Do you keep life's possibilities hidden away? Do you hold them all contingent on some revelation you are waiting for? Do you keep them cool in the hope that they don't hatch too quickly? The Easter story is all about life having its way. It is about the fullness of life breaking through in spite of all appearances. Jesus' resurrection is the living reality of what we might consider a highly unlikely possibility. Are we willing to hold the possibilities in our lives lightly and with care knowing that we do not have to understand the "how, when, or why" of Life's expression through and as us?!? | | |
Rev. Gil Olmstead is RGCSL’s Spiritual Director. Rev. Gil’s ministry and service is grounded in collaboration, community, and compassion. When he first came to RGCSL, he felt it was home. He’s excited about our magical journey together and for what is unfolding.
Rev. Gil also works with his wife, Robyn, in their ministry, Live Inspired. They host "Rockin’ the Love," a weekly podcast, where they share insights from over 20 years of spiritual play, disappointments, triumphs, and growth as a couple.
You can check out their latest episode here:
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1Nv2YszKmb/
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Susan Clark is RGCSL's Director of Musical Inspiration. A hard-working musician and talented songwriter, she inspires and motivates congregants to dive deeper into spirituality each time she performs. Outside of RGCSL, she shares her talents with Alzheimer's patients and veterans. Susan has received numerous awards and collaborations with New Thought performers. She has produced several CDs, including "Sunlight of The Soul," which contains many of her spiritual songs, specifically crafted with the New Thought community in mind.
For more information about Susan, go to
https://www.facebook.com/susanclarkmusic/
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Kent Pittsenbargar on drums
Music has always been a huge part of my life; it is deeply spiritual and soothingly healing as well. I am very happy working with Susan Clark, director of music at RGCSL. Susan is a very talented singer, songwriter, pianist and all around a Wonderful Soul. We are Blessed to enjoy her creative talents, and I am grateful to be here with RGCSL.
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Monthly Theme: Practicing of Becoming
CSL Weekly Affirmation: I live and navigate within the womb of Life itself.
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Birthday Sunday = Hat Sunday = Bring-a-friend Sunday
Get ready to celebrate! This Sunday kicks off a new month, so top it off with your favorite hat, bring a friend along, and let’s turn our birthday celebration into a full-blown party!
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Outreach Committee Announcement
The Outreach Committee is happy to report that plans for our OPEN HOUSE on May 2, 11am to 4 pm are underway. This is our chance to show who we are and invite the larger community to learn about us.
There will be FOOD, MUSIC, and an ART SHOW showcasing the talents of community members. If you make art, please contact Sue Klump if you’re interested in submitting your work. She can tell you all about it.
There will also be FUN, FROLICKING, and SURPRISES!
To make this event a huge success (think hundreds of folks coming through our doors), we need your help.
- If you have a mailing list or are active on any social media platform, consider using them to spread the word to your family, friends, and clients. We will provide text and images.
- Volunteer to help. The outreach committee has broken into subgroups to plan this important event.
Karen Ford heads the art show (310-776-0274)
Brian Kurtz is in charge of food (505-541-0265)
Robyn Rice Olmstead will find us music (818-300-3911)
Carol March is working on print/online/flyers for publicity, with an able group of
helpers (505-235-9753)
Tamara Williams (505-239-7111) is designing decorations with the enthusiastic
support of Sherry Noone
If you would like to assist, or have ideas for any of these functions, please contact the
team leaders. We need everyone’s creativity and support to create a resounding kickoff for our new vision of how RGCSL will flourish as we move forward.
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Rev. Gil's Ordination
On Saturday, May 9th we will officially celebrate our beloved Reverend Gil Olmstead's ordination. Plans are in the works for a very special program; details will be coming soon. We will have the privilege of welcoming many out-of-town guests and would love to offer them a place to stay.
If you have a spare room you could offer to house a guest or two for the weekend, please contact Gil or Robyn.
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Open House & Art Show
Join the Celebration!
Rio Grande Center for Spiritual Living.
May 2, 11 AM to 4 PM.
Help us celebrate our new location at
2404 San Mateo Place NE, 87110.
Enjoy free food and music. Explore our bookstore, The Quantum Portal, and an exhibit of art by local artists. All are welcome.
Come play with us!
| | "Where Time Rests" watercolor by Tamara Williams | | |
"Transformation Angel"
by Susan Solari
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Do you have photos you can share of our transition process?
We want to do a slide show on the transition to our new home. We have some photos but could use more of the empty space, the move in, construction, etc. If you have any photos you can share, please send them to suzanneklump@gmail.com. Thank you!
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Liz Hamilton is the April RGCSL
Volunteer of the Month
We are thrilled to announce that Liz Hamilton has been selected as our Volunteer of the Month! 🎉
Her dedication, compassion, and tireless efforts to make sure the bookstore continued once Gilbert left have made a remarkable impact on our community. Thank you, Liz, for going the extra mile. You truly embody the spirit of service, Despite the constraints of much smaller accommodations, she, along with Practitioner and designer extraordinaire, Laura Snapp, has created a beautiful and inviting space. Make sure to stop in and say "hello," and while you are there, be sure to thank her for stepping up so graciously.
