Possibilities!
Explore our Web Site at
Issue #3/2004
Centre for Positive Living, Box 8520, Saskatoon, SK S7K 6K6
http://www.websyte.com/scimind/cfplsaskatoon/
Blessings to all in the Christmas Season, and in the New Year! Minister’s Message “Home for the Holidays!”
Winter, 2004
cfpl@shaw.ca 306-975-2022
OUR CFPL VISION: Celebrating the Awakening of Individual Possibilities in Spiritual Community OUR MISSION/PURPOSE: “We are a focused, dynamic spiritual community supporting personal and spiritual growth and empowering transformation in joy. We exist to support the community in teaching and practicing the Principles of the Science of Mind.”’ OUR VALUES: Growth Spiritual/Personal Love Family
A common sound at this time of the year. Does it ever make you wonder what the pull - the drive - the longing that we feel at this time of the year is really all about? I believe it is the Divine Urge that is pushing, pulling, prodding & driving us to awaken to our Divinity. When I think about this time of year I see it once again as an opportunity to come home to our Truth, an opportunity to step into our potential. Our beloved Centre offers us a Spiritual Home to do just that. We are a growing dynamic work and having a lot of fun while doing it. Together we create the environment for our experience of the Christ born in us to grow to spiritual maturity. We have come home for all the “whole”ly days. Together we create a place where every day is a “Holy” day where our wholeness is revealing Itself through our daily living in the Joy of Being. As our year comes to a close I recognize the quantum leap in consciousness that our 2004 “Adventures in Faith” theme has brought us to. We have awakened and are stepping into our role in the collective consciousness of our planet and that is: to free ourselves from the superstitious, and oppressive beliefs of a GOD out there - to a belief in a GOD as an inner presence. We have awakened and NOW is the time to decide to stay awake, recognizing once & for all our connection to our Source - we have never been and cannot be separated from it. Dr. Ernest Holmes wrote in the Science of Mind book “ There is that within us which partakes of the nature of the Divine Being, and since it partakes of the nature of the Divine Being, we are divine.” Holmes wrote that the spiral of life is upward. Evolution carries us forward. Our individual lives and the life of our Centre continues to spiral upward, and I know that the genius in each of us moves forth with the right and perfect ideas and the power to move these ideas into manifestation. Barbara Marx Hubbard calls us the“Cultural Creatives” those who initiate change because we are consciously choosing to evolve - knowing we are part of the evolution of consciousness. Salma Hayek -Oscar nominated actress said “As a human being we are always evolving. Embrace the different parts of your self, and discover a love that lasts a lifetime. First, let’s love who we are today.” The Christmas Story is truly about the “Christ Consciousness” being born in us. This Divine Love is born in us and we must nurture this love by expressing it. When we come home to ourselves we are free to live as we are meant to, to live - loving, sharing, celebrating, caring - In Joy. So as this year 2004 comes to a close, lets give thanks for all that we are & move into the New Year recognizing NOW is the time to Awaken & Live, Celebrate Yourself & Stay Awake. We truly have come “Home for the Holidays”.The center of our daily lives is filled with possibility as we experience 2005 “Living The Science of Mind” Enjoy In Joy, Rev Lorraine Trout P.S. One of the many highlights this year was the graduation of our 7 Science of Mind 400 ministerial students. This proud teacher learned so much from all these brilliant thinkers. Our Centre has welcomed 3 newly licensed staff ministers, Edith Gudmundson, Shari Beckton, and Darrell Gudmundson. Karen Symak will be assuming the role of newsletter editor, as well as other activities in the new year. Kathryn Cardinal is a Staff Minister for Rev. Patrick Cameron in Edmonton - Lucky Edmonton she’s dynamic. Ian Fraser has started a new & very successful work in Winnipeg- way to go Ian. Cam Hamoline will join him as a Co-Pastor in Jan,2005 - Cam we will miss you but totally support you in love & prayer treatments. Enjoy/In Joy Rev. Lorraine Trout, Minister (a spiritual being having a human experience)
May the presence of the Divine Spirit within bless you with an abundance of Love and Joy ! Happy Holidays!
