Center for Spiritual Living, Santa Rosa

2012-01-28T17:38:00.003-08:00

Hi Friends

Nick has installed our new Allen and Heath, 40 channel mixing board over the past couple of days and we had our first band rehearsal for tomorrow morning’s service today to get it all up and running.

I asked that we invest in a new board for two reasons; our old Mackie board was starting to make dying noises and I didn’t want us caught in the lurch should it catastrophically fail, and we had outgrown the Mackie’s 24 channels.

What I didn’t know (Nick told me but I didn’t realize it would be so extreme) was how much clarity and spaciousness this new board would bring to our sound just by virtue of being a new and better board. The only experience I have with “sound” has been in my job here with our old Mackie board and when I heard the sound through the new board today, both onstage and in the house I was astounded at the difference. It makes the old Mackie board (God bless that little workhorse and all it did for us) sound kind of muddy and “noisy” in comparison.

I wanted to let you all know so that you can enjoy it tomorrow as you hear sound through it for the first time. Of course we may have little bugs to work out here and there as is the case with such a major equipment upgrade, and your constructive feedback and comments are as always welcome and invited, but I invite you to bask in the glory of such a wonderful sonic improvement in our home.

With Excitement and Appreciation to Jan and our Board of Trustees for making it possible to acquire this new mixing board and to our sound crew – all of them for continuing to work so hard to bring us beautiful, clear, moving sound,

Chris

Location:New Sound Board

2012-01-28T17:38:00.001-08:00

Location:New Sound Board

Creek Stewardship NEWSFLASH!

2011-11-21T15:50:00.001-08:00

Thanks to Alistair Bleifuss of the Creek Stewardship Program of Santa Rosa for arranging for our official Ours To Protect sign, now on the fence along Spirit Creek, 2075 Occidental Road near Stony Point.

Have you noticed these markers around Santa Rosa where there are bridges over our creeks? Research shows that people are more likely to care for creeks and other forms in nature if they can name them. What creek watershed do you live in?

You're invited to these Spirit Creek Stewardship opportunities in 2012:

Sunday March 25 1 to 4pm Spring Equinox Blessing & Creek Care
Sat. July 14, 1 to 4pm Clean Our Green
Sat. Oct. 6, 1 to 4pm, 6th Annual Spirit Creek Day
PLUS: On Earth Day, Sunday April 22, 1 to 4pm,

Prayer, Roses and Parking Lots

2011-11-01T15:15:00.001-07:00

On Tuesdays at the Center guests are invited to join staff for prayer at 3 pm.

Rev. Kim Kaiser leads the prayer today.

Pamela Jasper keeps our fall rose garden in perfect shape.

Volunteers transform the parking lot dividers for spring delights.

Drumming Builds Community at Annual Spirit Creek Clean Up

2011-10-06T14:24:00.001-07:00

Photographs by Cher!

Prayer Practitioner Bonnie Chase with friends.

Sahar Pinkham leading the way.

Michelle Keip, Lead Steward.

We love our Center!

Spirit Creek Clean Up–Education and Stewardship In Action

2011-10-06T13:34:00.001-07:00

Photographs by Cher

Something for the whole family and for the wellbeing of our Center: Spirit Creek Clean Up provides education, entertainment and service opportunities.

You can visit the Spirit Creek Stewardship page at http://www.cslsr.org/ministries/spirit-creek-stewardship for more information about this group’s activities.

Center Renovation News and Updates

2011-09-30T16:37:00.001-07:00

Center Revenue Sources

The Center receives income from several sources. Here is a
visual picture of our revenue sources so far this year.

Of the contributions we receive, the vast majority come from
people who share their annual giving plan by completing a
Giving Plan Card.

Come to our Annual Membership Gathering on March 18,
2012 where we will have an in-depth financial update.

Renovation and Renewal Update:
Five years ago we established a long-range plan for the care of our
facility. With your support we have stayed on track to keep our Center robust and beautiful. Pictured here are volunteers completing the build-out of our stage area.

Upcoming Renovation Projects

Some of the things scheduled for the near future include…
Parking lot seal and stripe ......................... $31,000
Retile Sanctuary floor ............................... $60,000
Replace youth classroom wall divider ........ $6,000
Kitchen renovation...................................... $3,500

Longer range considerations are…
HVAC systems replacement ($160,000 over 4 years)
Repaint Sanctuary and Social Hall (To be estimated)

Goals for the Year

We learned in our Pledgers Forums that folks want to know
what our annual financial goals are. For 2012 our goals are
To receive Giving Plan Cards totaling $825,000 in Regular
Contributions representing 67% of our estimated
operating budget. This is a 3% increase over 2011 that we
feel can be easily achieved to cover our operating
expenses and replenish the Center’s savings.
To receive Giving Plan Cards totaling $60,000 in planned
giving for our Renovation Fund to continue the ongoing
renewal of our spiritual home.

We have a floor!

