Week of November 16, 2025 | |
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Meditation at 10 a.m.
Service at 10:30 a.m.
Followed by Fellowship in the Social Hall
| | Do the beliefs you hold fall into the category of an opinion, a fact, or a truth? When you hold a belief that is revealed to be a false opinion or debunked fact, are you open and willing to change your belief? What do you hold as truth that others disagree with? What do you do when someone you love fundamentally disagrees with a value you hold dear? | | 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. | | | |
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
I have had the great fortune of performing with some of the very best local musicians, for over 50 years. The great fortune for me, came 31 years ago, when I received the strongest knowing to get my will and my ego out of the way before I begin playing music. By doing that, Spirit flows through me to the audience. When the audience starts to feel it, they send it back, and that creates the back and forth of God's harmonious, Healing Love!! I am grateful to be a member here at RGCSL, and to support Susan Clark in the Music Team.
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Monthly Theme: Loving the Unlikeable
CSL Weekly Affirmation: I value the clarity that comes from distinguishing between Truth, facts, and opinions.
| | Rev. GO's Affirmation from Last Sunday: | | Soaring to New Heights Partnership Campaign | | |
🌟 It’s Time to SOAR to New Heights! 🌟
Rio Grande Center for Spiritual Living Partner Campaign 2026
As we prepare for a new year, it’s time to come together and ignite our Partner Campaign. Together, we can SOAR TO NEW HEIGHTS—supporting one another and our beloved Center in fulfilling its mission.
Your pledge of Time, Talents, and Treasures makes all the difference:
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Time – Helps us plan how many volunteer hours we can count on to meet the Center’s needs.
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Talents – Lets us know the unique gifts and strengths you bring to serve our community.
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Treasures – Allows us to set a realistic and inspiring budget for 2026, one that supports our staff, maintains our home, and expands our outreach.
Our budget is submitted to the Home Office each year, and your partnership ensures we remain financially sound while continuing to grow and give.
If you’ve been a Partner before, please click the link below or scan the QR code on the flyer.
If you’re new to partnership, click to join us as a New Partner and become an integral part of our loving spiritual family.
💫 Partner Benefits
When you renew or become a partner, you’ll enjoy:
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Membership with voting privileges (must be a member for 30 days before the Dec. 7 vote)
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A $25 discount on one class of your choice (excludes workshops)
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One listing in our 2026 Partnership Services Digital Directory
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One free Practitioner session (valued at approximately $100)
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Special pricing for Center space rentals
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$10 off at the Spirit Bound Bookstore
Together, let’s continue building a thriving, generous, and joy-filled spiritual community.
Join us and let’s soar—together!
Soaring to New Heights 2026
Partner Renewal 2026
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Step Up to Leadership at Rio Grande CSL!
Are you ready to make a difference and help guide the future of our community? The Nominating Committee invites YOU to consider stepping into leadership as a member of the Board of Trustees for Rio Grande Center for Spiritual Living.
We want to hear about your strengths, your experience, and your areas for growth! By completing a Skills Survey, you'll help us ensure we have a well-rounded team to lead our community into 2026 and beyond. Your input will ensure a balanced mix of talents to support our vision and operations in the coming years.
Complete the Nomination Form today:
https://rgcsl.breezechms.com/form/RGCSLNominatingFormBOT2025
This process is about honoring the collective gifts that make us stronger together. Let’s live our Science of Mind principles, and steward Rio Grande CSL with love, wisdom, and effectiveness. Your voice matters. Your leadership matters. Together, we can shape a bright future for our community. Nominations close on November 16, 2025.
With gratitude, The Nominating Committee
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Congratulations and Thank You!
I have already said it, but I will again…THANK YOU for your participation in getting into integrity with our financial obligations to Gil and Nancy! A big round of applause for all!
Many of you know we did the drawing on Sunday for those who participated in the Staff fund. Congratulations go to the following:
· Hot Air Balloon ride – Greg Gardner
· Three months of Unlimited Car Washes – Franklin Wilson
· Dinner by Brian – Sherry Ward
· Sam’s Club Membership – Louise Martin
Everyone gets a $10 Gift Certificate for the Spirit Bound Book Store and everyone who donated $100 or more gets a Big Bag of used Books. (Be sure to visit the bookstore where Gilbert has a list of recipients!)
