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June Global Theme: In Living Color

Weekly Theme: In Living Color

Your CSL newsletter for June 5, 2025

Stay informed, engaged and inspired with Centers for Spiritual Living

Quote of the Week

“Color belongs to us because God is a colorful being. How can that which painted nature with such a lavish brush be anything but colorful.”  

― Ernest Holmes, Science of Mind magazine, April 1996 issue, page 9

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.

SOAR 2025 Summer Retreat Testimonial

From Leadership Council Chair Rev. Dr. Deborah Gordon

I just wanted to share a personal testimonial in advance of our upcoming CSL retreat, SOAR 2025 in Banff, Alberta, Canada. (There are a few registration spots left.)

I had the opportunity this past month to attend several in-person gatherings, including the grand opening of the Science of Mind Archives at Unity Village, a CSL Leadership Council retreat (also at Unity Village) as well as a wonderful retreat held by the CSL in Apple Valley, California. Honestly, I had forgotten the power and presence that comes from being together in person.

I was delightfully surprised and reminded of the beauty of being connected in a real, physical way. I remembered that being together, connecting, supporting, hearing each other, sharing time and space together — really, really MATTERS! It is the healing presence in action.

And so, if you are at all inclined, or if you've been looking for that sign of whether to attend SOAR or not, may I offer my suggestion that a YES will serve you very well.

This retreat is strictly a retreat — specifically designed to support you in a journey of revelation, restoration and grace. Banff is extraordinarily beautiful and nourishing. You'd fly into Calgary, which is a major airport with direct flights (Delta/Westjet or Air Canada are most popular), then catch the Banff Airporter shuttle.

Remember once you cross the border, everything you purchase with U.S. dollars is automatically on sale about 37% (at today's rate).

For details and all information, visit SOAR 2025 Summer Retreat - Centers for Spiritual Living

I would love to see you there,

Blessings,
Rev. Dr. Deborah Gordon, Chair
CSL Leadership Council

CSL Tithes in Action:
First Quarter 2025

At CSL international home office, part of our sacred practice is to circulate good through intentional giving. Each quarter, we contribute to individuals and organizations whose work reflects the heart of Science of Mind and nurtures spiritual awakening in the world. In the first quarter of 2025, we joyfully supported recipients who are creating meaningful change in their communities.

Guide for Spiritual Living: Science of Mind magazine has been a cornerstone of spiritual education and inspiration for nearly 100 years. Through its monthly publication, the magazine continues to uplift, inform and expand the consciousness of readers around the world. By sharing teachings grounded in Science of Mind and universal spiritual principles, it plays a vital role in fostering global spiritual growth — making it a natural fit for our committed giving program. Learn more and subscribe at ScienceOfMind.com.

Synthesis Collective, a program of CSL Santa Cruz, is a bold and inclusive spiritual program that blends metaphysics with modern science, mythology and universal practices to ignite individual and collective potential. Offering a rich curriculum and deep community support, Synthesis nurtures seekers of all ages in clarifying their purpose and manifesting what calls them most deeply. Their commitment to creating a world that works for everyone — and all life on Earth — resonates powerfully with the heart of our movement. Find out more at: SynthesisCollective.org.

CSL Committed Giving Team
Rev. Dr. Soni Cantrell-Smith, Spiritual Leader
Rev. Dr. Deborah Gordon, Chair, CSL Leadership Council
Dr. Tye Minckler, Acting Executive Director 
Mary Lindsay, Director of Operations and People Services

Affiliation Agreement Update:
Focus Group Participation and What’s Ahead

Thank you to everyone who participated in CSL's Affiliation Agreement focus groups. Your time, care and candor are deeply appreciated.

In total, we hosted 10 online focus groups with 296 participants. Across these sessions, 22 breakout discussions were held, supported by 18 dedicated facilitators — including groups offered in Spanish. We’re now reviewing and synthesizing the data gathered from these conversations.

Please find attached two very high-level summaries (thanks to AI) of all our copious notes. As part of that review, we are identifying which issues are structural and relevant to the CSL Affiliation Agreement, and which are operational concerns better addressed through existing or emerging programs, practices or resources.

One of those resources is the CSL Abundance Plan, an initiative offering support to interested communities through community pairings, revitalization coaching, outreach relationship-building and grants that encourage bold steps toward growth.

CSL's Affiliation Agreement Committee meets monthly and is actively exploring the viability of several ideas shared in the focus groups. Two subcommittees are currently focused on investigating some of the more complex possibilities raised.

We believe it’s vital that the field continue to help shape the direction of the Affiliation Agreement, and another opportunity for you to participate is already being scheduled. We’ll continue to share updates and outline what’s ahead as the process unfolds.

With gratitude,
The Affiliation Agreement Committee

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

In 2027, Guide for Spiritual Living: Science of Mind magazine will celebrate 100 years in continuous publication. But we need your help to get there. Subscriptions continue to decrease month after month.

​​​​​​This is a trend most print publications are experiencing while the costs of production and distribution continue to increase. As Religious Scientists, we can do better and save the magazine Ernest Holmes founded.

For $4.07 a month, you can receive six double issues of the magazine or give it as a gift. You can also transform the lives of incarcerated people, one of CSL's powerful ministries in the world.

And for $19.95 a year, you can share the digital edition with anyone across the globe. It's available monthly online as a dynamic PDF with an interactive table of contents, download capability (for online translator apps) and more.

This magazine is one of the most powerful expansion tools the Science of Mind teaching has in our world. Please support our small team so we can not only survive but thrive and realize our goals for the future.