2011-09-13T14:51:00.001-07:00

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Michael bring law and order to our storage areas!

2011-09-13T12:40:00.001-07:00

A place for everything, and everything in it's place. Now where did I place Michael?

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Stage buildout Day 2

2011-09-13T12:38:00.001-07:00

Framing is all done! And they just keep going!

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Stage build out...

2011-09-12T15:57:00.001-07:00

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Men at work

2011-09-12T11:55:00.001-07:00

Stage build out continued...

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Stage build out started!

2011-09-12T08:50:00.001-07:00

The demo of our band area was started today to make room for a build out that will add 14 feet on to our stage. Not only making room for our musicians, but also allowing room for our choir to grow!

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Photos from Clean Our Green on July 16 by Bruce Weston

2011-08-05T15:27:00.001-07:00

The people behind the clean green

Behind the scenes at the Center for Spiritual Living, Santa Rosa you find adults and children chopping wood and carrying water.

There is no question about it, our facility and grounds are maintained by many, many volunteers who engage in selfless service to beautify their Center.

There is something for everyone to participate in. Visit our Ministry of Service page to see what current service opportunities exist.

My favorite stories are from couples that meet and marry as a result of being in the same service. Brenda and Don Kobrin met in the construction service team activities some 12 years ago. And there are many stories like theirs.

I know, I know, you’re supposed to be selfless in your service contribution… but hey…..

Clean Our Green" expands our connections with Spirit Creek

2011-07-25T10:30:00.000-07:00

About 20 enthusiastic adults and kids showed up to tend Spirit Creek for the "Clean Our Green" event on July 16. Besides our regular creek clean-up, this time the group's first activity was to observe and appreciate the signs of progress of our efforts over the past 5 years stewarding Spirit Creek. This sparked conversation about dynamics between native and invasive plants and animals, wilderness corridors, the joys of being in nature and more. We envisioned a dedicated network of creek stewards in groups like ours, all "adopting" a stretch of creek to care for and being responsible for the 92 miles of creeks in Santa Rosa.

Other highlights of the event were Stephanie Lennox's joyful sharing of environmental education as we worked and Randy Urry's dip with nets into the headwaters which produced lots of bugs and "Surprise!" an abundance of crawdads hiding in the mud. Randy's sifting screens and magnifying glasses extended our lively hands-on inquiry into the macro invertebrates of Spirit Creek. Everyone agreed we want to have more of this kind of learning at our events in the future.

Reminder: Everyone's invited to the Spirit Creek Day Visioning meeting on Sunday July 31, 12:45 to 2pm in room 3. Come to be part of preparing for our 5th Annual spirit Creek Day on Oct. 1 or contact me, Michelle Keip, if you can't come to the meeting but want to participate at 544-2673 or creeks@wellspringai.com

How does it all get done?

2011-07-12T16:40:00.001-07:00

The Center Leadership Team meets monthly to discuss administrative and facilities matters.

Did you know that you can read the minutes of all the meetings of our Center online at www.CSLSR.org?

Tearing it up!

2011-06-02T11:52:00.000-07:00

Stripe'N'Seal started on repairing our parking lot today!
The repair will be finished by tomorrow evening, pending weather, and all set for use on Sunday!

Young Adults take the stage!

2011-06-01T15:42:00.001-07:00

Each month the stage decor changes. This month's decoration was made possible by the creative contribution of our Young Adult Group. You can find out more about the Young Adult Group here.

Thank you everyone for your help!!

Hanging colored paper and cloth is fun and easy thanks to the railings and hanging silk screens the allow us to create something new and different every month:

Later this year we will see the build-out of the stage to accommodate our musician's section of the stage with more room for their equipment.

Weeding Party!!

2011-05-23T17:03:00.000-07:00

In an ongoing commitment to maintaining, renewing and renovating our facility and grounds, volunteers regularly prune, sweep, cut and clean the flower beds. Recently a weeding party was held to clear the center islands in front of our Sanctuary and later we will have a planting party. If you want to be included, please watch our announcement pages available by clicking here or contact our Facility Manager, Evan Dow-Williamson at evan@cslsr.org.

The Before

The After

And the in between

Thank you everyone for all your hard work! Many hands make light work and we did it! Look forward to seeing you all again for the NEXT WEEDING PARTY!!

...Coming soon...

PLANTING PARTY!

Ministry of Service Opportunities

2011-05-23T16:47:00.000-07:00

Greetings friends of the Center. In a short while the photographs from this weekends Weeds Begone event will be posted. Thank you to all who participated and for the new fresh clean look on our main avenue!

Someone asked me what other opporutnities were avialable at the Center to serve and it prompted me to check. Here is what I found:

Recept Desk openings exists for both day and evening shifts
Saturday setup support position has become available
Sunday setup support teams are looking for more members
Sunday hospitality crew is looking for smiling faces and willing hands

I was also reminded that there is ongoing and updated information about seva (selfless service) opportunities in our social hall on sundays, or you can contact Georget@cslsr.org for quick responses about how to help at the Center.

