What's Happening This Week at CSL Kelowna
SUPER SUNDAY! Join us for the July 14 Sunday Service, where there will be two special guests: Rev. Bobbi Becker and Tanya Lipscomb
Message from John DePalma
Sunday July 14: What does Science of Mind Offer the World Today? With Rev. Bobbi Becker
Sunday, July 14: Nurturing Your Inner Dialogue, workshop with Rev. Bobbi Becker
Sunday, July 14: Tanya Lipscomb, special musical guest
Last Week's Talk, with Rev. John DePalma
Job Opening: Operations Coordinator
October 18, Rev. John’s Installation
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 Facebook Live
MESSAGE FROM REV. JOHN DePALMA
Reflecting on the theme for the month, considering the gifts of imperfection inspires one to consider who’s life is it that we’ve been living. Our parents, maybe their parents?
Perhaps it’s the culture, how we’re supposed to raise the kids, what education we’re supposed to get, what kind of job.
As we consider all of that, there’s also an invitation to explore our beliefs about a higher power, God, Spirit, the Universe. That consideration might tell us something we need to know that might be at the heart of our attitude, values, beliefs and motivation (the reason we take action).
Maybe you’ll find this brief article about Einstein’s response to “what do you believe about God?” to be informative.
“I believe in Spinoza's God, who reveals Himself in the lawful harmony of the world, not in a God who concerns Himself with the fate and the doings of mankind" - Albert Einstein
Here’s Spinoza on what God would say: Stop praying. What I want you to do is go out into the world and enjoy your life. I want you to sing, have fun and enjoy everything I’ve made for you.
Stop going into those dark, cold temples that you built yourself and saying they are my house.
My house is in the mountains, in the woods, rivers, lakes, beaches. That’s where I live and there, I express my love for you.
Stop blaming me for your miserable life; I never told you there was anything wrong with you or that you were a sinner, or that your sexuality was a bad thing.
Sex is a gift I have given you and with which you can express your love, your ecstasy, your joy.
So don’t blame me or everything they made you believe.
Stop reading alleged sacred scriptures that have nothing to do with me. If you can’t read me in a sunrise, in a landscape, in the look of your friends, in your son’s eyes … you will find me in no book!
Stop asking me “will you tell me how to do my job?” Stop being so scared of me. I do not judge you or criticize you, nor get angry, or bothered. I am pure love.
Stop asking for forgiveness, there’s nothing to forgive. If I made you… I filled you with passions, limitations, pleasures, feelings, needs, inconsistencies… free will.
How can I blame you if you respond to something I put in you? How can I punish you for being the way you are, if I’m the one who made you? Do you think I could create a place to burn all my children who behave badly for the rest of eternity? What kind of god would do that?
Respect your peers and don’t do what you don’t want for yourself. All I ask is that you pay attention in your life, that alertness is your guide.
My beloved, this life is not a test, not a step on the way, not a rehearsal, nor a prelude to paradise. This life is the only thing here and now and it is all you need.
I have set you absolutely free, no prizes or punishments, no sins or virtues, no one carries a marker, no one keeps a record.
You are absolutely free to create in your life. Heaven or hell. I can’t tell you if there’s anything after this life, but I can give you a tip. Live as if there is not. As
if this is your only chance to enjoy, to love, to exist.
So, if there’s nothing after, then you will have enjoyed the opportunity I gave you. And if there is, rest assured that I won’t ask if you behaved right or wrong, I’ll ask. Did you like it? Did you have fun? What did you enjoy the most? What did you learn?
Stop believing in me; believing is assuming, guessing, imagining. I don’t want you to believe in me. I want you to believe in you. I want you to feel me in you when you kiss your beloved, when you tuck in your little girl, when you caress your dog, when you bathe in the sea.
Stop praising me. What kind of egomaniac God do you think I am?
I’m bored of being praised. I’m tired of being thanked. Feeling grateful? Prove it by taking care of yourself, your health, your relationships, the world. Express your joy! That’s the way to praise me.
Stop complicating things and repeating as a parakeet what you’ve been taught about me. What do you need more miracles for? So many explanations?
The only thing for sure is that you are here, that you are alive, that this world is full of wonders.
– Spinoza
I can’t attest that those are Spinoza’s actual words, but they give pause to consider how your relationship with God influences your behavior. We’re all here to live richly, in the midst of all perceived imperfection, knowing the gifts we seek have already been given!
Stay cool! Rev John
Sunday, July 14
What does Science of Mind Offer the World Today?
Rev. Bobbi Becker
If evolving is the spiritual pattern of everything, are we as a movement growing and evolving to address the everyday challenges of life and our planet? How do we as a movement evolve?
Join Rev. Bobbi Becker as she poses the question: are we - and should we - be teaching the Science of Mind in the same way?
NURTURING YOUR INNER DIALOGUE
WORKSHOP WITH REV. BOBBI BECKER
Sunday, July 14: Rev. Bobbi Becker
From Seal Beach, California, Rev. Bobbi Becker will share an inspiring message on what Science of Mind has to offer the world. She’ll also offer a workshop – Nurturing Our Inner Dialogue – in the afternoon, starting at 1:00 p.m.
The workshop is about 90 minutes, and admission is by a love offering.
