If you did not know, my home church is 300 or so miles away in Western Washington (I live in Northwestern Idaho). The story of how this came about is interesting. I would like to share it with you today.
When I first became interested in New Thought, I was introduced to a church called Center for Spiritual Living, which is about 45 miles away in eastern Washington. Once we visited the church, my husband and I fell in love with the teaching. We joined, and I quickly got involved as a board member. The minister at the time, Rev. David Robinson, left after 3 years to continue his ministry elsewhere. But I stayed in touch with him. At that time, I was board president and also enrolled in Spiritual Practitioner training. After receiving my Practitioner’s license, I became the Spiritual Leader. It wasn’t long before things took a turn with the Center. We both decided to walk our own paths. I left and continued my connection with Rev. David through our once-a-month phone visit. It was during this time that I started this website and weekly blog.
As a Practitioner, I was required to continue my spiritual education. Searching online, I found Rev. Jim Starke, one of the few ministers who offered online classes. One of the first classes I enrolled in was Rev. Michelle Wadleigh’s Forgiveness Course.
COVID Changed Everything for Me and My Home Church
Then COVID hit, and churches scrambled to create online services. The Center for Spiritual Living, Olympia, Washington, where Rev. David was senior minister, was one of them. While most of the country lamented, I rejoiced to be able to participate in a CSL service again—even if it was only online. While becoming part of this Center, I became involved as a Practitioner and a virtual assistant.
This will be my third visit in the last seven or so years. This upcoming visit will be monumental for me as I am flying to Olympia to attend a special Practitioner Retreat. But the best part is that the Retreat is being led by Rev. Dr. Michelle Wadleigh, who is not only one of my teachers, but I am also her Administrative and Virtual Assistant! Since Rev. Michelle lives in New Jersey, I have never met her outside of Zoom meetings. I am excited to meet her face-to-face. And, of course, I will reconnect with friends I have made over the years in my involvement in CSL Olympia, my home church.
PS. I will be gone from September 19 to September 23.