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Showing posts from 2016

"A New Perspective for a New Year", Sherry Vierra, RScP, Sunday, January 1, 2017, 7 pm

This Sunday we begin a new year.  Join Practitioner Sherry Vierra as she suggests ways to move into the new year with fresh eyes.  This is a time to reflect back on the year just closing as well as identify values to attend to in the new year.  All are welcome to our 7 pm service which is held in Room 10, North Wing.

Season for Nonviolence Sonoma County 2017

The Center for Spiritual Living will host the Sonoma County opening celebration of the 20th Annual Season for Nonviolence on Sunday evening, January 29, 2017, beginning at 7 pm.  Everyone is welcome to this community event which leads into a 64-day focus on the practice of nonviolence. Programs in the community are featured here:   SNV Sonoma County 2017 events   This page will be updated regularly as more events are planned. Please contact Rev. Tara at tara@cslsr.org if you would like to know more.

"We Are the Gift", A Christmas Evening Service, 7 pm, with Rev. Janet Tobin, Rev. Tara Steele, and members of the Alive Choir

Come join us for a bit of Christmas reflection in community.  We'll sit together in prayer as well as take time to appreciate the gifts that we are.  Some Alive choir members will lead us in Christmas caroling and there will be hot apple cider and cookies to share.  If you are inspired to bring some home-baked Christmas cookies, please do. The service begins at 7 pm, Christmas Day, December 25, in Room 10, North Wing. All are welcome to this family-friendly community gathering.

"A Rabbi and a Minister Talk about Jesus" Sunday, December 18, 2016, 7 pm

Rev. Michael Vosler, United Church of Christ, semi-retired Rabbi Mordecai Miller, Congregation Beth Ami, Santa Rosa There are so many ways to think about Jesus.  At this Sunday evening's service, Rev. Tara facilitates a conversation with two interfaith colleagues, Rev. Michael Vosler and Rabbi Mordecai Miller .  Each will talk about his personal understanding of Jesus.  This deep and wide-ranging conversation  invites us to reflect on our own view of the man that Ernest Holmes, founder of Science of Mind, described as a master teacher and way-shower. The evening service begins at 7 pm in Room 10, North Wing, of the Center for Spiritual Living.  All are welcome to attend.

"A Prayer for Peace" Rev. Tara Steele, Wednesday, December 14, 2016, 7 pm

"A Treatment for Peace of Mind"   Science of Mind,  264:3 - 265:2 I am excited to bring Ernest Holmes' teaching on peace and peace of mind to tomorrow's Wednesday evening service.  Many have been stirred up in the aftermath of the election, with excitement, with fear, with disbelief -- such a range of emotions.  How do we achieve peace of mind, grounding in our practice in this time? Whatever our emotions in this moment, coming to center, to the still sanctuary within, is important. Reaction is not as powerful as love-centered response.  From that peaceful place of connection with Spirit, recognition that the Divine is expressing everywhere, so much more is possible. Join us at this Wednesday evening service where we come together as spiritual community. Following tomorrow's service, there is food and fellowship.  Rumor has it there will be quiche.  The service begins at 7 pm, all are welcome.

"The Law and How It Works" Elias Owens, RScP, December 11, 2016, 7 pm

Practitioner Elias Owens opens this Sunday's conversation with questions and discussion regarding the Law in Science of Mind and how it works. In this understanding we are consciously shifting into the realization that the universe is for us and not against us. There is a power within us that is using us and we are using it. The Sunday evening service begins at 7 pm in Room 10, North Wing.  All are welcome to be a part of the conversation, being heard and speaking about what matters, in spiritual community.

Yes Virginia, There Is A Christmas Night Service, December 25, 7 pm

Come gather in community to connect, to sing, to sip a bit of apple cider and munch a cookie or two. This time of quiet celebration and reflection begins at 7 pm on Sunday, Christmas Day.  All are welcome to this family-friendly service.  There will be more details later in the month.

