What's Happening This Week at CSL Kelowna
A Message From Rev. Corinne Crockett, Assistant Minister
This Month’s Theme: Good to Great to Grand
Sunday, May 5: The Love of Community – Stories from Ghana, with Rev. Jeanette Vinek
Last Week’s Talk: Stand Your Ground with Rev. Barb Samuel
Pride Work Bees, Wednesdays: May 8th, 15th, 22nd.
The times, they are a changin’
Member Spotlight: Magdalena Dragomir
Holmes History: Part 8
Inspirational Song of the Week: Amy Steinberg
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 OUR ASSISTANT MINISTER
Hello Beloved Community,
Spring is upon us. The blooming bulbs, emerging buds, and green of the spring-time bring a felt-sense of newness and rebirth. I’m smiling at the much-needed precipitation that falls as I write.
May is also a time of celebrating the Divine Feminine with the arrival of Mothers’ Day. The Sacred or Divine Feminine is not gender specific, but innate within us all. Many men are embracing and demonstrating the powerful aspects of the Divine Feminine.
The qualities of the Sacred Feminine are qualities of unconditional love, compassion, wisdom, beauty, gentleness, patience, acceptance, forgiveness, nurturance, kindness, intuition, healing and welcome.
Once viewed in the old-world order as qualities of weakness, these qualities hold great power; the power of love, birth, and rebirth.
Ernest Holmes wrote, “The Feminine Principle is the Universal Womb of Nature because, as an omnipresent principle operating through all living things, it knows how to unconditionally nurture and grow to fruition whatever falls into its embrace.”
Springtime seems the appropriate time of year for our beloved Centre to be poised for newness, rebirth, and transformation as we await the arrival of our new Spiritual Director, Rev. John DePalma; everyone is so excited.
The immigration process, guided by a brilliant Immigration Consultant, is well underway. The DePalma’s intend to visit Kelowna in May to find their new home, returning in June for Rev. John to begin work. Let us know, as a community, the immigration process goes smoothly, and they find the right and perfect home with ease and grace, with Spirit’s hand guiding the process.
In a busy, pressured world, Rev. John’s words that we will, “go slow to go fast” echo in my mind and heart, filling me with confidence and joy at his wisdom. He is keen to get to know everyone, and looks forward to spending time learning about our Centre and our people; our strengths, needs, and potentials.
I look forward to learning and growing in the process. He reminded me we can, and should, have fun in the process of rebirth.
I am inspired by a Jean Houston quote Rev. John shared with me, reminding me to take things lightly and remember the power of laughter; to take ourselves and life lightly. “At the height of laughter, the universe is flung into a kaleidoscope of new possibilities. Occasionally we will be overwhelmed, but mostly we will be enchanted.”
Let’s be enchanted together as we create a kaleidoscope of new possibilities as we embrace our evolutionary purpose of, “Transforming lives and inspiring people to make a positive difference in the world.” This is what our Centre is about.
Throughout the month of May, we will be exploring the process of self-actualization, as well as collective actualization, as guided by the CSL Global Themes, “Good to Great to Grand. “
Aware that change in the collective begins within change within the individual, throughout May, we’ll be guided to explore our inner landscapes, taking stock of where we are as individuals in our lives and this process of living and awakening to our spiritual magnificence and potential.
We’ll be encouraged to be gentle and curious with ourselves, taking things lightly, as we gain greater clarity about the values that inform our lives, and those values we aspire toward. Living from our highest values in new and powerful ways supports our growth and evolution, contributing positively to a world that works for all, where everyone is empowered to live and express their unique gifts and qualities.
Love and Blessings, Light and Laughter
Rev. Corinne Crockett
Assistant Minister
CSL'S THEME FOR THE MONTH OF MAY
GOOD TO GREAT TO GRAND
This month as we explore the topic of moving from Good to Great to Grand, we highlight the process of both self-actualization and collective actualization.
By exploring our inner landscape, we take stock of where we are in our own process, what values we aspire to, and how we can begin to live those values in new and powerful ways.
As we begin to have clarity around who we are and the spaces we want to live from, we begin to create spaces and opportunities for others to do the same.
The impact of this process on our collective experience supports our continued vision of a world where everyone is empowered to express and live authentically.
Sunday, May 5
The Love of Community - Stories from Ghana
with Rev. Jeanette Vinek
If we belong to each other, we participate in our creations: we are because you are, and since you are, definitely I am - Michael Onyebuchi Eze
Last Week's Service: Soul Food Sunday
Stand Your Ground
Rev. Barbara Samuel
"Life begins at the end of your comfort zone." - Neale Donald Walsch
Last week was a Soul Food Sunday. Rev. Barbara Samuel described effective ways to transform your life and make sense of things that are currently happening the world. Neal’s Science Corner somehow made the connection between our place in the Cosmos and Woody the Woodpecker. If you missed Soul Food Sunday, or want to watch it again, click here:
Pride Work Bees & Appetizer Potluck Evenings
Everyone is welcome for these fun evenings!
Pride is right around the corner, and we’re delighted to have been granted a spot at the Pride Festival on Saturday, June 8th. This is a call to participate prior and/or on that date.