Now it is time to focus on 2026… If you are not yet a partner, or you have not yet renewed, click on the appropriate link below. When we know what you can pledge in Talents, Time and Treasure we will be able to plan appropriately for the year, as well as let Home Office know what they can count on from us as a community.
One more thing… Several have asked about where we plan to be next year. At the member meeting coming up on December 7, members will have the opportunity to vote on the options we have available to us. Our Space Patrol is finalizing the best options and we will get that information to you beforehand so you can consider and be prepared to ask any questions you may have.
Thank you for being a part of our wonderful community.
Sheryl Rae, Board of Trustees President
Soaring to New Heights 2026
Partner Renewal 2026
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🦃 Thanksgiving Food Drive
– Let’s Share the Blessings!
This Thanksgiving season, our RGCSL community is coming together to help our neighbors facing food insecurity. With delays and denials in SNAP benefits, the need is greater than ever — and we can make a difference!
We’ll be collecting non-perishable food items this Sunday and next Sunday.
Collection bins will be available in the lobby, and all donations will go directly to the Roadrunner Food Bank, which serves thousands of families across New Mexico.
Suggested donations include:
- Canned vegetables and fruit
- Stuffing mix and instant mashed potatoes
- Canned meats (tuna, chicken, etc.)
- Rice, pasta, and beans
- Peanut butter and jelly
- Cereal and oatmeal
- Soups and stews
- Holiday treats and shelf-stable desserts
Let’s open our hearts and pantries to share the warmth, hope, and joy of Thanksgiving. Together, we can make the holidays brighter for individuals and families in need. 💛
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🎄 Annual Giving Tree: Share the Joy This Holiday Season!
The Rio Grande Center for Spiritual Living is once again spreading holiday cheer through our Annual Giving Tree!
This year, we’re partnering with two Albuquerque schools—one elementary and one high school—to provide three Christmas gifts each for up to 40 children and teens from some of our city’s most economically challenged communities.
Here’s how you can help:
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🎁 Pick a tag (or several!) from the Giving Tree at the Center between November 16 and December 14.
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🛍️ Purchase the gifts listed on your tag and return them —wrapped or unwrapped— by Thursday, December 18.
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💖 Prefer to donate instead? Contribute funds earmarked for the Giving Tree, and our amazing 505 YVC youth group will shop, wrap, and deliver the gifts for you!
Special Collection: Sunday, December 14
Wrapping Party & Delivery: Saturday, December 20, 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Let’s come together to make this season brighter for local children and families.
Your generosity truly makes a difference—one gift, one tag, and one joyful heart at a time.
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Recycling Raises Funds
Want to do your part to help with the environment, but maybe you don't have the time and energy to upcycle your discards into fun art?
You can still do your part:
Bring your unwanted and/or broken items/old electronics to help raise funds for Rio Grande Center for Spiritual Living. We plan to partner with Savers to participate in their Fun Drive program through
December 14, 2025. (please no trash)
**NOTE** Nearly all items can be diverted away from the landfill or recycled/upcycled in some form. You can download a flyer with a list of suggestions here. (Or pick one up at the center.)
Text/call Crystal @ 505-315-4527 with any questions.
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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.
Click here for our current list of needs, or ask Carol Ann!
Thank you to EVERYONE who pitches in! Many hands make light work. Please considering volunteering for at least one thing once a month.
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Transcending Holiday Stress
Creating Sacred Space for Your Best Holiday Season EVER!
Join us for a transformative 2-hour workshop grounded in The Real You principles
Date: Tuesday, December 2, 2025
Time: 6:30–8:30 PM
Location: Rio Grande CSL
Also available on Zoom (contact Brian for the ID#)
What Can You Expect in This Workshop?
In this workshop, Brian will guide you through a powerful conversation to help you distinguish between the thoughts your mind generates and your true essence—The Real You. From there, you’ll experience a series of exercises that will help you connect deeply with yourself and others, especially in the midst of the stress that can come during the holiday season.
