To return to a sane simplicity is one of the first and most important things to do.  ~  Ernest Holmes, Science of Mind, p. 42

Dr. Holmes repeatedly reminded us that our teaching is not complicated, that we are all divine incarnations of the One Life, and that “the direct approach is best and the most effective.” There is no intermediary between God and each of us, except for the specialized manifestation of Spirit in our own souls. We are wise to dive deeply, and often, into the center of our hearts, which are held tenderly and powerfully in the Cosmic Heart itself, always showing us the way to a peaceful and fulfilling life.

This month’s theme is, “Practical Spirituality,” and we’ll be addressing the simple approach to using spiritual tools for everyday purposes to enhance our lives, our communities, and the world itself.  Clearly, our world is in need of such wise and powerful intentions and actions, and we are part of a significant number of lightworkers doing what we are called to do. As we begin remembering Who and Whose we are, as we study universal principles, and as we apply these principles in our lives, we find we are able to overcome challenges, establish loving relationships, enjoy peaceful conditions, and open to greater abundance and joy.

You and your friends are warmly invited to join us each Sunday morning at 10:30, as we bring you a live stream Celebration from our beloved sanctuary, connecting with one another and sharing an hour of spiritual wellbeing and inspiration. The newest feature involves a “Hospitality Time,” on Zoom, beginning at 11:30, following our morning Celebration. Details are given during the morning program. Loving thanks to our Producer, Jeff Masino, projectionist, Edie Janik, and moderator, Tina Richards.  This week’s topic is, “It Isn’t Rocket Science.”

Rev. Mike and I enjoy connecting with you during the week with our “Love Notes,” filmed from home, and placed on Facebook and You Tube. Both may be accessed on our website: www.cslphilly.org.  You may also watch past weeks’ offerings. You’ll find contact information for our Practitioners, who continue to walk with you through these challenging times. We are here for each other.

With great love and appreciation,

Dr. Maxine

There is no bondage in the Spirit and we should endeavor to realize that the Spirit frees us from every type of bondage. . . Bondage and freedom are but the two possibilities of our use of the Law.  Let us affirm freedom, not bondage.    Ernest Holmes, Science of Mind, p. 260

As we enter into the month of Freedom’s celebration, we realize how much intentional work must be done in order to allow lasting freedom, justice, and equity to rise up in consciousness and show up in our world.  Recognizing the outward symptoms of any unhealthy system, biological or social, we understand that any real change begins within before it can manifest externally.  As Emma Curtis Hopkins wisely reminded us, “Awareness is curative,” and we have become abundantly aware of our lack of mindfulness, both with regard to our unwitting damage to the planet and to the soul of humanity itself.  The pandemic is teaching us to live more simply and compassionately, and to care more for each other and for the purity of the earth.  The systemic racism has revealed itself to us in ways many of us were oblivious, and now we have a timely and essential opportunity to do a deep dive into our personal and public blind spots and bring understanding and truth to the surface.

It is from this place of honesty with the “what is” that we can do the Holy Work of co-creating “A World That Works for All.” We go to Source for the solutions, as our finite intelligence cannot do what Infinite Wisdom can do.  Truly, Spirit knows nothing of limitation or bondage, because this Pure Freedom is capable of transforming each of us and all of us, as we step into the Stream of the Living Waters of Spirit, inviting It to guide and direct us to a New Possibility.  We affirm Freedom for ALL, opening our hearts to each other, learning, appreciating, and respecting the Divinity within everyone and the Wholeness of the human race and planet Earth.

Any experience of personal limitation or frustration is instantly transformed into the joy of unlimited self-expression, as we embrace the Presence that loves and honors all and shows us the way to personal freedom.  It is from this place that we can rise up to authentic inclusion, seeing from the Eye of the Heart, making right what was in error, and leaning firmly on Spirit to guide us to a new reality.  Spirit nurtures and maintains us in Unity, as we affirm Freedom, and the Law leads us into intelligent action.

Thank you for joining us each Sunday morning at 10:30 A.M. for our live streamed, Virtual Celebration! We continue using every means possible to remain connected to all of you, while waiting for the right and judicious time to re-open our doors.   Our Oneness in Spirit and our relationship with each other will always come first, and we love feeling our continuing bond, as we do the right thing and “keep the main thing the main thing!” Consider joining us after Celebration for a brief “Social Time,” as we check in with each other and chat informally about the lesson or anything we may have on our minds.  This week’s topic for Sunday is, “Nobody’s Free Until Everybody’s Free.”

