April 2021 Council Update
John Partington, Council Chair
I just celebrated my 64th birthday and read this, “a birthday is the start of another 365-day journey around the sun. Enjoy the Ride.” And something I’ve learned over my years is nothing ever remains the same and the ride at times can be bumpy. Just when I thought my life was becoming calm and simple, Spirit shakes it up and pushes me forward. The same can be said for our “Jewel by the Sea.”
I have attended the Seal Beach Center for Spiritual Living for nearly 5 years. In this short time, I have seen many changes and even though some appeared at the time to be painful, challenging and difficult, we made it through with love. We have become stronger, more compassionate and understanding. Yes, we share sadness and discomfort in the process but that’s OK! Isn’t that what all our study and prayer work is for? Not for the easy, happy times but for the tough times I know the departure of Reverend Michael came as a surprise. I also know that his journey is in Divine Right Order for his highest and best.
The Seal Beach Center for Spiritual Living has been serving our Community for over 50 years and we are so grounded in love. Now is the time to come together in love to support Reverend Nicole and our Jewel by the Sea. Rev Nicole IS and will continue to be a strong leader. And she has a great support system, her family, the Leadership Council, Practitioners and congregants. My favorite music comes from the 80’s and one of my favorite songs is Gloria Gaynor’s anthem “I Will Survive.” Our “Jewel by The Sea’ WILL survive and THRIVE! And I am blessed to be a part of the beautiful, loving community.
I’ll leave you with an Ernest Holmes quote”
“Drop all negative thoughts from the mind. Do not dwell upon diversity but think plenty into everything, for there is power in the word. Meditate on the things that you are doing as being already done complete and perfect.”
John Partington
John began his spiritual journey with the Huntington Beach Church of Religious Science under the leadership of Dr. Peggy Bassett. He has been a member of the Seal Beach Center for Spiritual Living for 4 years serving as an usher, greeter, service coordinator, and fundraising committee member. He is currently the Vice President of the Leadership Council. John is very active in the Huntington Beach, California community having served on the 4th of July Executive Board, the Board of the Kiwanis Club of Huntington Beach, is the current President of the Huntington Beach Fire Outreach Foundation and is the Kiwanis advisor to the KIWANIS Club at Edison High School. He is currently the owner of New Direction Training and a partner in Crestcom SoCal, a leadership and management development company. He trains new managers and managers with decades of experience with updated management techniques. His 40 years of management experience has been a key to his success.