Rev. Lorraine Trout and Rev. Liz McDougall
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Sending a Little Love and Appreciation ...
• To all the people who helped with the planning and putting on of our ‘Mini Asilomar’: Asilomar is the annual conference which Religious Science has had since the early part of the last century. We copied it in a small way with four concurrent workshops in late October. • To all our set-up and clean-up crews who make every Sunday possible. • To our food ministry who help create a great social atmosphere every week. • To our sound ministry - thanks for the music, the recordings, and the smiles! • To our Kosmic Kids Krew, who make our young folks want to come back again and again. • To our ‘Friends’ of the Centre who host and greet and answer questions. • To our Resource Centre ministry - thanks for ordering the new books (what a feeding frenzy!) • And to all those folks I left out in this list!
The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes.
- William James
When a man undertakes to create something, he establishes a new heaven, as it were, and from it the work that he desires to create flows into him... For such is the immensity of man that he is greater than heaven and earth.
- Philipus Aureolus Paracelsus THE UNEXPECTED INCOME PROGRAM
This program was run at the same time as the the Adventures in Faith program. Those who cared to join were added to a treatment list, which was given to Centre Practitioners. Prosperity treatments were done, while those joining were requested to give 10% of any uniexpected income to the Centre. The result was over $500 tithed to the Centre, indicating that members of the program received over $5000 in income they did not expect to receive. The Treatment used is repdroduced below - feel free to make yourself prosperous!
Treatment for Prosperity
I accept that God is the source of all supply, and that “money is God in action”. that I have an abundance of money to spare and to share –today and always. I believe that true Prosperity includes perfect health, perfect wealth, and perfect happiness. I believe that all kinds of good are now flowing to me so richly and so fully
God is all there is.
The word, which I speak in faith and conviction, activates the Law
meeting Sundays at 11 am 614 11th Street East phone (306) 975-2022
I bless all others in the Unexpected Income Program of our Church, and I I give thanks for this Good. And so it is! Amen. Amen. know that we prosper together in every way – right now!
I bless all the good that is with me now. I bless the increase.
of Universal Good, and I accept and share the results.
3 UPCOMING - THE PILLARS PROGRAM
Did you know that…. It costs $7000 per month to operate The Centre for Positive Living ?? Break even cost is $1615 per week Benefits: Life skills, education, fun, freedom Did you know that…. The total cost of running Sunday Celebrations, Meditations, Classes and Healing Circles is $32.30 per person per week, based on a minimum 50 contributing members Benefits; Spiritual family, socialization, your centre Supporting you. Did you know that…. There were at least 300 human hours working to bring you the Celebration Sunday for the“Adventures in Faith” Wind-up Sunday workshops, lunches, snacks, and entertainment! Benefits; Inspiration, community, personal balance. These facts are given to THANK you! The work and contributions of all who make this possible is appreciated. You are the pillars of this Centre, and thanks to you, more and more people are being attracted to the Religious Science way of living. To support you in turn, a new program is being considered, called the Pillars Program, which is one possible way of acknowledging our donors in a more tangible way. Watch for more about this idea in the coming weeks/months.
You cannot look for this Spirit,
for it is doing the looking. You cannot see this Spirit, for it is doing the seeing. You cannot find this Spirit, for it is doing the finding. If you understand this, then Spirit is doing the understanding. If you don't understand this, Spirit is doing that. Understand it or not, just that is Spirit.
FROM BOARD PRESIDENT SHARI BECTON
erry Christmas everyone!
