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April Global Theme: Fertilizing Our Future

Weekly Theme: Holistic Growth, No Quick Fixes

Your weekly newsletter for April 17, 2025

Stay informed, engaged and inspired with Centers for Spiritual Living

Quote of the Week

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you've imagined. As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler.”  

― Henry David Thoreau

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.

Two Weeks Left: 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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Nominations 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 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
 

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 due date 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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Only 50 Spots Left for SOAR 2025!

Were you waiting for the schedule and workshop announcements before registering for SOAR 2025? Wait no longer! Visit the website today to find all the details and register!

CSL's SOAR 2025 Summer Retreat, "A Journey of Revelation, Restoration and Grace," is an opportunity to gather and connect through inspiring speakers, musical performances, experiential workshops, spiritual practices, meditations and communal meals. 

This year, our retreat will head to the heart of Canadian Rockies and the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity in Banff, Alberta, Canada. Update your passport now!
 
Find more about lodging in the discounted CSL block here. Rooms are filling fast.

Check out the travel discounts and things to do in Banff. Don't forget to reserve your shuttle from the airport.

For only $649 USD, your full 2025 SOAR registration includes access to all general sessions, workshops and spiritual practices. Also included is an opening welcome dinner as well as lunch on Friday and Saturday on site at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity.

Questions? Email Communications@CSL.org

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The 100-Year Challenge: Subscribe to Save Science of Mind Magazine

Questions? Email Communications@CSL.org

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Updates From Camp Cedar Ridge

Questions? Email KWilson@CampCedarRidgeOR.org

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Lower Prices

for "Board Essentials" and "Systems & Procedures"

We’ve reduced the price of our two essential courses from $79 to just $59 per person to better serve our affiliated member communities and encourage greater community participation. Whether you're strengthening your board or streamlining operations, these self-paced courses are the perfect tools to equip your leaders.

Board Member Essentials

Designed for current and aspiring board members — gain confidence in governance, financial oversight, teamwork and ethics. Find out more here.

Systems & Procedures: Creating Processes for the Whole Community

Build sustainable, streamlined systems that keep your community thriving day-to-day and long-term. Find out more here.

Now just $59 per person — accessible for individuals and groups.
Let’s grow together—stronger boards, smoother systems, deeper impact.

Questions? Email PD@CSL.org

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Final Reminder to All Ministers
Who Haven't Renewed Yet

Please renew your professional fee now. It was due before February 28, 2025.

The annual fee is $150, and the late fee is $25 for a total amount due of $175 USD.

ÚLTIMO RECORDATORIO A TODOS LOS MINISTROS
​​​​​​QUE AÚN NO HAN RENOVADO
 

Por favor, renueven ahora su cuota profesional. Se vence antes del 28 de febrero de 2025.

La cuota anual es de $150, y la cuota por retraso es de $25, la cantidad a pagar es de $175 USD.
 

Para renovar directamente sin acceder a «Our Community»:

Necesitará su CSL ID#. Si no lo sabe, puede hacer clic en el enlace para encontrarlo a continuación:

ID# Search Link: https://pub.csl.org/e/1087013/288/djstnm/1624484328/h/JkbILw-knnyboQjd7RmSZ9DiU2BEsBVA5Z3GyBtYdUo

Cuando haya determinado su CSL ID# utilice el siguiente enlace para pagar su cuota profesional para 2025: https://pub.csl.org/e/1087013/110/djstnq/1624484328/h/JkbILw-knnyboQjd7RmSZ9DiU2BEsBVA5Z3GyBtYdUo

Para renovar en Nuestra Comunidad:

• Inicie sesión en CSL «Nuestra Comunidad».
• Desde la página de Inicio/selecciona «Recursos de la Organización»
• Luego seleccione «Recursos de Ministros».
• En la pestaña superior seleccione «Min Professional Fee».
• El formulario de pago que se abre rellenará toda su información. Verifícalos para asegurarte de que están actualizados.

NOTA: Para ambas opciones, asegúrese de seleccionar su «país» en cada sección ya que eso determina la tasa de honorarios para su ubicación.

Si tiene alguna pregunta, envíe un correo electrónico a FSMin@CSL.org.

Muchas gracias.

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. 

Spiritual Practice of the Week:
Honoring Earth Day on April 22

To celebrate Earth Day, visit our YouTube Playlist from Earth Day 2024 hosted by CSL's Sacred Activism Committee. Videos include the Prayer-a-Thon hosted by World Ministry of Prayer, Earth Day meditations from the Global Heart of Peace Initiative and a video of global Earth Day celebrations from CSL's Global Outreach Committee.

Questions? Email Communications@CSL.org

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Join Us for the Science of Mind
Archives "Lunch and Learn"

Thursday, April 17, 2025
11 a.m. PT / 12 p.m. MT / 1 p.m. CT / 2 p.m. ET​​​

Join the Science of Mind Archives and Library Foundation on Thursday, April 17, beginning at 11 a.m. PT (12 p.m. MT / 1 p.m. CT / 2 p.m. ET) for an hour with Archives Executive Director Rev. Kathy Mastroianni and our founder Dr. Ernest Holmes. We'll listen to and discuss his talk, "Psalm of Psalms."

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. Kathy Mastroianni 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.

Questions? Email Info@SoMArchives.org

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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. And you can email us anytime at Communications@CSL.org.

​​​​​​Add this Zoom link to your calendar and join us on Monday, April 21: https://pub.csl.org/e/1087013/j-933448796/djstp7/1624484328/h/JkbILw-knnyboQjd7RmSZ9DiU2BEsBVA5Z3GyBtYdUo
 

Here's the agenda for our April call:

• Introduction of the new constellation of CSL's Leadership Council
• Information on nominations for Honorary Doctorate recognitions (Dr. Sharon Hudson)
• Update on Science of Mind magazine (Holli Sharp)
• CSL financial update (Tye Minckler)
• Time for your questions

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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Member Council Forum:
Join the Conversation!

April 24 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 monthly 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. Use this link.

Questions? Email CSLMemberCouncil@gmail.com

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Sensational Saturday
With Eugene Holden, RScP

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.

Eugene Holden has been a student of New Thought and ageless wisdom, including Science of Mind and Spirit, for more than 35 years. He is in his 20th year as a licensed Religious Science practitioner.

From 2007 to 2017, Eugene served the World Ministry of Prayer at CSL international home office. Eugene has been a well-loved contributor to Science of Mind magazine for 18 consecutive years, inspiring lives around the world.

Eugene allows vision to guide him. It is prayer that fuels him. Eugene is deeply committed to his purpose of joyfully assisting others in remembering who and what they truly are: divine beings of light. Eugene believes that together, we can reveal the kingdom of heaven right here on Earth.

Questions? Email PracCouncil@CSL.org

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World Labyrinth Day

May 3, 2025

Join thousands of people around the world, walking “as one at 1:00” p.m. local time on World Labyrinth Day, creating a wave of peace. Click the above link to view the recorded class, Creating Peaceful Paths with Labyrinths, for ideas and websites to locate a labyrinth near you, create your own labyrinth, learn the 3 R’s method of walking a labyrinth, and/or put together an event for your community! 

Promoted by CSL’s Global Heart of Peace

Questions? Email GlobalHeartOfPeace@gmail.com

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