APRIL 2019

Beloveds, We are looking forward to another powerful month at our ―Jewel by the Sea‖ and will be exploring some of the rich virtues accredited to the Buddhist faith. This month we will be looking at the ―Four Immeasurables‖. These are:

Loving Kindness Compassion

Empathetic Joy Equanamity

I am thrilled when we can have a month that is filled with those things that makes our lives truly blessed and joyful. I always enjoy bragging about the loving atmosphere that you always find at our beloved center. We celebrate the oneness that shows up in so many unique and wonderful ways with people of all ages, cultures, and faith backgrounds. From the moment I arrive early Sunday morning, I love to see the day unfold. From smiling faces, to hugs, to poignant times together, this is the richness that our community is all about. Come join us and celebrate this wonderful life that we share with each other. Much Love and deepest Blessings, Rev. Michael

P.S. Rev. Donna, I hope you know how much we all love and support you. I know that you deserve everything good in life. Thank you for all you have been

to SBCSL

PRACTITIONER PAGE

Some of us like to say in our prayer treatments, ―In all things, God.‖ I am aware this may mean different things to different people. Since our theme for the month of April is the Four Immeasurables, or Four Noble Truths, I thought of this saying in considering the topic in relation to the Zen Buddhist koans. To the one who practices this path, all seekers wish to know that

which transcends both being and non-being. This one thought brought me to an understanding: all dissolves into the Oneness I call God. It encompasses both that which is real, and that which is not-real, thereby resolving the question, ―What is Truth,‖ or, to say it in a better way, ―What is it that is True?‖ If we enter our intelligent minds into a wrestling match between two opposing thoughts, we want two outcomes: to tire out our opponent, and to win the match by being right. But the Buddhist way teaches us that there is no right and wrong, and that there is both right and wrong. When our minds tire of competing on this playing field, they become too exhausted to care about the outcome at this level, and wish to rise, to transcend to a higher viewing point that folds one side into the other, not to co-exist, but to blend into a much higher level of knowing and seeing—and, ultimately, of being. If we sit in meditation with a view towards being with whatever unfolds and having no idea or thought of any particular outcome, we are practicing letting go of outcomes and staying open to the ‗what is‘ of life, realizing that there are no opposites because there is only ONE. All of Life is enfolded in the One God, One Spirit, One Reality, One Life. There is both room for opposites and no room for opposites, for all is One, all is God! I consider that this point of view is one way to know true equanimity – on the path of non-attachment, where there is neither attachment nor indifference, there exists the purest form of lovingkindness, compassion and joy. We are freed from any personal ego need and neither accept nor reject our place in the world of relationships to people, objects, situations or conditions. It is what it is as we approach everything that unfolds in our lives, keeping a calm and clear equilibrium and treating all with respectful compassion. The question becomes, ―Can I love you as God does?‖ I leave you with that unanswered question… In Love and Light, Rachel Rosen

I recently read an article by Dr. Mark Waldman and Dr. Andrew Newberg entitled ―Are You Ready to Commit?‖ They were talking about the resistance we sometimes have regarding our commitments as we try to change old habits. I have been desperately trying to get off of sugar. Then I get invited for pie and coffee after a movie. Or lovely Florann puts out something scrumptious I just have to have. Or I pass by the candy counter at the grocery store and tell myself just one. Sugar is a demon, for those of us who are addicted. And I don‘t use that term loosely, either. Ernest Holmes said, ―Change your thinking, change your life.‖ Which may seem like a simple endeavor but I know that we each can have trouble with this. One of the things I know for certain is that the brain gets into ―ruts‖ of thinking. Speaking for myself, I have habits of thinking that I fall in to, especially when I am stressed. I have beliefs that support my habits of thinking which are my ―go-to‖ thoughts and then the ruts just open themselves up and I am once again on the merry-go-round of believing the outcomes of my thinking. The brain likes the ruts I have created because they are easy to go-to and it gets bored with repetitions. The ruts are comforting. I like affirmations but they can numb the brain. So, here‘s what I do. I make variations of the affirmations I use so my mind doesn‘t become bored. I might say, ―I am no longer a sugar addict.‖ ―I do not eat sugar compulsively.‖ ―Sugar is no longer in my diet.‖ This way I change up the ways I think about sugar and therefore reconfigure the ways my brain thinks about sugar. I can look for ways to change the daily input into my brain. Look online for different ways to address addiction. Call a friend for help. Ask a practitioner for prayer. Join an intention setting group. No matter your challenge, whatever the effort, however feeble, will not go unnoticed by the Universe. God is always saying yes to each of us, in all things. So keep praying, keep changing your thinking, changing your mind, and by doing so you will change the outcomes in your lives. Namaste’ y’all! Carol Anne Perini

