So many ways to connect with us: We grow our reach together!
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February Global Theme: Radical Interconnection
Weekly Theme: You Are Enough: The Art of Happiness
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Your weekly newsletter for February 13, 2025
Stay informed, engaged and inspired with Centers for Spiritual Living
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Quote of the Week
“The art of happiness is the art of living deeply in the present moment … . With mindfulness, concentration and insight, we can free ourselves from feelings of restlessness and craving and realize … we already have more than enough to be happy.”
— Ernest Holmes, “The Art of Living,” page 137
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Table of Contents: In This Issue
Click a link below to visit a topic or enjoy the entire newsletter by scrolling down.
There is a link to "Go back to Table of Contents" at the end of each article.
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Registration Now Open for
the 2025 Annual Business Meeting
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Join us for the 2025 Annual Business Meeting on March 12-13, 2025. It is free to register and open to all members, practitioners, and ministers. Use the Zoom link below to register once and select the sessions you plan to attend. After registering, you will receive
a confirmation email with your unique Zoom link — this same link will grant you access to all selected sessions. ⚠️ IMPORTANT: Your Zoom link is unique to you. Please SAVE your confirmation email and use the SAME link for ALL sessions you selected. If you lose it, you will need to re-register.
Would you like to participate in the meeting but you are unable to attend? Day 2 will include an engagement portion of the program led by CSL's Spiritual Leader Rev. Dr. Soni Cantrell-Smith. The information gleaned from the engagement session will help CSL evolve and grow with the aim of uplifting our individual communities, working together to amplify our work in the world. Use the link below to fill out the form and provide your feedback. Responses will be emailed to you if you are able to attend and participate in person.
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Questions? Email Communications@CSL.org
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A Statement From CSL's Spiritual Leader
Rev. Dr. Soni Cantrell-Smith
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At Centers for Spiritual Living, we stand firmly in the truth that all people are divine expressions of Spirit, whole and perfect in their authenticity. We believe in the inherent dignity, worth and sacredness of every individual, and we affirm the right of all people to live their most authentic lives in peace.
We are appalled at the ongoing war on Transgender people — an attack on the fundamental spiritual truth that each person is a unique and unrepeatable manifestation of the Divine. Any attempt to deny, oppress or erase the sacred identity of another is an act of fear, not of Love. As students of Science of Mind, we know that Love is the only power, and we will not stand idly by while our siblings in Spirit are harmed.
In alignment with our core teachings, we affirm a world that works for everyone — a world where all are free to be who they are, express their truth and thrive in safety and joy. We call upon our spiritual community and all people of faith to stand in love, to rise in support, to speak truth and to act boldly in support of our Transgender family.
We speak a word of healing for any wounds caused by misunderstanding, rejection or harm. We affirm that every Transgender person is a perfect and whole expression of the Divine. Their identity is a sacred unfolding of truth, beauty and authenticity. There is nothing to fix, nothing to change — only the fullness of Spirit revealing Itself in infinite ways.
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Questions? Email Communications@CSL.org
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Honoring Black History Month
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In the United States, February is dedicated as Black History Month, honoring the triumphs and struggles of African Americans throughout U.S. history. By actively participating in and endorsing Black History Month, CSL demonstrates its commitment to social justice, equity, and the recognition of the inherent worth and dignity of every individual.
Please take a moment to watch this video that includes a clip of Black history in Science of Mind.
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Questions? Email Communications@CSL.org
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Just for Ministers
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Questions? Email PD@CSL.org
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Nominate Someone Special for
the 2025 Conscious Giving Campaign
by February 15
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Tithing is a sacred spiritual practice we hold dear at CSL. It is with great joy and heartfelt gratitude that you are invited to participate in our 2025 nomination process.
We are seeking nominations for individuals or organizations that deeply inspire and spiritually nourish our world. Our goal is to honor those who beautifully exemplify the CSL vision of “A World that Works for Everyone” through their actions and presence.
Please note that tithe recipients do not need to be part of a CSL community or ministry; however, they should be shining examples of our vision made manifest.
Nomination Form
To nominate someone special, provide accurate contact information for your nominee, a heartfelt description of how they contribute to “A World that Works for Everyone” in 200 words or less, and three spiritual qualities or principles you feel your nominee exemplifies.
The nomination form is available online in both English and Spanish. Submit your nomination by February 15, 2025.
English nomination form
Formulario de candidatura en español
Next Steps
CSL's Committed Giving Committee will review all nominations and make recommendations for our 2025 tithe recipients. We share special gratitude for our Committed Giving Committee members: Alice Reid, Anthony Diaz, Luisa Rivera, Sanford Livingston and Chair Soni Cantrell-Smith.
Let us join together in prayer, envisioning the perfect nominees to be chosen and for divine wisdom to guide our selection process. Thank you for being a cherished part of our spiritual community.