"I Release My Word ... And So It Is" Rev. Tara Steele, 7 pm, Sunday, December 4, 2016

Affirmative prayer, or spiritual mind treatment, is one of the core practices of Science of Mind or Religious Science.  After recognizing there is only One Transcendent All, in which we live and breathe and have our being, we state what we want to experience, with gratitude and celebration. These steps of prayer are followed by a phrase like "I release my word into the Law and so it is," completing the prayer. What does that familiar phrase mean?  What is the Law in the Science of Mind teaching?  Come to this Sunday's evening service as Rev. Tara Steele explores these and other questions about how It works.  The service begins at 7 pm in Room 10, North Wing.  All are welcome.

Through the Flames -- When the Unexpected Happens

Our human experience is not entirely predictable, there is much that happens "out of the blue" between our birth into form and our transition out of it.  Some of the surprises are delightful, unexpected gifts; others, at least in the moment, make no sense, feel harsh and unsettling. What do we do in the midst of these times? How do we survive and then come to thrive once more? Join Rev. Tara Steele at this Sunday evening service as she explores this topic, with guidance from our teaching and experience.  All are welcome.  The service begins at 7 pm in Room 10, North Wing.

"What Do You Think about Heaven?" Practitioner Maggie Cole, 7 pm, Sunday, November 20, 2016

Practitioner Maggie Cole leads a conversation that explores the question, "Where are we in relationship to this promise of heaven?"  The discussion suggests how to identify what is calling us today and how we say YES to our divine inheritance.  This interactive service begins at 7 pm in Room 10, North Wing.  All are welcome.

"Person or Presence -- How Do You Relate to the Divine?" Sherry Vierra RScP, 7 pm, November 13, 2016

Do you think of Spirit as an abstract Principle or do you find it meaningful to personify the Divine?  Together we will look at what E. Holmes says about the " Personalness " of God.  Practitioner Sherry Vierra will lead a discussion of our ideas and experience as we explore our beliefs with guided meditation followed by discussion.  How do you think of Spirit? Person or  Presence ?  Sunday evening services begin at 7 pm in Room 10, North Wing.  All are welcome.

"The Kingdom of Heaven Is at Hand" Maggie Cole, November 6, 2016, 7 pm

“We believe that Heaven is within us and that we experience it to the degree that we become conscious of it. ”  Ernest Holmes In this statement of belief by Ernest Holmes, we are being offered all that we seek and begin to realize it is here now, it always has been and will always be. Freedom, Peace, Joy, Love, Creativity, Abundance, Prosperity, Goodness, Wisdom, all that God is, is ours here and now. Are we willing to say YES?   Music: Tom McCurry graces us with his presence, his light and love. His continuing contribution to the SES blesses us all. Thank you Tom. All are welcome to Sunday evening service, which begins at 7 pm in Room 10, North Wing.

"What's Your Passion?" Rev. Tara Steele, Sunday, October 23, 7 pm

Shadow Lake off John Muir Trail, south of Yosemite What's your passion?  For me, I had to stop and really listen in order to know what was on my bucket list.  And I had to still the voices in my head, once I got a glimpse, that said, "That's not realistic.  "You don't have time." Even, perhaps, "You're too old." What calls to you? What do you yearn for?  What wants to come alive in you?  It may be a hike, as it was for me.  It may be something creative.  It may be really paying attention to those around you that you care about, hearing, seeing and loving them as they are. We'll talk about our passions this coming Sunday evening, 7 pm, in Room 10.  All are welcome.

"Trusting Yourself and Taking Responsibility" Maggie Cole, October 16, 7 pm

This Sunday evening at 7 pm, join Practitioner Maggie Cole in a conversation about the power of trusting ourselves and God. In this time, there is an opportunity to take responsibility  for the consciousness that we as individuals are bringing to life and the world.  All are welcome to this interactive service in Room 10.

"What Do You Trust?" Maggie Cole, Sunday Evening, 7 pm

When we recognize Spirit, there is a revelation that this has always been here, it has always been true.  The question is, am I willing to trust this Truth, this revelation? Do I truly trust God? How we answer this question gives each of us a sense of our willingness to live in the truth that we are One. This is an invitation to be as available to God as God is available to us.  It begins with each of us.  As we are willing to be transformed, each of us makes an individual conscious contribution to all life. One by one, the world is transformed. Sunday evening services are held in Room 10, the North Wing.  This week we are blessed to have Tom McCurry bring his music to our community.  All are welcome.

