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

January Global Theme: Stretching into Possibility

Weekly Theme: Choosing Possibility

Your weekly newsletter for January 30, 2025

Stay informed, engaged and inspired with Centers for Spiritual Living

Quote of the Week

“Use your senses fully. Be where you are. Look around. Just look, don't interpret. See the light, shapes, colors, textures. Be aware of the silent presence of each thing. Be aware of the space that allows everything to be. Listen to the sounds;
don't judge them. Listen to the silence underneath the sounds. Touch something —anything—and feel and acknowledge its Being. Observe the rhythm of your breathing; feel the air flowing in and out, feel the life energy inside your body.
Allow everything to be, within and without. Allow the ‘isness’ of all things.
Move deeply into the Now.”
 

— Eckhart Tolle, “The Power of Now” 

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.

"Tune In Tuesday" With Spiritual Leader Rev. Dr. Soni Cantrell-Smith on February 4

Dr. Soni hosts "Tune in Tuesdays" on the first Tuesday of the month, and the next one is set for Tuesday, February 4. 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. 

February 4's question: How are you using the principles of Science of Mind along with prayer to navigate all the changes in our world today? 

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.

Questions? Email Communications@CSL.org

| Go back to Table of Contents |

Event Replay: Join CSL Leaders in "Justice Rising" (From Monday, January 20)

Replay Rev. Dr. Soni's talk during "Justice Rising: A Moral Call to Action in America’s Defining Moment."

Watch the entire program here.

CSL's Spiritual Leader Rev. Dr. Soni Cantrell-Smith and Rev. Dr. David Alexander traveled to Memphis, Tennessee, for this powerful event that united faith leaders, community advocates and people of goodwill who are committed to amplifying justice, equity and love in the face of divisive and regressive forces.

Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy and prophetic vision, this event was a declaration of hope and a moral response to an immoral vision for America.

Questions? Email Communications@CSL.org

| Go back to Table of Contents |

Education Uplift:
"Educating in Challenging Times"

In times of rapid change and uncertainty, spiritual educators are called to rise — adaptive, resilient and inspiring. Are you ready to meet this challenge?

Join us on Wednesday, February 5, for "Educating in Challenging Times," a stand-alone presentation and Part 2 of a specially crafted series designed to empower spiritual teachers and leaders like you to navigate today’s complexities with confidence and clarity. This series will provide you with actionable strategies to create engaging, meaningful learning experiences that resonate deeply — even in the face of adversity.

In this series, you'll learn:

• Effective ways to address your students’ evolving needs
• Tools to foster resilience, growth and transformation
• Methods for guiding your students toward spiritual clarity and strength

You'll be provided with insights and practical advice to help you connect more deeply with your students and empower them on their spiritual journey.

Stay connected. Stay inspired. Lead with confidence. Sign up today and begin transforming your teaching approach to meet the challenges of our time.

Education Uplift is open to all ministers, practitioners and education administrators.

Questions? Email SpiritualDevelopment@CSL.org

| Go back to Table of Contents |

Retired Ministers Committee's Spiritual ​​​​​Buddy Program Seeking Mentors

CALL FOR MINISTERS: "Spiritual Buddy" Volunteers Needed 

CSL's Retired Ministers Committee is excited to announce a new opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of our upcoming ministers. We’re seeking retired ministers who feel called to serve as mentors/"Spiritual Buddies" in a new program launching this month.

This initiative is a partnership with the School of Spiritual Leadership. Ministerial students will have the chance to be paired with seasoned ministers who can offer guidance, support and spiritual companionship. The Spiritual Buddy Program is designed to be a steady source of support as these students navigate their studies and face the personal and spiritual challenges that often arise on this path.

If you're interested in volunteering as a mentor or would like more information, contact Lari Goold at LGoold@ATT.net or reach out to ministerial student Julia Mattis at JuliaMattis@Hotmail.com or 410-303-7010.

Questions? Email the Retired Ministers Committee at RevJB18@Gmail.com

| Go back to Table of Contents |

Updates From Camp Cedar Ridge

Questions? Email KWilson@CampCedarRidgeOR.org

| Go back to Table of Contents |

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

| Go back to Table of Contents |

Spiritual Practice of the Week:
Affirmations of Possibility

Ernest Holmes once asked, “We are chemists in the laboratory of the Infinite. What, then, shall we create?” ("365 Science of Mind: A Year of Daily Wisdom," page 12). 

