May 2013 Newsletter

Our Mission Statement

We are a center of Light open to all. This Light includes healing, education and inspiration that empowers individuals to progress on their personal spiritual path to find God. We are a gateway of understanding creating peace, love and joy in the lives of individuals, families and the world.

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Pastor's Column

Until We Meet Again

Most of you are aware that after 35 years here at the church in Sarasota, I am moving to Santa Fe, fulfilling a life-long dream. My last church service will be Sunday, May 26 and I will physically be leaving the area on the 28th of May.

Certainly it is with mixed emotions that I have come to this decision with the hardest part that of not being able to see and interact with you, our spiritual community, on a regular basis. I can surely tell you a lot has happened at the Center and to me during these years... times filled with joy and happiness, sadness and disappointments. All of these experiences have been learning experiences which is why we are going through the Earth experience.

I have done some quick mental math and would like to share some statistics with you. During the past 50 years of being a part of the Tampa and Sarasota Churches I have taken part in the following:

• Sang, "I come to the Garden Alone" at least 3,100 times
• Spoken the "Offering Affirmation" 4,500 times
• Attended 500 church board meetings
• Attended 3,000 classes with Spirit
• Listened to 2,275 Sunday sermons
• Given 1,175 Sunday sermons
• Met, learned from, taught and helped several thousand, very interesting people

I have had the honor to be a part of the Shrine of the Master Churches and the Sarasota Center of Light for 50 years. For all the learning opportunities, moments of laughter and learning that I have received, I say THANK YOU.....it has been my honor and privilege.

May God and the Angels Continue to Bless You All and Our Center of Light.

With Love,
Tom Newman
Senior Pastor

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Tom's Aloha Luau/Light Reception

After 50 years as a member of our congregation and serving 17 years as pastor for the Sarasota Center of Light, Rev. Tom has decided to continue his spiritual journey in Santa Fe, NM. Please join us to celebrate him at "Tom's Aloha Luau" on Saturday, May 25, 2013 from 11:30am-3:30pm in Davis Hall. Wear your favorite island attire. R.S.V.P. on the signup sheet in the vestibule.

Please join us on Sunday, May 26, 2013 after the evening service in Davis Hall for a light farewell reception for Rev. Tom.

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Welcome Rev. Drew Vogt!

Rev. Drew Vogt, a Spiritualist minister of the Celebrate Life Spiritualist Community in San Francisco, has been selected by the SCOL membership as our next Senior Pastor. His first day on the job will be April 29th. Drew has been a Licensed Spiritualist Minister since 1999 and a Certified Medium since 1996 after graduating from the Morris Pratt Institute. He served three years as a Pastor at San Francisco's Golden Gate Spiritualist Church, one of the oldest and most prestigious Spiritualist Churches in the Unites States. He has grounded and built up two Centers from "scratch"-- a significant accomplishment for anyone. One of those is Celebrate Life Spiritualist Community where he is the current Pastor and Medium for 6 years in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Drew grew up in San Diego, loves palm trees and the beach in addition to devoting a lot of his time through service to people in developing countries such a Mexico, Nepal and Tibet. He serves as the President of V.I.D.A. , the foundation that helps the orphans at Casa Hogar in Oaxaca, Mexico.

Drew is thrilled to be coming to the Sarasota Center of Light and we are thrilled to have him as our new Senior Pastor. Let us welcome him with open arms!

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A Note from Rev. Drew

Dear SCOL Members & Friends,

I am thrilled about your recent election process approving me as your next Senior Pastor! It is with deep conviction and gratitude I have accepted the position and know that this is all in Divine Order and will be "for the highest and best". We will learn, love, and grow together!

With positive expectations,

Rev. Drew Vogt

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Benu Workshop CD's

The Benu organization has graciously allowed us to market the remaining Benu workshop CD's that they had in their inventory. The topics of this inventory are varied and always fascinating. Originally a two CD workshop set of CD's cost $22 plus shipping. The reduced cost is now $15 a workshop or 2 workshops for $25. Of the 192 workshop CD's they brought in March, we have approximately 30 left. If interested, please feel free to call or stop by the office at 2710 Browning Street to see what is available. The office is open from 8:30am-1:00pm, Monday-Friday. This is a wonderful opportunity to have a permanent recording of the teachings of the Archangel Gabriel. They would make a great birthday or Christmas fit for family and friends.

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Four Dynamic Events in May with English Medium Eric Cargill

Eric Cargill & Gerald O'Hara will be visiting the SCOL from May 17-26, 2013. Eric Cargill is an international lecturer and gifted medium. Eric is also a popular deep trance medium at the annual "Stewart Alexander and Friends" weekend at Cober Hill in Scarborough, England. Eric comes to us from his home in York, England. Eric Cargill and Gerald O'Hara will serve the SCOL church on Sunday, May 19, 2013 at both services. See flier for details about workshops.

