What's Happening This Week at CSL Kelowna
A Message From Rev. John DePalma – Spiritual Director
Reminder: Revs John and Cath DePalma Meet & Greet
June 9: Fired Up, with Rev. Jeanette Vinek
Last Sunday’s Talk: Excuse me, your life is waiting! with Rev. Corinne Crockett
Member Spotlight: Bruce Innes
Holmes Lectures: How to solve your problems
Inspirational Song of the Week: In the Silence by Jack Fowler
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
A MESSAGE FROM REV. JOHN DePALMA
Holy Boldness, Sacred Audacity
We made it! Rev. Cath and I have finally settled (85%!) into our new home! It’s just half-mile northeast of city center, with high walkability to all good things Kelowna.
The Centers for Spiritual international theme this month is focused on taking big leaps in life and the consequences of that action. It takes inner courage to even think about acting boldly, let alone do so. Well, as often happens, this month’s theme deeply resonates with my experience over the last couple of months.
When we say “Yes” to an opportunity, we’ve invited the universe to provide everything necessary for the full and complete expression of the most boundless experience of that “Yes.” Naturally, we must overcome any fears or inhibitions that would prevent us from acting boldly, like “what will people think of me?”, or “can I REALLY do this?”
We’ve all experienced the challenges that arise when making everyday decisions, like eating somewhere new, taking a different way to work or a hike that tests the limits of our endurance. We can pretty much anticipate the consequences. The universe is always a cooperative component of whatever we desire.
When it comes to big life decisions, like marriage, a new job or moving your family internationally, hold onto your seats! Making the decision to come to Kelowna was not easy, but it checked all the boxes of my purpose, “to be an inspirational and compassionate resource for the fulfillment of purpose in individuals and communities.” It fulfilled our lifestyle preferences of living in a village with high-walkability and cultural vibrancy.
But the in-between Seattle and Kelowna was filled with uncertainty, some anxiety and surprise. It was unknown and scary at times, challenging my expectations and attachments. There were the questions that annoyed/irritated me with constant requests for more information, conflicting opinions, advice and recommendations, navigating all these demands and jumping through hoops (some of my own making).
I didn’t realize what being a compassionate and inspirational resource 24/7 with every person and situation on the path really meant. The change and transformation process created some breakdown - physical, mental, emotional exhaustion. There was some broken heartedness, leaving and grieving family and friends. Our cat of 15 years passed just before we made the decision to move. Something inside of him knew and had had enough, moving from Orlando to Atlanta to Seattle and now Kelowna in 5 years. He too was a cooperative component of the change.
When we say “yes” to a big idea we can’t be surprised that our faith is challenged, especially when we remember that the universe/Spirit/God always provides everything necessary for the fulfillment of the “Yes.”
And there’s the saving grace. It’s easy to stay mired in conditions and situations and there often will be some mucking about. We’re allowed that. We only need lift our eyes to see this too is God, this too is for me, and no one or nothing is against me!
I was asked what will you teach? My passion is to explore together every aspect of this thing called God and our relationship to It. God/Spirit/the universe doesn’t really have an opinion about it, but you do!
And my questions are simple, “How’s that working for you? Are you happy with what you’re having? Can you truly believe that there is no one and nothing against you?”
And that’s what I’ll teach - if there’s a gap between where you are and where you like to be – the in between- that’s where our focus will be – as a community.
Yes, there will be breakdowns and perhaps heartbreak, but without that there can be no breakthrough. Because there’s so much more to you than can be expressed! I’m inspired by this poem from Hafiz translated by Daniel Ladinsky in his book I Heard God Laughing:
“One day the Sun admitted,
I am just a shadow.
I wish I could show you
The infinite Incandescence
That has cast my brilliant image!
I wish I could show you,
When you are lonely and in darkness.
The Astonishing Light
Of your own Being!
The breakthrough is an awakening to a bigger reality that what’s in the way is the way!