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Interested in helping out at the Center?
Contact Carol Ann Armijo at 505-980-5825, carolarmijo@msn.com to learn more or to sign up.
Ask Carol Ann how you can help out and she will match your gift to our need!
Thank you to EVERYONE who pitches in! Many hands make light work. Please considering volunteering for at least one thing once a month.
| | Spirit Bound Bookstore (The Quantum Portal) & Gift Shop News | | |
We are morphing into something new, and it is still in process. Check back for updates about our relaunching/rebranding of the bookstore. In the meantime, be sure to check out our new space. And while you are in there, be sure to congratulate Liz on being this month Volunteer of the Month!
10% off for all April birthdays and first timers.
Notice the bookshelves of free used books. Find something that moves and leave behind a love donation for a soon-to-be neighborhood library and mini-pantry. Help us as we extend the power of love in action into our new neighborhood.
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RGCSL Healing Circle
We are pleased to have Dr Madelyn Fletcher-Stark this Sunday giving therapeutic hugs and deep meditation. Dr Madelyn brings 4 years of practice certified integrative energy healing, which includes Reiki, Thetahealing, NLP, and intuitive meditation. Before energy healing Dr Madelyn was a dental specialist. She loves all.
https://youtube.com/@heart-centeredmedicine?si=vu8ez1hM1zmvKrD0
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Introduction to Religion & Social Justice in Contemporary Society
(A New Thought Liberation Theology Perspective)
NOW OPEN TO EVERYONE
Instructor: Rev. Dr. David Alexander
Dates: Thursdays, April 16 – May 21
TIime: 6-8 p.m. MT ( 5 p.m. PT / 7 p.m. CT / 8 p.m. ET)
Cost: $325
Course Registration EXTENDED THROUGH March 31st
Register here by March 31
Course Description: This six-week course offers an interdisciplinary introduction to the intersections of religion, social justice and New Thought principles. Students will explore how spiritual frameworks — particularly New Thought’s unique philosophy — can be applied to modern social justice efforts, with a focus on African American religious thought, liberation theology and the ethical role of spirituality in activism. Through selected readings, personal reflection and discussion, students will develop a spiritually grounded lens for understanding systemic injustice and their role as conscious agents of change.
The course emphasizes the development of a personal philosophy of activism that integrates spiritual practice with social action, equipping participants to engage the world with both compassion and critical thought.
Questions? Email Professional Development at CSLSSL@CSL.org
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
| | For those of you who may have attended the Sunday meeting of Way of Mastery with Rev Geo (or not, but are interested), he has kindly provided us with information about his online The Way of Mastery: The Early Years. It is a zoom class, and the details can be found by clicking here. | |
Join us in Reno, April 7–10, 2026 for the
2026 Spiritual Living Convention
The 2026 Spiritual Living Convention is bringing love and oneness to Reno, Nevada, when we gather Together in Joy: Honoring. Connecting. Growing. Join us for our in-person gathering as we honor the past, connect our vision, and grow into our future. This will be a convention like no other.
Information is available at: https://csl.org/slc-reno-2026/ .
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It's a new, exciting time for Rio Grande Center for Spiritual Living, as we shift our focus to our abundance,
Financials are available upon request. Remembering that thoughts are creative and what we focus on expands, we are actively focusing on the love and gratitude we are as a community.
Our total reach for the week (Solid Grounds, Sunday service and classes) = 149
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Join us for the CSL Annual Business Meeting on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, held in two parts:
Part 1: 10–11:30 a.m. PT (11 a.m. MT / 12 p.m. CT / 1 p.m. ET)
Part 2: 1:15–3 p.m. PT (2:15 p.m. MT / 3:15 p.m. CT / 4:15 p.m. ET)
Both sessions use the same Zoom link, and rooms will open 15 minutes before each start time. Spanish translation will be available. Habrá una traducción al español disponible.
The Annual Business Meeting is free to attend online and open to all members, practitioners and ministers.
To learn more about the candidates running for open seats in our councils, visit the Annual Elections page in English and Español. Delegate voting will open after the close of the Annual Business Meeting, and voting will be open for 24 hours. The elected candidates will be announced on April 10.
To see the full Spiritual Living Convention schedule, workshops, presenters and sponsors, visit our website.
ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING ZOOM LINK
| | LIvestream the Spiritual Living Convention | | |
If you'd like to receive the newsletter from Home Office, you can sign up here.
For a free guided meditation, click here..
| | Click here for Spiritual Tools from Home office. | | Solid Grounds Announcements | | | | |
Come and enjoy a wonderful evening of music and community this Friday! Doors open at 6:30, show is at 7 p.m. Solid Grounds welcomes all to enjoy snacks and music free of charge! Love donations are encouraged and gratefully accepted.
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Solid Grounds is always looking for volunteers to help with the fun on Friday nights. If you would like to be one of the many sets of hands that help bring this awesomeness to life each week, please contact Robyn (818-300-3911 or rcrice1@aol.com).
