So many ways to connect with us: We grow our reach together!

Email us anytime: Communications@CSL.org

March Global Theme: El flujo del Vaivén
~ The Flow of Coming and Going

Weekly Theme: Sembrando mis intenciones 
~ Planting My Intentions

*The March Global Themes were written in Spanish and translated into English.

Your weekly newsletter for March 27, 2025

Stay informed, engaged and inspired with Centers for Spiritual Living

Quote of the Week

“True meditation has no direction or goal. It is pure
wordless surrender, pure silent prayer.”  

— Adyashanti, “The Impact of Awakening,” page 29

“La verdadera meditación no tiene dirección ni meta. Es pura entrega
sin palabras, pura oración silenciosa.”

— Adyashanti, "El impacto del despertar," pagina 29 

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.

A Statement from the CSL
Spiritually Motivated Social Engagement Committee

Reigniting the Global Vision for
Centers for Spiritual Living

“Encircle me in a robe of light so that I can witness the wounds of the world
without being wounded myself. Let me learn what I need to know in order 
to be of my greatest use, without being overwhelmed by despair.”
— Rabbi Irwin Keller

Beloved CSL Community:
We are living in a time of transformation. The world is shifting, evolving and awakening to new possibilities. Just as the seasons change, so does our collective consciousness, inviting us to release what no longer serves and step into a greater expression of who we are. 

Transformation is not always easy — it asks us to embrace the unknown, trust in the unfolding and recognize every challenge holds the seed of renewal. Across cultures and continents, we are called to reimagine, rebuild and realign with our highest potential, individually and as a global community. This is our moment to co-create a world rooted in love, equity and infinite possibility.

At CSL, we hold a bold and beautiful vision: We envision all people, all beings and all life as expressions of God.

A Yearlong Exploration of Our Vision
This year, we take a deeper dive into our global vision. Each month, starting with April, we’ll explore a section from our vision and share stories of how communities are actualizing it. Join us in this exploration. 

Rooted in the principles of Science of Mind, our Global Vision calls us to see beyond limitations, uplift one another, and co-create a thriving, awakened world.

This vision is not just a dream; it is a call to action, an invitation to embody the highest expression of who we are.

What Does This Vision Mean for the World?
This bold and transformative vision invites us to cultivate a global consciousness rooted in equity, justice and belonging — a world where every being can flourish. This vision calls us to meaningful action in our communities and beyond. It is a sacred invitation to live from our deepest understanding of love and unity. It calls us to co-create a world where kindness, respect and compassion guide our actions — a world where diversity is celebrated, and the interconnectedness of all life is honored.

Living the Vision Through Action
The realization of this vision happens through sacred activism — action rooted in spiritual principles. It’s the food drives that nourish, the conversations that heal and the gatherings that uplift. Every choice to show up with love, every moment of service and every prayer for peace brings us closer to a world where we honor all beings as expressions of the Divine.

What Is Your Community Doing to Support the Vision? 
This is a collective effort, and we need your voices. We want to know how your community is showing up for the vision. We invite you to share your actions, your sacred activism and your dreams for the future. Send your stories, photos and initiatives to Communications@CSL.org so we may feature them and inspire others across our global community. Together, we are building a movement that inspires and uplifts the world.

If you’re interested in reading CSL’s Global Vision, follow this link: https://pub.csl.org/e/1087013/l-community-our-global-vision-/djpht1/1601513727/h/tUM89CXjPfKPsPdd8cieA8PXuPI4nRZJNFw7ytwojWE

With love, gratitude and infinite possibilities,
Spiritually Motivated Social Engagement Committee
•    Rev. Sunshine Michelle Coleman, Chair
•    Rev. Beth Linguri
•    Ayodele McClenney, RScP
•    Luisa Rivera, RScP
•    Rev. Obakeng Gaitate
•    Rev. Soni Cantrell-Smith, Spiritual Leader

We envision humanity awakening to its spiritual magnificence and discovering the creative power of thought, a world where each and every person discovers their own personal power and ability to create an individual life that works within a world that works for everyone.

Follow CSL on Bluesky

CSL is now on Bluesky! Follow us for the same spiritual content as Facebook and Instagram but on a new platform. 

