April-May 2013 - The Soul

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SOUL-ESTEEM
April / May, 2013
™
The Soul-Esteem™ Center ...
for Practical Spirituality
A publication of The Soul-Esteem™ Center • 314.ASK.SOUL (275-7685)
Coming Home
By Rev. Phylis Clay Sparks
I
personally think that one of the greatest things about
a vacation is coming home. I love a change of scenery,
a break in routine, the feeling of “getting away from it
all,” and the opportunity to do new and different things
for a time. But as I arrive home, even though there is so
much to catch up on and so much to do, I see “home”
with a new appreciation. I notice things I had forgotten
were there. I admire the place where I have left my
mark, spent my quiet times, my busy times and my most
intimate times. The feeling of coming home is a deep and
precious experience for me.
For some, returning from vacation isn’t the blissful
feeling I just described. The thought of coming home
means different things to different people, and for some
it might speak to the feeling of returning to a person,
place or experience which has value at the level of one’s
soul. That’s how many people feel when they come back
to their spiritual home after being away for a time.
On April 21, 2013, The Soul-Esteem Center will
celebrate its 16th anniversary as the spiritual home for so
many. It will also be “Bring a Friend Sunday,” so we
look forward to welcoming many new faces to come
worship with us, pray with us, and perhaps begin a new
phase of their spiritual journey with us. During this span
of 16 years, I have heard countless times the words “I
feel as though I’m coming home” when I greet someone
walking into our sanctuary on Sunday morning. I hear
these words not only from someone new to The SEC,
but from those who have been away for a time and
finally come home.
If you have enjoyed your experience with The SEC in
the past, but for some reason haven’t been back in
awhile, please come home. Bring your eagerness to grow
and expand, your desire to spend time with like minds,
your longing for that feeling of coming home. You will
In This Issue:
be welcomed with open arms.
Thank you to those who have so lovingly and loyally
supported the spiritual home we have built together and
have witnessed with me an idea made manifest and
continuing to blossom. May all of us walk in the door
and experience the feeling of coming home every time we
cross the threshold and sit together in the incredible
group energy of God’s Presence making Itself known,
felt, experienced and shared … together.
With Love and Blessings of Peace,
Rev. Phylis Clay Sparks is the Spiritual Director and Founder of
The Soul-Esteem Center, now in its sixteenth year. She is a speaker,
teacher, spiritual counselor and author of SOUL-ESTEEM: The
Power of Spiritual Confidence (Available in The SEC
Bookstore).
Quote Note:
There is One Mind, One Infinite Intelligence, from which everything
emanates and within which everything lives and moves and has its being.
It is also That which lives within you and within all that is. And That which
lives within you pulsates to an all-pervasive “tone,” or frequency which
unites everything. It has been described as the Great Hum, or the One
Song.
When you tune in to your soul you will see beyond the surface of the
physical world and you will hear the whisper of the Great Hum as it
emanates from every plant, every animal, every human being, and from
your own inner being. Lay aside your doubts and fears. Surrender into your
spiritual nature and life will become a wonderful journey—a soul journey—
filled with joy and a sense of incredible awe.
— Phylis Clay Sparks (from Soul-Esteem: The Power of Spiritual Confidence)
Articles
What’s Happening
Coming Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Special Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3, 6, 7
Inspiration
My Soul-Esteem Journey . . . . . . . . . 2
Youth and Teen Lessons. . . . . . . . . . . 5
Quote Note . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Youth Interest Meeting. . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Ongoing Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
An Uplifting Affirmation for You . . . . 3
List of Classes, Seminars . . . . . . . . . 6
Sunday Messages and Music . . . . . 8
soul-esteem EDGE
edge
SOUL-ESTEEM
The Soul-Esteem™
Center
Founded in April, 1997, the
SEC is an independent spiritual
community with a primary
focus upon “practical” spirituality. Our intention is to offer as
many spiritual tools as possible
so that your life becomes a
demonstration of the powerful
nature of Holy Spirit through
you as an individualized expression of God. The SEC
perspective is that we are all
spiritual beings having a
human experience rather than
human beings having an occasional spiritual insight. It is
also our intention to provide a
safe, loving, inclusive and
sacred space where we may
come together to recharge our
spiritual batteries, renew our
faith and trust in a God of
Love, and develop our spiritual
confidence, or “soul-esteem.”