These past few months have flown by with the Adventures in Faith* program Answer the Call. Each of the seven weeks were well attended and mighty colorful besides. The Conversation Cafes were a hit and something we are looking to continue. The FunMasters had a smashing attendance at the premiere of “ What the Bleep do we know**” movie, our best ever attended social outing of 56 people. The Board and I will be unveiling a new program called the “Pillar program”- so stay tuned for more information. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome our new office administrator - Michelle Telford. If you have anything you would like to discuss, ideas you care to share for fun, fund raising, classes or workshops, etc. please feel free to approach me, or call the office at 975-2022, or use the e-mail address shown in the margin above. Our Candle Lighting Service is Dec. 19th and our always-popular Burning Bowl Ceremony is Jan 2, 2005. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
FROM THE EDITOR:
It is hard to leave a love behind, but I am giving up the editorship of this newsletter in early 2005. Karen Symak will be taking on this rewarding chore in the new year. I will continue to contribute articles and other materials in my new role as Staff Minister - Community Outreach. Now that I have retired from the business world, I expect to feel my way as I explore a new purpose and some new goals in life. I have more new books to write, (old books to sell!) and I am presumptuous enough to think I might even have something to say. My desire is to travel around Saskatoon and cities and towns around, with presentations, workshops, seminars and talks that reflect the ongoing learning I plan to do. “Have projector, will travel” is my new motto. Please call me - I will speak to groups of any size, I am ready to conduct book studies, discussion groups, and workshops. Thanks for supporting my growth over the years - now how can I support yours? Rev. Darrell Gudmundson, P.Eng.
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The Centre for Positive Living
SOUL FOOD EVERY WEDNESDAY NOON
Offers you
Interested in a stress break in the middle of the week? We hold lunch hour meditations every Wednesday from 12:0012:45 in the Board Room on the 4th floor of the Birks Building. Nourish your soul and feed your spirit with a little "soul food". There is soft music from 12:00-12:15 to allow everyone to quietly enter the room and seat themselves, then chanting and a guided meditation from 12:15-12:45. Come and join us as we set aside all the busyness of the week and refresh ourselves with the simplicity and peace within. *Meditation is recommended by doctors for stress release. *One person meditating regularly per city block has been proven to reduce the crime rate in that area.
And a very special thanks .......
to you all who continue to financially support the teaching of the Science of Mind through the year, even though you may be away on holidays. Due to your foresight, we are a prosperous community and are abundantly supported. Thank you .
Science of Mind 103 Starts Soon!
“BUILDING A HEALING CONSCIOUSNESS” starts Thursday, February 17th, 2005. In this 8 week set of classes, you will develop a greater understanding of the nature of the creative process in the individual, and begin the process of building a healing consciousness through the practice of spiritual mind treatment. Classes are held at the Centre offices at 400 - 165 3rd Ave. S. in the Birks Building. The fee is $110 for the 8 week series. Call the Centre office at 975-2022 for more information. Why Take Classes????? The basic principles we study are profound, but not necessarily easy to embody and practice in our daily lives. Sunday morning is where we hear about our potential, but the classroom is where we experience the practical application of principle. The process of regular Science of mind class attendance is how we begin to embody a true change in our consciousness. No matter who you are or what the current issues on your path, in classes you will find a new perspective- in a timeless message that is totally relevant for today. The support of shared insights and the opportunity to ask questions in a classroom setting offer a learning environment not easily duplicated with solitary study. The discipline of regular attendance and the weekly readings create a framework for asking about life and our place in it. What Happens in Class? Through lectures, discussions and workshops led by a qualified instructor, the student learns how to personalise the same metaphysical principles that the great masters throughout history have used to experience a greater wholeness! Each class takes on an energy of its own which stimulates each individual mind. What Will You Learn? You will learn about your connected-ness to an Infinite Power for good, which you can use. You will learn how to apply Universal Principles in your daily life and get results. You will learn the art of positive prayer called Spiritual Mind Treatment. You will learn the value of meditation and daily spiritual disciplines and commitment. You will learn that you find new friends and relationships in your classmates who think as you do. You will learn you really can create a new life by changing your thinking and beliefs. Is There Tuition for Classes? Yes, taking the Science of mind class requires a commitment of both time and money. The truth is, very little can be achieved without commitment. It creates an expectancy of change that is very valuable. Tuition is set by Religious Science International. What is the Value of Taking Accredited Classes? A certificate is issued at the conclusion of all classes when the attendance and other requirements have been met. After completing a specific number of classes, a student may be eligible to be licensed as a Religious Science Practitioner, and with further class work, as a Minister of Religious Science. Of course, the greatest value of the classes is the change it will make possible in your everyday life.
