Our Community 💗 April 17, 2025

CSL Kelowna
Apr 17
8 min read

What's Happening This Week at CSL Kelowna

Sunday, April 20: Easter: Rolling Away the Stone and Rising up to New Possibilities, with Rev. John DePalma
Last Sunday: Where is the Other Sock? with Irene Kowalchuk RScP
Ernest on Easter: What Science of Mind tells us about Easter
World Religions and Easter
Upcoming Online Class with Rev. Bobbi Becker
Volunteer Opportunities: Pride 2025
Inspirational Song of the Week: The Mary Ellen Carter by Stan Rogers
Connect with Rev. John

Join us every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. at Studio 9, 1180 Houghton Road, Kelowna, BC. Doors open at 10:15 am. Please visit the event page for more details and a map. Everyone is welcome!

Or, WATCH US ON

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Sunday, April 20

Easter: Rolling Away the Stone and Rising up to New Possibilities

With Rev. John DePalma

Join us for Easter as we explore the profound symbolism of rolling away the stone, not only as a miraculous event two thousand years ago, but also as an invitation for each of us to rise above the personal traumas and burdens we carry.

We’ll discover the transformative message of The Rabbi’s Gift—a reminder that the spark of Divinity dwells within us all—and discover how it can help heal the unresolved issues we’ve inherited from generations past.

Come find renewed hope, deepen your spiritual understanding, and step into the freedom and wholeness that awaits on the other side of your own stone.

This Easter, be inspired to recognize the light within, and let your heart break free from entombed beliefs…. And you might just find that special Easter egg that lights up your life! (spoiler…it might include chocolate!)

Join us at Studio 9 (1180 Houghton Rd, Kelowna, BC). Doors open at 10:15 am. Enter the property by the side entrance behind the staff parking lot. Look for our signs to guide you! Please use street parking or park at Ben Lee Park (1.5 blocks away).

Or you can always watch our live stream on Facebook Live via Centre for Spiritual Living Kelowna's Facebook page.

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Last Sunday

WHERE IS THE OTHER SOCK?

With Irene Kowalchuk, RScP

Last Sunday’s talk was equally enlightening, inspirational, and entertaining as Irene Kowalchuk unraveled one of life’s greatest mysteries: Where is the other sock?

Irene demonstrated that spiritual practices are like the missing sock that you were eager to find. You start out thinking you must achieve everything right now, that you must “get enlightened” in one weekend.

But much like the sock, with spiritual growth, the more intensely you search for it, the more it eludes you. Spiritual growth isn’t something that happens through a rush to find it. True and lasting transformation unfolds at its own pace.

If you missed her talk, or want to see it again, click here:

Click Here

What Science of Mind Tells us About Easter

In The Science of Mind by Ernest Holmes, Easter symbolizes the triumph of the Spirit over the material and the eternal resurrection of life, love, and truth.

Holmes teaches that Easter is not merely a historical event but a profound spiritual principle — “The story of the resurrection is the story of life. It is the story of the triumph of the real self over the illusion of limitation.” (Holmes)

Easter, then, becomes a celebration of the indwelling Christ consciousness, which resides within every individual. Holmes emphasized that “The Christ is Universal. Christ, the idea of God, is universal and so lives in all people.”

This means that resurrection is not limited to Jesus alone, but is an ongoing, inner experience available to all who awaken to their divine nature. The rising from death signifies the soul’s victory over fear, ignorance, and separation.

Holmes wrote, “Death is not a thing to fear; it is merely a transition to a higher state of consciousness.”

In this way, Easter is a call to shed the false self, rise in consciousness, and embody the eternal truth of our spiritual nature. The tomb represents limitation, while the stone being rolled away signifies our release from bondage into the light of new understanding.

In The Science of Mind, Easter is not just about resurrection after physical death but about rebirth here and now — awakening to the power, love, and wholeness that already dwell within us, ready to be expressed in a life transformed.

Easter is primarily a Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. But it also has different levels of significance in other religions and cultures. While non-Christian religions do not observe Easter as a religious event, some recognize its themes or align it with similar springtime festivals symbolizing renewal and rebirth.

In Judaism, Easter typically falls around the same time as Passover (Pesach), which commemorates the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt. While not directly related, both holidays share themes of freedom, hope, and spiritual renewal. Some interfaith families acknowledge both holidays and draw connections between their stories of deliverance.

In Islam, Jesus (known as Isa in Arabic) is revered as a prophet, but Muslims do not believe he was crucified or resurrected. As such, Easter is not celebrated in Islamic tradition. However, Muslims respect Jesus’ role and often engage in interfaith dialogue around Easter to promote mutual understanding.

In many pagan and indigenous traditions, spring festivals such as Ostara celebrate fertility, renewal, and the awakening of nature—concepts that mirror Easter's symbolic meaning. These celebrations often include eggs and rabbits, symbols later incorporated into secular Easter traditions.

While Easter is uniquely Christian, its core themes resonate universally, reflecting a shared human appreciation for rebirth, transformation, and hope.

ARE YOU REGISTERED YET

New Class with Rev. Bobbi Becker via Zoom!

We’re rolling out the cosmic red carpet for our five-week spiritual deep-dive starting April 29, taught by Rev. Bobbi Becker. Think of it as your VIP pass to Presence, Oneness, Creativity, and Abundance—minus the kale smoothie (though we won't stop you from sipping one).

