What Prosperity Looks Like in Practice

Sunday’s service — the culmination of our Prosperity theme and our annual Pledge month — was energizing, over-the-top inspiring (IMHO), timely, and relevant. The entirety of the service carried that current. It reflected who we are as a community and the work we’ve done to get here, grounded in practical spirituality, collective intention, meaning, and purpose.

Even when doing announcements, Bridge Minister Rev. Michael Auch's deep love for this community is apparent. I remain grateful to him for all his effort on our behalf.

Lighting the Oneness candle is core to our Sunday service, a visual representation of our universal connection. Rev. Dr. Pam Ninneman brought this important ritual to a whole new level, reaching into our metaphysical roots, reflecting on the many names for God or Spirit, used across faith traditions. pointing back to the One Mind, that eternal energy that connects us all. We can feel and work with that energy when we remember who we truly are, even when facing challenges.

Continuing the ascent, Rev. Jim Boone asked us, “How Does Your Prosperity Work?” As he always does before a talk, he led us in a micro-practice, a yogic breathing exercise bringing body, mind, and spirit into coherence. He invited us to look honestly at our “money stories,” those experiences and beliefs that shape our sense of self-worth, our understanding of abundance, and what we believe is possible for us.

He centered his message around three ideas: BS, Weeds, and Windows.

• BS, or Belief Systems, run in the background, often beyond our awareness, driving our choices and outcomes.

• Weeds are persistent, self-limiting thoughts that creep in when we’re not paying attention until we notice and pull them with care. We all have them, but sometimes we need help to recognize and tend them.

• Windows, from the Johari Window model, help us reflect on what we know about ourselves, what others see in us, and reveal our blind spots.

Jim was honest about hardship, acknowledging very real difficulties that can limit our experience of abundance. He offered ways to notice, understand, and work with these, and reminded us that prosperity isn’t about perfection but about awareness, courage, and alignment with what’s possible. He wove together Science of Mind principles, insights from Buddhism and cognitive therapy, and stories from his own life, a message that was timeless and entirely of the moment, grounded and spiritually practical.

Wrapping it up, a few more highlights:

• Thanks to the multi-talented Gaelen Poage, who stepped up to help Council member Chris Ellard, who oversees our tech. Gaelen is also one of our talented musicians and a beloved community member.

• Our musical team was off the charts. Power vocalist Christina Brewer, holding her four-week-old newborn the entire time, was perfectly aligned with the day’s message. Keyboardist Owen Thayer and drummer-extraordinaire Kyle Doran elevated the experience.

• Rev. Gary closed the service with warmth and grace, drawing together the threads of the morning. Finally, the social hall buzzed with conversation, connection, and energy during the potluck that never disappoints.

Looking Ahead

Next Sunday, Nov. 2, is Pledge Sunday, with Rev. Liz Mirante returning to kick off November’s “Gratitude” theme and close out our Prosperity series with a sacred ceremony. By asking you to come forward and release your pledge card, we’ll graciously acknowledge how far we’ve come and the exciting future we’re stepping into.

So, if you haven’t pledged yet, please consider your investment for 2026. The ceremony will anchor our intention for the year ahead. (Rumor has it there’s chocolate cake in between the service and the Women’s Group meeting.)

Not to be tone deaf as we reflect on prosperity and gratitude, it’s also a time to support our friends and neighbors who are struggling, as the government shutdown has also cut off access to food stamps that some depend on. If you have enough, and maybe a little extra, please consider what you can do; we’re brainstorming options and will share more with you soon. One thing I love about this community, and what keeps me coming back, is the care we show each other, whether or not in times of need.

Now, let’s lean into our principles and carry Sunday’s spirit into the week ahead, and remember to stay present to the abundance all around us.

You can watch the replay on our YouTube channel. It's one to come back to.