What's Happening This Week at CSL Kelowna
February 23: SOUP OF THE DAY: Soul Food Sunday with Rev. Barbara Samuel
Last Sunday’s Service: We’re All Butterflies – Are we Ready to Fly? - with Rev. John DePalma
BOOK STUDY: Week Three Assignment. What’s in the Way is the Way
Four Random Acts of Kindness
Tax Receipts
Inspirational Song of the Week: When You Believe, Eddie Watkins Jr.
Membership
Connect with Rev. John
Join us every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. at Studio 9, 1180 Houghton Road, Kelowna, BC. Doors open at 10:15 am. Please visit the event page for more details and a map. Everyone is welcome!
Or, WATCH US ON
February 23
SOUP OF THE DAY: Nourishment and Healing
Soul Food Sunday with Rev. Barbara Samuel
“Soup is a lot like life. It’s all about what you put into it”.
- Author Unknown
Last week as I was exiting our workshop at the Center. I said to a congregant, "Next week is Soul Food Sunday! See you there!" She said, “Is there food?” I responded, “Soul Food Sunday is nourishment for the soul. Come and get filled up.”
Soul Food Sunday means, true nourishment and healing. True love. True happiness. Discovering, sharing and celebrating a reverence for life.
I am keenly aware of the suffering caused by unmindful consumption. As a result, I am committed to cultivating good health; physical, mental and spiritual for myself and my spiritual community by practicing mindful eating, drinking, living and praying. I am paying attention to all consumption and what enters my body temple.
There is sustenance at Soul Food Sunday. Join me on Sunday where we can consume together a blueprint for creating a more loving, kind, patient, joy-filled and healthy world through loving speech and deep listening.
Rev. Barbara Samuel
Join us at Studio 9 (1180 Houghton Rd, Kelowna, BC V1X 2C9). Doors open at 10:15 am. Enter the property by the side entrance behind the staff parking lot. Look for our signs to guide you! Please use street parking or park at Ben Lee Park (1.5 blocks away).
Or you can always watch our live stream on Facebook Live via Centre for Spiritual Living Kelowna's Facebook page.
SPECIAL TWO-HOUR WORKSHOP
We’re All Butterflies – Are we Ready to Fly?
With Rev. John DePalma
Last Sunday, Rev. John DePalma led an interactive workshop: Exploring what happens inside the Chrysalis – and why it matters.
Like a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis, we are all in a process of becoming. The challenge isn’t in our potential, it’s in creating the conditions that allow us to emerge fully into who we are meant to be. Through deep connection, self-awareness, and intentional action, we can create sacred spaces that nurture this transformation, both personally and collectively.
If you missed the workshop or want to see it again, click here:
Online Study Group, Monday, February 24
WHAT’S IN THE WAY IS THE WAY
Week Three Assignment
Next week’s class: “Chapter 4: You Are Not Alone” Read pages 67- 88. Do the exercise on pages 233 - 239 and be prepared to report any Aha’s, insights or observations.
Extra credit: relate the 5 qualities of The Meadow to the 8 spells and consider how those qualities might mitigate the energy of a “spell.”
Online Study Group, February 24: 6:30-8:30 pm
Book: What’s in the Way Is the Way. (O’Malley)
Random Acts of Kindness (RAK)
Congregants Share Their Own Random Acts of Kindness
The lovely ripple from the many Kind Acts performed by people of our Centre really touched the world! People enjoyed being able to hand out the RAK cards, acknowledging people who touched them, as well as following the suggestion on their ‘kindness fortune cookie’.
We’re so grateful to Loanne Macdonald for offering us this inspiring and uplifting opportunity to be the change we want to see in the world, one act of kindness at a time.
As promised, we’re sharing stories shared from this special week.
Speaking from the Heart
“I told a good friend how proud I was of him, how he has handled his Alzheimer’s diagnosis with grace and dignity. He has acted provincially and locally as an advocate, mentor & role model leaving a legacy of hope to those with the disease and their loved ones.
I let him know how grateful I am to know him and be a good friend.
He was surprised, touched, and pleased to know how I felt. He said it really meant a lot coming from me.
This has inspired me to try to do a RAK daily.