SBCSL HAPPENINGS

DO YOU LOVE TO SING? Join Carol Diven and become part of the Seal Beach Spirit Singers. If you like to sing, you are in. No auditions – just be willing to have a great time

and lift our spirits! Choir practice dates are: Sunday April 7th at 12:30 pm, Sunday April 14th at 12:30 pm and Saturday April 20th at 11:00 am Sign up

at the activity table. Please contact Carol Diven at 530-209-2711 or cdoboe@gmail.com for more information.

SACRED DAY OF SERVICE APRIL 6th 8:00-1:00 p.m.

We will be Spring Cleaning here at SBCSL on Saturday April 6th 8:00-1:00 Please sign up if you would be willing to come and help spruce

us the sanctuary and the grounds.

NEW MEMBERS CLASS! Sunday April 7th 1:30-4:00 p.m.

If you are interested in becoming a new member or just want a refresher of what membership is all about, please join Rev. Michael and Rev Nicole

for our new member‘s class.

From Whence We Came Saturdays April 13th thru June 15th

10:30-12:30 p.m. Cost: $145.00 If you like history, then this is a course you will find most interesting. You

won‘t have to memorize dates or place names. The history is one of ideas which converged in American culture to become what we now know as Centers for

Spiritual Living and the larger New Thought movement.

The Seal Beach Center for Spiritual Living Presents: Waves of Joy

SBCSL‘s 6th Annual Silent & Live Auction Fundraising Party Saturday, June 8, 2019 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Marina Park Community Center 151 Marina Drive

Seal Beach, CA 90740 Tickets $50 More information to follow.

Wednesdays at SBCSL

Every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.

April 3rd – Anton Mizerak and Laura Berryhill.

Come and join in a fun musical evening

April 10th

Travis

April 17th – Drum Meditation Circle with Susan Redbird Collins, R.Sc.P.

The Drum Circle is a high-energy, active meditation that is influenced by its participants. No musical experience is needed to benefit from this ancient form

of connecting with Spirit. The Drum Circle is anchored by the large Mother Drum at its center. A wide variety of drums are available for participants to use. However, bringing personal drums, rattles or flutes is greatly encouraged. All

ethnic drums and noise makers are welcome.

April 24th - Rev Juanita Gardner and Mary Birch, R.Sc.P. On April 22, we celebrated Earth Day. Traditionally, ―April Showers bring May

flowers‖ as beautiful flowers bloom in May. Each of us is a steward of this

beautiful planet, Earth, that we call home and what we do individually and

collectively matters. Come and share your ideas and take away others of how

we can support and bless future generations by the life-supporting actions we

take today.

News from the Leadership Council Dear Fellow Congregants

I am really enjoying the sunny weather. Usually we say April showers bring May flowers. Well this year we got more rain in January and February and the first half of March than we have in many a year. Granted we needed that rain and I am grateful we got it. At the same time I am grateful we have gotten back more sunshine and flowers blooming. With so much rain the flowers are blooming in abundance. We have been blooming here at our Jewel By the Sea. Our very own Rev Nicole Von Atzingen was one of two closing speakers on for the Centers for Spiritual Living‘s virtual conference. This conference was attended via the internet. On Thursday March 7 at 5:00 about 30 congregants gathered in our sanctuary to watch Rev. Nicole give her talk. Another 10 or so congregants went to Encinitas to Seaside Spiritual Living to see her in person. She was amazing and did a great job. I am so proud of her. We have also seen the blossoming of Rev. Donna Baranyay. I have watched her become more confident and competent when speaking from the platform. She has been doing more memorials and Sundays talks. She has now signed a Letter of Call to be the assistant minister at the Orange County Center for Spiritual Renewal. We will miss her greatly and realize this is her next step toward being a Senior Minister. Her last day at our center is March 31, 2019 and she will be giving the Sunday talk at both services. She is not leaving the area and she will still be involved in our community. She will be a part of special services and events. One of the things that attracted me to this center is that we are active in the community. We feed the homeless lunch the 1

