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April Global Theme: Fertilizing Our Future

Weekly Theme: Visioning Beyond the Horizon

Your weekly newsletter for April 10, 2025

Stay informed, engaged and inspired with Centers for Spiritual Living

Quote of the Week

“Action on behalf of life transforms. Because the relationship between self and the world is reciprocal, it is not a question of first getting enlightened or saved and then acting. As we work to heal the Earth, the Earth heals us.”  
 

― Robin Wall Kimmerer, “Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants” 

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 CSL Spiritual Leader
Rev. Dr. Soni Cantrell-Smith

The Principles of Science of Mind and Immigration: A Spiritual Perspective

In an increasingly interconnected world, immigration is a topic that touches nearly every society. While discussions often center on policy, borders and economics, Science of Mind offers a unique spiritual lens through which to view immigration — one rooted in oneness, love and the limitless potential of every individual. By applying the core principles of Science of Mind, we can shift the conversation from division to unity, inclusion and spiritual freedom.

Oneness and Unity: Beyond Borders
At the heart of Science of Mind is the principle of Oneness — the understanding that we are each individual expressions of the One Divine Life. Though human-made borders define nations, Spirit knows no boundaries. Immigration, at its core, reflects the universal impulse for expansion, movement and greater self-expression. Just as nature flows without restriction, so, too, does the human spirit seek environments where it can best thrive. Recognizing this truth allows us to see immigrants not as “others” but as fellow divine beings journeying toward fuller expression.

Love and Inclusivity: A Higher Law
Science of Mind teaches that Love is the highest principle and the ultimate reality. When we view immigration through the lens of Love, we naturally adopt an attitude of welcoming acceptance and compassion. Rather than approaching the subject with fear or scarcity, we are called to embrace those who seek a new home, recognizing their inherent worth and dignity. Love dissolves the illusion of separation and calls us into action as spiritual stewards of kindness and justice.

Freedom and Creative Expression: Honoring the Soul’s Journey
A core tenet of Science of Mind is that every individual is a divine co-creator endowed with the freedom to express their highest potential. Many immigrants leave their homelands due to political oppression, economic hardship or personal danger — challenges that stifle their ability to fully express their divine nature. When we affirm the principle of freedom, we acknowledge that each person has a sacred right to seek a life where they can flourish. Supporting immigration with compassion aligns with this fundamental truth.

Plenty Not Scarcity: A Shift in Consciousness
Much of the resistance to immigration stems from a scarcity mindset — the belief that there is not enough space, jobs or resources to go around. However, Science of Mind teaches that we live in an abundant universe where prosperity is created through shared creativity and divine intelligence. When we embrace this truth, we move beyond fear and recognize that societies are enriched — economically, culturally and spiritually — by the presence of new voices, talents and perspectives.

Spiritual Responsibility and Right Action
With spiritual understanding comes the responsibility to live in alignment with our highest values. Science of Mind calls us to take right action, not just in personal consciousness but in the real world. If immigration policies or societal attitudes create harm, we are invited to advocate for justice, equity and solutions that reflect our spiritual principles. Whether through prayer, activism, support for immigrant communities or simply shifting our own narratives, we participate in shaping a world that mirrors divine wisdom and love.

Healing and the Power of Consciousness
Many immigrants carry deep emotional and physical wounds from their journeys from displacement, systemic oppression or loss. Science of Mind affirms that healing is possible, individually and collectively. Through affirmative prayer, intentional thought and conscious action, we can help create environments where all people, regardless of origin, feel a deep sense of belonging and wholeness.

A Spiritual Call to Action
Science of Mind offers more than a philosophy. It is a call to live our spiritual truths in tangible ways. Immigration should not be a political issue. It is a spiritual opportunity to embody oneness, love and abundance in action. By shifting our consciousness, supporting inclusive policies and extending compassion to those seeking a better life, we help co-create a world that truly reflects the Divine.

As practitioners of Science of Mind, we are invited to ask: How can I show up as love in this conversation? How can I affirm there is enough for all? How can I embody oneness in a world that seeks to divide? The answers to these questions will guide us toward a more inclusive, spiritually aligned world — one where all are truly seen, valued and welcomed home.

New Email for CSL Practitioner Council

The CSL Practitioner Council email address is changing effective immediately (April 2025). ​​​​We will transition from our old address and plan to be complete by June 30, 2025. Please help us spread the word. 

Use this email address moving forward: PracCouncil@CSL.org. We look forward to hearing from you.

 3 Weeks Left to Nominate Someone Special for the 2025 Conscious Giving Campaign

Due 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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Updates From Camp Cedar Ridge

Questions? Email KWilson@CampCedarRidgeOR.org

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Start a Spiritual Living Circle

Build Community, Strengthen Connection

Are you ready to deepen your spiritual journey and create meaningful connections? Starting your own Spiritual Living Circle could be the key to unlocking both personal growth and a powerful sense of community.

What is a Spiritual Living Circle?
Spiritual Living Circles are groups of people who come together to discuss articles from Guide for Spiritual Living: Science of Mind magazine. Through rich, enlightening conversations, you’ll deepen your understanding of your own beliefs and connect more powerfully with Spirit in your life.

Why Start a Circle?

