Apr 2017 Newsletter Final.doc - 1 - Print Date: 3/31/2017

Bear Valley Center for Spiritual Enrichment A Religious Science Community

“Open at the Top”

April 2017 April 2017 April 2017 April 2017

NewsletterNewsletterNewsletterNewsletter

Sunday Services, 11:30 a.m. 578 Bonanza Trail, Big Bear Lake (Across the street from the Little Greenhouse florist)

P. O. Box 4184, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

909-866-7100, Email: info@bvcse.org. Website: www.bvcse.org 501C3 tax ID #95-3685187

April Speakers

April 2nd Art Harriman April 9th Alison Benjamin April 16th Janet Grace Nelson April 23rd Liz Harris April 30th Judy Farry

April Board Message

Happy Spring! As I write this, I look out of my window and see blue sky and white, puffy clouds. Coming up the hill yesterday, I saw the Ceanothus blooming its lovely lavender color and knew that spring is indeed here!

We all see Spring as a time of new beginnings, and it is no exception for our beloved Center. I am new to the Board after a few years’ absence and am delighted to have rejoined. We will vote in new Board members April 30th at our Annual Meeting and we will continue our job in service to BVCSE’s members and visitors.

Some of you may have gotten a phone call with a survey we initiated, asking what you might want to see more of, or less of, in our Center. Your input will be confidential and the results published in the newsletter.

Our purpose is to inspire and nurture spiritual growth by accepting a loving, all inclusive

community through teaching, healing, and serving, for the highest good of all.

We are the Mind of God knowing, the Heart of God loving, and the Hands of God serving.

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April Board Message (cont’d) We have some exciting events planned

beginning on April 11th, with a Jazz Supper at The Pines. Nancy Walker will be backed by a jazz trio and The Pines will offer different kinds of pasta for dinner. In May, we will hold an “Upscale-Resale Boutique” at the Center. Save your nearly-new, gorgeous,-but-I’m-tired-of-it clothes, jewelry, and other items from your house to donate to our Center. These are the first two of many events we are promoting as Fun(d)--Raisers.

We also have some great guest speakers lined up for each Sunday, in addition to our own exciting Practitioner Nancy Walker. Watch the newsletter and email blasts for particulars.

Lastly, and most importantly, we will be feeding your spiritual selves. In May, date to be announced, Nancy Walker will be teaching “Prosperity Plus!” This 10-week class was written by Mary Manin Morrissey, (Google this spiritual giant!), and promises to be a perfect beginning for our spiritual coursework.

Our mission states, “We are the mind of God knowing, the heart of God loving and the hands of God serving”. Your Board of Trustees very much want to hear from you so that we can better meet your needs.

Sherry NooneSherry NooneSherry NooneSherry Noone

SecretarySecretarySecretarySecretary

April Practitioner Message

The cele-brations of Pass-over and Easter come together in the Light of renewal and re-birth… and in this Light, we open to inspiration which nourishes our soul.

The world within reveals an Intelligence that not only manages our human form, but also permeates the entire universe. This same Intelligence guided Moses as he unified the scattered tribes of Jews. He was led as he guided his people from bondage and slavery to the promise of a new life. Leaving the old behind, protected and cared for along the way, a new generation of Jews arrived at their promised land.

The very same Intelligence illumined Jesus as He made demands on an invisible Power that honored His every claim. He revealed for us a new life without limitations. He knew that the same Power that created everything and holds everything in place, is also at the very center of our own being. Letting go of old limiting ideas and opening to the Living Power within each of us, we accept a new life of purpose, freedom, and creativity.

The Intelligence of the Universe is reflected in nature. On cue, the daffodils and tulips poke through the soil, the trees bud, Spring snow and rain surprises us, and hummingbirds arrive to decorate a warmer season.

With examples of the Universe and nature everywhere around us – replacing old, giving birth to new – we, too, are born into a new awareness. The One Mind at work in Moses is the same Mind that illuminated Jesus. It is the same Intelligence that offers us to experience the miraculous as we use our imagination to create a new vision, to renew our belief, and give birth to a new life!

Happy Easter! Happy Passover! And so it is!

Carolyn Dawley,Carolyn Dawley,Carolyn Dawley,Carolyn Dawley,

PractitionerPractitionerPractitionerPractitioner

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APRIL Topics Preview

April 2nd – Art Harriman

Namaste’ - Welcome Home! When we quiet down the busy mind on a daily basis with persistence that wears down ego’s resistance, we begin to experience the immortality, integrity and divine current of what defines us.

Namaste… Welcome home!