You can find Centers for Spiritual Living on your preferred social media outlet:
Bluesky: @cslspiritualliving.bsky.social 
Facebook: https://pub.csl.org/e/1087013/centersforspiritualliving/djphrq/1601513727/h/tUM89CXjPfKPsPdd8cieA8PXuPI4nRZJNFw7ytwojWE
Instagram: https://pub.csl.org/e/1087013/centersforspiritualliving-/djphrt/1601513727/h/tUM89CXjPfKPsPdd8cieA8PXuPI4nRZJNFw7ytwojWE
Pinterest: https://pub.csl.org/e/1087013/cslcentersforspiritualliving-/djphrx/1601513727/h/tUM89CXjPfKPsPdd8cieA8PXuPI4nRZJNFw7ytwojWE
YouTube: https://pub.csl.org/e/1087013/-guideforspiritualliving/djphs1/1601513727/h/tUM89CXjPfKPsPdd8cieA8PXuPI4nRZJNFw7ytwojWE
TikTok: https://pub.csl.org/e/1087013/-centers4spiritualliving/djphtb/1601513727/h/tUM89CXjPfKPsPdd8cieA8PXuPI4nRZJNFw7ytwojWE

You can also find Science of Mind magazine on social media at:
Bluesky: @scienceofmindmag.bsky.social
Facebook: https://pub.csl.org/e/1087013/ScienceofMindMagazine/djphtj/1601513727/h/tUM89CXjPfKPsPdd8cieA8PXuPI4nRZJNFw7ytwojWE
Instagram: https://pub.csl.org/e/1087013/guideforspiritualliving-/djphtm/1601513727/h/tUM89CXjPfKPsPdd8cieA8PXuPI4nRZJNFw7ytwojWE

Join Us For "Tune In Tuesday"
on April 1

Dr. Soni hosts "Tune in Tuesdays" on the first Tuesday of the month, and the next one is set for Tuesday, April 1. Add your thoughts, insights and questions to the conversation at 9 a.m. PT / 10 a.m. MT / 11 a.m. CT / 12 p.m. ET. A second call will be held at 5 p.m. PT / 6 p.m. MT / 7 p.m. CT / 8 p.m. ET. 

CSL’s “Tune In Tuesday” is an open, supportive space for CSL members, practitioners and ministers. Together, we cultivate a respectful environment where everyone feels heard and valued. We encourage participation from all levels of the CSL community, ensuring that voices from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives are included.

Everyone is welcome to attend. And stay connected with Dr. Soni and view her invite to "Tune In Tuesday" on the CSL Spiritual Leader Facebook page.

Questions? Email Communications@CSL.org

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Nominate Someone Special for
the 2025 Conscious Giving Campaign
by Wednesday, April 30

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 April 30, 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.

Questions? Email CSL Spiritual Leader Rev. Dr. Soni Cantrell-Smith at SCantrell-Smith@CSL.org

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Nominations Now Open for
CSL Honorary Doctorates

FOR MINISTERS: Honorary Doctor of Divinity

The CSL Doctoral Selection Committee is now accepting Global nominations for the:

• Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree
• Honorary Doctoral Degrees will be awarded and celebrated at the 2026 CSL Convention in Reno, Nevada.
• The due date for submissions is August 31, 2025.
   

Honorary Doctor of Divinity

Nominations for the Honorary Doctor of Divinity degree are now open. Please consider nominating colleagues who have what we call "The WOW Factor." The due date for submissions is August 31, 2025.

Any minister affiliated with CSL may nominate a colleague to receive an Honorary Doctor of Divinity degree by completing the nomination form.

Nominees shall be a minister, spiritual director or minster chaplain who is in good standing within the global CSL organization and shall have been ordained for at least eight (8) years of continuous service. Honorary degree recognition is not given to mark any anniversary or milestone, such as a retirement award, for service on a particular board or committee or for any purpose other than long and distinguished service to the organization. Nominations are not to be initiated or promoted by a potential recipient.
 

Criteria for consideration include the following:

• Outstanding service on councils, committees, teams and other forms of active service
• A pattern of contributions to CSL publications
• Representation of Science of Mind through radio, television, podcasts, internet or other media formats
• Contribution of accredited or non-accredited curricula, seminars, books or publications relating to Science of Mind
• Attending no less than one (1) annual conference (convention, summer retreat, ministers gathering or similar) per year for the previous eight (8) years

The deadline for submissions is August 31, 2025.

For information, contact Dr. Sharon Hudson at HudsonLite@Gmail.com.

All submissions must be filed electronically on the form below.

