So many ways to connect with us: We grow our reach together!
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January Global Theme: Stretching into Possibility
Weekly Theme: Making Space for It
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Your weekly newsletter for January 9, 2025
Stay informed, engaged and inspired with Centers for Spiritual Living
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Quote of the Week
“The clarity of the Infinite Mind is the clarity of my mind.
Therefore, I think with ease of my accomplished goal.
It is being created in my mind right now.”
—Raymond Charles Barker, “The Power of Decision,” page 152
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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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A Prayer For Those Affected
by the Fires in Southern California
From Spiritual Leader
Rev. Dr. Soni Cantrell-Smith
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Beloved CSL communities, join us in prayer for those affected by the fires in Southern California. At this time, Ahiah CSL in Pasadena has been turned into a shelter. North Hollywood CSL will be collecting blankets, warm clothes, and water this Sunday. Granada Hills CSL is safe at this time. However, information is
coming in slowly, home status is uncertain for many and smoke is pervasive. Prayers have been requested:
There is one Presence, one Power, one Infinite Intelligence that moves through all creation. This Divine Presence is the Source of all life, harmony and peace. It is the essence of love and balance, expressing itself perfectly in all ways, at all times.
I am one in, through and as this Infinite Presence. The same life that breathes me, breathes all beings, all creatures and every aspect of this earth. As I recognize my oneness with the Divine, I affirm that this unity extends to Los Angeles County and all who are impacted by the fires.
I declare that Divine Intelligence guides the firefighters, first responders and all who are working to restore safety and peace. Their actions are directed with clarity, courage and strength as the very life of the Divine. I affirm and claim without delay, all the atmosphere around in and through the fires is now calmed, and the winds diminish, allowing for the swift containment of the fires.
I know absolutely that the natural balance of the earth is restored, bringing rains in their perfect season to nourish and renew the land. I see all those affected—human, animal and plant—embraced by Divine love and care. Resources flow freely to those in need, and communities come together in unity and compassion with an overflow of love.
In the midst of this situation, I know the Divine is active, bringing forth healing, resilience and renewal.
I give thanks for the Divine Presence that is already at work in this situation, working in perfect order restoring balance and creating peace. I am grateful for the courage and kindness expressed by all involved and for the Spirit of Unity that uplifts everyone touched by this event.
I release this word into the action of the Law, knowing it is already done. And so it is.
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Happy New Year
From Spiritual Leader
Rev. Dr. Soni Cantrell-Smith
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Beloved CSL communities,
As we step into a new year, let us pause together in gratitude for the journey we’ve shared and the promise of what lies ahead. The world is undeniably evolving, presenting us with new landscapes to traverse and opportunities to embrace. Change has been our constant companion over the past year, both within our beloved organization and in the world around us. Yet amid these shifts, we stand firm in the principles and values that have always guided us.
Our teaching reminds us that Divine Wisdom is at the center of all life, and it is this eternal truth that carries us through moments of uncertainty into clarity and purpose. Together, we envision a world that works for everyone — a world anchored in peace, love and justice. This vision is not just a guiding light for the years ahead; it is the very heartbeat of who we are.
In 2025, we are called to deepen our connection with this vision, to show up as agents of transformation in our communities and in the world. Let us remember that our principles of oneness, love and infinite possibility are not only timeless but also perfectly attuned to the needs of this moment.
In the words of Dr. Ernest Holmes, “Each day is a new beginning. I live in the eternal now, which is filled with good alone.” Let us embrace the truth of this teaching as we step into 2025, remembering the power of creation is always available to us in the present moment.
Change invites us to innovate, reflect and grow. As we build on the foundation of all we have learned, let us hold sacred space for one another, celebrate our shared successes and courageously step into the next iteration of our collective journey.
Together, we are creating a new chapter in the story of CSL, one that honors our past while boldly stepping into the future. May this new year bring each of you a renewed sense of hope, a deeper connection to Spirit and a powerful awareness of the love that unites us all. Thank you for the unique light you bring to our community and to the world.
With love and gratitude,
Rev. Dr. Soni Cantrell-Smith
CSL Spiritual Leader
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Questions? Email Communications@CSL.org
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January CSL Connection! Call Rescheduled for Monday, January 27
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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). Please note: The January call is moved to Monday, January 27, to honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Please see below for a special event happening that Monday, January 20: Justice Rising.
Your questions and ideas are always welcome. If you can't attend, the recording is always shared in this weekly newsletter. During the January call, you'll hear from CSL Executive Team members Rev. Dr. Alice Reid and Rev. Dr. Soni Cantrell-Smith. Acting Executive Director Tye Minckler will be with us to answer your questions, CSL Global Services Director Rebecca Hiraoka will share an update on new initiatives for 2025, and Holli Sharp will provide an update on Science of Mind magazine.