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Questions? Email CSL Spiritual Leader Rev. Dr. Soni Cantrell-Smith at SCantrell-Smith@CSL.org
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February CSL Connection! Call
on Monday, February 17
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The connection is incomplete without you. The CSL Connection! Call is the third Monday of the month from 9 to 10 a.m. PT (10 a.m. MT / 11 a.m. CT / 12 p.m. ET). The February call is Monday, February 17.
Your questions and ideas are always welcome. If you can't attend, the recording is shared in this weekly newsletter. During the February call, you'll hear from Rev. Pat Campbell inviting you to SOAR 2025 Summer Retreat. Rev. Petra Weldes will also present information about the Affiliation Agreement process.
Add this Zoom link to your calendar and join us on Monday, February 17:
https://pub.csl.org/e/1087013/j-933448796/djgm23/1547885987/h/RY5y06t0gsuLT1e7_5pxMZYUzuq1lgxTRnETuRMEJQo
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Questions? Email Communications@CSL.org
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Science of Mind Magazine
Price Increase Begins March 1
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As announced during CSL Connection! Calls in 2024, Science of Mind magazine is running at a considerable monthly budget deficit. We haven't increased rates in years to cover the cost of printing, mailing and operational expenses.
We asked for your input about solutions, and many of you reached out to say you're willing to pay a bit more to help the magazine make it to its 100th year. So beginning March 1, 2025, with the May/June magazine, the subscription rate will increase by $1 per month. An annual print subscription is increasing to $48.95, and our digital edition will be $19.95 for 12 monthly issues.
If you'd like to subscribe or give the magazine as a gift before this rate increase, visit ScienceOfMind.com/Subscribe/. Let's continue the lasting legacy of Ernest Holmes and join together to reach 100 years and beyond.
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Questions? Email Communications@CSL.org
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Updates From Camp Cedar Ridge
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Questions? Email KWilson@CampCedarRidgeOR.org
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CSL Field Services Updates
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Ministerial License Renewals 2025
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Ministerial professional license fee renewal begins January 2, 2025, and ends February 28, 2025. The annual fee is $150 now.
You can find your professional fee payment on the CSL "Our Community" website on the "Ministers Resources" page. Just log in and make your payment using the form that will populate all your information. Be sure to select your "country" in each section since that determines the fee rate for your location.
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Questions? Email FSMin@CSL.org
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Youth & Family Updates
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CSL Winter Camp 2025 Success: Finding Me Through Divinity
What a powerful Winter Camp experience we had last month during the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend. The 86 teens and advisors came together at three different regional camp locations to build community, experience spiritual transformation and have fun. Minds and hearts were opened, new possibilities explored and obstacles overcome.
We discussed topics such as the power of intention, best practices to navigate grief, the gift of receiving, the importance of self-care and how resilience can be a superpower. New and existing friendships were nurtured as excitement and anticipation heightened for our next CSL Teen Camp experience coming this summer.
Save the Date: In-Person Advisor Training Retreat
Join us in Southern California at Buckhorn Camp in Idyllwild, May 16-18, 2025
All youth group teen advisors, ministers, practitioners, youth directors and those adults planning to attend our Teen Summer Camp are invited to participate in this community-building and empowering weekend.
Starting: Friday, May 16 – registration from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner
PLEASE BE ON THE GROUNDS NO LATER THAN 5:30 p.m.
Ending: Sunday, May 18 at 10 a.m.
Registration: $95 (includes training, lodging and meals from Friday night through Sunday’s breakfast)
Registration deadline: Friday, April 25, 2025; although there is no penalty for late registration, forms received after this date may preclude our ability to accommodate due to necessary advanced planning and preparation.
Click here to register: CSL Teen Camp Advisor Training
Calling all campers! Save the date for CSL Summer Teen Camp 2025
Saturday, July 19 to Friday, July 25, 2025, at Camp Cedar Ridge in Vernonia, Oregon
Teens 13 to 18 are welcome to join us for a fun week of community, connection, self-discovery, spiritual empowerment and more.
Early bird registration if registered by May 1: $575
Registration from May 2 to June 1: $625
Late registration June 2 to June 10: $675
Roundtrip shuttle to/from Cedar Ridge from PDX (Portland): $110
Registration will be open March 15 to June 1.
For more information visit CSL.org/TeenCamp or contact Rev. Michelle Scavetta at YouthServices@CSL.org.
Youth and Family Collaboration Invitation: Y&F Program Questionnaire
• Aims to connect and empower our vibrant CSL communities dedicated to youth and family programming
• Six dedicated ministerial students have come together to cultivate a vision for collaboration and support among CSL communities with existing youth and family programs and those aspiring to develop such initiatives.
• We envision this collaboration as a powerful platform for youth and family leaders to connect, share resources, ideas and approaches as well as collaborate on programing, curriculum development and much more.
