What's Happening This Week at CSL Kelowna
Sunday, December 1: Standing on Solid Air, with Rev. Melody Bailey
Last Sunday’s Talk: Rise Up & Dance, with Rev. Barbara Samuel
Secret Santa: Support CSL Kenya
Monday Nights with Rev. John: Book Study, Creating the Beloved Community continues, Monday, December 2
Preparing for the Christmas Season: Taizé and Celebration of Light
Visioning Board: Start the New Year by setting a new vision
Inspirational Song of the Week: I am the Thinker Who Thinks the Thoughts by Sue Riley
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
Sunday, December 1
Standing on Solid Air
With Rev. Melody Bailey
10:30-11:30
“A person with ubuntu is open and available to others, affirming of others, does not feel threatened that others are able and good, for he or she has a proper self-assurance that comes from knowing that he or she belongs in a greater whole and is diminished when others are humiliated or diminished, when others are tortured or oppressed.”
- Desmond Tutu
Life is less solid than we often believe. It is a dynamic, flowing experience where every moment presents an opportunity to direct the flow. Just as gymnasts “stick the landing” at the end of their routines, we too can land in alignment with spiritual principles, steady and grounded, even during life’s uncertainties. Life flows, and we, as co-creators, can choose how we engage with that flow.
This year’s journey, A Grand Rising, has invited us to rise into a deeper understanding, trust, and practice of universal truths. We are learning to live not just in the recognition of these truths, but in their integration into our foundation.
Now, we are called to integrate these lessons into our lives, to stick the landing and stand firm in the knowing of who we are as powerful, spiritual beings.
This week we look 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.
Rev. Melody will combine the principle of mirror mind (the word reflects our thoughts) and Ubuntu: Bringing people together is called 'ubuntu,' which means 'I am because we are.'
“Far too often people think of themselves as just individuals, separated from one another, whereas you are connected and what you do affects the whole world. When you do well, it spreads out; it is for the whole of humanity.”
- Desmond Tutu
Join us at Studio 9 (1180 Houghton Rd, Kelowna, BC V1X 2C9). Doors open at 10:15am. 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 - Soul Food Sunday
Rise Up and Dance
With Rev. Barbara Samuel
10:30-11:30
This world is full and glorious. All of it is calling for us to be more than we have previously embraced. All of it is calling us to dance, shine and live out loud with purpose!
“The universe operates through dynamic exchange… giving and receiving are different aspects of the flow of energy in the universe. And in our willingness to give that which we seek, we keep the abundance of the universe circulating in our lives.”
~Deepak Chopra
We can look around us and notice the abundance of nature, but how often do we truly look within and witness the magnitude of abundance that is present? Gratitude is its own magic and a key to expanding our Abundance Consciousness.
Resting in the knowing of abundance within and without elicits a profound sense of satisfaction and peace. When we acknowledge the good that we have, realize that it is who we are, then dancing, sharing and living with purpose will occur.
There is no limitation in God. Science of Mind reminds us of the prolific nature of Life Itself. The fullness of Life is right where we are and who we are, and yet we often forget to take notice of the abundance of the world around us.
If you missed the talk, or want to see it again, follow the link:
Secret Santa 2024
Spread the news! Giving special, life-changing gifts is easier than you might think!
We have the perfect solution to assist you in your holiday giving, starting this Sunday, December 1st at our Sunday Service. You’ll feel so good with this giving.
CSL Kelowna is blessed to support CSL Kenya’s Secret Santa to 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 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.
Monday Night Book Study Continues
With Rev. John DePalma
Continues December 2, 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, December 2 - Chapter 9 Preserving the Mystical
There are two main reasons to be in spiritual community. One is to develop a culture of love and support for people living their daily lives based on spiritual understanding; the other is to introduce them to the mystical path. In this chapter we’ll explore what mysticism is and why it’s an important component to creating the Beloved community.
The Beloved Community is made stronger through an awareness and ideally an experience of the mystical. It is where the true meaning of being human resides.
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.
Two weeks left!
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. To get the most out of the discussion, we encourage you to read the Introduction and Chapters 1–9.
Here’s How to Join:
When: Monday, December 2, 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.
VISIONING 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 be holding 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
I Am the Thinker
Sue K Riley
Sue Riley is a musician with a mission — to empower the world, one song at a time. She is a prolific singer-songwriter who has released eight albums. Believing in the power of music to touch hearts and heal lives, Sue continues to mentor, teach, and share music through a wide variety of means.
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 38
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