Again, thank you to all who help!

Edward Viljoen

Conscious Color

2011-03-30T18:25:00.001-07:00

Jean Murphy is helping to keep our Center free of extra decretive designs. As a Young Adult of our Center she sings with our choir and has been known to hand out massages to those in need. Thanks Jean for being up to the tasks at hand.

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Who you gonna call?

2011-03-27T10:45:00.001-07:00

Will Mcurry shows us he ain't afraid of no ghost while cleaning up our teen room before he goes on stage today to read our letter from this month's non-profit. Thanks for your help Will!!

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Making the rounds

2011-03-24T11:16:00.000-07:00

Bruce Hubbell has been gung-ho for months now to get behind our burnisher and make our floors shine. Thank you Bruce for staying on top! The floor will be squeaky clean for our Board inductions and potluck tonight!

Laughing it up

2011-03-15T16:19:00.000-07:00

Deborah Francis has been a member here for over five years and has volunteered in cleaning, organizing, and other administrative functions. Thank you Deborah for all your hard work and continuing dedication to our Center!

Deborah steps up!

2011-03-14T18:55:00.000-07:00

Deborah Dow-Gallagher is a Member at the Center, and has been attending Science of mind churches for over 20 years now! I should know, she brought me to my first one! Thanks Mom for giving a trim to our lovely plants so we may all see the road when leaving our Center!

7th Grade Interns

2011-03-10T13:25:00.000-08:00

Thank you for your help!

How about a little color?

2011-03-10T10:44:00.000-08:00

Janet DePree is an out standing volunteer and member of our Center! She takes pride in her work as a painter and has probably had, at least, a hand in painting every wall in this Center. Her most recent works include the office entrance, the social hall entrance, and the hall way to room 10. Thank you Janet! You are very much appreciated!

Spirit Creek Clean-up and Spring Equinox Blessing

2011-02-19T21:43:00.001-08:00

Sunday, March 20, 1 to 4 pm

FREE All ages & abilities welcome!

Meet at Spirit Creek, 2075 Occidental Rd, Santa Rosa in the north parking lot of the Center for Spiritual Living, Santa Rosa, 95401
To honor the season of new life, we'll enjoy singing with the Atchison family—Pam, Ron, Patrick, and Lila—followed by a sweet blessing ceremony by Sanna Rose, RScP.

Stephanie Lennox, eco-educator, will lead our creek walk and clean-up for fun, hands-on learning and service. Pick from a variety of tasks and invite your friends and family.
Volunteers celebrate work well done with pizza donated by Roundtable Pizza and drinks donated by Oliver's Market.
Bring gloves and water. Clean-up supplies are provided.
Contact Michelle Keip at creeks@wellspringai.com or 544-2673 for details.

Co-sponsored by the Spirit Creek Stewardship of the Center for Spiritual Living, Santa Rosa & the Creek Stewardship Program of the City of Santa Rosa & the Sonoma County Water Agency

Signage

2011-02-02T21:29:00.001-08:00

James cleaning off the goo from old signs on the glass doors. Thank you James.

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Stripping and Waxing

2010-12-23T14:47:00.001-08:00

Wow, what a difference that makes!

photo by Chris Fritzsche

Project Sleep Warm

2010-12-11T12:08:00.001-08:00

Look what project sleep warm made with the fabric sample books that Paul donated!

Technorati Tags: homeless,sewing,community,compassion,quilt

How it happens

2010-12-03T20:55:00.001-08:00

Nancy Moorehead rakes and manicures our grounds. Thank you.

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Pianissimo

2010-12-03T17:02:00.001-08:00

Hi Everyone,

Just letting you all know that we now have a system installed on the Sanctuary Yamaha piano that controls temperature and humidity. How might this affect you you askJ?

Well… anyone who is moving the piano any distance needs to be aware that there is now an extension cord that hangs from the bottom of the instrument. This is plugged in 24/7 to a unit which only comes on when necessary to regulate temperature/humidity of the instrument, so please don’t be tempted to unplug it for any reason. Please move VERY slowly if you need to move the piano, and be careful not to roll over the cord.

Also, we’ve set the thermostats in the Sanctuary to not let the room go below 55 degrees. This is in order to better care for our instruments and equipment, especially the piano and the drum heads. This means that the thermostats are now always turned to “heat” during the winter and not turned “off” when not in use like before. If anyone walks into the Sanctuary during the week and finds the thermostats turned to the “off” position, or if you find the room particularly “toasty” would you please help us by letting someone know who can make sure the heat hasn’t been turned up and then forgotten or turned off? This will be a big help.

Thanks,

Chris

Taking Care of Business

2010-12-02T11:20:00.001-08:00

Rev. Joyce Duffala, Assistant Minister and Ken McCauley, Treasurer take care of the business of signing the checks to pay our vendors and bills. Thank you for keeping us in good shape and checking up on the business of the Center.

