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Center for Spiritual Living Newsletter
Thanksgiving performance

Youth Center

Pattie Mercado,
Youth Center Director

Sunday Mornings

Our youth center welcomes children of all ages! If you would like to volunteer please contact Pattie Mercado at the center. Our Sunday youth classes are grouped together by grade level/age.

Preschool: This class enjoys a variety of playful activities including stories, crafts and games. We start this class with circle time that includes prayer, offering and sharing time.

Kindergarten - 3rd grade: We include lots of fun as we join together in this class which involves prayer time, sharing, an age appropriate lesson with discussion and a craft.

4th - 6th grade: Our pre-teen class is all about connecting with each other thru discussions, crafts, and learning spiritual practices.

Nursery: Our fully equipped nursery is staffed by two wonderful sisters, Natalie and Nedelca, and is ready for your newborn and toddler. Come by and see our beautiful nursery!

youth center

Kids Day Out

9:30 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. Space is available in the current session. For more information contact Pattie Mercado 949.240.6463 ext. 105 or pattiem@cslcv.org.

Parenting with Spiritual Awareness

Join like minded parents as we explore, support and empower living the life of a joyful parent. 2009 dates to be announced.

In-Flight Teens

Kirsten Thomas, Teen Advisor

The teens enjoyed a fun holiday season, which culminated in our annual sleep over, which included a gift exchange and workshops with holiday fun. We will be at our winter seminar over the Presidents' Day weekend in February, held at the beautiful Malibu camp.

O.C. Young Adult Group

Young adults continue to meet weekly in the sanctuary. We recently enjoyed a workshop led by Rev. Josh from the Meeting Place in Irvine, and are looking forward to more guests for our workshops, as well as general fun. All young adults 18-30 are welcome. Contact Fiona at 949.683.4338 for more information.

Animal Ministry

Animal Kinship Ministry

Photo by Rose Tingle.

"A better world through kindness to animals." — Michael Mountain, Best Friends Animal Society

Each month the Animal Kinship Ministry will focus on a different animal centric subject.

Stop by our table on the patio on the first Sunday of every month. In January, Humane Education is our subject. Over 60 years ago "the (National PTA asserted) that the cultivation of the spirit of kindness to animals can be the starting point for the development of a larger humanity which treats all peoples, and indeed all living things, with respect."

In February, Spay Day USA is our subject. Check out www.hsus.org/spaydayusa.

Bereavement Group Meetings

Bereavement Group Meetings for pet guardians moving through the grief process are held on the first Sunday of every month at 2 p.m. in the youth classroom. Affirmative Prayers are available; contact Kathy Storey or Toni Sparks at 949.766.1692. For general info and volunteer opportunities call Rose Tingle 949.533.1762.

SEVA

Gratitude is the memory of the heart. — Jean Baptiste Massieu

by Rev. Alene Kramer, Assistant Minister, SEVA Volunteer Coordinator

As I welcome the New Year, 2009, I open my arms wide and wear my heart on my sleeve to let you know I love you. I invite you to join me as I move forward, leaning joyfully into life and being in service to our Center and our community. Being in service is a spiritual practice that has added a sweetness to my journey and changed my life forever. My intention for this beautiful new year is to laugh with you, talk with you, and see the beauty that you are! To let you know how much I appreciate you.

A busy place this world of ours. An active life this life of ours. I think about so many of you so much of the time. You are always in my heart and in my prayers individually and collectively.

I am blessed to be on this spiritual journey with you. It's a beautiful journey of sharing, giving, loving, and serving. Our lives are forever entwined.

I know for you that everything you want is already yours; that your heart is open and ready to receive all the riches the Universe has to offer. I know for you that wherever you are and whatever you are doing it's all Good, because it's all God.

With love and gratitude, thank you for all that you do.

From my heart to yours, Rev. Alene Kramer

Valentines Day, February 14

Valentines Day heart

The Ordination of the Reverend Alene Kramer and the Reverend Judee Chapman

Ministerial ordination

Click to view the invitation.

Support our Center

Amazon.com

Any purchases you make through the button below or anywhere on our site will generate a percentage income to our beloved center!!!

eScrip

Register any one or all of your existing grocery loyalty, debit and credit cards for use in the program. Participating merchants will make contributions to our church, based on purchases made by you, just by using the cards you have registered.