Sunday Evening Services in October, 7 pm

October -- a month of cooler evenings, more colorful walks, and, on Sunday evenings, conversation about what we trust and what we're passionate about. There are two special items in October's calendar -- first, there is NO service on Sunday, October 2. Our neighbors at Congregation Shomrei Torah are observing their high holidays at our center. And, on the Fifth Sunday, we celebrate life with another group of spiritual songwriters, singing and talking about their art.  Join Wayne Haught, Christopher Fritzsche, Bodhi Setchko, Jamylle Carter, and Ali & Warren Mann in the Social Hall that evening. There will be more details soon. Sunday Evening Services in October: October 2                               NO SERVICE October 9      "What Do I Trust?"                                                 Maggie Cole, RScP October 16    "Trusting Ourselves and Taking Responsibility"        Maggie Cole, RScP October 23    "What Are You Passionate Abou

"Five Ways To Serve - What's Yours?" Sunday Evening, September 25, 7 pm

In this book, The Hope , Andrew Harvey identifies five ways to be in service to the world: Service to the Divine. Service to yourself as an instrument of the Divine. Service to all sentient beings in your life. Service to your local community. Service to the global community. Harvey suggests that these five forms are interlinked, "like the five fingers of your hand to stretch out and bless the world".  That is a lovely and powerful image.  For me it is also bit overwhelming to consider doing all of that.  At this Sunday evening's service, join me, Rev. Tara, as we explore starting from and loving where we are. The service begins at 7 pm in Room 10.  All are welcome. 

Tikkun Olam - "Healing the World" Sunday evening service, September 18, 7 pm

Our various faith traditions share central themes like Oneness, the power of love, the grace of forgiveness.  How we bring those beliefs into our daily lives varies.  As we focus on sacred activism this month, Rabbi Ted Feldman from B'nai Israel Jewish Center joins us to talk about "tikkun olam", repairing the world. All are welcome to this conversation within our Sunday evening service.  Rev. Tara will facilitate and invites your questions of Rabbi Ted as well as your observations on your own practices.  We begin at 7 pm, Room 10, North Wing, this Sunday, September 18.

"Be Yourself -- That's Service" Sunday Evening, September 11, 2016,, 7 pm

This month we explore the meaning of sacred activism and its role in our lives.  On Sunday evening, September 11, Practitioner Maggie Cole reminds us that when we bring our authentic selves, we are in service to God and the world.  Maggie will  facilitate an exercise that offers an insight into what this means to each of us.  All are welcome. The service begins at 7 pm in the North Wing, Room 10.

What Is Sacred Activism, Sunday evening service, September 4, 2016, 7 pm

In September at our center, we affirm "a world where communities are meaningfully involved in service to the world."  This month's Sunday evening services explore this topic from several viewpoints. On the first Sunday in September, Rev. Tara examines what sacred activism is and whether it has a place in our lives.  There's not a simple yes-no answer to this question.  Her thoughts will be based in part on the recommended book for the month, The Hope, A guide to Sacred Activism , by Andrew Harvey. Come join in the conversation.  The Sunday evening service begins at 7 pm in Room 10, North Wing, at the Center for Spiritual Living, Santa Rosa.  All are welcome.

September 2016 - Sunday Evening Services 7 PM

Sacred actism - a reflection of our inner values September's theme is "Service to the World".  On Sunday evenings in September, we'll look at what this means in Science of Mind as well as how another faith tradition, Judaism, integrates action in the world into their spiritual practice.  Here are our topics for the month -- we look forward to some lively and rich conversations.  Note that Rev. Tara's talks on September 4 and September 25 are based in part on Andrew Harvey's book, "The Hope - A Guide to Sacred Activism". Services begin at 7 pm, Room 10, North Wing.  All are welcome.. Sep. 4 What is “sacred activism”? Rev. Tara Steele Sep. 11 “Bringing our authentic selves to the world – that’s service.” Maggie Cole, RScP Sep. 18 “Tikkun Olam – Repairing the World” An interfaith conversation with Rabbi Ted Feldman Sep. 25 Five ways to serve – what’s yours?