Last Day of the Art Show

2010-11-21T20:09:00.001-08:00

Thanks to the volunteers who help mount track lighting in our Social Hall to beautifully highlight the art in our balconies!

Photo by Keith Eggel

Thanksgiving From Dr. Edward

2010-11-11T15:51:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving 2010

Dear friends,

Last year I opened my Thanksgiving letter with these words, Our spiritual community at the Center for Spiritual Living, Santa Rosa is so alive, well, caring and active that sometimes I forget to pause to take in the magnificent splendor of our surroundings. Right now, as nature begins to display a variety of colors and the light begins to sharpen the shapes of ordinary objects, I notice that I have the privilege of walking, talking and moving in one of the most beautiful spots on earth. When I pause to breathe and take in the beauty of Sonoma County, I cannot help being filled with a feeling of appreciation that is so much a part of the season. Reading these words again reminded me to do the same this year, and to pause and appreciate our Center. I appreciate our staff, volunteers, trustees, prayer practitioners and you. Because of you, our Center is thriving. Thanks to our website, information sharing is at an all time high in effectiveness and availability. Thanks to our staff and volunteers we are keeping core functions alive and well. Thanks to our strongly diverse offering in programs and services we are serving hundreds of people. Thanks to our Radio and TV programming we are reaching a community beyond our walls. Thanks to our teaching, we are illustrating what a consciousness of unity does for individuals and thereby for our communities.

Every Thanksgiving eve, the Center for Spiritual Living community takes the opportunity to pause and contemplate our blessings at our Annual Thanksgiving Eve Service. After the 6:30 pm meditation in Grinton Chapel, we will gather in the sanctuary to enjoy the music of the One Heart Choir, Christopher Fritzsche, Claire Victor and our house band. I'm inviting you to take a well-deserved break so you can be with your extended family to appreciate each other, celebrate Spirit and give thanks with song and prayer. Let this Thanksgiving mark the beginning of a holiday season of peace and gratitude for you and your loved ones.

This beautiful season has within it other favorite and new traditions at our Center: our Annual Remembrance Service on Wednesday, December 8 is an opportunity for us to remember those who have passed in the preceding 12 months, our free Drop and Shop on December 18th (leave your children with us at 12:30 pm while you shop till 4:30 pm), the Annual Candle Lighting service on December 24 at 6 and 8 pm is a magical time of renewal through light and music; and on Christmas day, Rev. Ruth Barnhart will be offering a special Christmas Day Service. On December 31 join us for a Prayer Vigil and our Annual World Peace Meditation at 4 am.

Although Thanksgiving Day comes officially only once a year, at the Center for Spiritual Living we try to think of every day as an opportunity to give thanks. Please join me in celebrating that consciousness by affirming the prayer on the reverse side of this letter written by Rev. Diane Harmony.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, please consider using our online contribution to make a special holiday gift to your Center by clicking here.

I'm truly grateful to be part of your spiritual community and thank you for all you do.

Peace be with you,

Edward VIljoen

A Thanksgiving Prayer For You

During this mystical, magical season of Thanksgiving and love,
I know that the Spirit back of it all is all that there is.
I know that the Life in and through and as all beings,
is my Life,
and it is your Life.
We are all One, tabernacles of the Divine within.
How blessed I am to speak a word
of gratitude for you this Thanksgiving season.
How thankful I am to know the Truth of your being,
that you are the Light of the world, forever and always.
I claim for you this day appreciation that your light shines
in clarity and grace always, radiating out to you,
your families and all you meet as
Joy, Harmony, Peace, Generosity, Abundance and Prosperity,
Health and Vitality, Gratitude and LOVE.
I recognize in you the Divine Urge to glow for Good,
and I know that you blaze easily and effortlessly.
I know that every inspiration that moves through you
is fully illuminated with all that is necessary
for its manifestation into form.
I know where there appears to be any doubt, or fear
that you are guided to shine your attention on your intention
of Truth...
that there is only LOVE, and that you are Its channel.
I thankfully claim for you a deep awareness
That there is within you a Knower that knows,
whose guidance and direction you allow to lead you
out of any seeming darkness.
I am so grateful to speak these words for you,
I am grateful to know that I speak Truth.
I release this prayer now and allow Life to live Itself as you.
And so it is. AMEN.

Rev. Diane Harmony

Nursery Make Over

2010-10-28T01:20:00.001-07:00

Thank you for all the thought and care that is going into upgrading our nursery floors and walls! Parents and babies are grateful!!

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Center Flooring

2010-10-14T21:31:00.001-07:00

Here is the plan for the new flooring, as I know it...

On Thursday morning, October 21st, World of Carpet will deliver the materials for the nursery and halls. It will need to be stored here so it can acclimate.

