We Are Back! Wednesday Evening Service In-Person

If the Creek Don't Rise

In American slang, "... the creek don't rise" implies that strong intentions have been frustrated by unforeseeable but uncommon events, like weather! We've been meeting in person for ou mid-week service since the end of 2022, interrupted only once by a downpour of rain that made it difficult to get around Santa Rosa.

Nevertheless, we continue to have a strong commitment to our Wednesday Evening Service and look forward to seeing you at 7 pm. We meet in the Social Hall, where we serve cookies and tea and sometimes home-baked bread! The service is casual, with some meditative music, a message, and sometimes a spiritual practice.

A New Series

We are starting a new series this week, January 25, reviewing a paraphrased, modern English version of the first four chapters of The Science of Mind by Ernest Holmes. Dr. Edward will provide handouts and conduct a fill-in-the-blank process as we go through the paraphrase together!

January 25, The Thing Itself - Dr. Edward

February 1, What It Does - Dr. Edward

February 8, The Way It Works - Rev. Russ

February 15, How To Use It - Dr. Edward

Why a Paraphrase?

The Living Bible, unlike most translations of the Bible, is a paraphrase by Kenneth N. Taylor, written to make the text accessible to younger readers who might have difficulty with the King James Version. Remembering how much I enjoyed reading The Living Bible and how it provided for me a stepping stone to look at other classic translations, I saw how valuable a paraphrase of Ernest Holmes’s classic, The Science of Mind, would be for those beginning their study of metaphysics.

As I began the task of paraphrasing the first four chapters of The Science of Mind and Spirit, it occurred to me that the text resembled language transcribed from a spoken recording. Frequently, I came across paragraphs or sections of the book that more logically belonged in different chapters, as well as phrases that were redundant or awkward in the written form. I went about paraphrasing the text, attempting to present the first four chapters in well-organized thoughts using simplified language.

Comments

Your Friend Within - New Year's Day Wednesday Evening Service with Rev. Russ

For much of my life I went it alone. I thought I had to do everything myself, that there was nobody who was willing to help me. This was a challenging way to approach my life--and it was a difficult path, it turns out, I didn't need to follow. In our experiential New Year's Day Wednesday Evening Service (try saying that three times fast!), I'll share with you a spiritual concept that I wish I knew when I was determined to go it alone: how we can nurture a relationship with what Ernest Holmes calls "The Friend Within," that aspect of our spiritual existence that is available to us 24/7 as our coach and best friend. Tonight will be filled with music, we will set intentions, and we will connect with our Friend Within so that we might have all the love and support needed to bring that intention to life. I look forward to seeing everyone at the Center at 7pm. -Russ

Energy Flows Where Attention Goes with Edward Viljoen, January 19 2025

This Sunday, I’ll explore the theme, “It Flows.” I’ve been reflecting on the power that moves through all things, including each of us. Life’s creative power, like the electricity that lights our homes, is always present. Yet, it requires our active participation to flow into the world. Flipping the switch is an act of awareness and intention, and it’s a choice we make every day—whether to direct this energy toward creating, healing, and helping. Together, we’ll consider three key ideas: Awareness is the Key to Using Creative Energy Life’s creative power responds to our awareness. By becoming mindful of our thoughts, we unlock the ability to direct this energy where it’s needed most. Tuning Into the Creative Flow This power doesn’t discriminate; it’s available to all. What sets us apart is how we engage with it. Simple daily practices can help us align with this flow and tap into its limitless possibilities. The Power of Dominant Thoughts What we focus on consistently shapes our e...

"Oneness" - Wednesday Evening Service with Rev. Russ

#1 - Oneness Spirit (whatever we choose to call the infinite “something”) is the source of all that is, and Spirit is all that is. Everything is made of Spirit and is a unique expression of The Infinite. What is Oneness? We hear this word quite a bit at the Center, but what does it really mean, and how is it useful in my life? These are just some of the questions we will answer in tonight's Wednesday Evening Service as we embark upon our journey exploring the ten core concepts of the Science of Mind and Spirit. Join us at 7pm for music, freshly baked bread and tea, and an inviting community where we will learn all about Oneness. See you soon! -Russ

Wednesday Evening Service

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