“Ever as the spiral grew He left the old house for the new. Build thee more stately mansions, O my soul, While the swift seasons roll. Leave the low-vaulted past; Let each new temple, nobler than the last, Shut thee from heaven with a dome more vast, Till thou at last art free, Leaving thy outgrown shell By life’s unceasing sea.” ~ Oliver Wendell Holmes, The Chambered Nautilus

As we approach the end of 2022, we may emulate the Roman god, Janus, who had the fascinating ability to look backward and forward simultaneously. A year-end review is a powerful and effective way to evaluate the previous twelve months, consider what we might have chosen differently, find the gifts in each experience, and release the year with loving gratitude.

Oliver Wendell Holmes’ “The Chambered Nautilus” is often used as a metaphor for leaving the human body, as the soul takes its immortal journey at the end of this life; however, it can be justifiably viewed as a release of that which has served but no longer fits us in our spiritual progress right here on earth. The chambered nautilus is one of the oldest creatures known to survive in the earth’s oceans. It is a symbol of nature’s grace in growth, expansion, and renewal. It is also a symbol of order amidst chaos as reflected in its spiral precision. (The “other Holmes” has much to contribute to us!)

As we outgrow the lesser “shells” of our understanding, we prepare to move into a more expanded and successful consciousness. We have a clean slate before us and are free to create a life of truer freedom and greater attainment. The “more stately mansions” into which we may move include the experience of increased wisdom, deeper love, and grander creative ideas and their fulfillment. Forming a new vision for ourselves and the greater community in the new year is the first step in co-creating the world into which we choose to step. Establishing specific objectives and goals which are inspired by that vision is the next intelligent and productive action to take.

Our last gathering of the year will take place this Saturday, December 31^st at the AVE Clubhouse in Malvern, 311 Lancaster Ave. Please arrive by 6:45 A.M., when Rev. Mike will lead us at 7:00 A.M. in a beautiful World Peace Meditation, corresponding with all other gatherings around the world at Greenwich Mean Time. At 8:00 A.M., we go to breakfast together at a local restaurant, as we did last year. Click here to sign up.

The next day, Sunday, January 1^st, we will stream our Sunday Celebration, with a shared, “He Said/She Said” talk from both Rev. Mike and me. The title will be, “Begin with the Blueprint.” Our new theme for 2023 is, “Building a New Consciousness,” and January’s will be “The Foundation.” Simply go to our website www.cslphilly.org and use the “Watch Now” button to connect with us at 10:30 A.M. Let’s work together to “build more stately mansions” and occupy them with ever-expanding joy!

Be sure to view our calendar of events, tune into our live streams or view past Celebrations and Love Notes from Rev. Mike and me. You may also choose to visit our Practitioner Page, where you will find licensed practitioners who are happy to work with you in consciousness to address issues of concern, greater desired good, or simply to receive a greater understanding of Science of Mind.

With great love and respect,

Dr. Maxine

Welcome to December’s BoT Spot

It is Solstice night as I write this. Thank you to all who joined us for our early Solstice Celebration on Saturday 12/17/22…it was a magical night! If you missed it, click here to view our GPCSL Winter Solstice recording. Special thanks to Dr. Max and Rev. Mike, Jim Wade, Frank Henninger, Payson Burt, Jeff Masino, Suzanne and Rick Smethers, Linda O’Neill, our lovely Practitioners, and all who helped make the evening beautiful!

I love the idea that the days will begin to become longer…but the dark is fun too! With our teaching, we learn to swim in the deep, dark, and warm essence of Spirit, enjoying the comfort and confidence that comes from connecting with the Truth of our being. My brother once said during a time of challenge, “Life is good. Swim like a fish” – that saying stuck with me…moving with grace and ease even when things don’t always feel comfortable, is such a great reminder of who and whose we really are. Happy Solstice to you all!