Thank you for your role in making this happen.”
Spreading the Loving Kindness, Even to Herself!
“About 15 - 20 years ago, I was heavily into reading Wayne Dyer books and practicing “wisdom bits” he taught. One was to stand in front of a mirror, (like your instructions for this week), and say good things to yourself. So, saying 3 things daily and smiling was affirming, and comfortable for me.
I had a lovely exchange with a cashier at Save-on-Foods on Tuesday and used her name in our conversation. I often engage in conversations with cashiers, but don’t ask their names. This added to the richness of the exchange.
I also gave a card to our regular cashier at my Tai Chi class about her engaging smile, and she was most appreciative. When I am challenged by my attitude towards someone, I silently say the Buddhist prayer of Loving kindness to this person to become positive - it works! (I often need to do this more than once).
All in all, it was an enriching experience!
Thanks, Loanne also for the chocolates and candies and all you did to promote this positivity among our CSL community! You are special!”
Kindness Cards Touched People Deeply
“I am sharing with you how successful the act of kindness project was. I gave away the 3 little cards that said ‘You matter’, ‘Thank you for spreading happiness’ and ‘Your smile is contagious’. I chose people who I felt really personified these positive messages in their daily lives. I thanked them and told them why I was giving them the card and how I observed that their actions and contributions exemplified these statements.
All three people were extremely touched by this act of kindness in receiving the card. Each one said that it made their day. They were all very grateful for my appreciation of how they touch other peoples' lives. They were quite attached to the card and said they would like to keep it for now and pass it on when it felt right. The exchange generated a very warm connection with three people who I know but not that well. I think it opened a door for greater friendship with each of them.
Loanne, thank you so much for creating the opportunity to share this act of kindness in my community. “
Cookies of Kindness
Thank you so much for spearheading this wonderful project!
I have been doing many things over the years to help out and I love doing them anonymously.
I try to always acknowledge people by name. When someone goes above and beyond, I try and let their boss know about them as well.
I’m working on the saying 3 good things about myself. I’m going to try and keep doing this daily.
Today I went to the hospital bistro and bought 50 cookies. It was a volunteer behind the cash register and her face lit up with the biggest smile when I told her what I was up to.
I asked her to give a cookie to anyone who comes in that works at the hospital, from janitor to doctor to nurse and tell them: “Thank you for what you do, you are appreciated”. (I have done this before and one time they gave out a cookie before I had left and the person who got it seemed genuinely touched by it.
I’m sure the volunteer and the cookies are going to make a lot of people’s days a lot brighter and doing this surely made my day brighter too!
Some other things I do when I can:
• Anonymously buy police officers coffee or their breakfast.
• Buy armed forces personnel coffee or their meal
I always ask the cashier to tell them thank you and that they are appreciated.
I loved handing out different sayings on the cards to the appropriate person to receive them.
Cards of Kindness, Even at the Gym!
The first Kindness Card I handed out was at the H2O gym. One kind woman helped me out a few weeks back by talking me down from a meltdown on the treadmill. She was very kind and reassuring! She loved the card I gave her.
The second card was to the Volunteer at the gym as our regular instructor away. She loved her card and put a smile on her face.
The next handout was to my massage therapist who was so happy with the card I gave her, along with 2 heart chocolates. She’s like my therapist and listens to all my woes while relaxing me and giving me a super deep massage.
The last card I gave to the receptionist at the massage therapist and it was one she could keep or pass on to someone else. She was going to give it back to me but I asked her to hold onto it or pass to someone else when she felt like doing a random act of kindness.
Thank you for this opportunity to give others a touch of happiness. “Take time to do what makes your soul happy”
TAX RECEIPTS ARE IN THE MAIL
Rev. Diane has lovingly prepared the 2024 tax receipts and has handed them out on Sundays at service. If you live away or were unable to pick your receipt up, they have now been mailed to you.
The generous sharing of your time, talent, and treasure is a powerful demonstration of support for our shared purpose of transforming lives and inspiring people to make a positive difference in the world.
INSPIRATIONAL SONG OF THE WEEK
When You Believe
Eddie Watkins Jr.
