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January Global Theme: Stretching into Possibility

Weekly Theme: It Flows

Your weekly newsletter for January 16, 2025

Stay informed, engaged and inspired with Centers for Spiritual Living

Quote of the Week

“Not what you do, but how you do what you do determines whether you are fulfilling your destiny. ... In any situation ​​​​​​and in whatever you do, your state of consciousness is the primary factor; the situation and what you do is secondary. ... ​Whatever you do, you will be doing extraordinarily well, because the doing itself becomes the focal point of your attention.” 
 

—Eckhart Tolle, “A New Earth” 

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 Prayer For Those Affected
by the Fires in Southern California
From Spiritual Leader
Rev. Dr. Soni Cantrell-Smith

Beloved CSL communities, join us in prayer for those affected by the fires in Southern California. 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.

As we continue to pray for those in Southern California affected by the fires, we have put together ways you can donate to those local CSL communities as well as other organizations aiding those in need. You can find more information on our website.

January CSL Connection! Call Rescheduled for Monday, January 27

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/djb3ds/1509180068/h/_NTJ5Eo5yi4qzgEX0XkMXQF58IU0QpomObfLkZFkMzk

Questions? Email Communications@CSL.org

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Winter CSL Virtual Spiritual Living Circles Begin January 16

Join a CSL Virtual Spiritual Living Circle. Discuss the articles in Science of Mind magazine with a group of spiritual explorers interested in living the Science of Mind philosophy more deeply. Come get a pick-me-up to support and refocus you on your spiritual way. Circles meet for 90 minutes on Thursday nights at either 7 p.m. MT or 7 p.m. ET. Click the graphic above to learn more.

Interested in starting your own in-person, hybrid or online Circle? Click here to learn how.

Questions? Email Circles@CSL.org

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Updates From Camp Cedar Ridge

Questions? Email KWilson@CampCedarRidgeOR.org

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CSL Global Themes Team:
Join Us and Have Worldwide Impact

Are you passionate about shaping the direction of our organization? Would you like to help create the vision, content, or resources for the 2026 Global Themes?

The Global Themes Team is now accepting applications!

This year, we’re forming specialized teams to focus on different aspects of the process. Whether you’re interested in writing, editing, researching, or visioning, there’s a role for you!

Apply now: Complete this form: forms.gle/tfHRZuN7cWtT85SE7 by January 16, 2025, to be considered for the team.

Rev. Kris Alexander (she/they)
CSL Global Themes Coordinator

Questions? Email GlobalThemes@CSL.org

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A Message From CSL's Practitioner Council

Español aquí

Questions? Email PractitionerCouncil@Gmail.com

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CSL's Global Heart of Peace: Peace Pockets

For this month’s Peace Pocket let’s talk about Peace Parties! What can we do to get together and make peace fun and exciting? Share your ideas with us on our Global Heart of Peace Facebook page. We’d love to hear your brilliant ideas of how you, your friends or your center will celebrate peace this year.

Questions? Email GlobalHeartofPeace@Gmail.com

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CSL Field Services Updates

Ministerial License Renewals 2025

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.​​​​​

Questions? Email FSMin@CSL.org

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Youth & Family Update

Beyond Limits: A Transformative Journey for Teens
Discover Your Inner Power & Expand Your Potential
This class explores the core principles of spiritual living and the power of forgiveness, oneness and gratitude.

• Do you have teens in your community interested in diving deeper into spiritual living principles and practices?
• Do you know teens interested in stepping into CSL Teen Camp leadership roles?
• If so, please share this class information with them that has been created specifically for teens.

Sundays, February 9 - March 23, 3:00-4:30 p.m. PT (no class February 16) 

Instructors: Sarah Loron, RScP and Rose Palmer, RScP

Category: Core - Foundations

Location: Online only; link information will be sent out a few days prior to class starting, as well as 2 p.m. PT each class day

Investment: $180 until 8 p.m. on February 5, $210 after

CSL Seattle Online Beyond Limits for Teens 6-week Class

Save the Date: In-Person Advisor Training Retreat

Southern California – Buckhorn Camp, Idyllwild — May 16-18, 2025

• 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.
• Starting: Friday, May 16 – registration from 4 p.m. PT  – 5:30 p.m. PT followed by dinner PLEASE BE ON THE GROUNDS NO LATER THAN 5:30 p.m. PT
• Ending: Sunday, May 18 between 10:30 am. PT and 11 a.m. PT
• More information to follow in a future edition of this newsletter.

Questions? Email Rev. Michelle Scavetta, Youth & Field Services Program Manager at YouthServices@CSL.org

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Spiritual Practice of the Week:
Flowing Water Exercise

In "Chapter III: What It Does" of "The Science of Mind," Ernest Holmes writes, “We are surrounded by an Infinite Possibility. It is Goodness, Life, Law and Reason. In expressing Itself through us, It becomes more fully conscious of Its own being. Therefore, It wishes to express through us... we should have faith in It, and Its desires and Its ability to do for us all that we shall ever need to have done. Since It must pass through our consciousness to operate for us, we must be conscious that It is doing so.”

Find and observe a river, a stream or other flowing body of water this week (if you don’t live near one, look up a video of water online). Notice how water continues to flow even when obstacles are in its path, yet it flows much more easily when those obstacles are removed. The Law operates through you like this water. Identify and consciously remove any obstacles of thought and belief that might be hindering the flow of Spirit in your life. Ask yourself: What limiting beliefs or negative thoughts can I let go of today to allow Spirit to flow freely through me? Take specific actions to release these obstacles and open yourself to the infinite possibilities and goodness of the Divine.

This week's Spiritual Practice was provided by the 2025 Global Themes Team.

Questions? Email Communications@CSL.org

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Join Us on Thursday, January 16:
Science of Mind Archives "Lunch and Learn" Event

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.

Questions? Email Info@SoMArchives.org

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Justice Rising: A Moral Call to Action
on Monday, January 20

Join a Historic National Multifaith Worship Service in Memphis, Tennessee, at 4 p.m. PT / 7 p.m. ET featuring Bishop William Barber, Bishop Yvette Flunder and other faith partners, including CSL’s Spiritual Leader, Rev. Dr. Soni Cantrell-Smith!  

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. 

We are encouraging local CSL’s to host watch parties for this event. Register here:

https://pub.csl.org/e/1087013/4a0e-bf74-39889bf8cb3b-summary/djb3fs/1509180068/h/_NTJ5Eo5yi4qzgEX0XkMXQF58IU0QpomObfLkZFkMzk

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)

Español aquí

Questions? Email PractitionerCouncil@Gmail.com

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

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.

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

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!

Questions? Email Communications@CSL.org

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