Newsletter Awakening Humanity To Its Spiritual Magnificence

A spiritual community that honors all paths to God January - February 2011

Rooted in Spirit: Growing in Faith…Growing in Love

Every January, ministers around the world choose as the focus of their Sunday lessons the opening four chapters of textbook. Those four chapters contain the essential ideas Dr. Holmes spoke of and taught in the early years of his ministry, and which formed the foundation for the balance of the textbook. This “back to basics” tradition is intended to reinforce the beliefs and understanding already instilled in a congregation, and set a strong footing upon which the minister can build and expand the year’s lessons, drawing on and tying back to the essential ideas of the teaching – the roots from which Religious Science has grown.

For the year 2011, our Center’s January lessons begin with the “back to basics” theme, focused on those first four chapters. Remembering that all creation is “Rooted in Spirit”, we have set an intention this year to grow in all the aspects and qualities of Spirit, building on the foundation laid this first month of the year.

We begin with the intention to grow in Faith, “…the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Basic to our teaching is faith – faith in the power of Principle that responds to us perfectly, creating through us according to our belief and acceptance. From there, we move on in our intention to grow in Love, the word Emerson uses as a synonym for God. All creation is born of Love, and we set an intention to deepen our experience of and our ability to love, and to create magnificence out of that love.

Beginning again, and going back to our roots – we can draw on the Source within us to guide us, and support us in our intention. We look forward to sharing this time of growth with you.

With love and respect, Rev. Alice and Board of Trustees

Dates to Remember

January - Rooted in Spirit: Growing in Faith February - Rooted in Spirit: Growing in Love 2nd: Rev. Alice Carpenter 6th: Rev. Jacqueline Chohan White Stone Ceremony 13th: Rev. Alice Carpenter 9th: Rev. Lacy Atkinson Annual General Meeting/Member Luncheon 16th: B. J. King, R.Sc.P.. 18th: Spiritual Cinema, 7 p.m. Workshop: It’s Heaven in 2011 20th: Rev. Jane Holt 21st: Spiritual Cinema, 7 p.m. 23rd: SOM class begins: 23rd: B. J. King, R.Sc.P. The Edinburgh Lectures of Thomas Troward Soup for the Soul 27th: B. J. King, R.Sc.P. 30th: Karie Hillary/Season for Peace Serendipity Singers Workshop: Windows to the Self

It's Heaven In 2011 Soup for the Soul Designing a dream for Sunday, January 23rd the best year of your We all love “Food for life Thought”. Add “Soup for the Sunday, January 16th Soul” and we’ll enjoy interest- ing conversation while feast- Following our service, join us in a workshop with ing on a variety of delicious soups, breads and B.J. King, R.Sc.P. from 12:30 to 2:30 pm. Tuition for desserts. Enrich your life and relax with us - all for the workshop is your love offering. a $7.00 donation!

Learn how to overcome indecision, fear, doubt and worry while finding peace, joy and happiness. In Season for Peace this workshop we will focus on how to: Sunday, January 30th • reconnect to God and go deeper A “Season for Peace and Non- • improve the way you think, resulting in less violence”, which runs from frustration while creating the life you really de- sire January 30th to April 4th, is a • take action each day to have greater successes national 64-day educational, in all areas media, and grassroots campaign dedicated to dem- For more information, or to signup and reserve your onstrating that nonviolence is a powerful way to spot in this workshop, contact the church heal, transform, and empower our lives and our office at: 408-286-1913. communities. Inspired by the 50th and 30th memorial anniversaries of the deaths of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., this inter- Window to the Self: A Workshop for national event honors their vision for an empow- ered, nonviolent world. Creating, Interpreting and Using Mandalas - Sunday, January 30th To open the Season for our Center, on Sunday, January 30th, Karie Hillery and her band will Join Rev. Alice in exploring the fasci- present a “Season for Peace” program as inspired nating world of mandalas from 12:15 by the Association for Global ’s to 3:00 p.m. Suggested donation is (AGNT) 64 days honoring Dr. Martin Luther $10 and includes materials. King, Mahatma Gandhi and Cesar Chavez. Karie’s uplifting program combines original The word “mandala” comes from the music, inspirational readings and spoken word. ancient language of Sanskrit and means circle or cir- Backed by guitarist/vocalist Will Northcutt and cumference. The circle stands as a universal symbol of unity and wholeness in many cultures and through- bassist Del Penny, Karie’s dynamic presence and out history. The noted psychiatrist C.G. Jung be- musical artistry are an inspiration to all in atten- lieved circles represented the Self, the dance to heed the message and “be the change you center of the total personality, and were entitled to wish to see in the world”. Karie’s “Season for respectful attention as symbols from the subcon- Peace” is an experience that will stay with you scious. throughout the year.