st and 5

th Saturday of the month. On the 5

th Saturday we

also provide ―Blessing Bags‖ filled with person care items and non-perishable food. We also tithe to local charities. Since April 23 is Earth Day, our tithe this April will be presented to Algalita-Marine Research and Education. This charity was founded in 1994 to focus on studying and restoring the coastal waters of Southern California. Captain Roger Moore is the founder of this non-profit and has brought worldwide attention to the North Pacific Garbage Patch. He and his organization is dedicated to understanding and raising awareness about ocean plastic pollution. I would like to give a shout out to Leona Rustin for bring the head of our community outreach activities. Much Love Marjorie

Ongoing…

Yoga

Every Monday and Wednesday at 8:30 a.m.- Susan Jones

A Course In Miracles Mondays 12:00-1:30 p.m.

In the Sanctuary George Moriarty at 562-822-6682

AA Speakers Meeting Every Monday at 7:30 p.m.

Lunch with “Your inner self" Weekly Wednesday Meditation

Wednesdays 12:00-1:00 June Freeman, Facilitating It will consist of breathing, guided meditation, and knowledge.

SBCSL MEN’S GROUP Monday April 1st 6:30 pm

We now have a men's group at SBCSL and all men are invited and welcome. Come and be a part of a group that is a place just for us to converse, hang out and get to know each other. We meet in the youth

room on the 1st Monday from 6:30- 8:30 PM. If you need more information see Rev. Michael, Hyder Zahed, Jack Roberts, Bob Papp, Chris Johnson orKeith Watanabe.

Game Night

Friday April 19th 6:30-8:30 p.m. Love Offering

Learn and play new games No Experience Necessary Ages 8-108 Welcome Your Game Guru will be Susan Redbird Collins 714-913-7969

Seal Beach Cleanup Saturday April 20th Beach cleanups are held every 3rd Saturday of the month from 9am-12noon and meet at the parking lot

on the beach, located at 15 1st St. in Seal Beach. If your teen is working on service hours, there are

forms available for this activity as well. Amanda Unverzagt and family will be our lead volunteer team from SBCSL. Amanda‘s cell is 562-405-9572

SUPPORT GROUP Living and Thriving Through Life After A Loss

Next Meeting: April 20th 10:00 – 11:30 am This Group meets on the third Saturday of each month. 10-11:30 am. It is for those who are moving

through grief as a result of the loss of a loved one or other experiences of grief. It is a safe place where one can share in an environment with like-minded people who are moving through a similar experience

with spiritual support as appropriate. If you would like more information, please contact Rev Juanita Gardner, Sylvia Hungerford or Rev Donna Baranyay.

Mission Statement: To be a loving, supportive space to share our experiences, strengths and hopes in an environment here confidentiality is respected.

Lunch with the Senior Ministers Wednesday April 24th 12:00-1:00 p.m.

Please join Senior Ministers Rev. Michael and Rev. Nicole in some lively conversation. Bring your own brown bag lunch and any questions you have for them and meet in the sanctuary.