On Sunday afternoon, October 24th, with the help of a team of
volunteers, we will clear everything out of the Nursery and store in the Social Hall. Susan and I plan to sort through the toys, donate a 1/3, clean and box a 1/3, and clean and ready a 1/3 to go back into the nursery. This way, my rotating toys, we can keep our toys cleaner
and get rid of any that are in disrepair and / or no longer serve.

On Monday, October 25th, World of Carpet will install the tile and
carpet in the nursery. Janet DePree will then paint the nursery on Tuesday - Friday and the nursery will be reassembled by Sunday.

On Sunday afternoon, October 31st, we will remove everything from the office halls and reception area and store in the Social Hall.

On Monday, November 1st, Reception will be moved to the Social Hall entrance and people will be directed to enter the building through those doors. World of Carpet will pull up the carpet and install the
new flooring Monday - Wednesday.

On Thursday, November 4th and 5th, the new floors will be installed in rooms 1 -2.

Let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Georgett

Georgett Eggel
Seva, Service & Event Coordinator
Center for Spiritual Living, Santa Rosa
707-546-4543 x 110
Fax 707-546-4548
www.cslsr.org
email: georgett@cslsr.org

In the Sound Booth

2010-09-28T13:13:00.001-07:00

Nick Grizzle who recently trained members of the community to run our sound equipment. If you are interested in volunteering, contact nick at nick@cslsr.org

Center Video Studio

2010-09-28T11:54:00.001-07:00

Dixon Delzzel and Kathy Secor directing the recording of Sunday Service

Thank you both!

Facility Renovation Fund

2010-08-18T00:24:00.000-07:00

A special thank you to those who contributed to our 2010 Facility Renovation Fund. We will be soon creating our budget for 2011 and part of the process includes updating our 2011 Renovation Plan which we will post here. I hope you will consider making a designated contribution to our Renovation Fund when you make your pledge for 2011. If you have any questions about the process, do not hesitate to contact me or the Accounting staff at the Center.

Warm regards,

Edward Viljoen

Lilo And John Kangas

2010-08-18T00:22:00.000-07:00

Sprucing up our picnic tables! Thank you.

Sound Upgrade Panel Installation

2010-06-23T17:40:00.001-07:00

Paul and Jeff prepping the new sound panels to be installed in our Sanctuary.

Dixon Delzell, customizing them to fit according to the consultants specifications

Joe and Gary Boehmer putting the panels in place.

Ron Abler, was he up on that scaffolding?

Dust Bunnies and Pipe Music

2010-06-17T10:11:00.001-07:00

Ellen Brokaw has been coming in to give the sanctuary it's weekly thorough dusting. It must be done slowly to avoid making dust bunnies airborne. Today Ellen mops slowly and gracefully to the ethereal sounds of Japanese pipe music.
Jerry 707-328-3146

Sound Renovation

2010-05-27T12:44:00.001-07:00

Greetings,

I expect we wil take delivery of the sound panels the 2nd oweek of June. It looks like the earliest opportunity we will have to install them is Saturday, June 19th. We can't get into the Sanctuary until 11 am, but this job should be done within 4 hours.

Will need to set up scaffolding for panels on the side walls and the rest will go onto the stage, behind the band.

Would like to hear from crew members from our last install, please pass this on just in case my email doesn't make it to everyone.

The wonderful, efficient crew we had before: Jeff Wong, Bob Storms, Chuck Fisher, Dixon Denzell, Steve Berg, Ron Abler, Keith Eggel, Joe Martinez,
Gary Boehmer.... I think we will need Chris Fritsche this time and of course
me.

Jerry Cornacchio, Facility Manager
Center for Spiritual Living, Santa Rosa
2075 Occidental Rd.
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
707-546-4543 x 114, FAX 546-4548,

jerry@cslsr.org

-- Posted from my iPhone

Renovations at the Center

2010-05-26T19:46:00.000-07:00

Well they come in all forms don't they?

Want to help?

2010-05-13T21:05:00.001-07:00

Hello! I'm looking for someone to help me maintain the Center for Spiritual Living, Santa Rosa Facebook group page - if you are interested, please contact me. I'm looking for someone who is willing to invest an hour a week (sometimes less) doing very specific tasks. If you are reliable, love the Center, know your way around the web and want to help... I would love to hear from you. You must have your own facebook account, and access to the internet to do this volunteer task.

Love,

Edward.

Center for Spiritual Living, this is….

2010-05-04T12:24:00.001-07:00

Our volunteer receptionists were honored at a Tea at the Center. We love them.

Parking Patrol (Angels)

2010-05-03T15:26:00.001-07:00

Part of keeping our property safe, and tidy is making sure the people who use it do so safely and tidily. That has become a key function during large events and so our Parking Angels (seen beautifully dressed above) make it there business to guide and assist our parkers, maintaining not only our property, but our healthy relationships with our neighbors.

Thank you, Thank you. Over and Out.