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Family Bowling Night

The Pathfinders invite you to our monthly "Family Bowling Night" on the first Friday of each month. Next date will be May 3, 2013. All you can bowl at Gulf Gate Lanes, 7221 South Tamiami Trail, between 7pm  and 9pm for a total of $10 which includes bowling shoes and a $5 donation to the Sarasota Center of Light. SCOL members or congregation attendees, all are invited and you don't have to bowl to attend.

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SCOL Meet-Up in Lily Dale

Join SCOL friends for the 2013 Lily Dale experience the week of July 7, 2013. Direct flights are available on Southwest from Tampa to Buffalo or make it a summer road trip. Lily Dale is one hour from the Buffalo airport by car. Rooms are available on the Lily Dale grounds, in keeping with the charm of the 1800s, do not have telephones, air conditioning, or elevators. In addition to two hotels, there are private guest homes, a campground and an RV Park. Rooms with modern amenities may be found in nearby Cassadaga, Fredonia, or Dunkirk. Dine onsite on your own or with others from SCOL.

Also, Lily Dale charges a Gate Fee of $10 per person each day that you are on the grounds. See www.lilydaleassembly.com for the visitor's guide and schedule of workshops. Rev. Tom Newman will teach Spiritual Dowsing on Monday, give a lecture in the main auditorium on Tuesday, and lead a workshop about spirit guides on Thursday evening.

Register for the Meet-Up and receive information about SCOL activities at Lily Dale, a day trip to Niagara Falls, and a package designed especially for SCOL attendees. For more information, contact Gary Mantz at 941-312-6547 or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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Teacher of the Month

Rev. Julie Fox

She loves teaching! It's passion that she has to share knowledge! While in collage she began learning how to teach differently to different people. So she incorporates that into every class.

She's taught children of all ages from kindergarten to high school. She's taught adults on topics ranging from payroll systems, personnel systems, computer software, computer networking and spirituality.

Her "formal" training in spirituality and metaphysics began in San Diego 12 years ago. She taught there and received additional training at Harmony Grove Spiritualist Camp. Later she moved to the Philadelphia area and expanded her teaching repertoire. Her growth has continued upward since her move to Sarasota and the Sarasota Center of Light. You can even find her on the platform from time to time.

It's really important that she shares her knowledge in a manner that each student understands and can use in their life! She's taught Meditation, Chakras, Healing Classes and Techniques, Astral Travel, Shamanic Journeys, Journaling, Spirit Communication and many additional topics. She feels it's an honor to be included as one of the SCOL's teachers.

Julie has more classes scheduled to teach during the next several months. Look in the Focus, SCOL's Events and the Spring & Summer Schedule for dates, times and places.

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Healing Outreach

If someone in our congregation or their immediate family would like a vibrational healing, please contact the Church office and ask for the individual to be put into the Healing Outreach Program. Someone from the Healing Team will contact them.

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Publishing Team

Audio Listeners Needed

The Publishing Team is in need of audio listeners to help catalog our many Spirit Teachings and Talks for the CD's we're creating. We've made extraordinary progress and the finish line is in sight but we need additional volunteers to help us reach our goal.Interested persons are urged to come to our work sessions which occur in the Center office from 12:00pm until 5pm (between services) on the following Sundays: May 12, May 26, June 9 & June 23.

Please contact Jen Blecher, Team Leader at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 727-644-9041 for further information on how you can help our beloved Center with this valuable and worthwhile endeavor. No Special Skills or Experience is Needed. Thank you!

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Ed Team

The excitement is building during the month of May as we wait for Gerald and Eric from York, England to return to SCOL. This year they are bringing two members of their home circle with them. Both Margaret and Ayse will be by Eric's side during the two Deep Trance Demonstrations. For those who will be seeing Eric in trance for the first time prepare yourselves for an experience of a lift time! Gerald and Eric will also be teaching two workshops this year so clear your calendars and make sure you are available to attend all four events.

Also during the month of May our lovely in house SCOL teachers Julie Fox, sue Ford and Carolan Carey will be presenting classes on various topics. See the back side of the Focus for times and dates.

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Pathfinders Men's Group

All men of our community are cordially invited to join the Pathfinders. May monthly meeting is Sunday, May 12th at 5:30pm in Davis Hall. Goals and activities will be our focus. Contribute your ideas and enthusiasm!

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Psychic Readings & Healings Saturday

Gift Certificates are available for future readings and healings and would make a wonderful Christmas or birthday gift for that special person who has almost everything. Please contact the Center Office to purchase a gift certificate or purchase at the next Psychic Saturday.

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Lighting the Way

The SCOL Board of Directors has voted to establish an Endowment Fund for the Center's long-term fiscal stability. All contributors whether a direct donation or a bequeath will be considered as "principal" of the fund and cannot be withdrawn. Only the interest from the Endowment Fund can be used for the Center's operating costs. Management of the fund will be kept with our financial advisor who works for Ameriprise Financial.

A "Lighting the Way for the Future" brochure is available in the vestibule which will answer most questions that anyone has. Let's all think of ways to leave part of our resources to the Center in the future. In this way, many thousands of people who come after us will be able to find the same love, harmony and education that has drawn and kept each of us here.

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Center Services Schedule