Rev. Bobbi will introduce the concept of Affirmative Prayer and its significance in our spiritual tradition. Explore the history of prayer across human culture, delve into the science of belief, and discuss how actively engaging in positive internal dialogue can reshape our brains, transforming our thinking, and ultimately change our lives.
Sunday July 14: Special Musical Guest
TANYA LIPSCOMB
Soulful, funky, loop pedaling madness with
genuine messages of PEACE and LOVE!
We are fortunate to have Tanya Lipscomb back at our Centre on July 14 to provide musical inspiration. Throughout her musical career, there has been a constant display of passion and devotion, as we have witnessed on our very own stage. Tanya resides in Vernon, BC with her partner and 3 children.
A busy musician, composer, producer and writer, you may also find Tanya Lipscomb performing as her alter ego - children's entertainer "Kiki the Eco Elf". Or perhaps playing with various bands, singing in a choir or performing with the Okanagan sensation "The Dharma Dolls" a trio made up of Lipscomb, New York coloratura soprano Melina Moore and bi-lingual jazz chanteuse Judy Rose.
INSPIRATIONAL SONG OF THE WEEK
Nothing Lasts Forever
By Tanya Lipscomb
Last Week's Talk
What if you've been doing it right all along?
Last Week, Rev. John explained that maybe you’ve been doing it right all along, as he explored what’s behind this “constant craving” for perfection. If you missed his talk, or want to hear it again, click here:
JOB OPENING
Operations Coordinator
We are currently accepting applications for our new Operations Coordinator position. This position is guided by our Evolutionary Purpose: Transforming Lives and Inspiring People to make a Positive Difference in the World, and is driven by our Values: Extraordinary Respect, Compassion, Safety and Accountability.
This is a part-time contract position. Days per week and hours per day will fluctuate week to week. Working Sundays and attending Sunday Service is an expectation.
Overview:
The Operations Coordinator works for the Centre for Spiritual Living Kelowna (CSLK) to coordinate the day-to-day operations as well as business functions of CSLK.
The successful candidate will understand, embrace and embody our purpose and values, bringing their own unique abilities to support them.
This position will shift/change/evolve over time as the needs of our community shift/change/evolve over time.
Reports to:
This position reports to the Spiritual Director and the President (or designate) of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of the Centre for Spiritual Living Kelowna.
Core Competencies Required:
Strong administrative/clerical skills.
o Good grammar, writing, communication skills.
Exhibits proficiency in administrative software.
o Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Adobe, Zoom, Outlook, Dropbox.
Exhibits proficiency with the internet and social media.
Skills Required:
Familiar with CSLK’s Evolutionary Purpose Statement and Values.
Committed to extraordinary respect, compassion, safety and accountability.
Must be able to maintain confidentiality.
Exhibits excellent interpersonal skills and has a caring and compassionate presence.
Communicates clearly, effectively, respectfully and comprehensively.
Possesses strong organizational, problem solving and time management skills.
Is detail-oriented, proactive, self-motivated, with creative and analytical thinking.
Works well independently and collaboratively with a variety of different individuals.
Has a growth mindset and is open and flexible with new ideas and/or opportunities.
Ability to lift 20 lbs.
Reliable transportation.
While not a requirement, being an active member of the CSLK community is preferred.
Accountabilities:
In the area coordinating day-to-day operations, we count on the Operations Coordinator for:
First Point of Contact.
o Monitoring and answering cell phone, emails and deliveries in a friendly, professional manner.
In the area of performing ongoing business functions, we count on the Operations Coordinator for:
Keeping up-to-date calendar for organization.
o classes, special events, rentals, groups, meetings.
Creating and distributing schedule for Sunday service roles with the guidance of the Spiritual Director.
Coordinating and Administering organization timelines.
Coordinating:
o Schedule for volunteers in collaboration with Team Leads.
o Rental agreements.
o Class registration and reporting to Centers for Spiritual Living.
o Member and newcomer information.
o Donor information and conscious giving program.
o Dropbox account and storage of electronic files.
o Insurance requirements.
o Special events.
o Equipment needs/inventory/supplies.
o Travel itineraries and bookings as requested.
Relaying all Centre activity details to the Communications Coordinator.
Editing posts from Communications Coordinator.
Research when requested (products, services, themes, etc).
Other duties as requested by the Spiritual Director and/or President of the Board of Trustees (or designate).
In return the Operations Coordinator can count on us for:
Creating an environment that values extraordinary respect, compassion, safety and accountability.
Creating an environment that is safe to ask questions and share new ideas.
Providing orientation and training.
Flexibility in scheduling.
Reviewing our relationship and progress in 60 days, and then every 6 months.
Education:
High school diploma
Post-secondary education preferred
Foundational classes in Science of Mind preferred.
Special consideration given to:
Prior non-profit experience
Facility rental management
Grant writing
Policy and Procedure Manual writing and upkeep
REMUNERATION
For services outlined in the Job Description, the Centre for Spiritual Living Society Kelowna will pay the contractor $2000 per month as invoiced at the end of each month.
You can apply by submitting a cover letter and resume to:
SAVE THE DATE
Friday, October 18th
Rev. John DePalma’s Installation Gala
The plans are still in the works but save the date and plan on being there. Enjoy dinner, followed by a sacred ceremony, and then dance the night away with Sista B and the Boyz!
MEMBERSHIP
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 22
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