Wednesday Evening Service

As the winter solstice approaches, marking the longest night of the year, I invite you to join us for a unique pre-solstice service. This event, held in person at 7 pm on Wednesday, December 20th, is more than just a gathering; it's a celebration of light, hope, and renewal. The Roots of Our Celebrations The lavish festivities we associate with Christmas find their origins not in biblical teachings but in the deep-rooted traditions of the Winter Solstice. Long before the establishment of Christmas, these customs formed an integral part of a celebration that focused on the return of light during the darkest time of the year. Our service is more than a nod to these ancient practices; it's a reminder that true change requires a shift deeper than mere outward appearances. Like the Winter Solstice, our celebration is a time to reflect, to let go of the old, and to welcome the new with open hearts and minds. A Ceremony of Release and Renewal We will gather around a community tree, en...

I am thrilled to invite our community to a special midweek service at 7 pm at The Center. It's not just any gathering; it's an opportunity to connect, reflect, and find solace together. We have a soulful evening planned, and as you step into The Center, you'll be greeted with the aroma of freshly baked bread, a symbol of warmth and sustenance. There will also be tea and cookies, and exploring spirituality is always easier when there are cookies. (That's a direct quote from our speaker, Rev. Russ Legear.) Meditation Music Message Music has always been a bridge to the spiritual realm, and tonight, we have arranged for some beautiful melodies to fill the air, setting the tone for meditation and reflection. We'll also have a spiritual message from our very own Rev. Russ Legear. He will delve into the theme of "Spiritual Wholeness and the Gifts of Darkness." As we approach the solstice, Rev. Legear's words will explore the courage that can come from acknowl...

As the calendar pages turn and we approach the year's shortest day, we invite you to join us in celebrating light and renewal. Our Winter Solstice service will be held on Wednesday, December 20, at 7 pm, aligning with our regular weekly Wednesday Evening Service.  A day before the actual solstice, this gathering symbolizes our commitment to coming together, honoring our traditions, and finding warmth in the community. This year's solstice service offers a unique blend of reflection, joy, and anticipation. As the night unfolds, we'll gather around our community tree, a symbol of hope and the returning light. Adorned with handmade ornaments, our community tree reminds us that light, beauty, and warmth are within reach even in dark times. We will light battery-operated votive candles in the season's spirit, casting a gentle glow that mirrors our inner light. This act of illumination is not just about the physical light; it's a symbolic gesture toward igniting the ligh...

As autumn leaves fall and the chill in the air signals the approaching winter, Halloween, or Samhain as it was originally known, emerges on the horizon. While this festival is often viewed through the lens of costumes, candies, and children's glee, the occasion also invites a deeper spiritual reflection, resonant with the teachings and philosophies of the Center for Spiritual Living, Santa Rosa. The Turn of the Season and the Turn Within Historically, Halloween marked the onset of darker and colder days, signaling a shift from the active, outward energy of summer to the contemplative, inward energy of winter. Just as the earth goes through cycles, so do we as individual expressions of the divine Spirit. This season calls us to be still with ourselves, to delve into our inner realms, and to prepare for the period of introspection that winter naturally brings. Honoring Our Shadows The teachings at the Center for Spiritual Living, Santa Rosa, encourage us to face our own shadows to ex...