Now for some important business info…

We are planning to have a number of in-person Sunday Celebrations in the coming weeks/months, but it is “winter time” here in beautiful Eastern PA…so let me share with you our back-up plan in case a weather event impedes our meeting in person:

1. A notification will be sent out informing folks that we will be online only due to weather.
2. How to join us: It is easy! Join us online via www.cslphilly.org and click on the “Watch Live” orange button. We will be there!
3. You can also subscribe to our channel on YouTube. When you do, you will be able to easily find the Center’s various Love Notes and Sunday Celebrations.

Related but not related…but I guess related to our continuing as a Center that helps people awaken to their spiritual magnificence and connect with others…a gentle reminder to send in your 2023 Intentional Giving Program commitments.

Happy Holidays and GPCSL’s Board of Trustees is knowing great things for you all in 2023!

OMG! I almost forgot to mention the 2022 GPCSL “Christmas Spectacular!” Sunday 12/25/22 …you must tune in at our usual time for a fun, inspirational, and festive (and maybe a little different) time!!!

With love and deep appreciation,

Edie Janik

President, on behalf of the GPCSL Board of Trustees, sqemj@hotmail.com

“In the depth of winter I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer.” ~ Abert Camus

Tomorrow night (Wednesday, December 21st) is the actual Solstice, the beginning of winter, and a time to celebrate the light within our hearts and the lightness in our souls. Whether or not you attended our in-person Winter Solstice celebration last Saturday, you may find delight in watching the stream on YouTube tomorrow night at 7:00 P.M. and beyond. Truly, we are able to experience the warmth of the Divine Light that warms and nourishes us, even in the darkest, coldest days and night. It is not physical, yet we can feel the aliveness within our bodies, as we embody this Presence.

As the third candle on the Menorah is lit tonight, the homes become brighter where folks are celebrating the constant light of Hannukah, singing, praying, and sharing the sacred readings and traditional cuisine. In just four days, Christmas Eve will bring candle lighting services, choral presentations, manger scenes, Christmas carols, and gifts, both that evening and in the bright morning.

Our ancestors found ways to bring light and warmth and joy to the dark, cold season of winter, as the Divine Light within each of us must always find a way to celebrate itself in every season. We love letting our light shine, delighting in the rebirth of the Christ within our hearts, honoring one another’s faith traditions, and sharing the One Light with everyone we encounter.

On Christmas morning, we will be streaming our “Christmas Spectacular” to you on YouTube at 10:30 A.M. in the comfort of your own home and available on our website afterward.  Our last gathering of the year will take place on December 31^st at the AVE Clubhouse in Malvern, 311 Lancaster Ave. Please arrive by 6:45 A.M., when Rev. Mike will lead us at 7:00 A.M. in a beautiful World Peace Meditation, corresponding with all other gatherings around the world at Greenwich Mean Time.

When you visit our website, www.cslphilly.org you may view our calendar of events, tune into our live streams or to view past Celebrations and Love Notes from Rev. Mike. Also, please visit our Practitioner Page to find caring professionals who are ready to help you through any challenges, using spiritual mind treatment (affirmative prayer.)

With great love and respect and heart-felt wishes for holidays filled with blessings,

Dr. Maxine

“The light is greater than the darkness nor has the darkness any power over the light.”  ~ Ernest Holmes, Science of Mind, p. 411

We understand that “darkness,” whether actual nighttime or metaphorically dreary times, simply is the absence of the light. Like entering an unlit room and turning on the light switch, either type of darkness disappears when light is introduced. God IS Light, the Absolute and Eternal Reality, always available to lead us through challenging times and ready to lift our consciousness above the temporary conditions.

Let’s bless the dark night, in which we rest deeply and become refreshed, and appreciate life’s fallow times from which our quiet contemplation and mental reorganization bring us gifts of understanding and renewal. Then, we can more appreciate the Light which inspires us to live in strength and newness. This truly is a very special time of year.

