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

Email us anytime: Communications@CSL.org or Info@CSL.org

April Global Theme: Fertilizing Our Future

Weekly Theme: Embracing the Power of Re-Generativity

Your weekly newsletter for April 24, 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

Honoring the Life and Impact
of Pope Francis

It is with deep reverence and a profound sense of shared humanity that we acknowledge the passing of Pope Francis, a spiritual leader who dedicated his life to compassion, peace and service to others. In the spirit of universal love, we at CSL extend our heartfelt condolences to our Catholic siblings around the world and to all who were touched by his message and example.

Pope Francis embodied many of the sacred principles that align with the teachings of Science of Mind, such as the unconditional love of Spirit, the transformative power of forgiveness and the call to be a healing presence in the world. His devotion to justice and care for the marginalized, and unwavering faith in the goodness of humanity, are reflections of the Divine expressing through and as him.

In our philosophy, we affirm that life is eternal and that the soul, a perfect expression of God, continues on its infinite journey. We celebrate Pope Francis’ transition as a sacred unfolding in the eternal life of Spirit. His good works, always rooted in love, humility and service, will continue to ripple beyond the boundaries of any one faith and inspire us all to live more consciously and courageously.

Let us honor his memory with words and with action, by being a beneficial presence on the planet, lifting each other up and walking in the light of unity.

May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, comfort all who mourn and inspire us to carry his legacy forward in our own unique and meaningful ways.

With love,
Rev. Dr. Soni Cantrell-Smith
CSL Spiritual Leader

April 24 CSL Connection! Call Rewatch

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 May call is Monday, May 19. 

Your questions and ideas are always welcome. If you missed the April call, the recording can be found here. Watch with passcode: #fc1k0D+

At the April CSL Connection! Call, we met the newly elected chair of the Leadership Council, Rev. Dr. Deborah Gordon, and some of the council members, learned more about the honorary doctorate nomination process and received an update on the state of Science of Mind magazine.
 
​​​​​​Add this Zoom link to your calendar and join us for the May call on Monday, May 19: https://pub.csl.org/e/1087013/j-933448796/djtpgj/1630403400/h/01i5oEz5iiR_EjQ8xcXq8ffma7SjBHgjuJQ2gyaoz4k​​​​

Join Us for Touchstone Thursday

Thursday, May 1 at 4 p.m. PT / 5 p.m. MT /
6 p.m. CT / 7 p.m. ET

The next "Touchstone Thursday," a new monthly gathering dedicated to 15 minutes of collective prayer for our organization and the world, is May 1. This sacred time will be held on the first Thursday of each month at 4 p.m. PT / 5 p.m. MT / 6 p.m. CT / 7 p.m. ET

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.

Stay connected and uplifted — let’s create a ripple of transformation together. Save this link. No registration required.

Join Us for "Tune In Tuesday"

on May 6

Dr. Soni hosts "Tune in Tuesdays" on the first Tuesday of the month, and the next one is set for Tuesday, May 6. 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.

Earth Day Extension: Explore the Loving Living Earth Guide for May 2025

Earth Day isn't just April 22. We can honor and celebrate our home every day. Here's a thoughtful, beautifully produced, interactive online book released for May 2025 by Planet Blessed, Inc. It's called "Living Loving Earth Guide," and it aligns with Science of Mind principles for daily inspiration on being good stewards of our planet.

One Week ​​​​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/djtpk4/1630403400/h/01i5oEz5iiR_EjQ8xcXq8ffma7SjBHgjuJQ2gyaoz4k

Cuando haya determinado su CSL ID# utilice el siguiente enlace para pagar su cuota profesional para 2025: https://pub.csl.org/e/1087013/110/djtpk7/1630403400/h/01i5oEz5iiR_EjQ8xcXq8ffma7SjBHgjuJQ2gyaoz4k

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.

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 in July.
 

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.

Register here: 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)

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

Spiritual Practice of the Week:
Finding Time for Self-Care

In all that is happening in our fast-paced world, self-care can often become one of the things we seek to check off the to-do list. But real rest and relaxation are necessary for renewal and are a lifestyle, not a task. Find time this week to relax and renew. Ask yourself:

• What does real self-care look like for me?
• Is it time in nature?
• Is it prioritizing sleep or eating in a way that supports your health and nutrition?

What is it for you? Go do that!

Questions? Email Communications@CSL.org

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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 link above to access the free recorded class, "Creating Peaceful Paths With Labyrinths," for ideas and websites to locate a labyrinth near you, create your own labyrinth, learn the "3 Rs Method" of walking a labyrinth and/or put together an event for your community.

Brought to you by CSL’s Global Heart of Peace Initiative

Questions? Email GlobalHeartOfPeace@Gmail.com

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