April 9th – Alison Benjamin

A Direct Path to Love: Forgiveness Life can be a struggle when we hold on to past hurt and heartaches. Are you ready to let go? This week, Rev. Ali will share insights into the power of forgiveness and the liberation that is experienced when we

simply let go and let God. “By changing nothing, nothing changes.” - Tony Robbins Alison Benjamin is a spiritual teacher, ordained minister, and the director of the Satya Center for Spiritual Living. Her purpose is to inspire and empower individuals to awaken to their divine magnificence and live

the life they were born to create.

April 16th – Janet Grace Nelson

Resurrecting the Christ Consciousness Within Easter is a celebration of the resurrection. We are here to bring to Life and re-awaken the Christ perfection of your true being. This beautiful awakening will be a fresh beginning to the next chapter of your life and

your becoming. Your true light is here to shine as the Christ Consciousness and bring Love and Harmony to the world around you.

April 23rd – Liz Harris

(Topic to be announced)

(continued on Page 4)

Remember – You can “Take Us Home with You” by purchasing the Sunday service on a CD for only $5.00 in our

Imagine bookstore.

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APRIL Topics Preview (continued)

April 30th – Judy Farry The Power of Healing

I will share a brief narrative about who I am, from where I came, what’s important to me about Science of Mind and how I teach power of positive thinking as a way of changing our minds which gives way to enhancing our daily lives. As a California licensed psychotherapist for over 30 years, people have been coming to me with their broken hearts, confused minds and lives in disarray. I’m presently writing about my life experiences as a therapist and the lessons my family, friends and clients have taught me. My writing will include things that have happened ot me that I’m calling, “Near Misses and Second Chances – Getting to the Edge of Life, Regaining Life.”

April Calendar

April 1st April Fool’s Day! April 2nd Art Harriman

Guest Speaker April 3rd Safe Place Support Group 6:30 p.m.

at the Center April 5th Meditation 10:00 a.m. Carolyn Dawley’s house April 9th Alison Benjamin Guest Speaker April 11th Jazz Supper The Pines Restaurant April 12th Meditation 10:00 a.m. Carolyn Dawley’s house April 16th Easter Service Janet Grace Nelson “Awaken the Christ Within”

April Calendar (continued)

April 19th Meditation 10:00 a.m. Carolyn Dawley’s house Drumming at Marv Cira’s 6:00 potluck 7:00 drumming 40020 Water Hole Lane Big Bear City (Baldwin Lake)

Call Marv if you need

directions (909.584.5278) April 23rd Liz Harris Guest Speaker April 26th Meditation, 10:00 a.m. Carolyn Dawley’s house April 30th Judy Farry Guest speaker

BVCSE Annual Meeting Following service

at the Center

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April Birthdays

April 3rd Diane Versaggi

April 9th Alison Benjamin

April 12th Susan Conley

April 15th Millicent Cook Bobbie Egelund April 16th Dea Early April 21st Warren Burdick 3 April 24th Karen Hicks April 27th Bruce Smith Clairette Keogh Jacquelyn Werner

April 24th Karen Hicks April 27th Bruce Smith

Love is the music God made, For the whole wide world to sing;

He taught it to the robin, To announce the day of Spring.

Blowing ‘cross the prairie land, And He placed it in your heart, So that you would understand.

A melody of kindness –

Won’t you come and sing along? He’s given you the words to

The most beautiful love song.

- Steven Michael Schumacher

April Book Review

New Thought -

Practical Steps to Living Your Greater Life

Author: Mary Manin

Morrissey Price $15.95 Print Length: 228 pages Publisher: TarcherPerigee Publication Date: 8/18/2003

In this book, author Mary Manin Morrissey has

collected from over 40 popular New Thought clergy, concise, powerful essays addressing issues of prosperity, relationships, livelihood, health, and personal relationships. The stories are more practical than theoretical. "They tell of people who have used new thinking to bring about healing, tap into their creativity, and deepen their relationships. They demonstrate that ordinary people can create extraordinary lives."

Mindy MathewsonMindy MathewsonMindy MathewsonMindy Mathewson

Bookstore ManagerBookstore ManagerBookstore ManagerBookstore Manager

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Church Business February Financials

February 2017 Sunday Collections $ 4,735

Other income $ 155 Total income $ 4,890

Expenses ($ 7,090) Net February Income ($ 2,200)

February Attendance Adults Children

2/5 27 2 2/12 26 4 2/19 28 0 2/26 27 2 Totals 108 8 February Averages 27 2

Our Prosperity “It is in giving that we receive.”

"We would like to remind everyone, to consider remembering our spiritual center, when you are

doing your estate planning and Wills. Bear Valley Center for Spiritual Enlightenment is a

non-profit 501(3) c corporation and all your gifts are tax deductible.

