Tune Up With the Basics

How powerful is it to go back and revisit our roots — or in our case, the bedrock teachings of Science of Mind founder Ernest Holmes?

I’m not a minister or a licensed practitioner, so I can’t say I’ve read the Science of Mind text cover to cover. But like many of us, I’ve followed this philosophy for a long time; in my case, most of my adult life.

And I’m learning (again) that returning to the basics at different points in time opens new perspectives and a deeper understanding. The underpinning of the philosophy hasn’t changed, but I have. We have.

I might say this every week, but dang — Sunday’s service was powerful. From Mary Van Zante-Peiser lifting her voice in Plowshare Prayer (not many dry eyes in the room with that one; you can read the lyrics here), to her raucous and joy-filled closing, God’s Been Good, a Mary original, the entire hour felt just right for this moment, not the least of which was Rev. Dr. Larry King's talk about How It Works, the 2nd chapter of the Science of Mind text.

In a world that lately feels louder, more chaotic, and heavier, today’s service was grounding, reminding us of who we are and what we’re here for.

Creativity, Power, and Responsibility

Even with the backdrop of so much national and global upheaval, Rev. Larry centered us around how much power we truly have. Without spiritual bypass, and no toxic positivity, he reminded us that it works through us.

And, he cautioned, with that power (this is both good news and … news) comes responsibility.

Rev. Larry shared how, because we have free will, we can “make up our lives,” even when the choices are difficult, or when the world around us seems wrought with challenges. His joke was perfect; we are the heart, mind, and hands of Spirit, working through us, as us. It cannot do its work without us. Whether restoring an old farmhouse, or managing our daily lives, the message was clear: this philosophy asks more from us.

Richard Russell with his sarod

Thanks to musical guest Richard Russell tuning his beautiful sarod (before launching into a powerful and haunting piece with drummer Kyle Doran; if you missed it, go listen - now!), Rev. Larry leveraged an unscripted metaphor about how we must continually tune ourselves up. Isn't that, in part, why we show up each Sunday? To consistently tune up, again and again, because how quickly do we go out of tune?!

(If you haven't already got your tickets yet to Richard's show on Saturday night, go get 'em. You won't want to miss this.)

Back to Power: Through Us, As Us, For Us

So, Science of Mind tells us that “It” — the Thing Itself — works through us and as us. That means we don't wait for Spirit to act. We are the hands, the voice, the mind, and the heart of Spirit in the world.

So the questions are practical and in-the-moment (remember, the point of power is in the present moment):

• When I’m about to react…

• When I’m considering a choice…

• When I’m thinking about how to respond to someone else …

We ask: Is this something I would do on behalf of Spirit? Does this choice reflect joy, love, beauty, abundance? Does it “look up”? Does it move us, even slightly, toward peace?

Rev. Larry reminded us that kindness is a force for good; when we practice kindness, we elevate our vibration and work toward a world that works for all of us.

Good Vibrations

There's a lot to that. Years ago, I read a Wayne Dyer quote that left a lasting impression, about how right thoughts and actions send out higher vibrations, and the impact ripples outward exponentially. Fear-based or anger-based actions contract and operate at a much lower vibration and thankfully, don't spread as far and wide (even though sometimes, it doesn't seem like that's true). Kindness and compassion matter as much as what we do, because how we see the world shapes how we act in it, and what we experience.

As Rev. Larry reminded, judging others isn't helpful; we're asked instead to keep tuning our own instruments.

Beyond our community and into the wider world, we're invited to notice observable patterns. Over time, we may begin to see how fear or openness, peace or angst, tend to express through choices and actions. Science of Mind doesn't ask us to explain anyone's life to us, only to take responsibility for the one we're living.

I am the hand and heart of God all the time.

I was especially moved watching the room during Mary's rendition of Plowshare. I often find myself looking around, noticing faces, and feeling the collective energy and the connection that underpins why we’re all there.

We come from different lives and experiences, but we gather because we believe — deeply — that we’re connected. It motivates me to keep showing up, even when it’s hard.

That sense of connection carried into our potluck and community meeting afterward. There were many genuine conversations underway during the potluck, so I especially appreciate everyone who stayed, listened, shared, and asked thoughtful questions at the meeting. We accomplished so much together last year, and it is truly a gift to serve this community in this way.

For those unable to attend, Core Council members and practitioners shared all we accomplished in 2025 and what we're aiming for in 2026. So many people stepped up and made a difference (I sound a little like a broken record, but I do believe we can't thank people enough).

We’re moving forward with a senior minister search, led by Rev. Dr. Pam Ninneman - and to borrow from practitioner Justin Thuemler's comment, I propose calling it (at least among ourselves) a senior minister magnet instead of a search, as we draw someone to us. Participants, whether visioning or voting, must be members, so if you aren't yet a member or you aren't sure, talk to Rev. Michael.

We have meaningful plans ahead. And grounded in these teachings — and in each other — we are, truly, unshakeable.

With gratitude,

Laura