What will you choose to create? Engage with this principle and experiment with it in your own life.

Imagine if the first words you spoke each day were affirmations of possibility. For the next week, make it a practice to start each day with an affirmative statement.
For example: “God is, therefore I am. I declare that my life is expanding in health, wealth, love, trust and more. I am grateful for this truth now. And so it is.”

Let’s see how this practice brings the law into action and transforms our experience.

This spiritual practice was taken from the CSL Global Themes for January 2025, Week 4.

Questions? Email Communications@CSL.org

| Go back to Table of Contents |

Conscious Conversations
"Finding Unity in Surrender:
The Essence of Trust"
Saturday, February 1
10 a.m. PT / 11 a.m. MT / 12 p.m. CT / 1 p.m. ET

Surrender is the attitude of listening, trusting and accepting that allows us to unlock our authentic selves. How can we cultivate this way of being? Join us as we explore this profound practice, drawing on insights from various spiritual traditions.

Questions? Email PractitionerCouncil@Gmail.com

| Go back to Table of Contents |

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

Passionate about peace? Want to do something fun and meaningful during the Season for Peace and Nonviolence (January 30 - April 4)? Sign up to host a study group and we will send you all the documents you need to facilitate amazing discussions. You will receive weekly discussion guides and PowerPoints to help create powerful discussions, either virtually or in person, around the daily topics that will be shared on our Facebook and Instagram pages. Ready to sign up? Email GlobalHeartofPeace@Gmail.com. We look forward to working with you on this exciting program.

Questions? Email GlobalHeartofPeace@Gmail.com

| Go back to Table of Contents |

Investment Committee Annual Presentation
Friday, February 21
1 p.m. PT / 2 p.m. MT / 3 p.m. CT / 4 p.m. ET

Each year, the Science of Mind Foundation Investment Committee presents an update on our investments and the health of the Foundation.

We invite you to join a special meeting for all centers with endowments and those thinking about establishing an endowment, on Friday, February 21, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. MT. During this session, the Science of Mind Investment Committee will provide an overview of the Foundation's financial position, discuss centers' endowment performance, speak about the Foundation's mission and address any questions you have.

The presentation will last 60 minutes.

Join us by Zoom: https://pub.csl.org/e/1087013/j-92072503340/djdbph/1529612483/h/AYYTJKIVsCaBfgRdZ9tezDTaDr5f1EtypguhLCp_VSQ

If you have questions or concerns before the meeting, contact Michael Schlut at 720-279-1629 or MSchlut@SoMFoundation.org.

Sincerely,
The Investment Committee of Science of Mind Foundation, Inc.
Ero Johnson, Chair
Members: Dr. Walter Drew, Mr. Ray Marvin and Rev. Dr. Kenn Gordon    

Questions? Email PKeens@SoMFoundation.org

| Go back to Table of Contents |

Q&A on Updating the ODM and Bylaws

March 3, 2025
9 a.m. PT / 10 a.m. MT / 11 a.m. CT / 12 p.m. ET
or 4 p.m. PT / 5 p.m. MT / 6 p.m. CT / 7 p.m. ET​​​

Rev. Dr. Alice Reid will host a Q&A zoom meeting on March 3 for delegates to ask questions about the the Organizational Design Model (ODM) and Bylaw restatement resolution.

Voting on this resolution will occur during the annual business meeting. You can find the ODM and Bylaws information here.

Questions? Email Communications@CSL.org

| Go back to Table of Contents |

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 the first week of February.

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

| Go back to Table of Contents |

Register for SOAR 2025
A Journey of Revelation, Restoration and Grace
​​​​​​August 7 - 10, 2025​​​​

Registration is now open for SOAR 2025:
A Journey of Revelation, Restoration and Grace 
Space is limited, so reserve your spot today! 

In August 2025, our annual summer retreat will head to the heart of Canadian Rockies and the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity in Banff, Alberta, Canada. Gather and connect through inspiring speakers, musical performances, experiential workshops, spiritual practices, meditations and communal meals. 

The in-person Ministers Gathering begins Wednesday, August 6, with an evening ceremony and continues Thursday, August 7 until 3 p.m.

SOAR 2025 begins Thursday, August 7, at 4 p.m. Opportunities to connect continue until Sunday, August 10, at noon.

Questions? Email Communications@CSL.org

| Go back to Table of Contents |