• Deepen your connection to Spirit and your beliefs.
• Build community and strengthen relationships.
• Access valuable discussion topics, tools and insights to enhance your Circle experience.
• Become part of a worldwide network of Spiritual Living Circle hosts.
• As a host, you'll gain access to exclusive resources and a forum of Spiritual Living Circle hosts worldwide.
• We’re raising consciousness one Circle at a time.

Find out how to start your Spiritual Living Circle here.

Let’s build community and strengthen our connection, together.

Questions? Email Circles@CSL.org

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Regional Support Coordinators Needed

Global Support Services is looking for ordained, licensed CSL ministers in good standing to provide Regional Support Services for these areas:

Region 5: Washington State and Canada

Region 8: Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Oklahoma and Wisconsin

Region 10: Delaware, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and Washington D.C.

If you feel called to provide this sacred support or would like more information, contact Rev. Nan Bankston, Director Global Support Services. 

Youth & Family Updates

Summer Teen Camp Workshop Planning Success

Elected teen leaders along with invited teens and adults came together last month for five hours to create powerful workshops for the summer teen camp coming up in July 2025. We spent time visioning and broke into small groups to co-create eight amazing workshops, which will be the foundation of our camp curriculum. Participants left excited and inspired for the camp ahead.
 

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.

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/djrrtb/1617446232/h/8IFV3_jrc9SbB6EDCQDv2g_8ttoKrZ0d3N861N-bT0A

Also, check out this video that shares a glimpse of the impact Teen Camp makes.
 

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

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Spiritual Practice of the Week:
Prepare for World Labyrinth Day

Join thousands of people around the world, walking “as one at 1:00” p.m. local time on World Labyrinth Day, Saturday, May 3. Create a wave of peace. Go to CSL’s YouTube page to find the recorded class, "Creating Peaceful Paths With Labyrinths," for ideas and websites to locate a labyrinth near you, create your own labyrinth, learn the three Rs method of walking a labyrinth, and/or put together an event for your community.

CSL's Global Heart of Peace Initiative, comprised of members from all over the world, is a subcommittee of the Global Outreach Committee and is also dedicated to carrying the message of Science of Mind through peace to our international communities. In addition to providing peace meditations, they also sponsor annual events like day-long meditations supporting the International Day of Peace and the New Year’s Eve morning meditation for world peace.

Questions? Email Communications@CSL.org

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Join "Conscious Conversations"

Non-doership: Resting in the Flow of Life
Saturday, April 12 at 10 a.m. PT /
11 a.m. MT / 12 p.m. CT / 1 p.m. ET

Non-doership is a practice of surrender — of gently allowing life to be exactly as it is. This quiet shift in perspective invites us to release control, trust the unfolding and experience the stillness inherent in all action. All are welcome to join us as we explore this way of being, one that brings greater ease, clarity and joy.

"Conscious Conversations" is a program offered by the CSL International Home Office Virtual Practitioner Program (part of the Global Support Services department).

Questions? Email WC2Pastel@Gmail.com

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CSL Connection! Call on April 21

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 April call is Monday, April 21. 

Your questions and ideas are always welcome. If you can't attend, the recording is shared in this weekly newsletter.

​​​​​​Add this Zoom link to your calendar and join us on Monday, April 21: https://pub.csl.org/e/1087013/j-933448796/djrrtt/1617446232/h/8IFV3_jrc9SbB6EDCQDv2g_8ttoKrZ0d3N861N-bT0A

Questions? Email Communications@CSL.org

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April Golden Hour

April 22 at 4 p.m. PT / 5 p.m. MT /
6 p.m. CT / 7 p.m ET

We are excited to invite you to a special Golden Hour on April 22 for a time of celebration and recognition. We will be honoring our newly recognized Emeritus Ministers, celebrating their years of service, wisdom and dedication to this teaching. Their journeys have left a lasting impact, and we look forward to coming together in gratitude and joy. Join us as we lift up and honor Rev. Richard E Walter, Rev. Frances Lorenz, Rev. Scott Awbrey and Rev. Dr. Barry Pierce.

Why celebrate?
In a world that often moves quickly from one chapter to the next, it is essential to pause and honor the sacred milestones along the way. Taking time to celebrate allows us to reflect on the seeds we’ve planted, the lives we’ve touched and the legacy we continue to shape. It strengthens our bonds and reminds us that the impact of ministry endures far beyond the pulpit as it lives on in the hearts and lives, we’ve influenced.

We also invite you to bring your own celebrations to share such as a personal milestone, a recent accomplishment or someone you’d like to recognize. Let’s create a space where we lift one another up and celebrate the richness of our collective journey.

April Golden Hour
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Time: 4 p.m. PT / 4 p.m. MT / 6 p.m. CT / 7 p.m. ET
Location: Zoom Link
Theme: "Celebration!"

• If you're interested in serving as an RMC Committee member, contact Rev. Lari at LGoold@ATT.net.
• If you would like to be added to the RMC mailing list, contact Rev. Lari at the same email address.
• If you are retiring soon or know someone who is retiring, let us know. We would love to connect with you.

We look forward to seeing you and celebrating together.

Questions? Email RevJB18@Gmail.com

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Sensational Saturday With Eugene Holden

April 26 at 9 a.m. PT / 10 a.m. MT /
11 a.m. CT / 12 p.m ET

I am a Practitioner. Being a practitioner of this teaching is about stepping into being the soul of the organization. It's about letting go of everything that is not in alignment with living as the Divine Reality that we are. We are here to practice the presence of the One.

Questions? Email PracCouncil@CSL.org

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