By blending the life-changing insights of The Untethered Soul and Living the Science of Mind, we’ll guide you in breaking up with those pesky inner obstacles and stepping into that unstoppable “YES!” energy.

Expect reflective readings, guided meditations, group dialogue, and straight-up real talk that actually sticks in your everyday life (because spiritual epiphanies are only good if you can use them while stuck in traffic).

Are you in? Bring your curiosity, your yoga pants, and your sense of humor, and let’s discover just how abundant, creative, and free you can be—one presence-powered breath at a time.

Let the awakening commence!

Begins Tuesday: April 29 – May 27th for 5 weeks (6:30-8:30)

Investment: $160 CAD

Click Here to Register

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Pride 2025 Is Around the Corner — And We’re So Excited to Be Part of It!

We’ve been granted a booth at this year’s Pride Festival on Saturday, May 31st—and we’d love for you to be part of the celebration.

These are important times to stand visibly and lovingly with the LGBTQIA2+ community as beloved members of our human family continue to affirm their truth: that their lives matter, their wellbeing matters, and their right to thrive in justice, joy, and belonging is sacred.

Pride is more than a festival—it’s a celebration of authenticity, resilience, and radical self-love. It’s also a call to each of us to expand our hearts and deepen our understanding. As a spiritual community, this is a beautiful opportunity to walk our talk.

As Centers for Spiritual Living affirms:“We believe the ultimate goal of life to be complete freedom from all discord of every nature—and that this goal is sure to be attained by all.”

Let us show up as love in action.

TWO WAYS TO VOLUNTEER

1. Join the Joy: Pride Prep Parties – Appy Potluck Evenings!

Pride Prep Potluck Evenings

Studio 9 – 1180 Houghton RoadWednesdays: April 30, May 7, and May 14 — from 6:00 to 8:30 PM

We’re gathering for fun-filled evenings to prepare handmade giveaways for the Pride booth—cooling neck wraps, bookmarks, and other small treasures to share with festival goers. No crafting skills required—just your presence, your willingness to connect, and maybe your favourite appie to share!

** Note: Please use street parking, as parking lot is booked for these evenings.

2. Volunteer at the Festival!

On Saturday, May 31st, we’ll need helping hearts at our booth throughout the day. Two-hour shifts are available between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM—and trust us, it’s such a joyful experience, you’ll leave with a full heart and likely a few hugs.

Whether you want to help prep, be at the booth, or just cheer us on, your presence makes a difference.

The Festival runs from 11:00-3:00, so these times are inclusive of set-up and tear-down.

To sign up, ask questions, or share ideas, reach out to Rev. Corinne: corinne_crockett@telus.net

Inspirational Song of the Week

The Mary Ellen Carter

Stan Rogers

Link to Song

The late Stan Rogers was a beloved Canadian Folk singer who passed away in 1983. His song, The Mary Ellen Carter tells the story about the heroic effort to salvage a sunken ship by members of her crew. But is the song really about a ship? This Easter, it is important for us to remember that like The Mary Ellen Carter, we all have the capacity to “rise again.”

Website: https://stanrogers.net/

LET’S CONNECT

Rev. John DePalma’s contact information

Contact Rev. John via email: jdepalma@cslkelowna.org

He is also available for one-on-one telephone conversations. To schedule a connection, visit his online calendar:

Rev. John's Calendar

Fill out your membership here, https://www.cslkelowna.org/membership

Regular Events at CSLK

See Upcoming Events on our home page. Stay informed of all the latest news from CSLK! Subscribe now to receive notifications of future blog posts.

Sunday Celebrations start at 10:30am PT at Studio 9, 1180 Houghton Road, Kelowna. Please park on the street or at Ben Lee Park (1.5 blocks from the school). You can also watch us live on Facebook or watch the replay later on YouTube.

Our volunteers are immensely valuable to CSLK! If you can help out with making coffee, setting up and/or after-service taking down, please contact Rev. Corinne Crockett at 250-868-9090 or email corinne_crockett@telus.net.

Do you have an idea for CSLK community opportunities you’d like to experience? We'd love to hear your thoughts! Please contact Rev. Corinne Crockett at 250-868-9090 or email corinne_crockett@telus.net.

Practitioner Support

Our ministers and practitioners are in service to all of us. If you need help to see the Truth in a situation; if you are looking for clarity; if you are struggling; our ministers and practitioners are here to support you. You can contact them through the About page on our website, or you can submit a prayer request on the Contact page.

Bring Nature’s Fare Receipts to CSLK!

Nature’s Fare grocery store receipts are worth a pretty penny to us! Bring your shopping receipts to Sunday service and place them into the receipt box on the table in front of the stage in the Studio 9 auditorium. Nature’s Fare will donate 3% of the total of your purchases to CSL Kelowna! Every receipt helps! Thank you!

Your Support Means So Much to Our Community!

We’re grateful for the ways CSL Kelowna is able to accept donations:

Online via the Ways to Donate page of our website (PayPal or credit card).
By Interac e-transfers sent to donate@cslkelowna.org .
Cheques can be mailed to: Suite 131, 101-1865 Dilworth Drive, Kelowna, BC V1Y 9T1.