1) Visit the eScrip home page. 2) Click the link on the right that says, "Sign up — It's free!." 3) On the next page, you can choose to search by Group Name (use: Capistrano Valley CRS) or by Group ID (use: 166439809). 4) Submit the form on the next page to complete your signup.

Thank you!

Attention All Women

Wise Women retreat

What: Wise Woman Weekend

Where: Miracle Springs Resort & Spa
10625 Palm Drive, Desert Hot Springs, CA

Web: Miracle Springs

When: February 6 - 8, 2009

Who: Presented by Dr. Heather Clark, Dr. Jane Claypool & Rev. Lisa DeSnoo

Why: You Deserve It!

Early Bird: $245

After January 15, 2009: $295

(Hotel fare not included)

Treat yourself to the weekend you deserve. Experience the joy of spending a whole weekend on the most important person in your life - YOU!

The Wise Woman Weekend will help you discover, empower, re-create and love yourself, your life and your future. Through powerful workshops, fabulous music and sacred sharing, you will return home a wiser woman, and you get to decide the level at which you participate. So, if lounging by the pool or getting a massage interests you, you can do that too!

Don't miss out on this opportunity to experience this amazing once-a-year event. To register, contact: Karyn Allen by phone at 949.240.6463 x 103 or email karyn@cvcrs.org.

Message from the President of the Board of Trustees

Pattie Mercado The board of trustees for our center is a working board - each member is responsible for a portfolio. In other words ... a department. Dr. Heather is our Spiritual Director, Rev. Dave Lewis serves as the leader of our Prayer Ministry and the secretary of our board, Hans Smith is our Membership liaison as well as vice president of the board, Doris Palardy serves as our treasurer and the bookstore liaison, Pam Rocke is our marketing and newsletter leader, Rick Dale is the audio and sound liaison, Kirsten Thomas serves as the young adult liaison, beautification and socials leader, Mary Brogdon leads the Peace project and is the Habitat for Humanity liaison, I serve as director of Youth and the president of our board. Maintaining open communication, planning ahead, supporting the many activities and intentions of our center is meaningful and fulfilling volunteer work!

Besides our portfolios, it is the first job of our board of trustees to be the financial stewards for our center. To know and trust God as our Source, to be the consciousness of integrity, abundance, and order regarding our finances and to maintain a clear and meaningful flow of our financial good.

Each month in our board meeting we review the income and the expenses for the prior month, we project future events and expenses and we celebrate our prosperity by recognizing and praising it and by tithing to the many inspiring and uplifting organizations and people who touch our center. It is truly a joy to be a part of an organization that celebrates the magnificence of Spirit in such a meaningful way!

Every January, the board meets to create the annual budget. Because we look at it every month and are clear about the actual income and expenses, there are no surprises. We know what kind of meeting it will be. This year, for the first time in many years, (but not the first,) we are looking for ways to cut expenses to match our projected income. We are also looking for ways to increase our income to match expenses.

The income for our center is primarily based on the pledges received from our members and friends - for each pledge we are truly grateful and know that it flows back to the giver and forward to the receiver in countless seen and unseen ways of good. If you have not yet made your pledge for 2009 (and would like to) please send it to Dr. Heather's attention as soon as possible.

Like many of us in our personal lives, our center is turning to the final intention that we read at every board meeting and every annual meeting: It is the intention of the Center for Spiritual Living, Capistrano Valley to Know God as our source, receive abundantly, and have resources and prosperity always available by doing our spiritual practices acknowledging everything with gratitude; maintaining and sustaining a receptive attitude, circulating our good and celebrating our magnificence.

As we create our budget this year, we will be reflecting on this intention, remembering God as our source, opening our hearts and minds to look for new ways to express the Glory of God through Sunday services, classes, programs, people, tithes and who knows what Creative Mind will inspire - but I do know it is Good! Thank you for the opportunity to serve!