Seeing Our Beauty, Sunday Evening, August 28, 7 pm

Maggie Cole and Michael Gott, in joy “Do you know how beautiful you are? I think not, my dear, yet Hafiz could set you upon a stage and worship you forever”             Hafiz SPECIAL EVENT AT TONIGHT’S SUNDAY EVENING SERVICE   The magnificent and glorious Rev. Dr. Michael Gott joins Practitioner Maggie Cole to bring a beautiful and awesome night of words,  music, joy and depth. It is not to be missed. They bring an atmosphere that is compelling. Are you willing to see yourself, your whole self, as God sees you? There is an opportunity to do so in every moment. I invite you to take this moment to practice this liberating and transformative practice of realizing the beauty and wholeness that is here already, now, active and alive in each of us.

"Divine Play at Work", Sunday evening service, 7 pm, August 21

"Divine Play at Work", A Creative Skit By Jennifer Mills Kerr It’s not what you do, it’s who you are This comedic play is the true story of one woman's struggles against God’s generosity, how she surrendered, and is now living happily ever-present.  Practitioners.Maggie Cole and Sherry Vierra bring Jennifer’s play to life.  It's a conversation with God with a great sense of humor.  You are invited to see yourself in this wonderful work of art. Come and see who plays God!!! Following the play, there will be an opportunity to talk about it, as is our practice in our Sunday evening circle.  All are welcome.  The fun begins at 7 pm, Room 10, North Wing.

"Agents of Transformation", Sunday Evening Service, 7 pm, August 14

"Being agents of transformation to a world that works for everyone" In an atmosphere of love and acceptance, we are throwing ourselves open to the possibilities of being agents of transformation to bring about a personal commitment in making a contribution to the manifestation of this powerful vision. Practitioner Maggie Cole facilitates this circle. The conversation begins at 7 pm in Room 10, North Wing.  All are welcome.

"My contribution is ..." Sunday evening service, August 7, 7 pm

From the Global Vision of the Centers for Spiritual Living - "We see a world which has renewed its emphasis on beauty, nature, and love through the resurgence of creativity, art, and aesthetics" Join Practitioner Maggie Cole this Sunday, August 7, as she explores the topic, “My Contribution is …”  What does each of us contribute to the manifestation of this vision? What is the contribution that we, as a spiritual community, are committed to?   Maggie reminds us of the lyrics to the Peace song, “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.” This is an invitation to be accountable and to take responsibility to bring to our lives a renewed emphasis on the beauty, love and creativity that is in us and around us. Let it begin with us. Music: Calvin Johnson blesses us with his music, including his generosity in providing us with a mini concert prior to our service as he often does. All are welcome, the service begins at 7 pm in Room 10, North Wing.

August Sunday Evening Services at the Center

Photograph by Keith Eggel "We see a world where there is a renewed emphasis on beauty, nature, creativity, art and aesthetics." August is upon us, our evening services will focus on this month's theme of beauty, creativity and nature.  While Rev. Tara is away in Yosemite, Practitionr Maggie Cole is front and center with a delightful selection of programs, listed below:      August 7 - "My contribution to a world that works for everyone is ... "                      Tom McCurry brings his music and song.      August 14 - "Being agents of transformation to a world that works for                                  everyone"      August 21 - "Divine Play at Work:  It's not what you do, it's Who you know".                        Maggie is joined by Practitioner Sherry Vierra      August 28 - "Do you know how beautiful you are?  Rev. Dr. Michael Gott                        joins Maggie to explore this topic. Services

A Jazz Concert -- Sunday, July 31, 7 pm

Looking for something to do this Sunday? Real Life Spirituality (our Sunday evening service) presents a trio of jazz musicians at the Center for Spiritual Living.  They will share their musical talents --  piano, bass, guitar and song -- along with insight into what it's like to be a musician in flow with Spirit. It all begins at 7 pm, in the Sanctuary.    You, your friends, family, and neighbors -- all are welcome.