Namaste".

"Bill” Board for BVCSE

Here is a great opportunity to participate in

supporting your Center: We are putting into motion one of the suggestions

from our Visionary session. There is a poster board in the Hospitality room for you to sign up to help pay the bills to support the Center. Here’s all you do:

1st Pick the utility you want to help pay.

2nd Pick the amount you want to pay: if the amount is too high, you can cross it out and put what you can contribute.

3rd Put your name under that amount.

4th Make your check out to the Center (BVCSE) and drop it in the Sunday basket or take it to Sandy in the office during the week. This way it will be a tax deduction for you. In the memo part of your check, just write the utility to which you wish to contribute.

5th Remember No Amount is too Small

We are so grateful for your help!

In Grateful Appreciation to Our Bill Board contributors for February bills

Water – None Gas –None

Electricity – Liz Harris & Ellen Phone/Internet –Rhonda & Bruce Smith,

Mortgage – None Grizzly – None

Snow Removal – None Website Marketing – None

We are so grateful for your help

If you have any questions, Contact Judy Hinton at 760-715-8036

We would like to gratefully acknowledge the members who continually support our Center with monthly automatic withdrawals as continual offerings. Their support is vital to keep us going:

Julie Grandi

Marla & Bob Henrich Margo & Paul Penardi

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Through the Looking Glass

The Big Island Revisited

(Part 2)

Rain was more prevalent this time of year which hampered hiking plans. So we ventured to the Volcano Winery one afternoon. They’ve combined their grapes with local fruits to give some delightful varieties. Worth a tasting!

We also ventured back up the road to the Mauna Loa lookout and trailhead to see how the ancient, endangered, Swordtail plants were doing. Last trip (2

years ago), volunteers had planted them along a trail to get them returned to the island. This trip – they had not only grown, but had already blossomed! To get to the lookout, you drive on a single lane, not well maintained, road dodging wild animals who have the right-of-way. It was a “Kodak moment” watching Leighton, a former defensive linebacker, running after a Kalij Pheasant who refused to leave the road!

We visited the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens located on Onomea Bay. Developed by a retired couple when they moved to the island, it was incredible to see how they had transformed undeveloped rain forest to lush gardens filled with diverse exotic plants from around the world. Streams, small waterfalls, and a beautiful pond surrounded by orchids filled the park. Along a path, we discovered, by smell, the Cannonball Tree. It stunk, but the balls hanging off the tree really did look like cannonballs. Amazing.

Our favorite snorkeling/swimming beach located south of Kona is Hookena. Located on a bay, this sandy beach has picnic tables, a few campsites, outside showers, flushing restrooms, and trees for shade, although parking is limited. This time, we were entertained one day by dolphins playing in the bay one day. Another day, the tide was so low, I could explore what lived there.. My Dad ran a marine biology/oceanography camp on Catalina Island for 6 summers, so I’m “Dora the Explorer” of tide pools because I still get excited when I see them. This time I saw something I had never seen before (and had to “Google” to find its name) – a Helmet Sea Urchin.

The nearest town to us is Na’alehu. No grocery store, but the “southernmost bakery in the U.S” – the Punalu’u Bakery serving scrumptious masalas and fresh sandwiches. We became “locals” at Shaka’s Bar and Restaurant, starting on Christmas Day when we enjoyed watching the Steelers (Leighton’s team) play the Ravens (my team) on their big screen TV. On New Year’s Eve, the owners’ son (12 yrs. old) gave Leighton a handful of firecrackers so we could have fun that night. It was a treat because I can’t remember the last time I shot off fireworks. Frequenting their little place often and also meeting “Aunt”, we learned much about the history of the area, including the Old Cane Road. So on the last day, Emily and I took the road where all the old sugar plantations used to be and discovered a “hidden” beautiful valley, but didn’t have time to drive through the ranches to go see it. Next time. There’s so much to discover on this island.

Again, I emphasize wherever you travel, talk with the locals, share meals with them, listen to their lives, and discover “the roads less taken”. It makes our world so much smaller and your life so much richer.

Aloha, Menehunes!Aloha, Menehunes!Aloha, Menehunes!Aloha, Menehunes!

Ellen KeslerEllen KeslerEllen KeslerEllen Kesler

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Hawaii Kingdom Flag

The Eucalyptus Tree Tiki and Us

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ADVERTISE!

Let your spiritual community know about the services and products you provide. We want to support you! You are invited to advertise your business in our monthly newsletter, which reaches over 300 people. Please provide camera-ready art and a check for $25 to the church office (or any Board member) for the May issue by April 15th.

Questions? Call 909-866-7100