Special Thanks
Maria Verbeck
Ambrilis Graphics, Inc.
Design and Layout
maria@ambrilis.com
Chris Bryant
Editing
Board of Directors
Jack Bell
Rev. Cindy Brinkop
Ken Calcaterra, Jr.
Ann Getz
Gary Heebner
Rev. Phylis Clay Sparks
Maria Verbeck
105A Progress Parkway
Maryland Heights, MO 63043
314.ASK.SOUL
EMAIL:
info@soul-esteem.com
WEBSITE:
www.soul-esteem.com
2
April / May, 2013
My Soul-Esteem Journey
By Rev. Cindy Brinkop
M
y journey home to The Soul-Esteem Center (SEC) began in 1997. My cousin
told me that the Printer’s Union had rented their auditorium to a church he
thought might interest me, and gave me Rev. Phylis’ name and number. I picked up
newsletters every time they came out and resonated with the message. But it was so far
away! And hanging out with a cup of coffee and the Sunday paper was my luxurious
indulgence!
Sometime before my friend Polly Lemire moved to California, she invited me to
attend a service, saying “The woman who started The SEC is very well spoken and
inspiring, and I think you would really enjoy it.” So I went with Polly one Sunday, but
it was in the middle of boating season! My weekends were spent camping on Hat
Island and boating in the Mississippi. I did, however, join the mailing list to keep up
with SEC events thinking that I just might go again some day.
In 2001, I received a personal Christmas Card from Rev. Phylis. I thought, “If this
busy person whom I have never met can take the time to send me a Christmas card,
then I can take time to drive 30-minutes for a Sunday service.” On the last Sunday of
the year, I made the trek from St. Louis Hills to Maryland Heights!
The first thing that struck me was how genuinely happy everyone seemed. Then I
went into the auditorium for service which started with one of Chris Bryant’s beautiful
hand-crafted prayers, followed by live music. The message came next, then meditation
and prayer. It became obvious that the service was meant to uplift and inspire; to make
us think and to bring out the Divine Magnificence within each of us. I walked out of
there feeling jubilant, knowing that this was the place I had been searching for my
entire life. I had finally come home!
My life was forever changed by the empowering messages, and I took every class
Rev. Phylis offered over the next three years. I planned my life around the services and
events. Still camping on the river, I began to get up at first light on Sunday mornings,
drive my boat in to the marina, change into my church clothes and drive to The SoulEsteem Center for service.
On June 26, 2005, I had the privilege of being ordained as a Minister, became the
Youth Minister in 2011, and mostly recently Assistant Senior Minister.
After all these years, I still love being at The Soul-Esteem Center every Sunday.
There is something special about being with spiritual family on a regular basis that
buoys one’s spirit. I can honestly say that becoming a part of The SEC has been the
single most important experience in my life, and continues to bless and brighten my
life every day.
Won’t you please Come Home to The Soul-Esteem Center on April 21st? We will
be celebrating our 16th Anniversary that day, and we hope you will join us! It is also
Bring-A-Friend Sunday, so invite someone to come along. The service begins at
10:30. Plan to stay for awhile afterwards to connect with people, enjoy some
anniversary cake, meet our ministers and mentors, and notice that feeling of “Coming
Home.”
Rev. Cindy is a member of The SEC Board of Directors and serves as our Youth Minister as well as our
Assistant Senior Minister. She officiates at many Weddings and Sacred Services, is involved in speaking,
teaching and leads a community meditation group. In her spare time, Rev. Cindy helps her senior
neighbors continue to experience laughter, joy and fun in their lives.
www.soul-esteem.com
Friday, April 5, 2013
Support The SEC and join us for an evening of fun with free snacks, soda, beer, wine, and prizes! Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Trivia
starts at 7:00 p.m. Buy a table and bring your friends and family at $20 per person. Call 314-576-5508 to purchase tickets. If
you would like to donate a prize or silent auction item, or know a business that might be interested in doing so, please contact
Rev. Cindy Brinkop at 314-351-4574 or revtiki@revtiki.org. We are a non-profit organization, so donation values are tax deductible. We also have letters for donors to validate our 501c3 status. All donors will be mentioned in our marketing for this
event.
