Newcomers

Newcomers are always welcome-- and wanted as we grow our spiritual family. Below are some questions and answers that might be helpful to you. We look forward to meeting you.

Do we welcome everyone?
Absolutely! We are an inclusive community that welcomes all ethnicities, religious backgrounds, and sexual orientations. We celebrate and respect individual differences and similarities. Our spiritual community believes each individual has many gifts, that when shared, enhance all our lives.

What do we believe?
CCCCL is centered upon a spiritual philosophy developed by Dr. Ernest Holmes in the 1920’s.

It is a practical teaching that:

Believes thoughts are creative. Because humans are always thinking – we are always creating (whether or not we are directing this Creative process).
Teaches people how to direct the creative process, through mindfulness and the application of universal principles, as the means to overcome problematic conditions while creating the life they choose.
Honors the unity of all life; believes all creation is Spirit in expression, that the Divine spark of God is within all, and that each individual has a direct and personal relationship with the Divine.
Upholds this “Declaration of Principles”.

What happens when I arrive?
You will be greeted at our welcome table, asked to sign our guest book, given a welcome packet and a name tag (optional), and directed to the hospitality table for some refreshments. We will likely introduce you to some of our members as well.

What happens during the service?
Our service lasts approximately one hour and fifteen minutes. We have music, readings, meditation, and a message from our speaker-of-the-day. Our messages encourage everyone to think for him or her self and become more aware of their own inherent power and their unity with all life. We end each service in a circle, symbolizing our connection as a spiritual community. After the service, we have refreshments and socialize. Be sure to take a look through our bookstore and our community table. The community table has flyers, calendars and information on upcoming socials, classes and events for you to plug into.

How do we support our children?
Children are always welcome to attend our services while parents are attending Sunday service. We have “Funday School” for children ages one year and older, staffed by certified teachers and trained professionals. Children are also welcome to stay with their parents in the sanctuary with the adults.

What will my children learn in Funday school sessions?
Our goals are to teach peace, love, unity, kindness and respect for life, others and our dear mother earth. We explore the "big questions" of life and help children develop a strong ethical foundation for truth and meaning. We offer diverse, engaging, age appropriate experiences in a safe, nurturing environment. Most weeks we create art projects that represent our lesson of the day.

What should I wear?
We believe in being comfortable. Most members come casually dressed but some use Sunday as an opportunity to dress up a little.

Do I need to let someone know I'm planning to attend?
No. You may just show up!

Will I be asked to stand and introduce myself? No.

How to Learn More about CCCCL?

Attend any of our new member Discovery class orientations after a Sunday service (held periodically during the year). We serve lunch at this free class and dates are announced in advance so you can plan to attend.
Read the information in your Welcome Packet
Meet with our minister, practitioner or any of our board members.
Sign up for our online newsletter (on our home page)
Register for a class.
Call us anytime with your questions-- phone numbers on board page.

What about inclement weather?
We will post a message at the top of our home page, or you can call Rev. Iris 410-318-8877 if you are not sure if we will have service. We will do our best to make a decision by 8:30am.

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