Center for Spiritual Living Midtown

Cultivating Light – Rev Dr Bob Deen

The winter solstice in the northern hemisphere is a physical event experienced by everyone, whether they are aware of it or not. This event is central to the many religious and spiritual celebrations that occur this time of year.

Join us for a special Solstice Celebration which is at the core of all celebrations at this time of year.  The format will be different and will guide you through a personal and collective spiritual experience of the importance of Light, physically, spiritually, and ceremonially.

Affirmation:  I am a light, you are a light, we are a light in this world. And I shine. (Words by Karen Drucker)​ ​

Preparing The Way - Rev Dr Bob Deen

How do we prepare the way for this season? How does one prepare the heart for the winter season? One practical method is to prepare for inner and outer (worldwide) peace. How is this done in world religions? Why is this important to the individual?​​
Affirmation:  Peace in my heart out pictures as peace in the world. My peace is a reflection of the Christ consciousness.

Welcoming The Shadow – Rev. Dr Bob Deen

What do we learn from the shadow…from the dark of winter or the shadows cast in the heat of summer? What richness lives in the shadow place? ​
Affirmation: I do not judge myself nor other persons. I embrace the shadow and reclaim my highest good. 

The Grateful and Cheerful Receiver - Rev Cynthia McCarthy

Often people reference being a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:6-7), but as we know from the Law of Circulation, giving and receiving is reciprocal ebb and flow of Yin and Yang. When we accept, we are in the flow as God gives to ItSelf as each of Its incarnating forms. ​
Affirmation: I stand with my body and heart open to goodness and I know that there is nothing that separates me from the river of life that flows through me as I give and I receive. 

God Is Not Motivated If You Aren’t - Rev Dr Bob Deen

“Man’s thought is the activity of Mind, for Mind without thought or directed consciousness would have no real existence. There can be no existence apart from consciousness; or, if there be any existence apart from consciousness, then there is no one, no thing, and no intelligence to be aware of such existence. It is evident that without self-awareness, there is not only no realization of Life, but no Life to be realized.” (Living the Science of Mind, 321)
Affirmation: As I change my thoughts and beliefs, the world around me changes. My mind is the mind of God Itself. ​

How Engaged is God as Us? - Rev Dr Bob Deen

Life/Love/God/Spirit is living out its perfect Life as us. It is knowing more of itself as us. The only way that Spirit has of bringing forth our values for a World that Works for Everyone is through us.
Affirmation:  I am and will be a stand for love in this world, no matter who is listening.  I am listening and I am engaged. 

What Is God Giving You? – Rev Dr Bob Deen

God has already given us everything. It is our job to awaken to it. Life is fully supporting us at all times. ​
Affirmation:  I am so grateful that I am fully supported by God. 

Divine Authority to Choose - Rev Dr Bob Deen

Often people speak of God’s Will as if the old anthropomorphic deity is still the one guiding, choosing, and leading us, when in truth it is saying yes to each of our choices!​
Affirmation: Today I choose wisely, compassionately, and decisively to express my authentic self in all that I do.​ 

Bridges That Last – Rev Dr Bob Deen

Think of the world’s oldest bridges. What makes them last through the test of time? A good foundation, the right materials, an engineer inspired to build something that will last for centuries. The same can be said for building lasting, heart-felt and healthy relationships. Building bridges that last is the process of creating sustainable, collaborative community partnerships. Building a bridge for a world that works for everyone.​​
Affirmation: I am an important part of the whole in a world that works for everyone. Who I am makes a difference.

Bridge Over Troubled Water, Guest Speaker Rev Cynthia McCarthy

Forgiveness is healing. There are many cultures that do healing and forgiveness work together as a community. Because we are inextricably connected, and reflections of the Divine, how do we become the bridge over troubled waters for our personal healing and the healing of our communities? How can we build bridges of unconditional acceptance for one another and for ourselves?​
Affirmation:  I am whole. ​ I am healed.  I am loved.  I forgive and I am forgiven.