Week of November 23, 2025 | |
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Meditation at 10 a.m.
Service at 10:30 a.m.
Followed by Fellowship in the Social Hall
| | Explore the profound connections between all beings—from wildlife to bacteria and everything in between. Each of us plays a vital role in our unique ecosystems and environment. How can understanding and appreciating this relationship transform our world? | | |
Rev. Tammi Lambert graduated and received her Master’s Degree in Consciousness Studies from the Holmes Institute with a Certificate in Ministry. Her commitment is to create a world that is powerfully conscious and transforming itself in every area of life, which includes government, courts, the private sector, and any area where there is a potential for making a positive difference.
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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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Monthly Theme: Loving the Unlikeable
CSL Weekly Affirmation: I am grateful for the unique beauty, brilliance, and diversity of my local ecosystem.
| | Rev. Kamatara's Affirmation from Last Sunday: | | Soaring to New Heights Partnership Campaign | |
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 23, 2025.
With gratitude, The Nominating Committee
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Celebration of Life for
Lovater Harris Jones
November 25, 1942 - July 16, 2025
Stop by First Unitarian Church between 3 - 5 p.m. to celebrate the life and first heavenly birthday of
Lovater Harris Jones.
Where: First Unitarian Church, 3701 Carlisle NE (the SW corner of Carlisle & Comache)
When: Tuesday, November 25th, 3 - 5 p.m.
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🦃 Thanksgiving Food Drive
– Let’s Share the Blessings!
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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, November 23, 2025
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 42 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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Time for Fall Clean-up!
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:
Crystal Kleinhenz is offering to help. She has already been to several congregants houses to collect metal, wood, used electronics, furniture, etc. The intention is to have a rummage sale in January and we also plan to with Savers to participate in their Fun Drive program through December 14, 2025. (please no trash)
So, bring your donations to the center or call Crystal if you have a big load. 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 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.
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Week 46, 11/12/25 - 11/18/25
Total donations: $4,082.14
Total Year to date: $206,310.99
The total budgeted weekly need is $5,226.17, total budgeted YTD $240,401.06
Attendance: In Person = 53
Online = 17; Total Sunday attendance: 70
Meditation: in person 17, online 6
Total # of recorded givers (doesn't count cash donations without envelops): 34
Total # of giving transaction: 27
Our total reach for the week (meditation, service, Solid Grounds, etc.): 142
| | Spirit Bound Bookstore & Gift Shop News | | |
🙏 Thank you!
Thanks to all who attended Tamara's Urban Sketching: A Spiritual Practice workshop.
📚 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 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
| Solid Grounds Music Cafe is closed on Friday, November 28 for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. We will return on December 5th when our musical guest will be: |
December 5 - Albuquerque Skeleton Crew
ABQ Skeleton Crew is a six-member Albuquerque-based band formed in 2021, known for their luscious harmonies and eclectic mix of songs from old and modern folk traditions, folk pop, classic rock, and original material, all performed with a diverse instrumentation that can include guitar, fiddle, accordion, and more!
https://abqskeletoncrew.com/
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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 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, 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 celebrate the 16th Anniversary of Rio Grande Center for Spiritual Living’s founding! From a small group with a vision, RGCSL has grown into a vibrant, active community that continues to expand its reach. RSVP by Friday, December 5: Rio Grande Center for Spiritual Living's 16th Anniversary
Sunday, December 14, 10:30 a.m. We’ll continue our celebration on Sunday! Join us as we honor our center, our community, and the positive difference we’ve made together.
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 30th 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 23th 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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