Heather's Views:
Happy New You!

Dear Ones,

Happy New You! Isn't it great to be in the company of people who think it natural and normal to reinvent themselves from time to time. The Science of Mind is a philosophy that supports and encourages that process. What better time to do it, than now! The beginning of a new year is ripe with promises.

Dr. Holmes tells us that although hope is better than despair, it is a subtle illusion for it implies that there is some doubt as to the outcome that we expect. As Religious Scientists we learn not to wish or hope for changes in our lives but rather to embrace a clear knowing or awareness that change is inevitable when we cooperate with the Creative Process.

Think about the things you've been wishing for others during the holiday season — happiness, peace, family times, health and abundance. Think of the blessings you could bestow if you absolutely, positively knew that all those good things (read God things) were inevitable.

This year my heart's desire for our church is for growth in our community. I have chosen the theme for the year as Friends on the Path: Living Spiritual Community, a name I borrowed from a book by Thich Nhat Hanh. Each one of you are those friends for without you we would not have a spiritual community.

In spiritual community we appreciate, applaud and encourage all those on our path, whether they are there for a day, a year or a lifetime. In spiritual community we hold our relationships as sacred and learn to tell the truth in them with love. In spiritual community we learn to be comfortable when we disagree and when we agree. In spiritual community we respect each person's right to his or her opinion and value the differences as well as the similarities. In spiritual community we are compassionate with each other and share all of life's adventures — both joys and sorrows. In spiritual community there is always room for one more.

In the preamble to the Science of Mind, Dr. Holmes writes, "Peace be unto thee, stranger, enter and be not afraid./ I have left the gate open and thou art welcome to my home." That is the warm and welcoming feeling that many of you felt when you first came to our church. Please join with me in my intention that every person feels this warmth and that all the many people who will benefit from an understanding of the Science of Mind find their way to our spiritual community. Happy New Year! Happy New You! Happy New Home!

Love,
Heather