“All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.” — Walt Disney

I have always loved Walt Disney! My entire life, I have not been able to listen to “When You Wish Upon a Star” without welling up with a sense of renewed inspiration and, of course, joyful tears. As an individual practicing Science of Mind, I interpret the words differently than I did as a child. Today, when I listen to the song, I recognize the “star” as a symbol of Greater Consciousness. By my “wishing” upon “It”, I connect with something bigger than myself where the Truth of Light, Love, Life, Beauty, Peace, Power, and Joy reside in fullness. In doing so, I become open to “the Fate” that will “see me through” to the greater experience I desire.

I remember my first experience attending a Sunday Celebration at GPCSL. For months, maybe years, I felt that same sort of inspiration, connection and tears every Sunday. For many years, I focused on learning and practicing the teaching. My outlook and experiences were undeniably improved as a result even in the face of significant loss and challenges. As a result, I became committed to supporting the Center by sharing my time, treasure, and talent, with the desire for others to have the same opportunity and experience. It started out with my becoming a Greeter. Later, I was moved to become a Youth Group teacher, Prosperity Team member, AV assistant, and twice Board of Trustee and then President.

My current term as President is ending come this September. Over the last three years, my “wish” has been to see the Center not just survive but thrive! We have accomplished so much!!! The Center is financially sound with no accounts payable and entering into a new opportunity to grow our in-person and virtual communities by leasing space at the United Church of Christ at Valley Forge (UCCVF) at 45 Walker Road, in Wayne, PA. We’ll meet every Thursday evening (6:30pm Meditation / 7:00pm Celebration) in their lovely sanctuary and broadcast the recording of the Celebration each Sunday at our usual 10:30am ET on Facebook and YouTube.

We will also enjoy one in-person Sunday afternoon per month (initially) in their Fellowship Hall for classes, workshops, drum circles, games, and so much more. In fact, please mark your calendar for our Annual Community Meeting on Sunday, September 15th at the United Church of Christ. Doors open at 3pm, and the meeting will start at 3:30pm Eastern Time. Zoom will be made available to those not able to attend in-person.

I LOVE the idea of this new location for a few reasons.

1. UNITY: Our partnership with UCCVF is a true demonstration of walking our talk! We believe in honoring the truth in various faith traditions and there being many paths to the One. The folks at UCCVF are welcoming and share this philosophy.

2. COMMUNITY: The space is not only beautiful but also large and facilitates our having live music! Additionally, there are classrooms available for youth and teens to meet.

3. GROWTH: All of those attributes will help us get the bunch of us back together again and open our doors to new folks and families!

Clearly, Fate has stepped in and seen us through!

Members and Friends: Your engagement and financial support imbue GPCSL’s “dream” of Unity, Community, and Growth with momentum and countless opportunities for us and others to realize “anything our heart’s desire”.

I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the amazing people (Board members: Payson V.P., Monay Trustee, Suzanne, Secretary, and Dr. Maxine; Linda, Office Mgr., and, Triple A team – John and Karen, Treasurer) I have worked with. Their unwavering and joy-filled commitment to the Center is deeply appreciated. It has been an honor and privilege to service as the GPCSL Board President. Thank you, from the center of my heart to these folks and our community at large for all you are and do!

In gratitude and great love.

Edie Janik

GPCSL Board President

Welcome to May 2024 BoT Spot!

May’s CSL theme is “Nourishing Each Other”. This makes me reflect on the beautiful community we have at GPCSL. I have met so many wise, inspiring, talented, caring, and creative people during my 20+ years at the Center. Personally, I have enjoyed receiving and giving nourishment as a member of this community. Saying I am better for it is an understatement.

This past Monday, a group of us met for our monthly “Nibbles & New Thought” dinner. The food was delicious, server delightful, and the ten of us attending shared perspectives, personal stories, and laughs. We even broke into song a few times just to celebrate and entertain our birthday girl, Monay. It was joyous and lovely and nourishing!

I am in awe of the people I have met at the Center and the gifts they shared with us. Musicians: bagpipe, flute, handpan, harps, piano, guitar… on and on! Artists: painters, puppeteers, chefs, master woodworkers, singers/songwriters, ceramicists (I had to look that one up :-). Side note…the ceramicist was also a bagpiper! And the Puppeteer was also a painter! And the master woodworker was also a master chef! Amazing!!! And, you know what is most amazing about all of these individuals? Their tremendous hearts and consciousness. Through their sharing, they have nurtured the entire community. As part of the community, I am thankful.