• If you are interested in participating in this exciting initiative, click this link and complete the Y&F Program Questionnaire: Y&F Program Questionnaire.
• Should you have any questions or require further information, feel free to reach out to Rev. Michelle Scavetta at YouthServices@CSL.org or Julia Mattis at JuliaMattis@Hotmail.com. You can also contact Julia directly at 410-303-7010.
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Questions? Email Rev. Michelle Scavetta, Youth & Field Services Program Manager at YouthServices@CSL.org
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Spiritual Practice of the Week:
Traditional Libation
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Join us in pouring a traditional libation to connect the spiritual realm with the earthly realm. The video for this libation was recorded during the CSL Spiritual Living Convention in Charleston, South Carolina, in 2024.
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Questions? Email Communications@CSL.org
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February DEI Committee Webinar on
Building Belonging in Tumultuous Times
Saturday, February 15
9 a.m. PT / 10 a.m. MT / 11 a.m. CT / 12 p.m. ET
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Recent executive orders have impacted DEI initiatives within the U.S. federal government, leading many U.S. organizations to reduce or eliminate their diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. Some of these policies directly affect the Transgender community and undocumented immigrants, raising urgent questions about belonging and support in our communities.
Join the CSL DEI Committee on February 15 at 10 a.m. MT (9 a.m PT / 11 a.m. CT / 12 p.m. ET) for a webinar where we come together as a spiritual community to reaffirm our commitment to unity, inclusion and belonging. Is seeking to create belonging within a diverse community still relevant? How do we stand together in love and not allow division to separate us?
This webinar will begin with a brief discussion of current challenges affecting members of our community, followed by breakout sessions designed for connection and sharing. Rather than focusing on education, this gathering is an opportunity to be in meaningful conversation and solidarity.
Registration is required. Use the link provided to reserve your spot.
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Questions? Email Inclusion@CSL.org
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Join Us on Thursday, February 20:
Science of Mind Archives
"Lunch and Learn" Event
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Join the Science of Mind Archives and Library Foundation on Thursday, February 20, beginning at 11 a.m. PT (12 p.m. MT / 1 p.m. CT / 2 p.m. ET) for an hour with our founder Dr. Ernest Holmes. We'll listen to and discuss his talk, "Cosmic Consciousness Revelation."
Many of Holmes' talks are newly digitized and regularly added to our website. Holmes released some of his talks on 45s (records albums), and his thoughts on affirmative thinking are some of his most life-enhancing.
Rev. Dr. Martha Quintana will facilitate this engaging conversation. Enjoy your lunch with us and bring your questions about Holmes and/or the Science of Mind Archives and Library Foundation.
This series is free and open to the public on the third Thursday of the month.
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Questions? Email Info@SoMArchives.org
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Investment Committee Annual Presentation
Friday, February 21
1 p.m. PT / 2 p.m. MT / 3 p.m. CT / 4 p.m. ET
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Each year, the Science of Mind Foundation Investment Committee presents an update on our investments and the health of the Foundation.
We invite you to join a special meeting for all centers with endowments and those thinking about establishing an endowment, on Friday, February 21, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. MT. During this session, the Science of Mind Investment Committee will provide an overview of the Foundation's financial position, discuss centers' endowment performance, speak about the Foundation's mission and address any questions you have.
The presentation will last 60 minutes.
Join us by Zoom: https://pub.csl.org/e/1087013/j-92072503340/djgm36/1547885987/h/RY5y06t0gsuLT1e7_5pxMZYUzuq1lgxTRnETuRMEJQo
If you have questions or concerns before the meeting, contact Michael Schlut at 720-279-1629 or MSchlut@SoMFoundation.org.
Sincerely,
The Investment Committee of Science of Mind Foundation, Inc.
Ero Johnson, Chair
Members: Dr. Walter Drew, Mr. Ray Marvin and Rev. Dr. Kenn Gordon
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Questions? Email PKeens@SoMFoundation.org
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Save the Date
For Practitioner Council's
Sensational Saturday
Saturday, February 22
9 a.m. PT / 10 a.m. MT / 11 a.m. CT / 12 p.m. ET
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The CSL Practitioner Council hosts "Sensational Saturday" the fourth Saturday of each month at 9 a.m. PT / 10 a.m. MT / 11 a.m. CT / 12 p.m. ET for CSL practitioners. Save the date for February's gathering with Marylyn Kirk, who will be discussing "5 Wishes."
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Questions? Email PractitionerCouncil@Gmail.com
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Save the Date for Golden Hour
Tuesday, February 25
4 p.m. PT / 5 p.m. MT / 6 p.m. CT / 7 p.m. ET
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The Power of Storytelling in New Thought: An Invitation to Share
As retired ministers and dedicated carriers of the New Thought message, we have spent our lives inspiring, teaching and uplifting others. Yet, in the golden years of our service, we find that one of the most powerful ways to continue this sacred work is through storytelling. Our stories woven with experience, wisdom and divine insight are treasures that can illuminate the path for generations to come.