Much love,
Pattie Mercado

Classes & Events

Beyond Limits: Foundation Class
This accredited class is equivalent to two units of SOM 100. Four units are needed for a year credit. This class is based on the Science of Mind text, Living the Science of Mind and a student workbook. The focus of the class will be spiritual practices of prayer and meditation. This is a life-changing class and is highly recommended for first time students. (It is great as a review as well.) Dr. Heather Clark will be facilitating this dynamic class.
Dr. Heather Clark
Tuesdays, 12 weeks
January 6 - March 24. 7 - 9:30 p.m.
Tuition: $25 per class, or $240 for all 12 weeks
Text: Living the Science of Mind
SOM 201: The Mind-Body Connection
This class explores the connection between the mind and the body. We will discuss alternative medicine and holistic healing, as they relate to our teaching.
Revs. Geoff and Madi Layng
Mondays, 8 weeks
January 5 - February 28. 7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Tuition: $120.
Text: The Science of Mind by Ernest Holmes
Annual Spring Retreat
Mark your calendars! Our annual Spring Retreat will be held in Orange County this year. The Retreat is scheduled for May 8, 9 and 10. More details soon!
Discovery Class
This three-week class is designed as an introduction to the Science of Mind and to our center. If you are new to the Science of Mind or to our center, this class is for you. If you are considering membership, this class is highly recommended. Discover the power that lies within you! Learn to work with the Law of Mind.
Rev. Patricia Truman
Sundays; 3 weeks
Jan. 11, 18 and 25. 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Lunch and childcare provided
Meditation: Lunch for the Soul
You are invited to a half-hour lunch time meditation every Monday, 12:15 - 12:45 p.m.
Afternoon Meditation
Rev. Alene Kramer facilitates a silent meditation every Wednesday, from 4 - 5 p.m. You are invited to drop in at any time, and sit in silent meditation for as long as you like.
Important Note: "Awakening in the Silence" morning meditation will no longer be offered. The afternoon meditation takes its place.
SOM 400 - Ministerial Program
Beginning in September 2009, Dr. Heather Clark will facilitate the International Centers for Spiritual Living accredited ministerial training, Science of Mind 400. This will be the last time that ministerial training, as it is now known, will be offered.
The reason for the September 2009 cut-off date is that we have a clear intention to be fully integrated with our sister organization, United Centers for Spiritual Living by December 31, 2011.
At this time, no one knows exactly what ministerial training will look like, who will teach it, how much it will cost or where it will be offered.
If you have interest in becoming a minister and have a Practitioner's License and are eligible to take ministerial training, please contact Dr. Heather Clark at 949-240-6463, ext. 102.
Annual Meeting
We will hold our annual meeting on Sunday, March 1, 2009, 12:30 p.m. Members of our center will review and accept our 2009 budget, and elect two new members to the board of trustees. If you are a member of our center, please make plans to attend. To learn more about board member qualification, please click here.
Living the Essential Self
Introduction: Friday March 13
Monthly Retreats Begin: May
In this time of upheaval and change, it's easy to lose track of that inner voice, the one that might be telling you, "I want more," or, "my life is off track." You may be awakening to a deeper truth about yourself, but unsure what to do with this growing awareness.
International Centers for Spiritual Living minister and student of the Sufi path, Rev. David Leonard has developed a program to help you reveal and refine your authentic self. Beginning in May, Dr. Heather Clark and Rev. Alene Kramer will facilitate this 12-month program.
On Friday, March 13, Rev. David Leonard presents a workshop, introducing the program. If you think you might be interested in Living the Essential Self, plan to attend this amazing workshop.
Friday March 13
7 - 9:30 p.m.
Rev. David Leonard
Cost: Love Offering
Living the Essential Self begins May 2009.
For more information, contact Dr. Heather.

Wednesday's Wisdom: Practicing the Presence

Now Is the Time! 2009

Rev. Judee Chapman, Assistant Minister

In the words of Dr. Ernest Holmes, "The Universal flow is forever taking place, the turning of this flow into the channels of constructive thought is an individual act; thus we specialize a natural energy and utilize a power which otherwise remains chaotic in our individual lives."

Our mid-week service offers the wisdom, support, and guidance needed to create our personal experience in life, just the way we choose it. Every affirmative prayer, every meditation, every speaker, provides us with the tools we require to express God as us, through us. Join us in loving fellowship on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. for your personal 'hour of power'. Now is the time.. a new year... a new beginning.. a new thought!

Release and let go of all those false beliefs that no longer serve you and create new and exciting spiritual practices now in 2009. See you Wednesday!

Blessings, Judee Chapman, Assistant Minister

January-February