. He shared their ministry was built on loving people as they walked through the door. I know this is one thing I can do, for sure. If it worked so beautifully for them, then it will work beautifully for all of us as we go forward extending their legacy.
I’m so honoured to be staying on to serve you and our Centre through this time of transition. It is my heart-song and your love has nourished me and given me what’s been required to do what must be done. (Just writing this makes me cry tears of gratitude). Thank YOU!
Happiest of Holidays,
Rev. Corinne Crockett
If you missed yesterday’s Celebration of Light, you can watch the replay and other past services on the CSLK YouTube channel.
MIND-FULL MOMENT
“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.”
— William Arthur Ward
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