At the recent Elders Speak gathering, we were reminded of the profound impact storytelling has within our movement. Special thanks to Rebeka Piña, whose heartfelt reflection on the importance of sharing our journeys resonated deeply with so many of us. It is through our stories that we offer living proof of the principles we have taught: the power of thought, the presence of Spirit and the ever-unfolding journey of awakening.
With this in mind, we invite you to join us for the next Golden Hour, where we will come together to share the stories that have shaped our ministries, our faith and our lives. Whether humorous, profound or deeply personal, each story holds the potential to inspire, connect and remind us of the beauty in our collective journey.
If you would like to share a story, reflection or moment of insight, show up at the next Golden Hour gathering. Let us continue to be the storytellers of this great teaching, ensuring our wisdom remains alive in the hearts and minds of those who follow.
Join us for Golden Hour online
Date: Tuesday, February 25
Time: 4 p.m. PT / 5 p.m. MT / 6 p.m. CT / 7 p.m. ET
Theme: The Power of Storytelling
GOLDEN HOUR ZOOM LINK
https://pub.csl.org/e/1087013/JiRFBxUE1sR21LM2VWUHN6aFlHdz09/djgm3d/1547885987/h/RY5y06t0gsuLT1e7_5pxMZYUzuq1lgxTRnETuRMEJQo
ID: 885 5831 6768
Passcode: 610044
CALL FOR MINISTERS: "Spiritual Buddy" Volunteers Needed for February 2025 Launch
We're excited to announce a new opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of our upcoming ministers! We’re seeking retired ministers who feel called to serve as mentors/"Spiritual Buddies" in a new program launching in February 2025. This initiative is a partnership with the School of Spiritual Leadership, where ministerial students will have the chance to be paired with seasoned ministers who can offer guidance, support and spiritual companionship.
If you're interested in volunteering as a mentor or would like more information, contact Lari Goold at LGoold@ATT.net or reach out to ministerial student Julia Mattis at JuliaMattis@Hotmail.com or 410-303-7010.
Thank you for considering being part of this transformative program and lending your wisdom to those walking the same sacred path you once walked.
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Questions? Email the Retired Ministers Committee at RevJB18@Gmail.com
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CSL Member Council Forum
Thursday, February 27, 2025
4 p.m. PT / 5 p.m. MT / 6 p.m. CT / 7 p.m. ET
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Espaniol Aquí
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The CSL Member Council invites you to join our Member Forum. We meet the fourth Thursday of each month at 4 p.m. PT / 5 p.m. MT / 6 p.m. CT / 7 p.m. ET.
We want to hear your thoughts on expanding our reach, sharing best practices and creating a world that works for everyone. We look forward to seeing you there.
Email us at CSLMemberCouncil@Gmail.com to receive the link and to be added to the forum email list.
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Questions? Email CSLMemberCouncil@Gmail.com
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Q&A on Updating the ODM and Bylaws
Monday, March 3, 2025
9 a.m. PT / 10 a.m. MT / 11 a.m. CT / 12 p.m. ET
or 4 p.m. PT / 5 p.m. MT / 6 p.m. CT / 7 p.m. ET
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Rev. Dr. Alice Reid will host a daytime and evening Q&A Zoom meeting on Monday, March 3 for delegates to ask questions about the the Organizational Design Model (ODM) and Bylaw restatement resolution.
Voting on this resolution will occur during the annual business meeting on March 12-13. You can find the ODM and Bylaws information here.
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Questions? Email Communications@CSL.org
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SOAR 2025 Summer Retreat
Sponsorship and Workshop Opportunities
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Sponsorship Opportunities
Would you like to support SOAR 2025? Discover sponsorship opportunities or ways to advertise your ministry or business at SOAR here.
Terms & Conditions:
- The deadline to become a CSL SOAR 2025 sponsor or advertiser is June 30, 2025.
- All supporters are subject to review and approval by the CSL Events Team to ensure the company and/or individual is in alignment with the retreat.
- Payments must be received by July 15, 2025.
Workshop Proposal Request
The SOAR 2025 event team is looking for workshop facilitators. In keeping with our retreat theme: A Journey of Revelation, Restoration and Grace, we are looking for workshop submissions focused on the following areas:
● Revelation: Discovering truths or personal insight
● Restoration: Releasing burdens and regaining equilibrium
● Rituals or spiritual practices that set the tone for a sacred and reflective space
● Creative Expression: Singing, chanting and/or other restorative activities
See the complete Request for Workshop Proposals PDF below.
Complete your proposal and email to: Workshops@CSL.org.
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Questions? Email SFinne@CSL.org
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