A Ten-Year Vision for Creative Living Fellowship

[A Note from Rev. Michele: In July of 2002, a group of 30-40 CLF leaders gathered to vision for our future. Our aim was to vision CLF ten years from then. What follows is a result of that visioning process. It is thrilling to watch this vision unfold in wonderful and exciting ways. For example, the summer following the visioning, we offered our first summer youth camp; in the summer of 2004, we hosted a "New Thought Music Revival" that packed the house; and in January 2005 we launched our School of Ministry. These are just a few examples of how Spirit is working from the intention set by this vision. We are excited about the future this vision holds for us.]

Thousands of individuals make up the family known as Creative Living Fellowship, and each person actively and joyously contributes to the well being of the family from his or her Divine Center. We have grown to this size from our heart -- not just for the sake of growing -- and all of our decisions are run through the filter of Love and Connection.

We are a beacon of Light in the desert and are known worldwide as a place where miracles happen. We are an eternal wellspring from which those who hunger and thirst for Truth are nourished. Despite our size, we are warm and welcoming, providing loving guidance to all who seek it. Those who choose to walk with us are welcomed home to the Truth of who they are. Our expansive staff of ministers and practitioners, as well as our vast cadre of loving, dedicated "service angels," at all times foster the ideal of a safe and sacred environment and see only the Divine Perfection in us all.

We bring our Love into our community in profound ways. From building homes to feeding the homeless to serving at-risk youth to teaching those in need how "to fish," we show the world Religious Science principles in action. We are dedicated to serving our community, and we are a well-known force of love, joy and empowerment. Our community is blessed, and we are doubly blessed for having served.

Families and youth are precious to us. We offer a wide array of family activities, and our youth program is a model for other New Thought centers. The parents of our youth are actively involved in our programs, and our teen program draws teens from far and wide. During the day, especially during the summer, we have an abundance of activities for children and teens to feed their young spirits. We run a premier private day school whose reputation for excellence expands across the Southwest.

Let us not forget our commitment to adult learning. With a variety of newly created and core classes regularly offered, CLF, once again, is looked to as a role model. Our classes are "on principle," yet varied, and address all areas of spiritual growth. They support the revealing of the Divine Within through their content and the atmosphere in which they are taught. We have a thriving Ministerial School, an active online educational program and an abundance of dynamic, inspiring teachers.

People flock to us because of our ministry in music. From our exquisite vocalists to our gifted and varied musicians, our music uplifts and inspires in amazing ways. We have jazz vespers, concerts, dancing and an ever-changing array of regular musical offerings, all flowing and coming together easily because of our musicians' dedication to Spirit. Our choirs - both youth and adult - are popular features and add to the joyous celebration in music.

The facility that houses this ministry of ministries is as unique and empowering as the ministry itself. The facility is a mirror of our commitment to Love, Light and Truth and is a manifestation of the principles in which we believe. Located in central Phoenix, it is large and awe-inspiring, yet has a sacred and intimate feeling.

Founded on ecologically sound principles, the grounds are exquisitely landscaped and feature fountains/waterfalls, beautiful trees, a labyrinth, and a meditation garden. The focal point of the meditation garden is a flagstone path engraved with spiritual truths and affirmations leading to the Religious Science symbol created from colorful flowers.

Our facility, which may be in the round, is modern, open, light and airy. It includes a sanctuary, offices, classrooms, an activity center/gymnasium, the Valley's leading metaphysical bookstore, a caterer's kitchen, an expansive fellowship hall, a retreat center, a chapel, plenty of restrooms and ample parking.

The warm and welcoming energy of Spirit is felt immediately by all who enter the 1,000-seat sanctuary. The space, with high ceilings filled with natural light, is designed to create an altered state suitable for sacred ritual and ceremony as well as jubilant celebration. The architecture includes arches or curves, giving a softness and a flow to the room. At the entrance is a large atrium with plants and a fountain, and at the front is a stage that easily accommodates a choir and band. The elevated sound room houses video equipment as well as audio equipment. The state-of-the-art sound system is superb and suitable for making live recordings, which the pristine acoustics of the room support.

Creative Living Fellowship stands as a testament to the power of Spirit. In fact, our presence rises above any structure. We are a state of mind more than merely a physical location. We are a transforming presence. We are a place where the Truth of our Being is revealed. As we each reveal our Truth, we become Ambassadors of Spirit moving out into the world, serving, blessing, loving, teaching and touching others. We are the Light, and we rejoice in it. Thank you, God -- and so it is.