An active CSL member and close friend to the GPCSL community, Karen Izzi, is inviting us to a special Spring Art Market being held at Camphill Village Kimberton Hills on May 17^th and 18^th. The flier says, “Original Art, Papa Tony’s Pasta, and Jewelry”. What more do you need for a fabulous outing??? And, a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Camphill Village. Learn more about the Village and the great work they do here: https://www.camphillkimberton.org/ You can also visit their Events page to learn more about the Art Show!

Give and receive nourishment by sharing your gifts and enjoying the gifts of others every day!

Gratefully,

Edie Janik

GPCSL Board President

Welcome to March 2024 BoT Spot!

Happy Spring!  When the Board of Trustees met last month, Dr. Maxine expressed her enthusiasm and deeply felt appreciation for this holiday season. She spoke about her desire to do something special again this year for Good Friday. Personally, I am so grateful for my exposure to the spiritual interpretation our Science of Mind philosophy has provided me regarding this holiday. I experience deep joy and excitement in recognizing my personal journey to greater consciousness, cultivating the Christ within, and celebrating its awakening expressed through me as God’s opportunity to know itself and touch this world. It’s deep, inspirational, meaningful, and I love it!!! So does Dr. Maxine, and she has a gift for guiding us through the Seven “Last” Words of Jesus” in such a deeply moving way.

I am happily planning to attend my sister-in-law’s birthday party this Friday, and still, I have a sense of sadness that I won’t be able to attend this year’s GPCSL Good Friday Event. I just wanted to take this opportunity to encourage all who can to attend. It is an experience that demonstrates the power of community coming together in contemplation, compassion, and prayer. When you register, you will receive an invite to join via Zoom for this powerful one-hour event. I do hope you attend, and I’d love to hear about your experience!

Our Easter Sunday Celebration will be amazing as well! We will be live streaming, but for those who are local we invite you to join us live at the Inspiration Café in Paoli (registration required to reserve your seat). Come see behind the scenes, sing, dance, laugh, and YES, enjoy Dr. Maxine’s famously delicious Easter Orange Rolls…YUM!!!

Edie Janik

President

GPCSL Board of Trustees

Welcome to February 2024 BoT Spot!

February seems an appropriate month to write about hearts…specifically, what fuels one’s heart. Spending time laser focused on what’s right before me in the form of tasks needing attention, deadlines, and what’s “wrong”, can tend to occupy my mind so fully that my heart’s desire gets put on that other burner…you know, that little one in the back? So much energy is needed to work on the matters at hand, I gotta use the BIG burners in the front and fast if I am going to get everything done! At least that is what I am thinking until I remember how backwards this approach really is.

Have you ever done something that aligns so fully with your heart’s desire that you lost track of time? Everything flowed easily and the outcome was all you wished for and more? You were probably even energized afterwards and ready to take on anything!

Our Board of Trustees meetings always start off with each of us ‘checking in’ (after opening treatment, of course). During check-ins, I tend to share what I am cooking on those aforementioned, big burners. It’s where my focus is at the moment, so that’s what comes out (I am speaking for myself here, but I am pretty sure I am not the only one who approaches check-ins this way). Then, we move into a connecting exercise. Connecting with each other gets all of us in a space where we are living, loving, learning, and laughing, together. This effectively takes our eyes off whatever we may be cooking, and since we are smart and know we shouldn’t leave a stove unattended…we turn down the heat.

By the time we get down to business matters, my pots have all moved around. Fueled by our shared appreciation for each other and love for the Center, I’ve pulled the heart’s desire pot to the front, turned up the heat, and declared, “Yes Please!” Time starts whizzing by. The group overcomes challenges with grace and creativity. Existing practices are refined, and new ideas emerge. The meeting ends. It’s just about time to turn in for the night, but it takes me a while because I am just not tired!

This happens to me every Board meeting. I am sharing it with you because it has taught me a valuable lesson, and one I have been more intentional about remembering lately: Keep your heart ‘s desire pot on the BIG burner, up front! Use your fuel for warming your heart with the things you love to do, be, create, care for, etc. When you do, all of its deliciousness will find its way into the other pots you are working on. The outcome will be amazing, and everyone will want your recipe!!!

With Much Love,

Edie Janik

President, GPCSL Board of Trustees