Reiki I & II Attunements
5-9:00 p.m. with John Vlasich, RMT, IARP
Reiki I Attunement
Wed., April 24, 2013
Reiki II Attunement
Fri., April 26, 2013
This is the first step toward
Reiki energy work. Initiation
and sacred ritual are part
of the process of reconnection to Spirit which
opens the natural energy
channels in the body, thus
enabling the student to
channel Reiki energy. You
will receive a certification
of attunement. The cost is
$150.
The Reiki II attunement
enables the student to
experience a greater
ability to channel Reiki
energy, to work with
emotional issues and
send healing to transcend
time and distance. You will
receive a certification of
attunement. The cost is
$200.
An Uplifting
Affirmation for you!
(Say this with feeling before
your feet hit the floor every day!)
In this new now moment, I relax into the calmness
and peace of God’s healing Presence. I release any fear
or anxiety and turn with awesome reverence to the
One Power that brings harmony to my life and to the
lives of those around me. From this moment on I
remember to always return to that still point within
me which is directly connected to the peace, plenty and
perfection of Spirit. In gratitude, I radiate my love
and peace outward, blessing my world. And so it is.
Tom
JACOBS
Sunday,
June 2, 2013
returns to The SEC!
At the 10:30 a.m. Service
Enjoy this wonderful speaker, composer and performer as he delivers an inspiring Sunday message
with music! Tom is a former Benedictine monk, high
school teacher and campus minister. He and his wife,
Beth, operate a beautiful retreat facility called
Timber Creek, just 30-minutes south of Kansas City,
MO. Tom also teaches yoga, meditation, and is
always uplifting and inspiring!
The Soul-Esteem™ Center
OKSTORE
O
B
• Meditation Section
• Himalayan Crystal
Salt Lamps
• Eco-friendly Candles
of Palm Wax
• and much more!
314.ASK.SOUL
www.soul-esteem.com
3
Invitation to
Children...
Hey,
Teens!
Join our Facebook group—
Soul-Esteem Teens!
You can send Rev. Meegan Kainady a Friends Request, or you
can send an Invitation Request. Get to know our teen group,
and then come join us on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. for
our teen discussion group. Bring your questions and concerns
and come ready to learn, share, grow and help others do the
same! Help us plan the calendar for future teen activities!
Youth Interest Meeting!
H
ave you ever wondered what we do in the Youth
Department, or perhaps had a suggestion? Would
you consider becoming a Youth Leader (Sunday School
Teacher)?
The benefits of working with our youth is enormous
and includes:
• The feeling of making a difference in the world.
• Fun and laughter with the kids.
• Getting in touch with your inner kiddo!
• Deeper connection with The SEC family.
Some points of interest as a volunteer with the
youth:
• Lesson plans and materials provided.
• You can simply sit in and observe before you
volunteer.
• The only commitment we ask is one Sunday per
month (this can be customized).
• You receive a free CD of the service on your
volunteer days.
• Training provided.
All children are
invited to attend
Sunday classes at The Soul-Esteem Center during the 10:30 am service. We
provide:
• Toddler care (ages 0 to 3)
• Children’s Gatherings (ages 4-8)
• Mids (ages 9-11), and
• Teen Gatherings (ages 12+).
Our Youth program is a place of unconditional love
and acceptance, where children of like-minds can
come together to study universal
spiritual truth, and its practice in daily life.
By Rev. Meegan Kainady, Youth Director
• Ongoing support.
• Choose your position: Lead, Substitute, or
Assistant Teacher.
• Choose your age group: 0-3 Toddlers, 4-8 School
Age, 9-11 School Age, & Teens 12+.
As many of you know, my husband Shawn and I are
expecting a new baby girl in June. We are thrilled, and
working on getting things in order for her arrival.
Preparations include organizing plenty of volunteers to
help with the Youth Department during my leave.
If you have any questions, comments or suggestions
please join us for our Youth Interest Meeting directly
after service on Sunday, April 7, 2013. We will have
current teachers available to answer questions, as well
as Rev. Phylis, Rev. Cindy Brinkop (Youth Minister)
and myself, to listen to your input which will continue
to expand our Youth Group. You are under no
obligation by attending, we simply welcome you and
look forward to arousing your interest in nurturing our
children in body, mind and spirit.