Together we can transform lives and make a positive difference in the world!
We must do it lightly with fun and humor because as Jean Houston advises,
“At the height of laughter, the universe is flung into a kaleidoscope of new possibilities!”
We’ve established basecamp here in Kelowna, we’re delighted and excited!
Let’s start there!
With deep appreciation for the ongoing love and support of the entire CSL Kelowna community and anyone that lent a helping hand to bring us here!
Rev John DePalma
REMINDER
Thursday, June 20th
Meet and Greet
JOIN IN THE FUN! You don’t want to miss the Meet & Greet for Revs. John and Cath DePalma on Thursday, June 20th from 6:00-8:00 pm at Forbidden Spirits Distillery, located at 4400 Wallace Hills Rd, in South East Kelowna.
Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Rev. Barb & Neal will provide the musical entertainment so come out and sing along!
There is no cost to attend, but please RSVP your attendance so Forbidden Spirits has some idea about how many people will be there.
Come and meet Revs. John and Cath DePalma,
pictured here at last Sunday's service with their son, Joseph.
Below: Map showing how to find Forbidden Spirits.
Sunday June 9, 10:30 – 11:30
FIRED UP!
With Rev. Jeanette Vinek
“Not only must we have complete faith in Spirit, and Its ability to know and to do, but we must have complete confidence in our approach to It. We must not be lukewarm in our conviction. We must know that we know.”
- Ernest Holmes, Science of Mind (p. 159)
Have you ever been on fire about something and NOTHING could convince you otherwise? Where did that fire come from? As you reflect on it now, can you feel the fire and passion welling back up? Holy boldness is the fire in your soul that propels you to action. It ignites the flame within, keeps it stoked, and confirms that anything is possible in God.
Last Sunday's Talk
Excuse Me, Your Life is Waiting!
With Rev. Corinne Crockett
Last Sunday Rev. Corinne explained that we can choose to live large or small. Our experience of life reflects that choice. Today is an opportunity to make any necessary adjustments to achieve a better outcome in life.
If you missed her talk, or want to hear it again, click here:
Visit Our Booth at the
Kelowna Pride Festival
Saturday, June 15 - 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Show your support by visiting our "Pride Booth" at Kelowna City Park. The weather forecast says it's going to be a beautiful day, so it's the perfect time to support this beautiful event.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
All the way from St. John’s, Newfoundland… meet Bruce Innes. Bruce was an educator in Newfoundland before he moved to Kelowna almost 30 years ago (Editor’s note: I too moved from Newfoundland to Kelowna 30 years ago – we may have passed each other on the highway).
About ten years ago, Bruce attended one of our annual “Celebration of Light” Christmas events. He was so taken by the music and the message that he said to himself, “This might work for me. I should get involved.” He thought, “The belief system matches what I believe. Mostly – not everything – but mostly.” He’s been attending our regular services ever since.
Bruce has been part of our setup crew and is always happy to lend a hand. And we’re happy to have him!
A VOICE FROM THE PAST: Volume 2
HOLMES LECTURES
This is the second talk in our series on Ernest Holmes’ lectures, given by Holmes himself. Here he talks about "How to solve your problems."
Inspirational Song of the Week
IN THE SILENCE
Jack Fowler
Jack Fowler’s mission is for this music to be a healing agent to inspire, challenge, and spark changes in those who listen. Jack's pop background, as well as his church influence, can be heard throughout the music, making his songs enjoyable to a wide range of listeners. Using progressive sounds and mature songwriting, Jack Fowler helps to lead the New Thought spiritual movement into the 21st century.
MEMBERSHIP
Fill out your membership here, https://www.cslkelowna.org/membership
SPEAKERS IN JUNE
June 9: Rev. Jeanette Vinek
June 16: Rev Melody Bailey
June 23: Rev. John DePalma
June 30: Rev. Barbara Samuel
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 18
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