The Power of Compassion and Loving Kindness, Sunday, June 24, 7 pm

In the words of the Dalai Lama, "love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries.  Without them, humanity cannot survive." How do we become more compassionate?  What does loving kindness look like in today's world? How do we cultivate a fearless heart? This Sunday, June 24, join Rev. Tara Steele as she explores these questions and others at the Sunday evening service.  It starts at 7 pm in Room 10; all are welcome.

Forgiveness Hawaiian Style, Sunday, July 17, 7 pm

Sunday evening services are about spiritual community, learning and sharing the spiritual tools that work for us.  This Sunday, Practitioner Siota Belle will center us in the practice of forgiveness.   Do you want more freedom and an unlimited future? You can change your past with the Hawaiian Forgiveness practice.  This simple and powerful practice of Ho'o Pono Pono has been a part of Native Hawaiian spiritual tradition for generations.  Siota will share a beautiful ritual from that tradition as well as a simpler prayer that realigns us to the core. The service begins at 7 pm in Room 10.  All are welcome.

Sunday Evening, July 10, 7 PM "Your Biggest Victim - You" -- Up Until Now

"What untold grief of heart might be relieved by words of cheer (reframing)and forgiveness.” Everyone goes through personal changes during the course of their lives and everyone handles them differently. Unfortunately not all changes can be predicted. The loss of a job or the loss of a loved one can be unexpected and can trigger the natural organic process of grief. This Sunday evening, join Ministerial Intern Tynya Beverly in exploring how to embrace this season of spiritual healing using the powerful tools of forgiveness. Working through the forgiveness process provides an opportunity for emotional healing, allowing you to find the freedom you deserve. You can set yourself free by releasing the past so it no longer has control over your thoughts, feelings or behavior. Forgiveness may not always be easy; it is always worth your time and effort.  Join us for evening service, 7 PM in Room 10. By the way, for those of you who haven't yet gotten to know th

Who's Forgiving Who? Sunday, July 2, 7 PM

“What untold grief of heart might be relieved by words of cheer and forgiveness.” Ernest Holmes  Is God waiting for you to ask for forgiveness? Are you waiting for God to forgive you? Forgiveness shows up in this life’s journey. It is inevitable that we address it in some way, shape or form.  Join Practitioner Maggie Cole as she explores the role of forgiveness in our lives.  Forgiveness has many meanings. What is your meaning for it? Is forgiveness required for you?  Maggie often thinks about the practices that she has been taught in this philosophy; prayer, meditation and forgiveness are just a few.  She has found that it is important, if not necessary to find what works for her in terms of spiritual practice.  Join Maggie Cole at the evening service on Sunday, July 2 at 7 PM.  Tom McCurry blesses the service with his music, his beautiful voice and the opportunity of connection that is always present when Maggie and Tom work together.

How Do I Know What's True? Sunday, June 26, 7 PM

One of the challenges and opportunities of spiritual practice is to listen to that still quiet voice within. How do we know what we're listening for? How do we know if it is Inner Wisdom or ego?  Ernest Holmes, the founder of the Science of Mind teaching and one of his teachers, Thomas Troward, offer guidance on the practice of listening within. Join Rev. Tara Steele as she explores this topic at this Sunday evening service, June 26, at 7 pm in Room 10.   We come together in a circle of spiritual practice, learning and sharing from our experiences.  All are welcome.

The Power of Prayer Sunday, June 19, 7:00 pm

In the midst of life, in every moment, prayer brings a centering, a peace, a power that heals. Sometimes, all that we need is a reminder of who we are, other times, a deep connection with the Presence that guides, guards and loves us unconditionally. Sunday evening, June 19, Practitioner Marielle Taylor welcomes us into that field of Unconditional Love.  She will share some of her teacher's thoughts on prayer and its life-changing power.  Marielle will be joined by other practitioners in offering all attending the opportunity to sit in prayer, knowing the peace, presence and power it is.  The service begins at 7 pm in Room 10. All are welcome.