Business as Usual

2010-04-19T14:59:00.001-07:00

Eleanor Zapanta, Business Managaer and Jerry Cornacchio, Facility Manager at the Center for Spiritual Living work closely to monitor the Renovation and Renewal Plan. Both have a full schedule managing the regular business matters of the Center and are always open to support from volunteers. Do you love organizing? Do you love cleaning up? Do you have a skill that would support them? Please contact them if you do and let them know. 707-546-4543.

How many Religious Scientists does it take to move a speaker?

2010-03-26T19:17:00.001-07:00

Our gratitude for your service!

And wait till you hear the sound on Sunday!

Power Balins

2010-03-26T19:01:00.001-07:00

Jerry and I used the lift today to connect the new powered balins to the outside projectors and it looks good.

I also used one of the old balins to connect the middle projector – it may not jitter but if it does we can easily connect a new powered one because the balin is behind the stage not 17ft in the air.

Also, the new matrix switch is configured and working, so we can have the Power Point projected or live video at the touch of a button.

Paul Sarran and friends were finishing the center speaker moves and we all expect improved sound in the front of the Sanctuary this coming Sunday.

Keith Eggel, Video Ministry Coordinator

Action on the set

2010-03-24T16:25:00.001-07:00

The Scissor Lift: needed for our annual Fire Safety Inspection and tomorrow for our speaker relocation project and projector recabling project. It looks like fun, if you don’t mind heights.

Photo by Christopher Fritzsche

Our New Boulevard Trees

2010-03-22T08:43:00.001-07:00

Volun-trees!

2010-03-21T22:31:00.001-07:00

A beautiful way to begin Spring at the Center with the planting of new healthy trees to line our main driveway. Thank you, Thank you to our happy volunteers. Here are a few photos from Bruce Westin of just some of the hands that helped. And there were many more hands. We look forward to beautiful white blossoms next season.

First floor, Enlightenment

2010-02-13T11:21:00.001-08:00

Don Jones working on our elevator panel, keeping our building accessible to all.

Thank you Don.

Changing Light Bulbs in the Sanctuary

2010-02-13T11:15:00.001-08:00

Joe and Don perform the heady task of changing light bulbs in our Sanctuary…. it’s way way up there!

Thank you Joe and Don for keeping us in the light.

William Abel

2010-02-01T15:13:00.000-08:00

Month after month we are treated to a new look in our Sanctuary. William Abel climbs ladders, hangs stars, paints walls, decorates, designs and delights us with his creativity. William has been collaborating with helpers to facilitate the creation of the 12 monthly theme banners that he envisions will hang all throughout the Sanctuary. Each month we'll add another to highlight the topic focus of the month.

Recently William painted the entrance hall to our Social Hall, moving the statue of Ganesha and redecorating for a peaceful, sacred feel. Thank you William for caring about our spiritual home with your time and talent.

Bill Stites

2010-02-01T15:09:00.000-08:00

Doing his weekly leaf raking Seva. Keeping our grounds clean, crisp (and safe) thanks to Bill and a host of other behind the scenes volunteers, from trimmers, to rose pruners, painters, picker-uppers and more. Thank you to those of you who serve silently and help keep our facilities in a state of ongoing wellbeing.

Sound Renovation

2009-12-17T12:31:00.001-08:00

Sound baffling panels have been installed 59% and already the difference is amazing.

-- Posted from my iPhone

Greener Landscapes Greener Water

2009-12-17T08:54:00.000-08:00

Dear Edward,

I have met with the Santa Rosa City Utilities Dept. representative Jennifer Burke regarding the use of recycled water for our outdoor irrigation. Santa Rosa recognizes the need to conserve drinking water and to make good use of treated water if we are going to have a viable water future. This is a good way to overcome a lot of the drought potential we face as a community.

The city plans to run a new recycled water line down Occidental Rd. in 2010 and this would be the time to hook up to it. There would be no cost to us for any of the new plumbing or the connection into our irrigation system, which involves adding another water meter. We would receive approximately a 10% discount on the recycled water flat rate fee and 5% discount on actual usage. Jennifer is going to get back to me with solid numbers in the near future.

This program would be in keeping with our goal of supporting “green” living and the conservation of the earth’s resources. It will mean some record keeping for my department and some training for me about how to handle a recycled water system, but there is no cost to us.

Jerry Cornacchio, Facility Manager
Center for Spiritual Living, Santa Rosa
2075 Occidental Rd.
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
707-546-4543 x 114, FAX 546-4548, jerry@cslsr.org

Quilted covers

2009-10-15T16:23:00.001-07:00

Our new cover for the beckstein created by the quilters of project sleepwarm... . Cool huh?

from Christopher Fritzsche

Jim Thomason and Kelly Metcalf

2009-10-08T17:06:00.000-07:00

Jim T is responsible for many of the images you see when browsing our bookstore online. He has served on the Pledge Gathering Team and photographed our Trustees for their formal pics.

