Why I Love This Community
Rev. Michael Heinle
What is it that makes this beloved spiritual community that we call SBCSL, or more fondly, “The Jewel by the Sea”, so wonderful? The short answer is “everything”. But I can think of a few wonderful points to brag about.
First and foremost, it always must be the people. When you walk into this place, especially on Sundays, you are greeted with a warm smile, a handshake or a hug depending on your preference. But what you don’t see, much like spiritual truths are much deeper than the external appearance, is the love, compassion, and deep sense of service that goes into this community each and every Sunday. I know that when I arrive on Sunday, I see many wonderful expressions of the divine, showing up in their own unique way, each person being there in a way that only they can embody. From the gardeners chasing the Monarch butterfly caterpillars up front, to the creative and lovely musicians rehearsing for the upcoming service, to those that are in service preparing the sanctuary, to those in the kitchen preparing the food for after the service, or perhaps those that are meditating quietly in the back of the sanctuary holding the high watch for what unfolds every Sunday, a beloved, dynamic, and joyous service.
Second, there are the wonderful, wise and lovely teachings that brings people together here. For me, it is that steadfast acceptance of the Creative Process, that lets us thrive here. My message title in August is, “Your Wish is My Command” and will celebrate our common belief that, “it is done unto you as you believe”. Each week, we celebrate a powerful, wonderful, and practical application of a principle that the founder of the Science of Mind Philosophy, Ernest Holmes, put this way. “There is a power for good in the universe greater than you are and you can use it.”
Lastly, the magic only occurs when we combine the warmth and power of our creative and lovely selves coming together to celebrate this sacred community with the truth and power of our teachings. One without the other, just doesn’t create that warm soft loving feeling that is empowered with wisdom, truth and a deep abiding faith that, “all truly is well”. When we arrive at this combined place of head and heart, we can know a bit of what Ralph Waldo Emerson was telling us when he said, “Let us take our bloated nothingness out of the path of the divine circuits.”
Come join us in creating and re-creating this wonderful community experience that we so love and cherish here at, “The Jewel by the Sea”.
With all my love, compassion, and blessings,
Rev. Michael Heinle
Rev. Michael Heinle
Rev. Michael’s ministry is focused on empowering individuals to recognize their
greatest potential. He has been studying the Science of Mind Philosophy since he was a child and draws much inspiration from the early New Thought pioneers. Michael has had a very successful secular career in the Chemical Engineering field, and attributes much of his success to his use of spiritual principles. Michael graduated from the Centers for Spiritual Living School of Spiritual Leadership in 2016 with a master’s degree in Consciousness Studies.
(Featured Photo used in the blog by Roland Denes on Unsplash)