"Free at Last" Sunday June 5, ,7 pm

"Freedom is the birthright of every living soul."  In his writings, Ernest Holmes affirmed again and again our freedom to choose, moment to moment.  What, if anything, stands in the way of your claiming your birthright of freedom?  Are you consciously choosing thoughts that are constructive and affirming?  Or are you caught up in labyrinths of worry, fret and judgment? Join Practitioner Maggie Cole as she explores this topic at the Sunday evening service, 7 pm in Room 10.  She is joined by Calvin Johnson, blessing the service with his beautiful voice and music.  Sunday evenings are a chance to connect with others who are interested in learning and growing in spiritual community.

"Finding Time to Practice" Sunday Evening, May 22, 7 pm

Now is the time... At our Sunday evening service last week we enjoyed a conversation with meditators from three different traditions.  They shared some of their experience and as well as tips on a robust practice. This Sunday, May 22, at 7 pm, Rev. Tara Steele will discuss a key step in adopting any spiritual practice, "Finding Time to Practice".   How do we find time?  Willpower, discipline, grace?  All of the above? Or something else?  Please come join the conversation, all are welcome. And we will have time for spiritual practice during the service, this Sunday, 7 pm in the North Wing at the Center for Spiritual Living.

Want more meditation in your life? Learn how this Sunday, May 15, 7 pm

Linda Marshall, RScP, Lauren Darges, RScP and David Leake are guests at this Sunday's evening service.  Following our opening stillness and prayer, each of these regular meditators will talk a bit about how meditation has unfolded in their life, what has worked, what hasn't.  And we'll have time to share a bit meditation together. The service begins at 7 pm in Room 10 (North Wing), Center for Spiritual Living.  Plan to bring your meditation questions and your own experience to share in our circle.  All are welcome.

Sunday Evenings in May at the Center

There are five Sundays in May -- that means we are celebrating together on Sunday, May 29. Marjorie Mann is coming with some of her dancers to move and dance in celebration of this amazing life.  You may participate or just savor the program -- no matter which you choose, you will be glad you came. And leading up to our month-ending celebration, there are services that explore this month's focus, spiritual guidance and personal responsibility.  Still to come in May, at 7 pm in Room 10 -- May 8 - Maggie Cole, RScP - What is our part in revealing Spirit's presence within? May 15 - Lauren Darges, RScP, David Leake, Linda Marshall, RScP -- Three meditation practitioners will share a bit about what meditation brings to their lives, as well as tips on how to meditate.  We will have time to meditate together as well as to ask questions and share ideas.  May 22 - Rev. Tara Steele -- "Finding Time to Practice"  What is a practice and how do we find time f

What Is My Part? Rev. Josephine Smith, May 1, 7 pm

Creating a world that works for everyone -- a magnificent and challenging vision that can be embraced by all, no matter one's religious or cultural upbringing.  What if each of us did our part? Imagine the possibilities. That's the topic Rev. Josephine Smith explores this Sunday evening, May 1.  What is our part in creating this world that we all affirm? What must we do? Who must we become? Who must we be to live in a world where forgiveness is the norm? Join Rev. Josephine, along with musical artist, Theresa Tudury, as we discover and celebrate our part in creating this awesome world. Room 10 (North Wing) at 7 pm, May 1.  

"Care for Creation" - an Earth Day conversation April 24

Used with permission of the Franciscan Action Network https://franciscanaction.org/issues/climate-justice/franciscan-approach This is Earth Day weekend, a time when many of us stop to consider and appreciate our home, that exquisite blue dot in the universe.  For some, Mother Earth, Gaia, Creation, is alive in their daily spiritual practice.  Sunday, morning Rev. Kim Kaiser speaks to the Gaia hypothesis, What's that?  It essential says that all that is, on and in the earth, is interconnected, working together to support life on the planet.  Yes, we are one. Sunday evening, April 24, we continue the conversation with guest speaker Kathleen Robbiano, a minister in the Secular Franciscan Order in Sonoma County.  She will share with us a bit of the Franciscan "Care for Creation" spirituality.  The tradition birthed with St. Francis reflects a joy , hope and delight in simple beauty and a kinship with the earth. I look forward to facilitating the conversation and addi

April 17th - 7 pm The Path to Self-Acceptance

Many of us are good or very good at loving at accepting others, appreciating them exactly as they are. And it can be very challenging to love and accept ourselves, just the way we are.  At this Sunday's evening service, Elias Owens, RScP  shares his work in this so important area.  Self-acceptance has no "yeah, buts" in it.  It is a deep, powerful practice that is a journey through different stages.  And it's a lifelong journey.  All are welcome, this Sunday, April 17th, at 7 pm in Room 10.