We stand with the LGBTQIA2+ community as its members profess the truth of their humanity, that their health and wellbeing are essential, that justice and equity are rights, not privileges, and that representation and visibility matter.
Pride Month offers us an opportunity to educate ourselves about eliminating stigma, prejudice, and violence that afflicts a significant part of society.
Centers for Spiritual Living’s declaration of principles state that 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.
Pride symbolizes not only the celebration of each person’s right to be who they are and love who they love, but it is also a demonstration of radical self-love and love for all. Pride Month can also be an opportunity to recognize that every day is an occasion to celebrate all people in every facet of life, everywhere on the planet.
Preparations are underway to create items to give away at the Pride Festival.
We’ll be gathering for a fun, evening work bee to create cooling neck wraps and book marks. We have so much fun gathering to prepare! No level of skill or ability is required, just an ability to lend a hand and have fun doing things together.
We’ll do a potluck appie evening and have a great time on Wednesdays, May 8, 15 & 22nd, 6:00 – 9:00 at Studio 9. If you can make all or even part of this fun evening, we’d love to have you join us. It’s a fun time of connection.
We’ll also be looking for that special person who would like to coordinate and lead this important work, and for volunteers for our booth on the day of the event. For June 8th, two-hour time slots are open from 8:00 until 4:00 pm. We have such a wonderful time; you’ll want to be part of the event.
Again, any time you can come and share your presence is wonderful.
Please contact Rev. Corinne at 250-868-9090 or corinne_crockett@telus.net to sign up, to find out more, or to share your ideas.
The Times,
They Are a Changin’
No, it’s not Daylight Daylight Savings time.
For two years we’ve been holding services at Studio 9 and the clock on the wall has never worked.
Last Sunday Bruce Mcdonald took it upon himself to change the battery and set the correct time.
Now there’s no excuse for anyone to be late… and Bruce has proven himself to be a “good time!”
Member Spotlight: Magdalena Dragomir
Magdalena says she used to be a pessimist, but she’s not anymore. The difference, she says, is CSL Kelowna. When Magdalena came to Canada four years ago, she found it hard to make friends and meet people because she’s a self-described introvert.
While reaching out for support for her pessimism, someone recommended our Centre, and since she became a member 1 ½ years ago her life has changed “100% for the better.” Magdalena says she has new habits, has met new people, and now has new friends.
Magdalena probably doesn’t know this, but we used to be called the Centre for Positive living. She’s living proof that our teaching can turn negatives into positives!
Special Guest Last Sunday
Last week we had a special guest, Levi, who came from Kamloops with her nana, Rev. Pat Davies. Levi created a little sign that says, “Centre for Spiritual Living. There’s power for Good in the universe and you can use it. Love. Love.”
Holmes History: Part 8
The life and times of the founder of Science of Mind
In Part 7 we learned about the final major accomplishments in Holmes’ life. This week we look at what Holmes said about his own transition.
When Ernest Holmes spoke of his transition, he said, “I have a premonition that after I go someone will write my life story and when it comes there is the awful possibility of posthumous halos. I don’t wear one here and I don’t expect to in the hereafter. So, make sure I am not beautified, glorified, or deified and make sure I’m not vilified either.”
Ernest Holmes believed in the survival of consciousness, that spiritual evolution and immortality were synonymous. He believed that even though his wife went on to “another expression” that he would be with her again.
On April 7, 1960, Ernest passed to the next dimension. At the time of his death the number of Religious Science churches worldwide exceeded one hundred, and a Los Angeles newspaper referred to him as “one of America’s leading churchmen-philosophers.”
A few weeks before he passed, Ernest spoke of his vision for the Science of Mind. “The human heart,” he said, “longs as a hungry man longs for bread, for spiritual food. It longs for that which will make it whole, and I think that’s what our teaching can do – reveal the Self to the self.”
Ernest Holmes is remembered for many things: his writings and teachings, his humor, and his great love for people, as well as his founding of Religious Science.
Those who knew him personally also remember his absolute conviction of human Divinity and his commitment to sharing this high perspective with all people whose life he touched.
Source: Science of Mind Archives
How Do We Sound?
We’ve had some challenges with our sound system cutting in and out, and low volume on the live stream. Last week we brought in audio expert, Kerry Rottacker, to work with our regular sound person Conner Dow. Together they worked out some of the bugs. Hopefully you’ll hear an improvement over the next few weeks.
Inspirational Song of the Week
EXACTLY
Amy Steinberg
Uplifting, enlightening, and hilarious, with a voice that can burn the house down, Amy Steinberg is singer, songwriter, and storyteller like none other. The main thrust of her work comes from marrying the sacred and profane, fusing the dreamlike nature of Spirit with the rooted realness of sexuality and humor.
MEMBERSHIP
Fill out your membership here, https://www.cslkelowna.org/membership
SPEAKERS IN MAY
May 5: Rev. Jeanette Vinek
May 12: Rev. Corinne Crockett
May 19: Rev. Melody Bailey
May 26: 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 11
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