To nominate someone, click here.  l  Español aquí

FOR EVERYONE: Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters

The CSL Doctoral Selection Committee is now accepting global nominations for the:

• Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree
• Honorary Doctoral Degrees will be awarded and celebrated at the 2026 CSL Convention in Reno, Nevada.
• The due date for submissions is August 31, 2025.

Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters. 

Nominations for the Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree are now open.  Any member of a CSL member community may nominate an individual to receive an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters honorary degree. The deadline for submissions is August 31, 2025.

Criteria for Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters:

• Can be conferred upon any individual within or outside the global CSL organization.
• Demonstrated outstanding achievement in humanitarian service to society in the wider world.
• They have achieved success and recognition for their work or service
• Achievement displays principles of Science of Mind in action
• Candidates have achieved distinction, made extraordinary contributions to their professional field and made a meaningful impact on creating a world that works for all.

It recognizes an individual of humanitarian character whose life and work have brought about positive far-reaching consequences for individuals and organizations.

The due date for submissions is August 31, 2025.

For information, contact Dr. Sharon Hudson at HudsonLite@Gmail.com.

All submissions must be filed electronically on the form below.

To nominate someone, click here  l  Español aquí

CSL Doctoral Selection Committee

• Dr. Sharon Hudson, Chair
• Dr. Soni Cantrell-Smith
• Dr. John Waterhouse
• Dr. Deborah Gordon
• Dr. Ron Fox
• Dr. Candice Becket
• Dr. Bob Deen
• Dr. Ian Taylor

Questions? Email HudsonLite@Gmail.com

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Season of Peace and Nonviolence Discussion Circles
January 30 – April 4, 2025

Do you want to be part of the solution in our world? You are the place where peace and nonviolence begins. Empower yourself and those around you every day in new ways with our FREE discussion group guides. It's easy to start a Circle of Peace that ripples out into your community and creates a wave of good. Download this helpful content from CSL's Global Heart of Peace Initiative.

These materials were thoughtfully and lovingly designed by Rev. Lauren Martin and members of CSL's Global Heart of Peace Initiative.

Questions? Email GlobalHeartofPeace@Gmail.com

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Updates From Camp Cedar Ridge

Questions? Email KWilson@CampCedarRidgeOR.org

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Education Uplift April 

A Classroom that Works for Everyone: Accessibility

Join us for a foundational session on creating inclusive, barrier-free classrooms. Learn key principles of accessibility and discover practical strategies for addressing physical, technological and cognitive barriers.

What You’ll Learn: 

• How to design accessible learning experiences for all abilities
• Strategies for removing classroom obstacles
• Tips for creating an inclusive, supportive environment for every student

Ensure your classroom is welcoming and empowering for all students. Register today!

Questions? Email SpiritualDevelopment@CSL.org

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Announcing a New Specialty Ministerial Licensing Program: Interim Ministry

Have you heard the call to engage in Interim Ministry? Your expertise is vital to supporting CSL communities through transitions. Interim Ministry is one of patience, strength and loving guidance.

CSL has a new program for Licensed Interim Ministers that supports our communities around the world during times of change. The program produces highly qualified, experienced ministers who no longer choose to serve as a permanent minister in a community.  
 

The goal of Interim Ministry and the purpose of Licensed Interim Ministers is to support communities in consciously navigating through periods of transition, knowing that a healthy transition creates the foundation for the long-term viability and vitality of the community.

You can download the complete program summary and requirements here.

Learn more about CSL Education's exciting new Transformational Ministry Program.

CSL Global Support Services Department Webinar on March 31

• Rev. Nan Bankston: Director of Global Support Services
• Rebecca Hiraoka, RScP: Director of Global Programs

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Youth & Family Updates

CSL Teen Camp: In-Person Advisor Training Retreat

Friday, May 16 – Sunday, May 18, 2025
Southern California at Buckhorn Camp, Idyllwild

We invite all youth group teen advisors, ministers, practitioners, youth directors and those adults planning to attend our Teen Summer Camp to participate in this community building and empowering weekend.

• Registration: $95
• Starts on Friday, May 16
• Registration from 4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. PT (followed by dinner)
• PLEASE BE ON THE GROUNDS NO LATER THAN 5:30 p.m. PT.
• Ends on Sunday, May 18 at 10 a.m. PT
• Registration includes training, lodging and meals from Friday night through Sunday’s breakfast.
• Registration Deadline: Friday, April 25, 2025
• There is no penalty for late registration, but 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 – Friday, July 25, 2025
Camp Cedar Ridge in Vernonia, Oregon

Teens ages 13–18 are welcome to join us for a fun week of community, connection, self-discovery, spiritual empowerment and more.

