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| Newsletter: November/December 2009 |
Issue 6 | |
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A Light in the Forest
Offering spiritual tools to transform
our lives and make the world
a better place.
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Minister's Message |
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Minister's Message
What a glorious time of year. There is the delightful evidence of celebration everywhere I look! I'm celebrating a successful Giving from the Heart Pledge Campaign and want to say thank you to all who participated in so many ways. Thank you to those of you who have pledged so faithfully in the past and have renewed your pledge again this year. Thank you to those of you who will be new pledgers in 2010. Thank you to those of you who continue to give regularly to the Center with your time, talent, and treasure. And thank you to the board members who put together such a delicious gratitude buffet on the last Sunday of the pledge campaign. I know that all of this means a growth in prosperity for each individual and our Center as a whole. All of us together are creating a sustainable community which lights up this corner of the world now and will for generations to come. Bless you one and all.
We're also celebrating the anticipation of meeting our two candidates for our next Senior Minister. Your Search Committee has carefully and heart-fully analyzed the applications and DVD's of seven applicants. With complete unanimity the Search Committee and your Board of Trustees have chosen the candidates that best demonstrated the qualities and consciousness envisioned by our congregation during the two visioning sessions held in June. Please read the article by Co-Chairperson, Ronna Biggs, for detail, dates and candidate profiles. This is truly a celebration of our collective dream coming true.
So as we look forward to the Thanksgiving season and the celebration of the Holy Light let us join together to count our blessings and say a collective prayer for All that we know we are, All that we have, All that we share and All that is yet to come. Life is Good!
Love and blessings,
Rev. Colleen
Minister Emeritus
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| Ministerial Search Committee |
Senior Minister Search Update
Greetings!
On behalf of the Senior Minister Search Committee, I'm pleased to announce we have two finalists for the Senior Minister position coming to Bellingham!
The search committee thoughtfully and thoroughly reviewed and discussed the application materials for each of the seven applicants. In complete agreement of two top candidates, we made our recommendation to the Board of Trustees for those candidates to come to Bellingham to interview. The board also unanimously agreed to the committee's recommendations.
Our two candidates are Reverend Marla Mason and Reverend Mary Murray Shelton, and hopefully you have already seen the special announcement sent out with their photos and biographies. Both candidates have impressive qualifications and are not to be missed when they speak at CSL-Bellingham!
IMPORTANT DATES! Please mark your calendars!
Sunday, November 8th: Reverend Marla Mason will be speaking.
Sunday, November 22nd: Reverend Mary Murray Shelton will be speaking.
Sunday, December 6th: CSL-Bellingham Membership Votes on Candidates. Voting will take place after the regular Sunday service.
What is the process?
Just as your input and prayers were so incredibly valuable and important in generating our community vision in the beginning of the process, your input and prayers continue to play a significant role as the candidates visit our center.
Each candidate will visit Bellingham for a weekend. Saturday will include both informal conversation and connection with the search committee and board of trustees, as well as more formal interview questions. While we have questions and discussion topics for the candidates, the candidates will also have an opportunity to "interview" us about CSL-Bellingham, the minister position, and the Bellingham / Whatcom county area.
The Sundays will be special services that I strongly encourage you to attend. The service will take place as usual - with the opportunity for each candidate to deliver the Sunday message. There will be evaluation forms that attendees may complete to share your thoughts and insights about each candidate.
After the Sunday service, you are invited to an informal and facilitated conversation with the candidate; sort of a "town hall style" format. Attendees may ask questions of the candidate and the candidate may share additionally about their qualifications and interest in serving as the next senior minister.
On Sunday, December 6th, after the regular Sunday service, candidate voting will take place. Candidate qualifications and experience will be reviewed and key themes from the Sunday evaluations will be shared prior to voting. You must be a member of CSL-Bellingham to vote.
Thank you for your prayers and support and I'm excited to watch our path continue to unfold!
Blessings!
Ronna B.
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Sunday Talks
10:00 am - Meditation
10:30 am - Service |
11/1/09
"Walking Backwards Into Life" - Dr. Don Mihaloew, EdD, Practitioner - Brenda Rogers, PA - Deb Strom
11/8/09
"What's My Belief Quotient?"-Rev. Marla Mason, Candidate for Senior Minister, Pract itioner - Richard Tucker, PA - Rev. Colleen MacGilchrist
11/15/09
"Realization or Hallucination?" - Rev. Colleen MacGilchrist Practitioner - Joanie Nielsen,
PA - Bob MacGilchrist
11/22/09
"What Butterflies Know" - Rev. Mary Murray-Shelton, Candidate for Senior Minister, Practitioner - Richard Tucker, PA Rev. Colleen MacGilchrist
11/29/09
"Feelings: Gateway to Truth" - Enid Wood, ChFC, MS, Practitioner -TBA, PA - TBA
12/6/09
"Holiday Prep; The Art of Forgiveness" - Rev. Colleen MacGilchrist Practitioner - TBA, PA - Bob MacGilchrist
12/13/09
"PowerUp Your Holiday Season!" - Cathy Angell, Author, Practitioner - TBA, PA - Colleen MacGilchrist
12/20/09
"Let Your Light Shine!" - Kate Molling, Practitioner - TBA, PA - Deb Strom
12/24/09
"Candlelight Service" - Joanie Nielsen, RScP and The Woodside Ensemble
Practitioner - TBA, PA - Deb Strom
12/27/09
"New Year, New Thought" - Richard Tucker, RScP
Practitioner - TBA | |
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| Senior Minister Candidate: Reverend Marla Mason, Nov. 8, 2009 |
"What's My Belief Quotient?"