Eddie was born & raised in Detroit MI, the ‘Home of the Motown Sound’. Eddie started his music career playing piano for a bingo game at 10 years old. His grandmother “Big Mama” bought him a piano at age 7 and his parents forced him to take piano lessons ‘against his will’ according to Eddie. As it turned out, they were right, because by the age of 13 Eddie had switched to bass guitar, he’d joined the Musician’s Union, and was hired by the Jonny Trafton Big Band, where he performed with seasoned local Motown musicians.
Read more of Eddie’s fascinating story at: https://www.ewatkinsjr.me/
MEMBERSHIP!
Register your 2025 membership with Centre for Spiritual Living Kelowna
Are you an existing member who hasn’t renewed your membership? Or are you interesting in becoming a member?
Either way, joining us is easy. Complete the membership form online or in person during Sunday Service. Applications for membership are approved by our Board of Trustees prior to our annual general meeting in March.
Membership does not carry over from the previous year and is open for renewal annually, with a voluntary $50 tax-deductible donation supporting the Centre and the membership process.
CLICK HERE TO RENEW OR BECOME A NEW MEMBER
As a member of CSL Kelowna, you will:
Connect deeply within a community dedicated to personal and global transformation.
Participate in shaping the future of our Centre, including voting at our Annual General Meeting on March 23.
Receive a free 6-month digital subscription to Science of Mind magazine (for new members only).
Be celebrated with a personalized membership card.
In return, we ask members to:
Uphold the teachings and practices of the Science of Mind™.
Attend spiritual meetings regularly and engage with our community.
Provide identifiable financial contributions to support our mission.
Volunteer and actively support Centre activities.
Participate in business meetings when possible.
Membership is Easy
Renew your membership or join us as a new member today! Membership does not carry over from the previous year and is open for renewal annually, with a voluntary $50 tax-deductible donation supporting the Centre and the membership process.
LET’S CONNECT
Rev. John DePalma’s contact information
Contact Rev. John via email: jdepalma@cslkelowna.org
He is also available for one-on-one telephone conversations. To schedule a connection, visit his online calendar:
Fill out your membership here, https://www.cslkelowna.org/membership
Regular Events at CSLK
See Upcoming Events on our home page. Stay informed of all the latest news from CSLK! Subscribe now to receive notifications of future blog posts.
Sunday Celebrations start at 10:30am PT at Studio 9, 1180 Houghton Road, Kelowna. Please park on the street or at Ben Lee Park (1.5 blocks from the school). You can also watch us live on Facebook or watch the replay later on YouTube.
Our volunteers are immensely valuable to CSLK! If you can help out with making coffee, setting up and/or after-service taking down, please contact Rev. Corinne Crockett at 250-868-9090 or email corinne_crockett@telus.net.
Do you have an idea for CSLK community opportunities you’d like to experience? We'd love to hear your thoughts! Please contact Rev. Corinne Crockett at 250-868-9090 or email corinne_crockett@telus.net.
Practitioner Support
Our ministers and practitioners are in service to all of us. If you need help to see the Truth in a situation; if you are looking for clarity; if you are struggling; our ministers and practitioners are here to support you. You can contact them through the About page on our website, or you can submit a prayer request on the Contact page.
Bring Nature’s Fare Receipts to CSLK!
Nature’s Fare grocery store receipts are worth a pretty penny to us! Bring your shopping receipts to Sunday service and place them into the receipt box on the table in front of the stage in the Studio 9 auditorium. Nature’s Fare will donate 3% of the total of your purchases to CSL Kelowna! Every receipt helps! Thank you!
Your Support Means So Much to Our Community!
We’re grateful for the ways CSL Kelowna is able to accept donations:
Online via the Ways to Donate page of our website (PayPal or credit card).
By Interac e-transfers sent to donate@cslkelowna.org.
Cheques can be mailed to: Suite 131, 101-1865 Dilworth Drive, Kelowna, BC V1Y 9T1.
For more information, please contact Rev. Melody Bailey.
MINDFUL MOMENT
"The best way to take care of the future is to take care of the present moment"
– Thich Nhat Hanh
Copyright © 2025, Centre for Spiritual Living Kelowna.
All rights reserved.
Vol. 2, Issue 08
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