Practices that can change your life - Sunday April 10th with Maggie Cole

Our minds are almost always filled with thoughts, many of them R-rated.  That's R as is Ridiculous, thoughts from our past, our conditioning, our fantasies, our worries, just plain R-rated.  And they're often under our radar screen, not available to our conscious minds but planting negative ideas in the fertile ground of our subconscious. Good news -- we don't have to stick with Ridiculousness.  There are ways to be more aware of our thoughts and choose what we tell ourselves.  These practices can transform our lives -- and they are available to everyone -- PG, plenty good. Come learn more at Maggie's Cole's second Sunday conversation about practices that can change our mind and change our life.  It starts at 7 pm in room 10.

What's On Your Mind, with Maggie Cole RScP, April 3

“We believe in healing through the power of the Mind”   Ernest Holmes Science of Mind teaches us about the power of the mind, that our mind is the One Mind. There are times we experience this astounding truth, other times, it appears to elude us in our day to day living.  The Mind that Ernest Holmes refers to is the Mind of God. Since we are made in the image and likeness of this One, we have within us the power of the One Mind, One Intelligence, One Power. What is on what you call your mind? Love to see you here with us at 7 pm in Room 10, Sunday, April 3rd. Music : “StarTom”, our own Tom McCurry, graces us with his presence and the power of his beautiful music. 

Tara's fav book from Easter evening service

Lately I've been too busy to read my "not spam" spam that makes it into my inbox.  Uncharacteristically, this weekend I opened an email from Sounds True and fell in love with the book it was touting, Mary O'Malley's What's in the Way Is the Way .   Readings from the book were a significant part of the mindfulness conversation at Sunday evening service -- if you would like to sample the first 45 pages, here's the link  What's in the Way free sample I'd love to know what you think.

Mindfulness -- how did that get to be an Easter Sunday topic?

In case you were wondering, I chose the title for Sunday evening's dharma conversation before I realized that March 27th was Easter.  So what does mindfulness have to do Easter? First thought, if I had been more mindful, perhaps I would have noticed Easter and had a more relevant topic.  Next thought, reflecting my Christian roots with a metaphorical twist, Easter is a time of rebirth -- mindfulness brings us alive and awake to the present moment. That works. I'm actually going to explore a third take on Easter and mindfulness, appreciating what is, as exemplified by the young artist above.  He is focused, he is himself, he is present to what he is doing. Come to think of it, that might just touch on all three topic possibilities.  Come find out this Sunday, March 27th at 7 pm, Room 10

What Is Prayer & How Does It Work?

One of many exquisite paintings at Center for Spiritual Living headquarters in Golden, CO In Science of Mind, we practice an affirmative form of prayer. Rather than asking or beseeching the Divine for something, we recognize that all that we need is already in Mind.  "Prayer is not to ask God to be God.  There is a Supreme Intelligence in the Universe, we cannot tell It anything. ... Therefore, prayer or meditation is for the purpose of becoming receptive to the Divine Influx, which already owns everything, knows everything, governs all things, and creates what we need -- if we but permit it to." [ The   Science of Mind, p. 565-66] This Sunday evening, March 20th, Practitioners Maggie Cole, Jerry Huffaker and Marielle Taylor welcome your questions.  All are skilled prayer practitioners, and they are clear there are no dumb questions.

What's your experience of the Divine?

Each of us is unique, a one-of-a-kind expression of Spirit.  Our paths to experiencing the One, the Thing Itself, God, Universal Mind, That Which Cannot Be Named, are as varied as the names we use for the Divine. In nature, as you sit quietly in meditation, talking with a friend, chanting with others in community -- how do you connect with that transcendent presence?  Come share in this conversation with Practitioner Maggie Cole Sunday, March 13,  at 7 pm in Room 10.  All are welcome. One of my sacred places, Manzanita Lake, Mt. Lassen National Park, after an overnight snowfall.