What do you really believe about the nature of the Universe and the world we live in? We get so engaged with form, with the results of our thinking and believing, we sometimes forget that there is a spiritual reality back of it all, a creative process within and all around us that gives rise to form. To know what we truly believe, we need only look at this form-our results in the world. This message will explore how our results communicate in the most compelling ways, what we truly believe, then provide a strategy, our "belief quotient," to help us benchmark our spiritual growth as we expand into a bigger idea of Life.
Rev. Marla Mason is a gifted speaker, teacher and spiritual counselor, and currently serves as senior interim minister at Centre for Spiritual Living in Vancouver, BC. She has also been a staff minister at Genesis Global Spiritual Center in Des Moines, Washington, interim co-minister at Center for Spiritual Awakening in Olympia, Washington, and was the founding minister of Radiant Life Center in Seattle. Described by one congregant as "enthusiastic, spiritual, and a wonderful listener," she is most content when learning and growing and supporting others in their growth. Rev. Marla has also been a teacher and guest speaker at many Pacific Northwest New Thought churches, garnering comments like "her ability to move [participants] into a place of vulnerability and healing is a gift" and "the morning lesson was inspiring, practical and intelligent." A student of New Thought for over 25 years, Rev. Marla used the tools of our teaching to build a successful career as a corporate trainer/facilitator and organizational development consultant. Her contract clients have included IKEA North America, the City of Seattle, Cartier and NetSpeed Leadership and she was employed as an internal consultant at Group Health Cooperative until August of this year. web site: www.marlamason.com
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| Senior Minister Candidate: Reverend Mary Murray Shelton, Nov. 22, 2009 |
 "What Butterflies Know"
This entertaining, enlightening talk is filled with practical suggestions for handling change and challenges from a transformation consciousness.
Rev. Mary Murray Shelton is currently the Founding Minister and Community Spiritual Leader at Global Heart Center for Spiritual Living in Santa Rosa, CA. She is an inspiring speaker, author, and facilitator with a theatre background. Rev. Mary has pastored two large churches: in Santa Rosa and in Huntington Beach, CA. She has served on the United Centers for Spiritual Living International Board twice, and served as a Dean of Holmes Institute School of Ministry. Rev. Mary's book, Guidance from the Darkness (Tarcher/Putnam, NY), is used for both practitioner and ministerial training. Rev. Mary has been a popular Asilomar speaker and workshop facilitator, and she has spoken at conferences worldwide. Currently she is working toward a PhD in Psychology.
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| Welcome Claudia DeWees! |
 Hi Everyone, I'd like to introduce myself. My name is Claudia DeWees, and I am the new bookkeeper/office person for CSL. My husband and I owned and operated a Baskin Robbins on Holly Street for 17 years which we closed in 2005. My husband still runs the Baskin Robbins on Bakerview. Some of you ice cream lovers may recognize me from there! My husband Randy and I have been members of CSL since the mid 90's, although you haven't seen us at the Center for some time. It is gratifying, but not surprising, to see many old friends are still here. This position is a wonderful opportunity to get back to this special place. CSL has made such a profound improvement in my experience of life; it's truly like coming home to be back here. look forward to meeting you all at church especially during this exciting time of transition and growth at the Center.
Thank you,
Claudia |
| CSL YOUTH PROGRAM |
CSL Youth Program is Alive and Well!
Whether you are a newcomer or past attendee, your children are welcome to join our youth program on Sunday mornings. Children meet in the sanctuary for the opening songs and then join their teachers in the office/youth church building.
Our upcoming themes include:
October: Affirmative Prayer
November: Thanksgiving and Gratitude
December: Giving and Receiving (Acceptance and Release)
Thanks so much to our teachers who volunteer on the following Sundays:
1st, Jenna Boudreau
2nd, Joanie Nielsen
3rd, Karen Broberg
4th, Steve Griffin
assistant: Kay Rae
Tweens and Teens (3-10 year old youth) meet with Steph Chinn first 4 Sundays.
and join the congregation on the 5th.
If you are interested in helping out with the youth, talk to one of the teachers or call Joanie at 312-0637. We have a quick meeting every 2nd Sunday right after church service. You are welcome to join us. |
| Last Garden Day! |
Last Garden Day on November 15!
(alternative rain date, Nov. 22)
Hi Everyone,
Please mark your calendar and join us for this last garden day of the year. Wear warm clothes, bring a picnic lunch and some gloves and tools, and we'll have a great time together in the gardens.
We'll focus on raking leaves and putting the gardens to bed.
Many hands make great fun! Enjoy the Fall at Woodside!