Rev. Edith Gudmundson Teacher
Call the Centre now to ask about Classes! 975-2022 cfpl@shaw.ca
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS.... Christmas holidays are supposed to be a time when families get together. I know it’s not like that for everyone. I once worked with someone who took two weeks off every Christmas, stayed in her apartment and unplugged the telephone for the whole time. Something about Christmas brought pain to her mind, so she avoided the entire experience. How sad! We are accustomed to secular Christmases. Food, presents, parties. Those are fun. We are also accustomed to an old Christmas story, but being two thousand years old, it has lost much of its hold on us. The facts of history have not always borne it out the way people would have liked; research and religion have not always supported one another, since religion lost its choke-hold over research. To scholars, belief is not enough; you must actually dig up the bones! Whether the story is true or not does not concern us. In Religious Science, we focus upon the symbolism inherent in the Christmas Story. It is one of the most meaningful things we could imagine. The facts of the story are of less importance to us - the truth is more important than the facts! Yes, we know that Jesus was not really born in December. We know that the story mimics older stories from ancient Egypt and from Babylon. This does not matter. What matters is that there is something Holy, Divine, in each of us waiting to be born. It is called, throughout many ages and civilizations, the Christ, and it is the Spirit of the One Power which is within us, waiting for recognition by the ‘Wise Men’, who also are within us. Will we make that journey, and attend the birth of the Christ? Will we protect it from the Herod, the worldly consciousness, the need for control, the need for ego-power? Once again, that Christ calls on us to let it be born, to allow ourselves to think and feel from a different kind of consciousness. Will we, can we, do it? Let’s try. Set your ‘wise men’ out on their journey, following your star. Put your ‘Herod’ consciousness to sleep - the outer kingdom will not be endangered if you do; because you see, the kingdom is within. It always was. Jesus taught us this. A different kind of home awaits you this Christmas. You can be at home in your own skin. You can fully inhabit yourself. Of course you can join your family, eat the turkey, trim the tree, and best of all, give and receive. Why not do it from the Christ-centre of your being, and live more fully?
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Musings on the nature of Self, Spirit, and the human condition.....
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DECEMBER CALENDAR
2004 Theme: Adventures in Faith December Theme: “Faith”
Meditation 10:30AM Celebration 11:00AM Sunday, Dec 19 Christmas Candlelighting service Sunday Dec 26 Monthly birthday/anniversary celebration Speaker - Rev. Darrell Gudmundson Tuesday Dec 7 Practitioner Meeting 7:30PM Tuesday Dec 14 Board Meeting 6:30PM Each Wednesday ‘Soul Food’ Meditation Noon - 1:00PM Wednesday Dec 1 Science of Mind 202 last class Thursdays to Dec 9 Science of Mind 102 7:00 to 9:30PM Saturday Dec 11th Christmas Party 7:30PM Each Sunday:
The Centre Board of Trustees are:
Rev Shari Becton - President Rev Lorraine Trout - Vice Pres Tim Ryan -Finance Christina Wullum - Secretary Catherine O'Leary - Legal Teresa Scappacticci - Public Relations Stan Jacob - facilities Joy Ryan - SEVA* Coordinator
Office Staff:
Administrator -Michelle Telford (welcome Michelle) Assistant- Christina Wullum (thanks for all your help!)
Ministry Staff:
Rev Lorraine Trout; pastor; Rev Elizabeth McDougall, Revs.Shari Becton, Edith Gudmundson, Darrell Gudmundson
Practitioners and Ministerial Graduates:
Cam Hamoline (soon to leave us for Winnipeg), Karen Symak
Volunteers are welcome for these teamsFriends at the Centre (these are our hosts and greeters) Resource table - Christina Gutzer (Order & sell books, tapes & CDs) Funmasters - Shari Becton & Joy Ryan (our social event organizers) Sunday a.m. set up and clean up Public Relations Special projects (there’s always something going on!) Kosmic kids (our citizens of the future) Food Team- the food team could really use some great new volunteers !! Sound Team Music Team (contact Michelle Telford @ 244-6078) Please contact Joy Ryan @ 664-6606 if you would like more info about joining a team!!!
