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Dear One:

Once again, we enter into harvest time when individuals and communities celebrate and give thanks for the fruition of seeds planted. As I write this letter, I am keenly aware of the economic situation we face, and I am reminded of what Ernest Holmes has to say about times like this: “To desert the truth in the hour of need is to prove that we do not know the truth . . . When things look the worst is the best time to work, the most satisfying time.” (SOM, page 282)
 
At a time such as this, we are called to prove the principles of the Science of Mind and Spirit and ramp up our consciousness of Infinite Good. I invite us all to practice our principles diligently by focusing on gratitude for the many ways that Spirit is continually giving of Itself in and as our individual lives and the life of our community, the Oakland Center for Spiritual Living. We have the opportunity to do this in a profound way during the month of October, which is the time of our Community Commitment Campaign. This year’s theme is THE GIVING TREE. As you can see from the logo, the tree is informed by love, the self givingness of Spirit. We are inviting you to consider what your spiritual community means to you, and, if it makes a positive impact on your life, to share your love by committing your time, money and talent, so we may continue to serve you, our entire congregation, and the larger community of the East Bay and beyond.

I encourage you to look beyond the appearance of economic uncertainty and to steep yourself in spiritual truth, which requires continually anchoring yourself in the awareness of the unending substance of Spirit. It is an ever present invisible supply that is the substance of everything that is, including each of us. We are that substance and can never be divorced from it. To tap into this supply and allow it to freely flow in our lives, we must provide a mold that it can fill and render ourselves receptive to it. In this packet of materials, you will find a card with a spiritual mind treatment on it. I encourage you to pray this treatment, or one like it, whenever you feel yourself buying into the consciousness of lack, limitation and fear. As you shift your consciousness in this way, you are also lifting the consciousness of abundance on the planet.

As we move into this time and focus on the spiritual quality of abundance, it is deeply moving to remember that we are called to be avenues of divine distribution and that God always has more to give through and as us. In other
words, we can never out give God! If that weren’t enough, Ernest Holmes reminds us, “There is an Infinite Law of the Spirit, or Law of Life, which tends to multiply our gifts, because in so doing It multiplies Its own experience, Its own
pleasure, Its own fruition.” (SOM, page 270)

Remember that you are loved and held in the embracing heart of your spiritual community. We are here for you in times of celebration and in times of need, and we continually recognize and affirm the magnificence of your Being.

Infinite love and richest blessings,
Rev. Dr. Joan Steadman
Community Spiritual Leader

Karen Fry
Stewardship Coordinator

Community Commitment Campaign Links:
Giving Tree brochure
Prayer Card
Committment pledge card