Thank you for your interest!
Rev. Meegan
THE SEC MINISTERS
About Our Ministerial Alliance
Our staff of professionally trained ordained Ministers offers a wide range of services including weddings,
pastoral counseling, guest speaking, and a variety of other services that celebrate people’s lives. You may
contact any one of the following ministers directly. Just call The SEC office at (314) ASK-SOUL
(275-7685) or visit our website for ministers’ contact information:
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April Lessons—Taking Flight
Our thoughts and feelings work in consciousness to create our reality. This is the creative process. We can heal our
bodies and control the conditions of our life through the power of the creative process.
For our Teens ...
now is the knowing that in the midst of what seems like
chaos, God is always unfolding our path before us.
Week 1: CONFIDENCE—To have confidence is to have
faith that there is a Divine Intelligence with which you
are always aligned. When you have confidence you
move forward in faith.
Week 4: GENEROSITY—“It is when you give of yourself
that you truly give.” – Kahlil GibranThe spiritual act of
giving is an opportunity for us to share the unique gifts
we have been blessed with.
Week 2: FAITH—We use faith as we would a flashlight
entering a dark tunnel. We may not be sure what is at
the end but the light keeps us focused on our next step.
Having the faith of God is knowing that whatever is at
the end of our tunnel, we are always supported – every
step of the way.
Week 3: DIVINE ORDER—When we look into the
natural world we see that there is a Divine Order which
exists, even when things look like chaos. Peace in the
For our Children ...
Week 1: Confidence: You’re Great – No Matter What!
Week 2: Faith: Embracing the Unknown
Week 3: Divine Order: Peace in the Now.
Week 4: Generosity: Generous Me/Creative Me.
May Lessons
The Greatest God and the Innermost God are one God. Those who sense this inner God can have a personal
relationship with It. We can find our own truth by listening to our intuition, the still small voice inside.
For our Teens ...
Week 1: PERSISTENCE—Being persistent with our
intentions and ideas allows us to become a co-creator
with God.
Week 2: GRACE—Going with the flow helps us to
navigate through life’s obstacles with ease and grace
creating a more peaceful experience. Living gracefully
allows the Infinite Wisdom and Love of Spirit to guide
us.
Week 3: EXPLORING—We live in a beautiful, vast
universe. Exploring the world around us helps us to
know more about the magnificence and beauty of God
and to gain deeper insight into our own divine being.
Week 4: SOARING—When we soar we know who we
are. We are confident. We are truly free to fly in the
spiritual truth of who we are.
For our Children ...
Week 1: Persistence Pays Off.
Week 2: Grace: Going with the Flow.
Week 3: Exploring Spiritual Truth.
Week 4: Soaring in Spiritual Truth.
Rev. Robert Boschert | Rev. Paul Brauner | Rev. Cindy Brinkop | Rev. Robert Brown
Rev. Carroll (Candy) Christie | Rev. Shera Dalin | Rev. Pam Frye | Rev. Jeff Jackson
Rev. Meegan Kainady | Rev. Joseph Lahue | Rev. William Lange | Rev. Polly Lemire
Rev. Kay Losciuto | Rev. Phylis Clay Sparks
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Soul-Esteem™ Classes, Seminars & Workshops
Public Speaking and
Presentation Skills
Transformational Leadership
Training—Two Opportunity Sessions
with Phylis Clay Sparks (Former Dale Carnegie
Instructor) and Roger Weinerth (Structural Integration
and Body Language Expert)
6 Classes (April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 & May 7, 2013)
6:45-9:45 p.m.
with Dr. Stacey A. Maxwell
Saturday, April 20, 2013 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
This is an intense, disciplined and fast-paced experience of practice and participation for those interested in developing their
public speaking and presentation abilities. Stretch your comfort
zone as you prepare and deliver a 20-minute talk. You will be
coached and loved as you learn techniques that will help you
become more comfortable with speaking and presenting in
front of a group.
Class Fee: $375. Limited to the first 10 paid registrations.