*What is SEVA?
SEVA is a Hindu word which means “to serve from your joy” or ‘selfless service”. At the Centre we practice the art of encouraging everyone to be involved in the way that their heart draws them to. We want your involvement; we want your joy; to add to our Positive Living environment!
MUSICAL NOTES
(do you have some musical note clip art??)
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submitted by Michelle Telford, Music Director I would like to invite & welcome ANYONE interested in being part of the music team/ choir to join us for a choir practice at the next announced time. We are a small group of singers and musicians at the Centre - you don't need to be classically trained or a professional singer to join our group - all we ask for is that you like to sing or play an instrument and have fun in doing so!! We are trying to build and grow our team to more members so that we continue to perform at Sunday Services and other singing opportunities around the Centre and in the greater community! Our goal is to have a weekly one hour practice committment. It doesn't take a lot of time for these get togethers and sometimes we want to sing and jam along just for fun. So if you LOVE music this is a great opportunity to get together with some like -minded musicians and SING-SINGSING. Contact Michelle @ 975-2022 for more info. More Musical Happenings: Colleen Carr has been delighting us with new songs featuring the words of our own affirmations, taken from Sunday services. Could there be a CD of affirmations waiting in the future? You BET there could! We look forward to this exciting development.
Have you been to the Centre for Positive Living lately? Have you ever been to the Centre? Hey- WE DON’T BITE!
We have some of the best resources in town for people who want to grow spiritually and explore the links between thought and action; between thought and experience. Our book table is set up nearly every Sunday at 10:30 AM. Come and browse - our books, tapes, CDs and magazines are perfect for Christmas giving. Or to give to yourself! Our volunteers will welcome you and answer any questions.
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January 2005 Calendar
Meditation 10:30AM Celebration 11:00AM Sunday, Jan 2nd Burning Bowl Ceremony (release the past !) Sunday, Jan 16th Discovery Class starts 7:00-9:30PM Sunday, Jan 30th “Spiritual Living” workshop After church with Karen Symak (Lunch & Learn) Each Wednesday ‘Soul Food’ Meditation Noon- 1:00PM Wednesday evenings SOM204 Starts Jan 12th 7:00-9:30PM Spiritual Laws - based on the book Working With The Law by Raymond Holliwell (Teacher - Rev. Shari Beckton) Each Thursday Science of Mind 102 continues 7:00 to 9:30PM Tuesday, Jan 11th Practitioner Meeting 7:30PM Each Sunday:
ASILOMAR REPORT - Plan for 2005 now!
The Asilomar 2004 choir with Shari Becton right of centre....
Plan now for the week-long Asilomar Conference in 2005. This Religious Science event is held in a wilderness park on the tip of the Monterey peninsula, in buildings 1/4 mile from the Pacific beaches. Asilomar was built originally as a YWCA camp, but was deeded to the State of California in the late 1940s. Religious Scientists have held conferences there since the 1920s. The cost is all-inclusive, except for the travel to get there and back. Westjet now have flights to Monterey. The conference fees can be paid over a period of about four months to ease the expense. It is an experience that cannot be forgotten, though the sheer number of events may get overwhelming to people newly exposed to Religious Science. It may be hard to get used to a thousand positively thinking people all in one place at once! The CFPL Saskatoon had at least 9 people at the 2004 conference, with Calgary, Kelowna, Edmonton, Vancouver, Winnipeg, and White Rock represented - powerful Canadian influence on RSI International! Notable speakers included Dr. Barbara Marx Hubbard, futurist, and Author Gerry Jampolsky, author of Teach Only Love and other books.
THE END