Workshop participants will be invited to create their For more information on “Season for Peace”, go own mandala, or choose patterns provided. A brief to: http://www.agnt.org/season-for-nonviolence background on the history of mandalas will be given, and discussion about their use will conclude the workshop. Pre-registration is recommended to assure sufficient materials are on hand. Register by calling the church office at 408-286-1913 or by signing the registration form available on the Usher’s Table. Spiritual Cinemas Annual 2011 General Meeting Sunday, February 13th Eat, Pray, Love The second Sunday in Friday, January 21st February is our Liz Gilbert had everything a Annual General Meet- modern woman is supposed to ing. This is the yearly dream of having - a husband, a business meeting of house, a successful career - yet the Center. At this like so many others, she found meeting, the Board herself lost, confused, and will present a synopsis searching for what she really wanted in life. Newly of last year’s financial divorced and at a crossroads, Liz steps out of her activity, and plans for the coming year. Members comfort zone, risking everything to change her will be asked to ratify the actions of the Board, and life, embarking on a journey around the world that the congregation will be asked to vote on new becomes a quest for self-discovery. In her travels, Board Members. If you are a member and are she discovers the true pleasure of nourishment eat- unable to attend, please contact the usher and re- ing in Italy; the power of prayer in , and, fi- quest a proxy. nally and unexpectedly, the inner peace and bal- Following the Annual General Meeting, the Board ance of true love in Bali. invites you and your guest to join them for a

Members Luncheon in the Fellowship Hall. Hurricane Season Friday, February 18th If you would like to become a member of the Center for Spiritual Living Los Gatos, request a Based on true events amid the membership application from the Ushers. Follow- wreckage and chaos dealt by ing completion of the new members orientation Hurricane Katrina; one bas- class, we will welcome you at a New Members ketball coach in Marrero, welcome ceremony. Louisiana just will not give up. Coach Al Collins gathers other players from hard-hit The Serendipity Choir Sings! schools and builds a team ac- February 27th tually worthy enough to go to the state playoffs. In one of the darker times of our We are fortunate to have nation's history, this movie illustrates what makes our good friends, The Ser- the human spirit so powerful. And how a group of endipity Choir, perform for misfits can become brothers and form a collective us on this Sunday. Their bond that can accomplish anything - showing love of music is joyfully when people's lives are turned upside down, there expressed as they raise is still faith, hope and resilience. their voices in song. This heart-warming musical ex- Movies are shown at the Center and start perience will inspire you at 7 p.m. Cold drinks, popcorn and candy with the energy and will be available for a donation of $7. See enthusiasm of the choir. you there! Invite your family and friends for this fabulous choir experience and enjoy an inspirational talk by B.J. King, R.Sc.P. as well. Upcoming Guest Ministers and Speakers

Reverend Lacy Atkinson

Rev. Lacy Atkinson is an assistant minister at the Center for Spiritual Living in Fre- mont. He has been a minister since 1999 and was ordained in 2004. He is a regular speaker on Sunday mornings, has taught accredited classes and has led the 4-T, Keys to The Kingdom and 5 Gifts classes the past several years. He has served with the In- ternational Centers for Spiritual Living youth. adult, and teen groups. Being a retired Deputy Fire Chief of San Jose, Rev. Lacy has executive experience in addition to his years as a Religious Science minister.

Speaking date: January 9th

Reverend Alice Carpenter

Rev. Alice received her ministerial training in Redding where she served as Staff and Assistant Minister for two and a half years. She became Pastor of the Center for Spiri- tual Discovery in 2001 and was ordained in 2004. Rev. Alice served as co-chair of the RSI Asilomar Conference in 2005. She retired as Pastor of the Center in December 2007 but continued as a member of the Board for the Los Gatos Center for Spiritual Living until February 2008.

She currently serves as Chairman of the Church Chartering Committee for Interna- tional Centers for Spiritual Living, and continues to provide guidance and spiritual support to the Los Gatos Center, as well as instruction in Science of Mind principles.

Speaking dates: January 2nd, February 13th

Rev. Jacqueline Chohan

Rev. Jacqueline Chohan was co-pastor of Center for Spiritual Growth located in Bel- mont, California with her now deceased husband, Rev. Karminder. She trained with Rev. Dr. Marcia Pearce and Rev. Dr. Maxine Kaye. She lives the principles of Science of Mind. She was ordained in 2009 and became minister emeritus at the end of 2010. She enjoys guest speaking and facilitating workshops, and teaching T'ai Chi Seishin.

Speaking date: February 6th Upcoming Guest Ministers and Speakers (continued)

Karie Hillery

International recording artist Karie Hillery has spent her life bringing her uplifting mu- sic to every imaginable venue worldwide. Her work as a musical “peace ambassador” has grown to include speaking engagements combined with musical performances. De- signed to empower and increase awareness, Karie’s presentations highlight the inter- connectedness of all cultures and belief systems, and inspire a deeper respect for the Mother earth.

Speaking date: January 30th

Reverend Jane Holt

Rev. Jane Holt has returned to the Center for Spiritual Living in Fremont where she originally took her ministerial training, serves as a staff minister in teaching, speaking, event coordinating and facilitates spiritual empowerment workshops.