• Registration now open: March 15 – June 1, 2025
• Early Bird Registration by May 1: $575
• Registration between May 2 and June 1: $625
• Late Registration between June 2 and June 10: $675
• Roundtrip shuttle to/from Cedar Ridge from PDX (Portland): $110

For more information and to register, visit www.CSL.org/TeenCamp or contact Rev. Michelle Scavetta, Teen Camp Director, at YouthServices@CSL.org.
 

New to CSL Teen Camp?

If you're new to CSL Teen Camp and would like additional information, join us for one of our camp information meetings listed below. Please register in advance for this meeting. After registering, you'll receive a confirmation email with details for joining the meeting.

Thursday, April 3, 2025, 4:30–5:30 p.m. PT (5:30–6:30 p.m. MT, 6:30–7:30 p.m. CT, 7:30–8:30 p.m. ET)
https://pub.csl.org/e/1087013/egister-jY2LijvwQyWpUbnKOMNqgA/djphwm/1601513727/h/tUM89CXjPfKPsPdd8cieA8PXuPI4nRZJNFw7ytwojWE

Wednesday, May 7, 2025, 5:30-6:30 p.m. PT (6:30-7:30 p.m. MT, 7:30-8:30 p.m. CT, 8:30-9:30 p.m. ET)
https://pub.csl.org/e/1087013/egister-78UwDawYTKOD4vhud2ftyA/djphwq/1601513727/h/tUM89CXjPfKPsPdd8cieA8PXuPI4nRZJNFw7ytwojWE
 

Youth and Family Collaboration Invitation: Y&F Program Questionnaire

This 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 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're interested in participating in this exciting initiative, click this link and complete the Y&F Program Questionnaire: Y&F Program Questionnaire

​​​​Should you have questions or need further information, 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.

Questions? Email Rev. Michelle Scavetta at YouthServices@csl.org

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Spiritual Practice of the Week:
Spring Scent Meditation

In the Northern Hemisphere, it is now spring. As signs of spring arrived, Romans adorned themselves with blossoms and bright costumes, celebrating Flora in a multi-day festival full of dance, theatrical performances and revelry.

By combining mindfulness, ritual and intention, we can deepen our connection to the sacred energy of its many flowers and budding plants. 

The simple act of smelling flowers can evoke a cascade of emotions and physical responses that enhance human well-being. Indeed, scientific study is beginning to unravel the fascinating mechanisms behind the beneficial effects flowers have on our mental and physical health. Take a moment to do your own research and see how slowly smelling flowers impacts you. (Flower essences can help your animal companions, too!)

Try the practice:

1. Take a deep breath and center yourself before beginning.
2. Look around your habitat and choose a flower or plant to engage with in sacred intention. (If your habitat has not yet begun to flower, no problem. Use fresh herbs, essential oils, natural perfume, incense, resin or sacred wood.)
3. Close your eyes and bring the scent close to your nose.
4. Inhale deeply and slowly, focusing entirely on the fragrance.
5. Observe how the scent makes you feel — physically, emotionally and spiritually.
6. Journal any thoughts, visions or sensations that arise.

This week's spiritual practice was taken from the article "4 Spiritual Practices for the Arrival of Spring" by Sarah Bowen.

Questions? Email Communications@CSL.org

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Member Council Forum:
Join the Conversation

Thursday, March 27
at 4 p.m. PT / 5 p.m. MT / 6 p.m. CT / 7 p.m. ET

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.
 

El Consejo de miembros de CSL lo invita a unirse a nuestro Foro de miembros. Nos reunimos el cuarto jueves de cada mes a las 4 p.m. PT / 5 p.m. MT / 6 p.m. CT / 7 p.m. ET. Queremos escuchar su opinión sobre cómo ampliar nuestro alcance, compartir las mejores prácticas y crear un mundo que funcione para todos. Esperamos verte allí.

Envíenos un correo electrónico a CSLMemberCouncil@gmail.com para recibir el enlace y ser agregado a la lista de correo electrónico del foro.

