In the seeming chaos of current events, it's easy to get overwhelmed...unless we recognize what's really going on right now. Join Rev Kamatara this Sunday to learn more about conscious evolution and the accelerated ascension many of us are experiencing. As the old ways and structures are ending, how do we stay grounded in the Truth of our being? How do we keep our balance as we release and expand simultaneously? This is the invitation to be practical mystics: to build the inner and communal infrastructure to support this more expansive expression of the Divine. This is Next Level Living in Spirit. | | |
Rev. Kamatara is RGCSL's Director of Collaborative Ministries. She is also Executive Director for Circles USA, a nonprofit that’s dedicated to ending poverty in the United States. In addition, Rev. Kamatara is a substitute minister supporting multiple churches in Albuquerque and Las Cruces with regular talks and visitations. Her core mission in all her work is to empower conscious evolution
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As a flautist and vocalist, Annie Benjamin has performed everything from country to classical, rock and roll to old timey gospel. As a performer, she feels at home on the theatrical stage, in concert halls and in piano bars and honkytonks. She has self-produced three albums of original material, and her music has been featured on NPR and in films and documentaries. Annie believes passionately that the arts have the power to heal hearts and minds while inspiring to bring about social change.
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Monthly Theme: Higher, Deeper Love
CSL Weekly Affirmation: I am consciously co-creating a Higher, Deeper Love in the world.
| | Rev. Gil's Affirmation from Last Sunday | | 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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June 26, 2026 - Laura Di Mauro and Alicia Ultan
with Special Guest Mickey Patten
Laura Di Mauro is a singer, songwriter, and classically trained guitarist. Her original acoustic compositions draw inspiration from a diverse range of musical styles, including R&B, pop, jazz, blues, and soul. Rather than confining her music to a specific genre, Laura focuses on creating pieces that resonate with her in the moment. After sharing her acoustic tunes in two private house concerts for friends and family, she made her public debut alongside her dear friend, singer-songwriter and violist Alicia Ultan, in August 2024.
Laura is currently working on a series of singles with John Wall at the Wall of Sound studio in Albuquerque. She released her first three singles in 2025, one of which has been nominated for the 2026 New Mexico Music Awards in the Adult Contemporary/Adult Pop category. John Wall describes working with Laura: ‘A gifted singer-songwriter with an enchanting voice and classically trained guitar skills, Laura infuses each composition with unique artistry and heartfelt storytelling. Working with her on her singles has been exhilarating and has confirmed her versatility and depth as an artist.’
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Alicia Ultan
An award-winning singer-songwriter as well as a violist, Alicia Ultan has been performing and recording throughout Albuquerque since the early 2000’s, including with Roger Jameson and the Jaded Heart Band, the “twisted folk” duo, Charmed, with whom she performed for nine years and released two albums, and the popular multi award-winning Folk-Americana-Français group, Bébé La La, founded in 2010 by herself and vocalist/accordionist Maryse Lapierre. Ultan’s original songs have won numerous New Mexico Music awards and nominations, including from Bébé’s La La’s debut CD, High Wire, and from their 2022 release, A Curious Series of Unexpected Events. Her songs were described by music writer James Mahoney as “Wild – Alternative – Magic!” She also performed with the large improvisational ensemble, Out of Context, led by J.A. Deane, for many years and has added her viola to many NM artists’ recordings, including the award winning hONEyhoUSe, Nancy Rudolph and more.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-yoeztR4Bo
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July 3, 2026
Closed in observance of Independence Day!
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July 10, 2026 - Gilbert Uribe
Originating from the vibrant culture of southern New Mexico, award-winning singer-songwriter Gilbert Uribe infuses his music with the irresistible rhythms of Cumbia and Salsa, the timeless essence of Classic Soul and R&B, plus the infectious energy of Reggae and Rocksteady. Creating a mesmerizing experience that transcends boundaries and borders, captivating audiences worldwide with its spellbinding charm and dynamic melodies.
Gilbert Uribe has been a pivotal member of the acclaimed Latin band Nosotros, one of the most recognizable and original Latin bands in the Southwest, contributing significantly to their 30-year legacy.
His current solo project showcases an innovative fusion of genres, delivering a flavorful and diverse celebration of music.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTN2WRIKO6U
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Join in and celebrate Pride Month with your beloved community. Every weekend in June offers a new opportunity for fun, learning and fellowship.
Saturday, June 27, 1-3pm, in the Sanctuary: Drag Bingo
Come play bingo with us! Exciting prizes are only half the fun. There will be live music and performances by your hosts, the Imperial Sovereign Court of New Mexico, a service organization that supports the underserved in Albuquerque's LGBTQ+ community. All proceeds go to charity. CLICK HERE or go to qrco.de/DragBingo to buy your tickets in advance, or pay at the door. Either way, prepare to have fun and be dazzled!