LEADERSHIP COUNCIL

Co-Senior Minister……………Rev. Michael Heinle Co-Senior Minister……..Rev. Nicole Von Atzingen Chairperson……...……...…………...Marjorie Wray Vice-Chairperson...………………....Cindy Stevens Treasurer…………………………...Florann Limpus Secretary……...………………………...Staci Muller Members……………………………..Chris Johnson ………………………………………..Christy Joycoy ……………………………………..Michael Martinez

CHURCH LEADERS Co-Senior Minister……….….Rev. Michael Heinle Co-Senior Minister……Rev. Nicole Von Atzingen Adm. Asst…..…………………….…Julie Guerrero Congregant Care…….Rev. Nicole Von Atzingen Kitchen Ministry ………….……...Florann Limpus Minister Emeritus……….........Rev. Margie Clark Minister Emeritus……...… Rev. Dr. Peggy Price Sunday Volunteer Coordinator…………………. Pam Watanabe Youth Director……………...…………...Lisa Ortiz Prayer Ministry……………..Rev. Juanita Gardner

THOUGHT WAVES

Editorial Staff………Rev. Nicole Von Atzingen, Julie Guerrero

Mailing Team Toni Davis, Carole Grant,

Karen Lundblad, Pat Maloney, Marilyn Moody, Sharman Snow

HAPPY

Mark McAdams Apr. 2nd

Caroline Sean Apr. 3rd

Laura Summers Apr. 7th

Keith Watanabe Apr. 7th

Michael McGrath Apr. 10th

Jack Roberts Apr. 11th

Pauline Strong Apr. 19th

BIRTHDAY

Margaret Garrison Apr. 20th

John Partington Apr. 23rd

Jana Lanning Apr. 23rd

Staci Muller Apr. 24th

Donna Gillespie Apr. 25th

David Fries Apr. 29th

Chris Aguilar Apr. 30th

Licensed Practitioners

Donna Baranyay 714-469-3972

Mary Birch 949-291-9715

Rick Brown 949-769-4049

Tina Carson 562-370-0949

Susan Redbird Collins 714-913-7969

Juanita Gardner 714-895-3080

Janice Guevara 562-537-3481

Judi Hileman 909-816-4656

Sylvia Hungerford 562-355-3300

Judy Koepke 714-342-7201

Annemarie Lovdahl 562-884-5630

Michael Martinez 562-999-6150

Victoria Norgard 310-849-9699

Gina Overholt 562-857-8619

Rachel Rosen 818-321-2575

Leona Rustin 562-280-5511

Dory Steinmetz 562-430-2141

Travis 562-438-3510

Pam Watanabe 562-243-7678

Marjorie Wray 714-376-6686

Mari Young 562-980-7699

Your SBCSL Practitioners are here in service to you. From a Sunday morning ―One Minute Miracle‖ after service to a fee-based Spiritual Support and Prayer session, they will know the Highest Truth for you. If you have a prayer request, please place it in the blue box on the Information Table in the foyer on Sunday, or mail it to the church office. You may also call a practitioner for an appointment. Please refer to the list of practitioners on the left for names and numbers.

SUNDAY CELEBRATION 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 A.M.

April 7 Creating Good Soil April 21 Resurrecting Peace Rev. Dr. Peggy Price Rev. Michael and Rev. Nicole Music: Tina Carson Music: Debi Wheeler-Ure, Alan Busteed Seal Beach Spirit Singers

April 14 Planting the Seeds of Love April 28 This Changes Everything! Rev. Michael and Rev. Nicole Rev. Nicole Von Atzingen Music: Sunny Daye and Bill Wolfe Music: Harold Payne and Alan Busteed :

Website: www.sbcsl.org Our e-mail address is: sbcsl@sbcsl.org 562-598-3325

SEAL BEACH CHURCH OF RELIGIOUS SCIENCE

500 Marina Drive, Seal Beach, CA 90740

562-598-3325

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SUNDAY CELEBRATION 9:00 AND 11:00 A.M.

YOUTH CHURCH 11:00 A.M.

SUNDAY TALK TITLES

February 3 Giving Birth to Divine Ideas

Rev. Joshua Reeves

Music: Tina Carson and Lindsey Hundley

February 10 What is the Common Good

Rev. Nicole Von Atzingen

Music: Sunny Daye and Bill Wolfe

February 17 Compassion and Justice for Al

Rev. Michael and Rev. Nicole

Music: Shawn Madden and Alan Busteed

February 24 Ethical Mindfulness in Everyday Life

Rev. Michael and Rev. Nicole

Music: Kelly Corsino and Alan Busteed