Our Annual Winter Solstice, “Grace in the Night; Joy in the Light,” promises to be a joy-filled experience on Saturday, December 17^th at the Smethers’ facility, “Inteprod,” 2583 Industry Lane Eagleville, PA 19403. Doors open at 6:45 P.M., and the music and program begin at 7:00 P.M. Expect glorious music from Jim Wade and Frank Ravenwolf Henninger, and find your own voice in the Community songs we sing. This will be an IN-PERSON celebration and not streamed until the actual Solstice on December 21^st. You are invited to bring treats, if you care to add to the reception following the program.

The next day, Sunday, December 18^th, we meet for our Morning Celebration at the same site and are so grateful to Suzanne and Rick Smethers for inviting us to use their facility for both events. Continuing our monthly theme of, “Lighting Up the World,” my talk will focus on, “Lighting ALL the Candles,” as that will be the first night of Hanukkah. We look forward to more holiday treats and visiting time after Celebration.

The following Sunday is Christmas morning, and you may join us at the regular time in your “jammies,” as we stream it to you, allowing everyone to relax into your personal celebrations at home. Our last gathering of the year will take place on December 31^st at the AVE Clubhouse in Malvern, 311 Lancaster Ave. Please arrive by 6:45 A.M., when Rev. Mike will lead us at 7:00 A.M. in a beautiful World Peace Meditation, corresponding with all other gatherings around the world at Greenwich Mean Time.

Do visit our website, www.cslphilly.org to view our calendar of events, to tune into our live streams or to view past Celebrations and Love Notes from Rev. Mike. Also, please visit our Practitioner Page to find caring professionals who are ready to help you through any challenges, using spiritual mind treatment (affirmative prayer.)

With great love and respect,

Dr. Maxine

 “We are to be on guard against accepting that which is not true. And let us remember that this: Truth is simple, direct, and always self-evident.” ~ Ernest Holmes, Science of Mind, p. 453

Just as sunshine dissipates the fog, so does Truth dissolve erroneous thinking. The instant we turn away from false notions and beliefs, confidently facing the Presence behind the problem or the Spirit within the person, the sunlight of Reality centers us in Peace and makes the way to purposeful and successful living bright and clear.

It is then that we wisely and confidently establish a vital consciousness rooted in the Divine Presence, a spiritual reality that rises above circumstances and floods our world with a steady Light of Truth. Every loving, wise, compassionate, and creative new idea supports us in each new vision for ourselves and our world. As we embrace the Truth, and nothing but the Truth, we are able to shine this Divine Light everywhere we go.

Be sure to catch Rev. Mike this Sunday at 10:30 A.M. coming to you livestreamed from the Inspiration Café in Paoli, PA. He will be speaking on, “Spreading the Light of Truth.” Just go to our website, www.cslphilly.org and click on the Orange “Watch Live” button. You will also find previous talks and Love Notes on the site, as well as coming events.

We offer several delightful opportunities to celebrate this Holy Season together. Be sure to attend our Annual Winter Solstice Celebration at 7:00 P.M. on Saturday, December 17^th at Inteprod, 2583 Industry Lane, Eagleville, PA 19403. Doors will open at 6:45 P.M. The theme is, “Grace in the Night; Joy in the Light,” and our featured musician is Jim Wade, along with Frank Henninger. The next day, Sunday, December 18^th, we meet for our Morning Celebration at the same site and are grateful to Suzanne and Rick Smethers for inviting us to use their facility for both events.

Plan to enjoy our Christmas morning Celebration in your “jammies,” as we stream it to you, allowing everyone to relax into your personal celebrations at home. Finally, please join us on December 31^st at the AVE Clubhouse in Malvern, arriving by 6:45 A.m., when Rev. Mike will lead us at 7:00 A.M. in a beautiful World Peace Meditation, corresponding with all other gatherings around the world at Greenwich Mean Time.

Go to our website’s Practitioner Page to find caring professionals who are ready to help you through any challenges, using spiritual mind treatment (affirmative prayer.)

With great love and respect,

Dr. Maxine