Artists Out Loud open call
Rio Grande Center for Spiritual Living presents “Artists Out Loud," a curated exhibit celebrating LGBTQ+ artists. We welcome the opportunity to give new, emerging and established LGBTQ+ artists a forum for self-expression and a path to greater visibility in the Albuquerque community at large. There will be an opening night reception and awards presentation for artists, friends and family on September 26. Applications are being accepted now through August 7. CLICK HERE or go to qrco.de/bgpkk5 for more information or to submit your application.
Drag Bingo: qrco.de/DragBingo
Artists Out Loud application: qrco.de/bgpkk5
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CALLING ALL ANGELS!!
We are in the midst of building a strong Volunteer base at RGCSL and as we build the foundation of our new center, the saying, 'Many hands make light work' is truer than ever before! I recently came across this statistic. 'In considering volunteerism in churches and spiritual centers, historically, 20% of the people do 80% of the work'.
Looking around, that seems to be true at our center as well.
HERE'S THE GOOD NEWS, with enough people available, we can easily change that statistic by creating a pool of volunteers to call on. By simply joining one of the teams or offering to share your time, talent and treasure, when needed, we can together build our Beloved Community and help carry the load. There are many opportunities for service including kitchen help, (set up, clean up and bringing food for our Sunday meal), EVENTS production, cleaning and housekeeping, Sunday morning greeters, Solid Grounds, etc.
Please see Dr Michele and Gracie Woods and join our team.
Thank you for your consideration.
You are loved and appreciated, and you do make a difference.
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Change for Change!
Join our Change for Change! community coin
collection and turn everyday spare change into
something extraordinary. Every coin—and yes,
every dollar bill too—helps provide Science of
Mind Magazine subscriptions to support the CSL
Incarcerated Persons Ministry.
Your small change and dollars, too, can deliver big inspiration—offering hope, spiritual insight, and connection to those who need it most. Be the change. Drop your donations at Rio Grande CSL in the Coin Jar. All contributions welcome—coins, bills, checks, and generous hearts alike!
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Gracie Woods is the June RGCSL
Volunteer of the Month
Of course, Gracie is the volunteer of the month -- isn't she the one you always find at the back of the sanctuary with sign up sheets every Sunday!?!? Somehow we neglected to publicly acknowledge her part in the magic of our transition, but she was an essential part of organizing the moving sale. We honestly couldn't have done it without her.
Always jumping into the middle of whatever big plans RGCSL seems to have brewing, Gracie is a huge, huge blessing to our community. Thank you, Grace! Find yourself something nice from the bookstore and take 10% off!
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Love Does Not Harm: Recognizing Abuse and Restoring Wholeness
Join us for an important and compassionate presentation by Sheryl Rae after service on July 19, 2026. Sheryl uses Resurgent Phoenix to explore the realities of domestic violence and abuse through the lens of spiritual truth, personal empowerment, and community support. Abuse can take many forms—physical, emotional, verbal, financial, religious and more—and often remains hidden behind silence, shame, or misunderstanding.
This enlightening gathering will help participants recognize the signs of unhealthy and abusive relationships, deepen their understanding of the impact of abuse, and discover pathways toward healing, safety, and restoration. Together, we will affirm the inherent dignity, worth, and wholeness of every person and explore how spiritual communities can foster awareness, compassion, and support during and after incarceration.
Whether you are seeking information for yourself, a loved one, or simply wish to become a more informed and supportive community member, this presentation offers valuable insights and resources. Love uplifts, honors, and nurtures. Love does not harm.
All are welcome. Love offering will support incarcerated people through a gift subscription to Science of Mind magazine. (Learn how the publication saved Sheryl’s sanity!) Sign up after Service.
Date: July 19, 2026, Time: 12:30 to 2:30
Address: Rio Grande Center for Spiritual Living, 2404 San Mateo Pl NE, Albuquerque, NM
| | The Quantum Portal & Gift Shop News | | |
10% off for all June birthdays and first timers.
The new Science of Mind magazines are in! Make sure to stop in and pick up a copy.
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 Linda Fellion offering Reiki healing this Sunday. Reiki is a hands-on healing technique that imparts Chi, Prana, or Life Force energy into the recipient, which helps the individual heal themselves. It works on the physical, mental and emotional levels of the client, and is completely painless and most often very relaxing.
| | A Note from the Stewardship Committee... | | |
As part of transparency, we must let you know of our urgent needs. While we have been successful at gradually reducing our debt, the last couple of weeks have been on the short side. We are behind on salary for Gil and Nancy, rent is due, we have a final installment of one of the move loans due and we have regular monthly bills due. What we really need THIS WEEK is $5000. If you've held back on the treasure side of your partnership agreement, please be sure to stick with it and let the circulation flow.
Thank you for your consideration and blessings for overflowing abundance for each of you.
Our total reach for the week (Solid Grounds, classes, workshop/discussion groups, Artists Out Loud )= 156
| | Click here for Spiritual Tools from Home office. | | |
If you'd like to receive the newsletter from Home Office, you can sign up here.
For a free guided meditation, click here.
| | 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
| | For a list of upcoming, ongoing events, Click here. | |
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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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