Rev. Mike and I alternate Monday through Saturday, sending you “Love Notes” from our living room on Facebook and You Tube. They are archived on our website www.cslphilly.org , along with past Sunday morning live streams.  You may also find important announcements of events and upcoming classes there, as well as a listing of our Practitioners, who are helping us all move through these “interesting times.”

With great love and respect,

Dr. Maxine

The whole confusion of the world arises from fundamental errors of thought. Chief among these errors —and the father to a greater part of the others — is a belief in duality.

~  Ernest Holmes, Science of Mind, p. 453

As we reach a new point in determining the proper actions to take with regard to freedom, safety, joy, wisdom, and appropriate ways to follow sane and comfortable ways to be in the world, we do well to remember that any external confusion cannot compare to the underlying Universal Harmony. Hearing varying recommendations has tended to put folks at odds about “re-opening our economy” and “stemming the tide of Covid-19.” Rather than succumb to bewilderment, we can seek to unify more deeply with Spirit, inviting our innate clarity to guide us into healthy choices.

Let’s remember that there is only One Life, that Life is God’s Life, and that Life is your life and my life now.  Returning to our unity with Divine Harmony, we can remain open to how we are led to act, always beginning with the highest idea for ourselves and the world, and trusting our internal guidance. We must refrain from slipping into duality, which is the region of doubt, fear, and limitation. Together, we can commit to remaining true to our vision of a unified world, health and happiness for everyone, and perfect Divine Guidance in all we do.  Let’s keep the High Watch, stay out of fear and confusion, and let Love lead the way in all our decisions.

Invite your friends to join us each Sunday morning at 10:30, as we bring you a live stream Celebration from “Sweet 16,” connecting with one another and sharing an hour of spiritual wellbeing and inspiration. Kudos to our Producer, Jeff Masino, projectionist, Edie Janik, and moderator, Tina Richards.  This week’s topic is, “What is Mine to Do.”

Tune in also to the “Love Notes” Rev. Mike and I film for you in our living room Monday through Friday and place on Facebook and You Tube. Both may be accessed on our website: www.cslphilly.org.  You may also watch past weeks’ offerings. You’ll find contact information for our Practitioners, who are ready and willing to walk with  you through these unusual times. Remember that we are supporting each other in co-creating a New World.

With great love and appreciation,

Dr. Maxine

I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.  ~ Albert Schweitzer

Folks will be observing Memorial Day weekend differently this year, as we don’t anticipate parades, backyard gatherings, or pool parties.  Still, we can honor the courageous and caring people who have served our country, as well as those who currently protect our nation.  This includes all those on the “front lines” of the current pandemic, and we are grateful for their bravery and compassion.

These amazing people set such a fine example of the necessity of true service, not only to provide the essential help for those in need, but to satisfy the spiritual-human need to do our part for others. Something within us requires that we reach out to sustain life and to enhance the experience of those in our world.  It is an innate desire to bring the best of ourselves into a larger sphere of activity and truly to make a difference.

Until we find outlets for this altruistic intention, we are only half living and do not experience the joy and freedom of fulfilling these divine urges.  They needn’t be earth-shaking events, only heart-centered, authentic gifts to others.  As Mother Teresa proclaimed, “We needn’t do great things; only small things with great love.” Let’s find sweet, effective ways to serve a greater idea for the world and, especially, for those important to us.

Each Sunday morning at 10:30, we have the pleasure of bringing you a live stream Celebration from “Sweet 16,” connecting with you in a sane and powerful way and doing our best to provide everyone with an hour of spiritual wellbeing and inspiration. We are so grateful for our Producer, Jeff Masino, projectionist, Edie Janik,  and moderator, Tina Richards.  This week’s topic is, “The Honor and Joy of Serving.”

Rev. Mike and I also enjoy taking turns Monday through Saturday, bringing you “Love Notes” on Facebook and You Tube from our living room, with our sweet Yoga dog. Both may be accessed on our website: www.cslphilly.org.  You may also watch past weeks’ offerings and note current and future events. One such opportunity is tonight’s “The Gentle Art of Blessing Class,” on Zoom from 6:30 – 8:30 P.M. and running for five weeks.  Registration is required, so let us know today if you can join us for this non-tuition class, based on Pierre Pradervand’s book by the same name

Our Practitioners are always available on the website or by telephone.  Together, we are moving prayerfully and effectively through this challenging time of life, supporting each other, deepening our faith, and co-creating an inspired future for our Beloved Community and for the world. Let’s continue walking in faith and determining to co-create a bright future for all.

With great love and appreciation,

Dr. Maxine