What's Happening This Week at CSL Kelowna
Sunday, December 8: A Christmas Memory: A Special Holiday Reading by Rev. Barbara Samuel and Neal Klassen
Last Sunday’s Talk: Standing on Solid Air, with Rev. Melody Bailey
Secret Santa: Kick off Last Sunday…. Support CSL Kenya
An Invitation - Okanagan Multi-Faith Assembly
Monday Nights with Rev. John: Book Study, Creating the Beloved Community continues, Monday, December 9
Preparing for the Christmas Season: Taizé and Celebration of Light
Vision Board Workshop: Start the New Year by setting a new vision
Inspirational Song of the Week: Do You Hear What I Hear?, by Neal Klassen
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
“IMAGINE A MORNING IN LATE NOVEMBER…” So starts the short story, A Christmas Memory, by Truman Capote, first published in December 1959. The special reading at this Sunday’s service kicks off our seasonal celebrations. We have Secret Santa supporting CSL Kenya; an upcoming special Taizé service; and of course, our annual Christmas Celebration of Light on December 16. It’s going to be an exciting Ho-ho-holiday season!
Sunday December 8
A CHRISTMAS MEMORY
With Rev. Barbara Samuel and Neal Klassen
“My, how foolish I am! You know what I've always thought? I've always thought a body would have to be sick and dying before they saw the Lord. And I imagined that when He came it would be like looking at the Baptist window: pretty as colored glass with the sun pouring through, such a shine you don't know it's getting dark.
And it's been a comfort: to think of that shine taking away all the spooky feeling. But I'll wager it never happens. I'll wager at the very end a body realizes the Lord has already shown Himself. That things as they are, just what they've always seen, was seeing Him. As for me, I could leave the world with today in my eyes.”
This quote comes from “A Christmas Memory,” by Truman Capote. The largely autobiographical story, which is set in the 1930s, describes a period in the lives of the seven-year-old narrator and an elderly woman who is his distant cousin and best friend.
The narrative focuses on country life, friendship, and the joy of giving during the Christmas season, and it also gently yet poignantly touches on loneliness and loss.
Join Rev. Barbara Samuel and Neal Klassen for a special reading of this holiday classic to set a thoughtful tone for the Holiday Season.
It all takes place at Studio 9 (1180 Houghton Rd, Kelowna, BC V1X 2C9). Doors open at 10:15 am. Enter the building 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.
After the service, you can find all talks on our YouTube channel.
Last Sunday's Service
Standing on Solid Air
With Rev. Melody Bailey
Last week Rev. Melody Bailey looked at creating our lives by engaging our understanding of Unity, Community Oneness and the Power of our Word so we can land on solid ground. If you missed her talk, or want to see it again, follow the link:
Secret Santa 2024
Last Sunday we kicked off the Secret Santa program supporting CSL Kenya.
Together we can create miracles during the Christmas season for needy children and families at Briton Slum School in Kenya for the third year.
Lives were changed in Kenya because of the generosity of our congregants and friends last Christmas and we plan to do it again this year.
Through the ‘sponsorship’ of Children and Staff of Briton Slum School for the mere cost of $60, families who often live on the edge of starvation are fed. Briton School is the sole source of education for many children who live in the area.
Through sponsorship of an individual, they receive food boxes with staples like oil, rice, maize, and wheat flour. For families who live without electricity or running water and often subsist on less than a dollar a day, these small gifts make a profound difference.
With your sponsorship, you’ll receive a lovely hand-made decoration with a picture and information on the individual(s) you choose to support. These beautiful decorations make the perfect gift for family and friends and are beautiful when hung on your tree.
This opportunity continues Sundays until December 15 and are also available at our Celebration of Light December 16th, 7:00 at the Rotary Centre of the Arts in Kelowna.
Together, we create a world that works for all where no child goes hungry, where no one feels unloved, and where prosperity and peace prevail for all living things, reclaiming the memory of this planet as paradise.
Multifaith Okanagan Opportunity
An Invitation - Okanagan Multi-Faith Assembly
Central Okanagan United Church - December 8th
“So powerful is the Light of Unity that it can illuminate the whole world.”
~ Bahá’u’lláh
Our Multi-Faith connection and learning continues in December! We hope you join us!
Consider this your invitation to attend our fourth Multi-Faith Gathering! It’s being held this coming Sunday afternoon, December 8th, and is hosted by Central Okanagan United Church. We’ll learn more about the teachings and principles of the United Church.
Through these Multi-Faith gatherings, we’re finding we have more in common with each other than we have different!
During this month’s presentation we’ll be treated to a 30-minute presentation, have opportunity for questions and answers, followed by a social period which includes beverages & desserts. These times of enrichment are usually complete in less than 2 hours.
Contact Rev. Corinne Crockett (corinne_crockett@telus.net) for details if you are interested in attending on December 8th.
The first three assemblies, hosted by the Jewish, the Baha’i and Sikh Communities were enriching, informative and well attended.
CSL Kelowna is a foundational member of the Okanagan Multi-Faith Community. The intention of the Okanagan Multi-Faith Committee is to gather with the purpose of promoting understanding, brotherhood, and support between faiths.