Add this Zoom link to your calendar and join us on Monday, January 27:
https://pub.csl.org/e/1087013/j-933448796/dj8vt5/1502317954/h/g7wzHi7ovZ69fDk1ZgsE5g22WZ_7bPWnTiZ77mYVx4U
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Questions? Email Communications@CSL.org
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An Exciting Education Lineup for 2025
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The Community Based Education Portal (CBEP) is the destination for online certificated courses provided by CSL-affiliated communities worldwide. There is an exciting lineup of courses being offered.
If you're a seeker, choose from the array of offerings available. If you're a community that teaches classes, don't miss your free opportunity to take advantage of the bustling portal. If you haven't seen the portal in a little while, click the image above and go check it out.
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Questions? Email SpiritualDevelopment@CSL.org
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Updates From Camp Cedar Ridge
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Questions? Email KWilson@CampCedarRidgeOR.org
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Happy New Year / Feliz Ano-Nuevo from CSL's Practitioner Council
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Español aquí
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Questions? Email PractitionerCouncil@Gmail.com
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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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Spiritual Practice of the Week:
A 21-Day Positivity Exercise
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Start 2025 with powerful, positive affirmations for new beginnings — inviting fresh energy, abundance and opportunities into your life. Listen to these affirmations for 21 days. Use them as daily morning affirmations or choose to reprogram your mind while you sleep.
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Questions? Email Communications@CSL.org
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Join Us on Thursday, January 16:
Science of Mind Archives "Lunch and Learn" Event
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Join the Science of Mind Archives and Library Foundation on Thursday, January 16, 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, "Improving the Personality."
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.
Archives Executive Director 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.
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Questions? Email Info@SoMArchives.org
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Justice Rising: A Moral Call to Action
on Monday, January 20
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Join CSL Spiritual Leader Rev. Dr. Soni Cantrell-Smith
and Rev. Dr. David Alexander Along With
a Powerful, Progressive Lineup of Leaders
We'll be in Memphis, Tennessee, for a transformative event as beacons of hope and justice. Justice Rising: A Moral Call to Action in America’s Defining Moment is a rallying cry for faith leaders, community advocates and people of goodwill to come together in the spirit of equity, love and unity.
January 20, 4 p.m. PT / 5 p.m. MT / 6 p.m. CT / 7 p.m. ET
Location: Healing Cathedral Christian Center, 4523 Elvis Presley Blvd, Memphis, TN 38116
Join us virtually: A livestream will be available for those unable to attend in person. Watch for the Zoom link in next week's CSL newsletter.
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Questions? Email Communications@CSL.org
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Registration Now Open!
Super Sensational Saturday
January 25, 2025 at 9 a.m. PT
(10 a.m. MT / 11 a.m. CT / 12 p.m. ET)
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Questions? Email PractitionerCouncil@Gmail.com
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Season of Peace and Nonviolence:
Discussion Circles January 30 – April 4, 2025
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CSL's Global Heart of Peace Initiative will be providing insightful materials to assist you in leading weekly discussion circles on fostering peace and nonviolence in our communities. This effort is inspired by the annual grassroots campaign, the Season of Peace and Nonviolence, that seeks to educate and bring awareness to the assassinations of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr.
How many people within your CSL community would be interested in joining the discussion? Let us know on our Facebook page if you're interested in leading a weekly discussion circle, and you'll be given access to memes, quotes, words of the day, as well as discussion topics and questions. Choose what fits best for your group. Material will also be shared on Instagram. Thank you for keeping Peace at the forefront of our minds during this 10-week period: January 30 – April 4, 2025.
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Questions? Email Communications@CSL.org
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2025 Annual Business Meeting
Free, Fully Virtual Event March 12–13, 2025
9:30 a.m. MT to 3 p.m. MT each day
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Registration will open at the end of January.
Everyone (ministers, practitioners, members and laity) is welcome to attend the FREE virtual annual business meeting on March 12–13, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. MT (8:30 a.m. PT | 10:30 a.m. CT | 11:30 a.m. ET) to 3 p.m. MT (2 p.m. PT | 4 p.m. CT | 5 p.m. ET).
CSL leadership, directors, councils and sibling organizations will provide updates to the field. There will also be music, presentations and breakout sessions. Delegates will be voting. All this and more will be done completely virtually. Plan to join us from the comfort of your home.
You’re Invited: Share Your Voice, Shape Our Future
Join us for an inspiring CSL community breakout session where your voice matters! Together, we’ll explore how we can co-create the future of Centers for Spiritual Living through meaningful dialogue, spiritual practice and heartfelt engagement.
This is a sacred space to share your insights, dreams and ideas while grounding our work in the practices that unite us. Let’s collaborate, vision and build a thriving future for CSL, together.
Come as you are — your presence and perspective are invaluable. See you there!
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