Last November the Center for Spiritual Living hit a milestone: the number of people attending its services overfilled the Junior League of Tucson, where the services were held.
The Kiva Room, which accommodates 150 people, became too crammed to fit the center's 162 members. So they moved to the 360-person auditorium at the Donald R. Nickerson Performing Arts Center, 3231 N. Craycroft Road.
After the move, membership grew to 180, but it is now down to about 100.
"Whether they think the location is too far, too big, et cetera, it doesn't matter. People don't like change," said the Rev. Donald Graves, who has been with the Center for Spiritual Living since June 2006.
"But they are now realizing it is about the people, not the location."
The center espouses "religious science," and each month services follow a different theme. This month's theme is "Connection and Oneness." Every Sunday at 10 a.m. members gather to meditate for 30 minutes, part of a "Sunday Celebration" that also includes reflection and prayer.
People are also reading…
The first Sunday of every month, members have a potluck lunch after the services.
"You'll notice that people actually like each other," Graves said of the participants.
They're starting a new tradition, too - members are encouraged to bring a friend to the potluck.
"I really enjoyed the atmosphere and the sense of humor Reverend Donald has," first-timer Paige Truitt said at this month's potluck.
Truitt, who doesn't usually attend any type of church services, decided to attend because she heard the group was more relaxed than some others.
"I have never been super religious, but I do consider myself spiritual. This is the kind of place I can connect with."
The center also brings in guest speakers at least twice a year. On Sept. 16, Edwene Gaines will teach her workshop, "The Four Spiritual Laws of Prosperity."
Graves encourages everyone to "go find out" what the center is all about. "The only way to find out what it is we do is to experience it," he said. "It feels like coming home."
If you go
• What: Center for Spiritual Living services
• When: 10 a.m. Sundays
• Where: Donald R. Nickerson Performing Arts Center, 3231 N. Craycroft Road
• Info: Go to www.tucsoncsl.org
Kelsey O'Grady is a University of Arizona student who is an apprentice at the Star. Contact her at 573-4117 or at starapprentice@azstarnet.com