Kelly Metcalf has been serving at the Center since forever, in Youth and Family Ministry, on the Board, in the Education Ministry And just about anywhere help is needed.

New design

2009-10-08T12:15:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Rev. Chris Michaels for suggesting face front display of books and for John, Martha, Jerry (am I missing someone?) for making it a reality.

-- Posted from my iPhone

Strawberry ice cream

2009-10-05T11:40:00.000-07:00

Served up by Rev. Joyce Duffala, Assistant Minister, to help recognize the hours of service contributed by so many!

-- Posted from my iPhone

Who are these people?

2009-10-05T11:37:00.000-07:00

Can you name these merry celebrators who are being honored at our annual sevites recognition event? Among them are finance committee members, singers in play, past Trustees, Grinton Chapel prayers and on and on. Who are they?

-- Posted from my iPhone

President John Brown and Trustee Allan Yeager

2009-10-04T11:30:00.000-07:00

Allan is unstoppable with his Seva. Behind the scenes with the new web project, admin office support, monthly inserts to the bulletin, library support and bookstore merchandising support are a few of his contributions.

President John is a heart of gold on the Board, on time in charge present and organized. And you can find him sweeping the floors, vacuuming the bookstore, and giving the minister a pep talk when needed.

-- Posted from my iPhone

Center for Spiritual Living this is Anne Gereau

2009-10-03T11:25:00.000-07:00

Anne, one of our gracious volunteer receptionists weekly answering your calls. Thank you Anne.

-- Posted from my iPhone

Martha McCabe and Linda Cook

2009-10-02T13:22:00.000-07:00

Martha, Registrar to the Holmes Institute chats to "Cookie" who tirelessly assists in the accounting department, membership reception and weekly takes care of our announcement pages post production coordinating. And boy can she cook!

-- Posted from my iPhone

Judy Brown

2009-10-01T23:28:00.001-07:00

A surprise thank you party for volunteer Judy Brown for her dedication and support in Steppingstones Bookstore. What is in that package?

-- Posted from my iPhone

Jan Davis and Bob Heart

2009-10-01T23:05:00.000-07:00

Extaordinary sevites.

It's impossible to list everything they do for the Center. Both have served on the Board of Trustees, Pledge Gathering Team, and have climbed roofs, packed boxes, painted and scrubbed. Sigh!

The Quilting Gang

2009-09-29T17:03:00.000-07:00

The ladies are making a quilted cover for our new piano! Wow!

It's dirty work...

2009-09-04T13:24:00.000-07:00

...but it's fun. Cleaning and sanitizing our fold up tables for use on Sundays and in classrooms during the week and in our Youth and Family prgram.

Education Ministry Bound for Success

2009-09-04T13:22:00.000-07:00

Assembling the binders for the upcoming Education Ministry classes, Martha McCabe, Registrar, directs a happy force of volunteers.

Baseboards

2009-09-04T13:21:00.000-07:00

Cleaning the Baseboards in the corridor on the way to our Infant Room.

Seva Galore

2009-09-04T13:20:00.000-07:00

Cleaning Windows in the Reception Area and assembling the tags that go on our "welcome flower" for visitors on Sunday Mornings.

Joe fixing lights

2009-07-08T10:11:00.000-07:00

Above our heads while we pray!

2009-06-11T14:42:00.001-07:00

This image shows most of the AC units on the Sanctuary roof... they are covered with plastic to protect from overspray.

The roof is already coated with a few layers of emulsion (asphalt & bentonite clay, etc).

What’s above the Social Hall?

2009-06-11T14:41:00.001-07:00

this shows the Social hall roof and some of it's AC units gift wrapped :-)

Spraying “Chop”

2009-06-11T14:40:00.001-07:00

This image shows some of the roofing crew spraying on the top layer of emulsion called "Chop". "Chop" refers to the mixture of emulsion and fiberglass that is chopped up at the distribution hose the applicator is holding. There is a fellow behind him carrying a 60lb case of coiled up fiberglass "rope" that he is feeding to the "chop" head that the applicator controls. The third guy is Philip, the owner of the company, who is very hands on in every step of the job. .... and behind him is another fellow who is tending the hoses and making sure of a continuous flow of emulsion.

Spreading “Chop”

2009-06-11T14:39:00.001-07:00

Closeup of worker spreading "Chop"... notice the white fiberglass rope being fed into the chopper that is directly below the emulsion spraying hose. Our roof is covered with a matrix of emulsion, sheets of fiberglass, more emulsion, and then this layer of chop.

In about 2 more weeks, when the emulsion has had a chance to dry, Tradewinds Roofing will come back to overcoat the whole roof with a Silver Latex solution to reflect the sun and protect the underlying layers.