This workshop is designed to create a Sacred Space, where safety, vulnerability, and confidentiality are honored by all participants.
“When you let go of what’s in the way, what remains is who you truly are.”
After establishing this space, you’ll take part in a guided interaction to deepen your connections, and you’ll leave with powerful tools that you can use for a lifetime—creating sacred spaces with anyone, anytime.
Why Attend?
Brian has already delivered his workshops to over 2,800 people across six countries, and this event is part of his popular “Connect and Radiate” curriculum, offered nationwide.
Cost?
Love donation. Now, how can you go wrong with that?!?
Contact Information:
Brian Kurtz
Phone: 505-541-0265
Email: Healer@HealedBySpirit.com
Website: www.HealedBySpirit.com
Follow on YouTube:
HealedBySpirit
AccessTheRealYou
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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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Week 45, 11/5/25 - 11/11/25
Total donations: $5,457.18
Total Year to date: $202,228.85
The total budgeted weekly need is $5,226.17, total budgeted YTD $235,177.65
Attendance: In Person = 44
Online = 25; Total Sunday attendance: 69
Meditation: in person 15, online 9
Total # of recorded givers (doesn't count cash donations without envelops): 31
Total # of giving transaction: 25
Our total reach for the week people last week (meditation, service, Solid Grounds, and classes): 148
| | Spirit Bound Bookstore & Gift Shop News | | |
📚 New Arrivals
Nov–Dec editions of Science of Mind, Unity’s Daily Word, and Spirituality & Health are in!
💸 Special Discounts
- 10% off for first-time visitors
- 10% Birthday Discount for November birthdays
- (Non-sale items only)
🎨 Featured Artist: Tamara Williams
Inspired by the world around her, Tamara celebrates life's joyful moments in every sketch. Her watercolor originals are matted and ready to frame. Watch her art video on our website!
🖌️ November Workshop: Urban Sketching: A Spiritual Practice with Tamara Williams
📅 Fri, Nov 22 | 9:30 AM–12:30 PM | Social Hall
💲 $35 (supplies included) | Register by Nov 16
Limited to 10 attendees — sign up in-store or online: Urban Sketching: A Spiritual Practice with Tamara Williams
(You can download the flyer here)
🛍️ Calling All Creators!
Got jewelry, perfume, or handmade items?
Sell your creations on consignment through the Bookstore.
See Gil for details.
🤝 Volunteers Welcome
Help out one Sunday a month and receive 10% off non-sale items.
Store closes during the sermon so you won’t miss the service.
Your support makes a difference!
| | If you'd like to receive the newsletter from Home Office, you can sign up 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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November 14, 2005 - SWAG
SWAG Band features Abby Maxwell on vocals (plus hand percussion and vocalese trumpet) with Rick Dorin on fingerstyle guitar and backing vocals. Abby grew up in Newport, Rhode Island, the youngest of 11 kids in a musical family, and cut her teeth in musical theater and later the blues, pop, and soul scene of Chicago. Rick hails from San Francisco Bay Area and has been playing guitar since childhood. Guy Lagerway grew up in the Catskills of New York, attended the Woodstock festival, and has been playing groovy electric bass with Motown leanings ever since, including a long professional run with the musicians’ union in the NY tri-state region when disco and dance clubs reigned. Our repertoire covers the waterfront of jazz, blues, folk, Motown, rock n roll, country, world, and pop; also, Irish and Christmas music when the time is right.
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November 21, 2025 - Todd Lowry
TODD LOWRY is an award-winning songwriter, having won many New Mexico Music Awards over the last 20 years, including “Best Song.” He was the recipient of a songwriting award at this year’s Empower Posi Music Festival in Unity Village, MO.
Todd is the pianist and Music Director for the Unity Spiritual Center in Albuquerque, where he’s been for the last 26 years. Todd has also been the lead organist for the Albuquerque Isotopes baseball club since 2005 (20 years). He’s been the pianist and arranger for the Enchantment Awards since 2017. He’s one of the most in-demand pianists in Albuquerque.
Todd has written 18 advanced keyboard instructional books for Hal Leonard Corporation, which has also published more than 4,000 of Todd’s piano arrangements.