Questions? Email CSLMemberCouncil@Gmail.com

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DEI Webinar Celebrating Gender Diversity on Transgender Day of Visibility March 31

at 5 p.m. PT / 6 p.m. MT / 7 p.m. CT / 8 p.m. ET

Gender transition can be compared to Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey. Join Rev. Dereca Blackmon as she/they interviews Rev. Christine Monks and Rev. Elisha Christopher about their gender journeys for Transgender Day of Visibility. Rev. Dereca will also share her evolution.

This session offers the opportunity to relate gender transition to our individual needs for self-love and authenticity. We intend to deepen our understanding of gender identity through personal stories, discussions and community sharing of our individual Hero’s Journeys. We’ll also honor the courage necessary to transition genders to reveal the authentic self.

Questions? Email Inclusion@CSL.org

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SOAR 2025 Summer Retreat
Early Bird Pricing Ends March 31

In the Northern Hemisphere, it is now spring. As signs of spring arrived, Romans adorned themselves with blossoms and bright costumes, celebrating Flora in a multi-day festival full of dance, theatrical performances and revelry.

By combining mindfulness, ritual and intention, we can deepen our connection to the sacred energy of its many flowers and budding plants. 

The simple act of smelling flowers can evoke a cascade of emotions and physical responses that enhance human well-being. Indeed, scientific study is beginning to unravel the fascinating mechanisms behind the beneficial effects flowers have on our mental and physical health. Take a moment to do your own research and see how slowly smelling flowers impacts you. (Flower essences can help your animal companions, too!)

Try the practice:

1. Take a deep breath and center yourself before beginning.
2. Look around your habitat and choose a flower or plant to engage with in sacred intention. (If your habitat has not yet begun to flower, no problem. Use fresh herbs, essential oils, natural perfume, incense, resin or sacred wood.)
3. Close your eyes and bring the scent close to your nose.
4. Inhale deeply and slowly, focusing entirely on the fragrance.
5. Observe how the scent makes you feel — physically, emotionally and spiritually.
6. Journal any thoughts, visions or sensations that arise.

This week's spiritual practice was taken from the article "4 Spiritual Practices for the Arrival of Spring" by Sarah Bowen.

Questions? Email Communications@CSL.org

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Join Us For "Touchstone Thursday":
A Sacred Space for Prayer
and Connection on April 3

We are excited to announce "Touchstone Thursday," a new monthly gathering dedicated to 15 minutes of collective prayer for our organization and the world. Our first gathering on March 6 was a powerful experience! If you missed it, watch the recording here with passcode: FS@wJC1K 

Hosted by our CSL Member, Practitioner and Minister Council and supported by our World Ministry of Prayer, "Touchstone Thursday" provides a moment to pause, reflect and unite in spiritual practice. We invite all to join us in this shared intention of love, peace and healing.

Save the link and join us on Thursday, April 3. No registration required. Just 15 minutes, once a month. A simple practice. A powerful shift.

Questions? Email Communications@CSL.org

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Preparing for World Labyrinth Day

Thursday, April 3, at 5 p.m. PT /
6 p.m. MT / 7 p.m. CT / 8 p.m. ET

Join our class/discussion for ideas for celebrating World Labyrinth Day in your community, how peace is related to labyrinths, how to use a labyrinth with intention, where to find a labyrinth near you and much more. World Labyrinth Day is on May 3 this year, which is one month after the class, giving you time to prepare.

Join us by Zoom on Thursday, April 3, at 5 p.m. PT / 6 p.m. MT / 7 p.m. CT / 8 p.m. ET. Email us to register, and we’ll send you the Zoom link.

Questions? Email GlobalHeartOfPeace@Gmail.com

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Science of Mind Archives Grand Opening

Sign-up Extended to March 31st!

We heard and honor you!

The Science of Mind Archives has EXTENDED the sign-up date for our grand opening event to Monday, March 31, 2025. We want you to join us for this historic event of celebrating our move to the beautiful Unity Village in Missouri.

There will be tours of our Archives and all of Unity Village, a ribbon cutting, blessing ceremony, gala, workshops, town hall meeting, visioning for our future, as well as a closing ceremony with a labyrinth walk.

You'll enjoy music by the one and only, Karen Drucker, and our keynote speaker is Rev. Jesse Jennings, D.D. 

RSVP today at www.ScienceOfMindArchives.com. Your light and love will complete this joy-filled and historic event.

Questions? Email Kathy@ScienceOfMindArchives.org

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