Her spiritual path started at childhood and finally twenty-five years later found Reli- gious Science. She says, "This teaching made sense to me on all levels and changed my life when I began to apply what I was learning". Rev. Jane received her ministerial license in August of 2003.

Rev. Jane brings a wide range of skills and experience to her ministry. She has worked in profit and non-profit fields and in areas such as leadership development and is versed in many multi-cultural venues. She currently works as a Senior Health Educator and describes herself as a "Midwife to Life"

Speaking date: February 20th

B. J. King, R.Sc.P.

When I walked into First Church of Religious Science 26 years ago, the first words I heard spoken by Dr. Scott was, “Something great and wonderful is happening today and you are a part of it.” I knew I had found my right place to be one with a loving, supportive GOD. I felt called to become a Practitioner and began that course of study. I am in my 19th year of being a licensed Practitioner and I am so grateful I answered the call. I have been honored to pray and counsel with individuals and families, present mo- tivating workshops, facilitate classes, being a guest speaker at other churches.

Speaking dates: January 16th, January 23rd, February 27th Center for Spiritual Living 2011 Namasté Bookstore Integration Conference - Love Leads The dawn of the New Year brings with it the arri- the Way - February 27th thru March 4th val of new selections of books to the Namasté The Integration Conference, bookstore. We have a new selection of children’s to be held in San Diego, is books and are featuring some of our favorites the occasion for the integral along with “must read” books for our avid book “vote” that will bring two readers. separate organizations to- gether as one. This promises From the Smithsonian Wild to be an exciting conference Heritage Collection, Gray Wolf with some of the best New Pup and the Jackrabbit and the Thought music in town and Prairie Fire: The Story of a top-notch presenters including: Black-Tailed Jackrabbit are our picks for the month. These books • Dr. Kenn Gordon, Dr. Kathy Hearn, and Tama contain an amazing amount of material to talk Kieves – Sunday, February 27th about with young children and features the con- • Dr. Dennis Merritt Jones and Rev. Petra cepts of following the pack rules, not straying Weldes – Monday, February 28th from home and dangers in the wild. It also • Rev. Joan Steadman and Rev. Donna Michael – includes pictures and beautifully detailed pencil Tuesday, March 1st drawings. • A special presentation from Karl Anthony of Mantra – Wednesday, March 2nd For our adult readers, Yoga Gems: A Treasury of • Dr. David Ault and Dr. Edward Viljoen – Practical and Spiritual Wisdom from Ancient and Thursday, March 3rd Modern Masters is a book that defines yoga as a • The Second Annual Building Our Wealth Sym- spiritual endeavor that should relate to all aspects posium with the author of Not Your Parents’ of life. It also offers short reflections and quotes Offering Plate: a New Vision for Financial from yoga masters that can be applicable to life Stewardship, Dr. Clif Christopher (additional in general, not just yoga practice. Just reading registration fee required) – Friday, March 4th two or three “gems” a day can make a huge im- pact on your happiness level. It makes a great Winter Coat Drive read just before bedtime as each short topic leaves you with a sense of peace. We are still collecting for the The Sound of Paper is a book by Julia Cameron. Warm Winter Coat Drive, Cameron focuses on getting past creative blocks; ending January 30, 2011. what to do when you feel empty inside, or, as she Specifically needed are writes, “the making of art when we feel we have men’s coats, jackets, sweaters, etc. If you have a no art in us.” There’s always something you can winter coat, or a blanket you are not using, bring do and she encourages us to get moving. Cam- them along with you on Sunday and we will eron’s suggestions and exercises will keep any- provide them to charities that will distribute them one busy and productive. Each reader makes their to those who are in need. Donations of blankets own unique choices when identifying their most are welcome as well. helpful exercises, from making a list of 20 wishes, to thinking of five situations that worked Faith is an affirmative mode of thought. Faith out well. The bottom line is no matter how you says, “I can”, rather than I cannot” or “I shall feel, get to your workshop and start working! Just not”. We can learn to have faith in abundance do the work. rather than in poverty. We can change our thought in regard to lack. Come and browse our new selections and start the year off with new insight. Books are available ~ - Living the Science of Mind ~ before and after Sunday service. The Edinburgh Lectures of Thomas Troward Science of Mind Class Set to Start February 23rd

Serious students of the Science of Mind will recognize the name Thomas Troward as one of significant influence and importance to our . Dr. Ernest Holmes, the founder of Religious Science and author of the Science of Mind textbook, estimated that 40% of his work was influenced by the thinking and writing of Judge Thomas Troward.

Rev. Alice will be offering the accredited eight week class based on Troward’s Edinburgh and Dore Lectures starting Wednesday, February 23, from 6:30 to 9:15 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall at the Center. This is a required course for students who plan to go on to advanced studies for either practitioner or minister, however everyone is encouraged to take this class. A sign up sheet will be available at the Usher Table each Sunday, or students may contact Rev. Alice directly to sign up for the class. Tuition is $110.

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