Todd goes to his favorite recording studio every Monday and has done so for more than five years. He’s recorded more than 30 albums of his own music and he’s recorded six albums with vocalist Kari Simmons.
https://www.youtube.com/@toddlowry1657
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For more information and to check out upcoming performances, please visit the
Solid Grounds Music Cafe's website.
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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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It’s Holiday Celebration Time
At Rio Grande Center for Spiritual Living!
4374 Alexander NE, Ste T, Albuquerque, NM
Sunday, November 16: Giving Tree Collection Begins
Sunday, November 23, Interfaith Community Thanksgiving Service: First Universalist Unitarian Church, 3701 Carlisle Blvd NE. Time: 3 p.m.
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Thursday, November 27, 12 Noon-2:00 p.m. Let’s give thanks together at our THANKSGIVING POTLUCK. Roast turkey will be provided. “Gobble ‘til you Wobble!” Sign up in the Social Hall with what side dish or dessert you will bring. Your family and friends are invited, too!
Tuesday, December 2: Giving Tuesday
Tuesday, December 2, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Transcending Stress for the Holidays, With Brian Kurtz (more info , see above)
Saturday, December 13, 3 - 5 p.m. You are invited to our “SWEET SIXTEEN” ANNIVERSARY PARTY celebrating the anniversary of our church’s founding. It's amazing to think about, but it was 16 years ago that a small group of people gathered together with the desire to plant a church to have an impact on our community. Little did they realize what would take place, but we are sure they dreamed and visioned a bit about the possibilities!
Sunday, December 14, 10:30 a.m. The center will continue its “SWEET SIXTEEN” ANNIVERSARY PARTY on Sunday. Join us as we celebrate the center and one another.
Sunday, December 14, 10:30 am: Last date for Giving Tree Gift collection
Saturday, December 20, 9:30-11:30: Gift Wrapping Party for Giving Tree gifts
Wednesday, December 24, 6:30-7:30 pm: New Thought Christmas Eve Celebration with Albuquerque CSL and Unity Spiritual Center at 9800 Candelaria Rd NE, Albuquerque. Bring your family and friends!
Wednesday, December 31, 5:00 a.m. World Healing Peace Meditation. More than 500 million people from an array of faith traditions and philosophies, across seven continents, meditate simultaneously each year on December 31, at 12 p.m. UTC/GMT, or 5:00 a.m. MST. Centers for Spiritual Living’s Global Heart of Peace initiative participates in this event every year as we contribute our consciousness to healing the world and establishing
sustainable peace.
Wednesday, December 31, 6:30-7:30 p.m. New Year’s Eve Burning Bowl Ceremony,
conducted by our Rio Grande CSL Licensed Spiritual Practitioners, is a spiritual ceremony where participants write on flash paper whatever they want to release from their life, such as negative thoughts, habits, or old burdens, to make space for new, positive intentions. When all have completed their thoughts, the flash paper is ignited and goes up in a spectacular puff of smoke! This symbolic act uses the purifying power of fire to let go of what no longer serves you, allowing for personal transformation and a fresh start.
Sunday, January 4, 2026, 10:30 a.m. Sunday Service featuring a Unity tradition, “The White Stone Ceremony.” The White Stone Ceremony, conducted by our Licensed Unity
Teacher, is a spiritual practice where participants receive a white stone to meditate on and receive a guiding word or name from their "Higher Self" for the coming year. This new
word or name serves as a personal spiritual guide, symbolizing a new beginning, personal renewal, and a stronger foundation for one's spiritual life.
Click here to download this list of events.
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Next Board Meeting is Sunday, November 16nd after Social Hall (12:15 ish) 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, 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. Held at noon(ish) every other week in the sanctuary on Sundays. Next one will be Sunday, November 9th after the social hall.
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.
Healed by Spirit Wednesday 6:30 - 8 p.m. on Zoom
Healed by Spirit: Every Wednesday night call 6:30-8m MDT - now EVERY Wednesday night! Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5055410265?omn=84101493400 For more information on his classes, please reach out to Brian Kurtz at 505-541-0265, or check out last week's newsletter.
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:
Monday – Thursday: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Office and Spirit Bound Bookstore Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
www.rgcsl.org
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