Jerry Cornacchio, Facility Manager
Center for Spiritual Living, Santa Rosa
707-546-4543 x 114, FAX 546-4548, jerry@cslsr.org

Roofers

2009-06-03T07:59:00.000-07:00

Tankers and pumps for the job

Roof Capsheet Buildup

2009-06-03T07:58:00.000-07:00

Roof Renovation

2009-06-02T14:33:00.001-07:00

Fiberglass & emulsion beginning

Jerry 707-328-3146

Renovation Project - Acoustics Update

2009-05-12T16:52:00.001-07:00

From: Paul Sarran

Hi All,

Just a short note to say that since I sent in our results promptly last week and had not heard back, I called to see what the status of our project is.

Michael Adams, our rep, has been sick with the flu, and hence, has been out for several days. He was in briefly today and I just caught him by just a matter of moments.

He has handed the data to the person who will be analyzing the data, Jordan, and Jordan will be getting back to us as soon as he does the analysis.

The good news is that the project is actively going forward. That's all for now.

See you all soon,

Paul

Joyce Francis

2009-04-28T17:25:00.001-07:00

Joyce Francis at Reception desk cheerfully greeting visitors to the center!

Acoustics Renovation Project update

2009-04-28T17:03:00.000-07:00

HI All,

Since time has passed, and our account got transferred to a new person because of internal changes, I decided to call Acoustic Sciences to find out what the status of our project was. I supposed it would have been tabled on the bottom of a long list. As it turns out, that was the case.

I had a long and both chatty and professional talk with our rep. It turns out he grew up in Santa Rosa. He has fond memories of Santa Rosa, family here, and actually went skating here as a kid, so he knows the building, at least. the way it was.

He gave me the information we need to proceed with the project -- a balloon burst test. I have arranged with Jerry to conduct the test this week. I will then send the data from the test to ASE. From this data, they will make some initial calculations to tame the sonic defects of the room. This is the initial functional phase of design.

Then the next round of development will be to get input from all so that we can "voice" the room according to the use requirements we have. This is ASE's specialty and it is the unique service that they are famous for.

In short, the result of this communication is that we are now on the top of the list! So they are ready to go begin with our design project as soon as they get our data.

I'm excited about it!

Paul Sarran

jackie Biden in bookstore

2009-04-27T18:48:00.001-07:00

Photos of Flea Market

2009-04-27T16:29:00.000-07:00

Dear Edward,

Guess what? There was someone at the Flea Market taking photos...Marissa Fitrakis! I have her permission to send these on to you.

I had so many wonderful comments both from sale participants and from those who donated items!! It was a tremendous amount of physical labor for the Team, but we were all standing the next day, and feeling quite a bit of joy in our project and its success for all involved!!!

Thank you for your kind words on Sunday, I will them on to the Team, the Team That Rocks!!!!

Much love,

Luanne

Tree Replacement Project

2009-04-25T15:34:00.001-07:00

The first new tree thanks to a host of volunteers!

Photos by Eleanor Zapanta

Sevite in Action

2009-04-13T12:13:00.001-07:00

Here is Kelly dustmopping the Sanctuary.

Peace Pole

2009-04-03T19:37:00.001-07:00

Susan Muir has sanded and refinished our Peace Pole. Thank you Susan for helping us beautify and maintain our property.

Pam Mathis at Reception desk

2009-03-19T15:32:00.001-07:00

Keeping up with renovation, renewal and beautification depends on the host of Sevites (a term we've coined for volunteers at the Center, based on the Sanskrit word "Seva" for selfless service) who help us maintain the everyday vital functions of keeping the doors open. Our front desk reception is almost exclusively staffed by volunteers. Thank You.

Janet DePree

2009-03-10T13:09:00.001-07:00

Janet is quietly painting her way around inside the church, one day a week. Today the Infant room... Every week it's another room or hallway. Thank you Janet.

Joe

2009-03-07T11:21:00.000-08:00

This is Joe Martinez carrying the wall to the sound closet back stage. We had just cut it loose and he lifted it up and carried it about 8' to it's new location... Joe's motto, "Nothing's too heavy!"

Paul

2009-03-06T11:20:00.000-08:00

Paul Sarran, mad scientist at work correcting problems with our electrical system.

Jan and Stephanie

2009-03-05T11:16:00.001-08:00

Jan Davis & Stephanie Martin busy making room 3 one of the nicest in the building!

Cement

2009-03-05T11:07:00.001-08:00

Cement slab we poured to repair the damage done by the very heavy garbage trucks. All the work was by done by Sevites Joe Martinez, Randy Urry & Tom McDermott. The 5 cubic yards of concrete was donated by Gary Arnold and the company he works for, Austin Creek Redimix.

Jerry Cornacchio, Facility Manager
Center for Spiritual Living, Santa Rosa
2075 Occidental Rd.
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
707-546-4543 x 114, FAX 546-4548, jerry@cslsr.org

Lynda

2009-03-05T11:06:00.001-08:00

Lynda Thompson hard at work painting room 3, our showcase classroom.