Merry Teesdale
Grounds Coordinator |
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Affinity Groups! |
Holiday Season Affinity Groups
Do you have a passion for making holiday gifts? Do you celebrate the holidays by focusing on gratitude or forgiveness? Would you like to lead others in any of these endeavors? You can host an affinity group! It could be just an afternoon of gift making; a 3 part series that honors past, present and future blessings; a one-day forgiveness workshop; or anything else you want to experience with like-minded members and friends of the CSL-Bellingham community.
People can join you at your home, the church office or other free space. As host, you facilitate the group and offer participants the opportunity to equally share ideas or experiences. If your affinity group idea involves materials, those costs can be passed on to participants, otherwise affinity groups are free. Affinity groups are offered as a service to the community. Whether you want to host or just experience an affinity group, let Enid Wood ( enidwood@gmail.com) know your area of interest and she can match you up with others who have similar interests. |
| Candlelight Service |
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
December 24th, 7-8 pm
Join us for a Feast of Lights, Music and Inspiration as we celebrate this Holy time of year together as spiritual community. There will be Christmas Carol Sing-a-Long after the service in the front of the sanctuary, munch and mingle in the back. Please bring family, friends and perhaps a plate of cookies
or savory treats to share. |
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NEWS FROM THE INTERFAITH COALITION |
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Film screening to raise funds for homeless housing
"Where God Left His Shoes" is an award-winning film that portrays one family's struggles with homelessness. To raise funds for its homeless housing program, Interfaith Coalition of Whatcom County will show the film on Saturday, Nov. 14, at First Presbyterian Church, 1031 North Garden St., in Bellingham. Doors open at 6 p.m., with music by Cabin Fever NW beginning at 6:15 p.m. A Q & A with producer Michael Caldwell follows the film, which begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at Village Books, Community Food Co-op, and Interfaith Coalition for a suggested $10 donation. Call 360-734-3983 or visit www.interfaith-coalition.org for more information.
"Where God Left His Shoes" stars John Leguizamo and won the 2007 Humanitas Prize at the Sundance Film Festival for screenwriting and "its unblinking look at the desperation inherent in poverty and homelessness, for its edgy portrayal of a father and stepson trying to connect and for its implicit belief that a family can be the strongest refuge in adversity," said Humanitas Prize trustee John Horn.
Seeking volunteers to staff severe-weather shelters
Can you offer a night's comfort and relief to people living on the streets? Volunteers staff Interfaith Coalition's severe-weather shelters in shifts from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. Last winter we were open for two straight weeks during the snowy weather. We need many volunteers to help at our two sites. Faith Lutheran Church opens to men during severe weather, and Garden Street United Methodist Church opens to women and children.
If you're interested in learning more about the program and volunteering, please attend one of the two upcoming training sessions: Thursday, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, site of the men's shelter, 2750 McLeod Road; or Wednesday, Nov. 18 at 7:30 p.m. at Garden Street United Methodist Church, site of the women's and children's shelter, 1326 North Garden St.
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| Flower Power! |
Do you have a bouquet to share?
 Please consider signing up to bring flowers for the platform on Sunday mornings. It is a beautiful way to share from your house to OUR HOUSE. Whether you bring your own bouquet or one from the florist, providing flowers is a wonderful way to celebrate anniversaries, birthdays, and other special occasions.
Contact the office at 360-734-4160 or
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| Opportunity to sponsor our newsletter! Deadline: December 10, 2009 |
Attract like-minded people to your business by sponsoring our
bi-monthly newsletter!
Our online newsletter is currently emailed to 160 people and printed for another 25. Your ad will appear in 6 issues for only $90/year. Payment and ad-copy are due up front by December 10, 2009. If you are interested, please send a message to info@csl-bellingham.org. |
| Please support our sponsors! |
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Michael's Books
"Many metaphysical books in stock"
An established used bookstore in downtown Bellingham.
Michael Elmer, Proprietor, 109 Grand Ave, Bellingham, 360-733-6272
Mili Rauwolf
"Stay in control of your life"
Weight Management, Career Cultivation, PSTD Absolution, Tabacco Abstinence
Mili Rauwolf, Neuro-Linguistic Hypnotherapist and Reiki Master, 360-380-2273
 Sky Chiropractic
"Health care for the entire family" A trusted chiropractor located near Lakeway Drive.
Dr. Michael Selinsky - 1420 King Street, Ste A, Bellingham, 360-738-9139
 Sterling Real Estate Group "Experience the spirit in real estate"
Serving you as a buyer or seller with experience, warmth and wisdom.
Colleen MacGilchrist, Associate Broker, 360-961-4932,
Steve's Tech Solutions
"PC, Mac, and Network Specialist"
New office near the farmer's market!
Rates: $90/year (starting January 2010) Deadline: December 10, 2010 | |
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| CONTACT INFORMATION:
Reverend Colleen MacGilchrist, Minister Emeritus Center for Spiritual Living - Bellingham
2224 Yew Street Road, Bellingham, WA 98229
360-734-4160
Office Hours: Tuesday and Thursday, 10 am - 1 pm
Newsletter Editors: Cathy Angell & Dan Villiott | |
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