In this sometimes-divisive world, standing together as Communities of Faith is powerful.
Monday Night Book Study Continues
With Rev. John DePalma
Continues December 9, 6:30-8:00 pm
Discover the Power of the Beloved Community!
Our Monday book study has evolved into something truly special—a space for “juicy” conversations filled with depth, connection, and inspiration!
What began as a 10-week journey has blossomed into an ongoing exploration of Jim Lockard’s transformative ideas. We’re having so much fun (and profound dialogue) that we’re continuing until we finish the book!
Next Monday - Chapter 10 Community in Action!
“Never forget that social justice is what love looks like in public.”
~ Cornel West
Community in action touches on the essential nature of spiritual community. It refers to the healthy and loving pursuit of the consciousness of compassion and mutual expression of love necessary to manifest The Beloved Community, and to LIVE that heartfully in the world.
The idea is to strive to normalize the expression of love and compassion regardless of the structure or situation. Imagine the power of such a consciousness – a committed group, of any size, functioning at the level of The Beloved Community in prayer, meditation, and service with love and compassion.
Join the Conversation:
We’ll dive into what it takes to create these transformative spaces in our own communities and explore how we can become the fullest expression of who we’re meant to be.
Though this will be the last book study of the year, we’ll have occasion to visit “Creating the Beloved Community” throughout 2025.
Don’t worry if you haven’t joined us yet, there’s still time! Everyone is welcome, whether you’re catching up or diving in for the first time.
Here’s How to Join:
When: Monday, December 9, 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Where: Online, via Zoom. Click the link below
Tips for Engagement
- Make sure your name and video are on—it helps us build connections!
- Use the “raise your hand” icon or chat to share your thoughts.
Together, we’re dismantling old ways of thinking and embracing a whole-body, integral spirituality. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of something inspiring and transformative!
We can’t wait to see you Monday night!
If you don’t have the book, you can join anyway, but your experience of these sessions will be enhanced through reading the book.
This book is available in paper-back or kindle version at amazon.ca.
PREPARING FOR THE CHRISTMAS SEASON
Sunday, Dec 15, you are invited to a beautiful Gift of the Season, a time to join a Taizé gathering, deepening our experience with the metaphysical meaning of the Christmas story.
This is an opportunity to enjoy a mindful, mystical, contemplative, and intentional journey, of inspirational readings, music, and in the moments of silence, the “still, small voice” within.
This is an experiential Sunday Service of setting a sacred tone for the holidays. We’ll simply enjoy a time to be together in consciousness, to experience the active presence of Spirit within, as we open our hearts and minds to the flow of Love and enhancing the sense of Oneness.
This is a beautiful opportunity to experience a place of rest and comfort at this busy time of year, and we’d love to see you there!
Monday, December 16: Rumor has it that Santa’s Elves are working hard putting together this year’s Celebration of Light. Rudolph took over management of the music, and he put together a band made up of members from the Island of Misfit Toys. We have been busy creating a wish list for Santa that will be delivered in the form of wonderful music and an Inspirational talk, sure to lift your Spirits!
Mark your Calendar: Monday, December 16th, 7:00 p.m. at the Mary Irwin Theatre, Rotary Centre for the Arts (RCA). Bring a friend. Bring two friends or more. And bring a non-perishable food item for the Kelowna Food Bank. Let’s fill the place with love.
Please bring along some sweet-treat or finger-food for us to enjoy during fellowship following the event.
VISION BOARD WORKSHOP
with Rev. Melody Bailey
Start the New Year with a New Vision
Sunday, January 5th, after service
Do you want to create the life you want to live? Do you want to let your inner child out and have some crafty, intentional fun? If so, join us for a Vision Board Workshop where we will focus on all four quadrants of life: Creativity (work, play); Health (spiritual, mental, physical); Loving Relationships and Abundance.
Supplies will be provided but if you have specific pictures cut out from magazines or printed that you wish to bring with you and include, please do so.
We will hold this workshop on Sunday January 5th following our Sunday service from approximately 12 noon until 3pm. We will take some time for a bite to eat first if you are staying after the service. Please bring a lunch that doesn’t require extra preparation. There will be a sign-up sheet at Sunday service and an RSVP on our website as we do need to know numbers to prepare.
INSPIRATIONAL SONG OF THE WEEK
Do You Hear What I Hear
Neal Klassen
"Do You Hear What I Hear?" was written in 1962 by Noël Regney and Gloria Shayne as a plea for peace during the Cuban Missile Crisis. The song is how the message of peace cannot simply be the responsibility of world leaders but must come from “the bottom up” – from the humble Shepherd Boy to the Mighty King.
Neal says about this recording, “This has always been one of my Christmas favorites. I just recorded it acapella and started adding more singing parts with no real plan as to how it would end up.”
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:
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.
For more information, please contact Rev. Melody Bailey.
MINDFUL MOMENT
"The best way to take care of the future is to take care of the present moment"
– Thich Nhat Hanh
Copyright © 2024, Centre for Spiritual Living Kelowna.
All rights reserved.
Vol. 1, Issue 39
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