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"To allow oneself to be carried away by a multitude of conflicting concerns, to surrender to too many demands, to commit oneself to too many projects, to want to help everyone in everything is to succumb to violence. The frenzy of the activist neutralizes his or her work for peace. "
Thomas Merton
I extend my heart-felt greetings to you this beautiful August morning! By 6:45 this morning, I was out riding my bike with friends, appreciating the beauty of the countryside. This morning, I saw things I've not noticed before even though I've traveled the same road many times; I was clearly more aware. In the refreshing, cool early morning hours before everyone is out and about, I always feel and sense how blessed I am in this life. I think it is important to find times in our day like those for just expressing our gratitude and appreciation.
In preparation for our upcoming Don Miguel and Don Jose Ruiz event on Sunday, August 21, 2011, I've decided that the theme of my talks for this month will be "The Four Agreements." Every Sunday, we will be focusing on one of the four agreements. This coming Sunday, my topic is "Be Impeccable With Your Word."
Today, you will notice a new section in our newsletter entitled "Volunteer of the Month." I have decided to recognize and honor an individual every month who has been outstanding in service to the Symphony of Life. For our first volunteer of the month, I've chosen Rick Ricksen. Rick is currently the President of our Board of Directors and has been involved with the Symphony of Life for the past two years. You will know and appreciate him for the wonderful photos he's taken which show up in our newsletter every week. Check out what Rick has to say below about service.
In peace and love, Rev. Karen Wylie 
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Announcements
Miyuki's Party
I think the Symphony of Life did an excellent job of showing Miyuki Harley how much she will be missed as our Music Director. Below are some pictures of our celebration with Miyuki.
Brief Intro to the Science of Mind
For people who are new to our teaching or for individuals who may have some questions regarding our philosophy, on Sunday, August 14th, I will be doing a brief introduction to the teachings of the Science of Mind and its principles. That will occur right after church at 12:15. All are welcome.
New Fall Class
Rev. Karen will be teaching an 8-week class, Science of Mind 102, The Nature of Effective Prayer, on Thursday nights beginning on Thursday, September 15, 7:00 to 9:30 PM, $175 (payment plans are available). Location in Ojai TBD. The two books that will be required reading are Prayer by Ernest Holmes and The Science of Mind also by Ernest Holmes. Registration will begin on August 14. Please plan on having your books by the first night of class. (No prerequisite required.)
Living the Five Agreements
Come join best selling authors Don Miguel Ruiz and Don Jose Ruiz for an afternoon workshop entitled, "Living the Five Agreements." This workshop is presented by the Symphony of Life Spiritual Center and will be held on Sunday, August 21, from 2:00 to 5:00 PM at the Ojai Valley Community Church, 907 El Centro. There will also be a book signing thereafter by Don Jose from 5:00 to 5:30 PM.
The program will open with Rafael Bejarano on the didgeridoo, and then the Movement of Agape, a dance troupe from the Agape International Spiritual Center will perform. Tickets are $30 prepaid; $35 at the door, $25 for Students. There are also group rates available: $25 advance purchase (10 or more paid at the same time). Tickets are available on line at www.solsc.org; also at the Symphony of Life Spiritual Center on Sundays, Contempo Hair Salon, and at Soul-Centered, a metaphysical shoppe. Contact Amira Webster for more information about this event, (805) 701-1327.
There will be an opportunity at the workshop to sign up for a follow-up support group to practice The Five Agreements. Each group will meet three times from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. Groups are being planned to meet in Ojai, Oxnard, Camarillo and Westlake Village. The tuition to join a group is $15 and space will be limited. Rev. Marilyn Miller, (805) 640-0498, can provide more information about the follow-up support groups.
Volunteer of the Month
Rick Ricksen has been chosen as our very first Volunteer of the Month. Rick currently serves as President of the Board of Directors of the Symphony of Life and is also the person responsible for all the wonderful photos you have seen in this newsletter since its inception. Rick has shown up to serve in so many different capacities. He has been in service at every Sacred Service Saturday, has offered assistance with the sound equipment, and has served as a greeter to name just a few of his areas of service.
When asked what motivates him to be such a giver, Rick said, "It makes me feel good to be part of something that I believe in. It's not a question for me about service and whether I'm going to do it or not. Service is a feel-good feeling. I have a sense that we are all here to be of service in our own unique way. When you see somebody doing something good for someone else, it makes us all feel good. I feel a kinship to everyone; we are all one and it's a joy to serve the human family."
 Rick Ricksen and Grandson Travis
SOLSC Book Club
You are welcome to join the Symphony of Life Book Club at any time. Our next meeting will be on Friday, August 12, 6:00 PM, at Peggie and Duane Williamson's home, 11756 N. Ventura Avenue, here in Ojai. The meetings are a potluck so bring a dish to share. We are currently reading the national bestseller Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese. You don't need to have read the book to join us on August 12. We will be choosing our book for the month of September on that date. For more information, contact Peggie Williamson at (805) 640-2450.
Creative Adventures Summer Program
Here are some pictures from our children's program this past Sunday which was facilitated by Rev. Marilyn Miller and Steve Weed. We welcome children 3-11 years of age to enjoy prayer, story telling, visual arts projects and/or music and movement. Our program is enriching and appropriate for young people regardless of their religious backgrounds. Please call Rev. Marilyn Miller, (805) 640-0498 if you are interested in assisting with the children.
Visit our SOLSC Website
Please go to www.solsc.org to visit our community website.
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