Our Community 💗 April 24, 2025

CSL Kelowna
Apr 23
8 min read

What's Happening This Week at CSL Kelowna

Sunday, April 27: When Spirit Speaks Through You, with Rev. Barbara Samuel
Last Sunday: Easter: Rolling Away the Stone and Rising up to New Possibilities, with Rev. John DePalma
Science Corner: What are You Feeding Your Mind?
World Religions: Pope Francis Passes
Upcoming Online Class with Rev. Bobbi Becker
Volunteer Opportunities: Pride 2025
Inspirational Song of the Week: Brave, by Sara Bareilles
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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Next Sunday

When Spirit Speaks Through You

With Rev. Barbara Samuel

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”

— Maya Angelou

Have you ever felt that deep desire to speak your truth, but found silence more comfortable? What if the act of using your voice wasn’t just about communication, but about stepping into a deeper connection with the Divine?

Spirit speaks through us every day—not just in our words but in our feelings and intentions. When we allow ourselves to speak from a place of truth, we connect to something much greater. But often, fear and uncertainty keep us silent.

Soul Food Sunday’s talk is an invitation to use your voice as an instrument of healing and transformation. When we speak our truth, we step into wholeness—we align with the Divine, allowing Spirit to express through us.

This Sunday, join Rev. Barbara as she invites you to explore the transformative power of your voice. Together, we’ll discover how breaking the chains of silence can bring personal empowerment and collective healing.

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.

Facebook

Last Sunday

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

With Rev. John DePalma

Last Sunday was Easter Sunday, and Rev. John DePalma helped us 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 discovered the transformative message of The Rabbi’s Gift—a reminder that the spark of Divinity dwells within us all—and how it can help heal the unresolved issues, or stones, we’ve inherited from generations past.

This offered us renewed hope, deepened spiritual understanding, freedom and wholeness that awaits on the other side of our own stones.

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

Click Here

WHAT ARE YOU FEEDING YOUR MIND?

"Life is a mirror and will reflect back to the thinker what he thinks into it."

– Ernest Holmes

Every moment you are shaping your future, whether you realize it or not.

Your thoughts, beliefs, emotions, and actions are constantly creating the reality you step into. The more present you are, the more clearly you see that your external world is a direct reflection of your internal programming.

Your Reticular Activating System

The Reticular Activating System (RAS) is a network of neurons in the brainstem responsible for regulating alertness, wakefulness, and sleep-wake transitions. It filters incoming sensory information, deciding what's important enough to reach consciousness, and plays a role in attention and focus.

Basically, RAS helps the brain decide what information to focus on. It takes cues from your conscious mind and imprints them onto your subconscious. In simple terms, what you consistently think about, your RAS helps you manifest.

So, what are you feeding your mind? Are you aligning your thoughts with the life you truly desire?

POPE FRANCIS PASSES

Pope Francis, the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church passed away earlier this week. He was widely recognized for his modern, compassionate approach to leadership. Since his election in 2013, he emphasized themes of mercy, inclusion, and humility.

A key aspect of his papacy was promoting acceptance and dialogue among different faiths. He has reached out to leaders of Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, and other religions, encouraging peace and mutual understanding.

In 2019, he signed a historic document on Human Fraternity with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, calling for interfaith cooperation and the rejection of violence in the name of religion.

Pope Francis advocated for the dignity and rights of marginalized people, including refugees, the poor, and the 2SLGBTQI+ community. While his inclusive views have sparked debate within the Church, they reflect his belief that love and respect should transcend religious and social boundaries.

Ernest Holmes had a respectful and inclusive view of various religious traditions, including the Catholic faith. While he did not align himself directly with Catholic doctrine, he often emphasized the universal truths present in all major religions – that same love and respect that the late Pope Francis also emphasized in his teachings.

CSL Kelowna offers condolences on his passing.

STARTS NEXT WEEK

Commit to your Spiritual Journey: Awakening through Practice

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 2SLGBTQI+ 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 Road, Wednesdays: 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

BRAVE

Sara Bareilles

Link to Song

Sara Beth Bareilles is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and actress. She has sold over three million albums and over 15 million singles in the United States. Bareilles has earned various accolades, including two Grammy Awards, as well as nominations for four Primetime Emmy Awards and three Tony Awards. In 2012, VH1 named her one of the Top 100 Greatest Women in Music.

Website: https://www.sarabmusic.com/main/

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.