June "Tune In Tuesday" Paused

Resumes September 2, 2025

"Tune in Tuesday" has been paused for summer 2025.

Dr. Soni hosts "Tune in Tuesdays" on the first Tuesday of the month, and the next one is set for Tuesday, September 2. 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.

Touchstone Thursday
Paused for Summer 2025

"Touchstone Thursday," a monthly gathering dedicated to 15 minutes of collective prayer for our organization and the world, is paused for summer 2025. Watch this newsletter for its return.

Global Heart of Peace Initiative

What we communicate, persists.
Choose to communicate PEACE!

CSL's Global Heart of Peace Initiative exists to support CSL's Global Outreach Committee and CSL's Global Support Services. They develop and host thoughtful programming for global events such as World Labyrinth Day, the Season of Nonviolence, International Day of Peace and World Peace Day. 

Ground yourself daily in spiritual truth with the Global Heart of Peace meditation playlist on YouTube.

Get involved and join 735 members of the the initiative to bring about peace on Earth through our Facebook group.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter to stay inspired and engaged in a consciousness of peace.

Updates From Camp Cedar Ridge

Happy Third Birthday Camp Cedar Ridge!

Questions? Email KWilson@CampCedarRidgeOR.org

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Answer the Call
to Spiritual Leadership

Are you feeling called to deepen your spiritual path and lead with purpose? CSL's School of Spiritual Leadership offers transformative education grounded in Science of Mind principles to prepare heart-centered leaders for today’s world. Whether you're discerning your next step or ready to dive in, explore what’s possible for your journey.

Visit CSL.org/SSL to learn more and take your next inspired step. This is a new and enhanced website that we're excited to share with you.

Questions? Email Registrar@CSL.org

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Attention Ministers!
New Open Pulpit Listing 

These communities are looking for new CSL ministers. See the information on CSL's "Our Community" website, "Organization Resources," "Minister Resources" to "Open Pulpits":

• CSL Alaska, Anchorage, AK
• CSL Bellingham, Bellingham, WA
• CSL Nashville, Nashville, TN
• CSL Grand Junction, Grand Junction, CO

Questions? Email NBankston@CSL.org

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Wanted:
Regional Support Coordinators 

Regional Support Coordinators are needed for Regions 8, 9, 10 and 11. 

If you are an ordained minister with 3+ years of experience in ministry, please contact Rev. Nan Bankston, Director of Global Support Services.

We have a place for you to serve!

Questions? Email NBankston@CSL.org

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Chaplaincy Committee Town Hall

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Calling all Chaplains!

The newly formed Chaplaincy Committee is hosting its first Town Hall meeting on June 17 at 4 p.m. PT / 5 p.m. MT / 6 p.m. CT / 7 p.m. ET.

We will be joined by our Community Spiritual Leader, Rev. Dr. Soni, and Rev. Nan Bankston, CSL's Director of Global Support Services. We are excited to bring our Chaplains together to meet and greet one another, hear about the good work you are doing, as well as ways we can support you in your ministry.

Please RSVP at the link provided, and you'll get the Zoom details.

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://pub.csl.org/e/1087013/egister-PbtXh7D8Rcq7RiMBR4LaAg/dk1pb2/1672988320/h/oxo7VfY_o2gZwhVOH896zpUVZd9WH81Drr0OGat94xk

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Questions? Email SOverland@CSL.org

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Spiritual Practice of the Week:
Pride-Themed Meditation

Many of us have learned that to be proud is somehow wrong. We can see it as counter to humility and humbleness, or as a sign of an overblown ego. However, if we don’t believe in ourselves and celebrate our accomplishments, we are unlikely to reach our full potential.

We can thank the LGBTQIA+ community for bringing a bold and inspiring connotation to this word and for demonstrating that to be proud is to love yourself fully and unapologetically. Whether you identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community or not, watch to explore how a healthy sense of pride can ground you in your identity and be an invaluable resource in realizing your potential.

Questions? Email Communications@CSL.org

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CSL Connection! Call

Monday, June 16 at 9 a.m. PT /
10 a.m. MT / 11 a.m. CT / 12 p.m. ET

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 June call is Monday, June 16. 

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, June 16: https://pub.csl.org/e/1087013/j-933448796-success/dk1pb8/1672988320/h/oxo7VfY_o2gZwhVOH896zpUVZd9WH81Drr0OGat94xk

Questions? Email Communications@CSL.org

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

Thursday, June 19 at 11 a.m. PT /
12 p.m. MT / 1 p.m. CT / 2 p.m. ET

Español aquí

Join the Science of Mind Archives and Library Foundation on Thursday, June 19, beginning at 11 a.m. PT (12 p.m. MT / 1 p.m. CT / 2 p.m. ET) for an hour with Dr. Jim Van Cleave and our founder Dr. Ernest Holmes. We'll listen to and discuss his talk, "The Power of Affirmative Thinking."

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.

Dr. Jim Van Cleave 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 M.Lopez97@Yahoo.com

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Practitioner Council
Sensational Saturday

Saturday, June 22 at 9 a.m. PT /
10 a.m. MT / 11 a.m. CT / 12 p.m. ET"

Español aquí

Join us for Sensational Saturday with Maite Cortez Santana to learn more about "The Creative Spiritual Mind Treatment: The Zero Step."

Questions? Email PracCouncil@CSL.org

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SOAR 2025 Summer Retreat
August 7-10

Join us for SOAR 2025 in Banff, Alberta, Canada, August 7 - 10. 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.

Find information for travel, lodging, things to do and more here.​​​​

Questions? Email Communications@CSL.org

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