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April 3, 2026 - Seth Hoffman
Seth Hoffman is a gifted singer songwriter, known for creating and performing good time music which includes original and cover songs for the soul. Seth is also the host of a talk show called "Everybody's Got Something" which features some of the many inspirational treasures here in New Mexico. His music can be found on YouTube Music, Apple Music, Pandora, iHeart and Amazon Music.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0DbZ6qQslw
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April 10, 2026 - Rahim Quazi
For positive vibes, lyrics that matter and melodies that haunt yet leave you hopeful, look no further. Rahim Quazi will perform solo, with his trio or full band. You will hear piano and guitar and lots of interactions. Musically, Rahim is firmly lodged within a classic sense of song crafting. He writes and performs on piano, guitar and feels the more harmony, the better! His endearing influences are The Beatles, ELO, Dean Martin, Elton John, and Cole Porter. Rahim isn’t merely retreading the ground covered by his influences; his music is earnest and often austere, even as it holds your heart firmly in its grip and gently strums your heartstrings.
His hope is to reach each listener and awaken or remind them that we are complex, growing and loving creatures in this journey together. Rahim is on the cusp of releasing his 4th solo album. The last one, Ghost Hunting, released in 2015, was on the ballot for two Grammys: Best American Roots and Best Engineered.
Now, Rahim spends his time writing, recording and gardening. To him, every flower is a song and every garden an album. “It’s all the same creative energy of using what’s all around us to create hope and beauty.”
Hear Rahim Quazi on Spotify, iTunes, Apple Music and Pandora. Just search Rahim Quazi.
| | Compassion Ministries (CM) is an in-reach Ministry that is about unconditional positive regard for the spiritual health and well-being of our congregants in time of struggle, despair, grief, or at a time when there is a temporary need for a supportive lending hand. We are looking for more volunteers for this program. If you have a gift that you wish to share with our congregants, please let us know what you'd like to contribute when a need arises. For further information contact Susan Solari 510-225-5305. | |
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Prayer Support
We are blessed to have numerous Licensed Practitioners, and they are ready to respond to your prayer requests or to schedule a counseling/prayer session. You may also submit an online prayer request. May your strength of faith provide peace to your heart and to your mind.
For guidelines on respectful communication, please see: Respectful Communication | Rio Grande Center for Spiritual Living
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Next Board Meeting is Sunday, April 26th, in person and on zoom
RGCSL Board Meeting: Please note that time and date may vary depending on Trustees' schedules and availability. To attend any board meeting, please text Board President Sheryl Rae at (505) 918-8749.
Journey of One/The Way of Mastery, Every Other Sunday in person in the Sanctuary
Journey of One: Join Dr. Michele Coleman in the exploration to express the oneness that we are. Next Sunday, Rev Geo will join our next Oneness meeting to facilitate the Way of Mastery. This work is from the same author as ACIM, Jeshua. Held at noon(ish) every other week in the sanctuary on Sundays. See you on April 12th!
Qi Gong, Tuesdays, 9 a.m. In Person
QiGong: Join us for this moving meditation with YouTube videos in the sanctuary — a perfect way to begin your day! If you have questions, please contact Sherry Noone at 908-486-4442.
Access the Real You, Wednesday, 6:30 - 8 p.m. on Zoom
Access the Real You life check-in: Every Wednesday night call 6:30-8m MDT - now EVERY Wednesday night! Just go to Zoom, use meeting ID 505 541 0265, no password. Hop on and bring whatever challenges or concerns your life is presenting you now! All are welcome! For more information on his classes, please reach out to Brian Kurtz at 505-541-0265.
ACIM, Thursdays, 6:00-7:30 p.m. In-person AND on Zoom
A Course in Miracles Group: Join Nancy Bowers at the Center or on Zoom. Everyone is welcome. No prior experience necessary. This class is done on a love-offering basis. Launch Meeting - Zoom Meeting ID: 849 8672 4452 Passcode: 536144
Solid Grounds Music Cafe, Fridays, from 6:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Solid Grounds Music Cafe Come and enjoy a wonderful evening of music and community this Friday! Doors open at 6:30, show is at 7 p.m. Solid Grounds welcomes all to enjoy snacks and music free of charge! Love donations are encouraged and gratefully accepted.
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What's Happening at ABQCSL?
Following our joint Practitioner Retreat, in the spirit of Oneness, our centers are now sharing what's happening at each other's center.
| Head to our YouTube channel to view the most recent video from Rev Amani. New videos are uploaded each Sunday. Be sure to subscribe to our channel so you don't miss a video! | |
Do You Have News for Our Community?
If so, then please email your *short* article about RGCSL classes, group meetings and news that affects our community to announcements@rgcsl.org by Tuesday at 6 p.m. for inclusion in Thursday's bulletin. The newsletter team will respond to your request with a confirmation email or comments. Thanks!
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The Rio Grande Center for Spiritual Living
Contact us at 505-224-9405 or office@rgcsl.org
Office Hours:
Mon - Thurs 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
www.rgcsl.org
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