The Healing Science of
PRAYER AND MEDITATION
with Rev. Phylis Clay Sparks
4 Thursdays beginning April 11, 2013 7:00-9:30 p.m.
Learn a powerful 7-step declarative approach to prayer which
gets results! Explore what prayer is, why some are answered and
others are not, and the application of universal principles in relationship to prayer. We will focus upon examples in the areas
of prosperity, relationships, health and career. Learn about the
role of meditation in effective prayer, dispel the myths, and experience a variety of techniques which can help you transcend
challenge, vision your desires and lessen the stress in your life.
$80 at registration or $25 weekly. $70 for course if paid
registration by April 7, 2013.
The Four Great Emotions
with Rev. Royal Satterlee
4 Tuesdays starting April 16, 2013
Classes to be held at Rev. Satterlee’s home:
983 Claygate Ct., Ballwin, MO 63021
Royal’s home phone: 636-230-3685
7:00-9:30 p.m.
This course is about love, fear, rage and wonder, written about
in David Seabury’s book, The Four Great Emotions. We all experience these emotions, sometimes all four of them consciously,
but many of us have one or two which are predominate in consciousness. It is spiritually healthy to permit all emotions to be
well expressed in our lives, and this is accomplished as we understand their individual values and rightful use.
$80 at registration or $25 per class if paid weekly. $70 if
paid in full by April 14, 2013.
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April / May, 2013
By understanding how you are perceived by others and developing crucial leadership qualities of success, you can increase your
earning potential, transform your career, increase your prosperity, and take command of your life as you learn to live with
power and ease!
Special introductory fee: $40
Saturday, May 18, 2013 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Deepen your understanding about exceeding your personal and
professional goals with ease and joy, and how you can get from
where you are to where you want to be! This is an opportunity
to develop your team and/or mastermind group to help develop
your focus for creativity and harmony, as well as showcasing
your individual influence and leadership abilities.
Special introductory fee: $40
Numerology
with Rhonda Leifheit
4 Wednesdays beginning May 1, 2013 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Numerology is an ancient mystical tool which provides clues to
your inner nature and outer aspirations. It reveals the core of
your character and insights into what motivates your feelings
and behaviors. Learn how the numbers in your name and birth
date can help you understand your personality, life lessons and
soul strengths. We will explore the meaning of karmic numbers
and maturity numbers as well as the meaning of family names,
adoptive names and other name changes.
$80 at registration or $25 per class if paid weekly. $70 if
paid in full by April 28!
Kirtan
with
BRADFORD SMITH
at The SEC! Wednesday, April 17, 2013
7:00-8:30 p.m. • $10
In The SEC Classroom
Brad Smith will guide the group with vocals
and harmonium for an experience of Kirtan—
singing and chanting to create a spiritual connection. The ultimate Kirtan experience is
when everyone is contributing to the creative
energy with call and response singing. Come
sing from your heart and create a collective,
uplifting energy!
Summer Picnic
At Greensfelder Memorial in
Creve Coeur Park
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Noon – 4:00 p.m.
Music by Mitzi MacDonal and Keltic Reign
Bring a dish to share, a playful spirit, and a chair to enjoy
the music (when you’re not playing a game or dancing)!
The SEC will supply lemonade, paper products and charcoal for a fire to barbecue, and games for the kids. Get
ready for some toe-tapping Keltic music! With fiddle, tinwhistle, accordion, mandolin, piano, guitar, and bodhran, Mitzi and her band will
treat you to some great tunes and songs
from Ireland, Scotland, and her homeland, Nova Scotia. www.mitzimacdonald.com Pick up a flyer at The SEC with
directions on the back.
Make sure you get our
E-News each week!
www.Soul-Esteem.com, or call ...
Sign up to receive our E-News at The SEC, on our website
Sunday,
April 14, 2013
1:30-5:30 p.m.
RYCE
Dr. Michael
FREE WORKSHOP:
WHY IS THIS HAPPENING
TO ME ... AGAIN?!
Dr. Ryce is the founder and Co-Director of
HeartLand, a Self-Healing Sanctuary in the
Ozark Mountains, and Director of the
Khaburis Manuscript Foundation. Join him
for a unique synthesis of science, naturopathic medicine, spiritual psychology and
theology, rich with insights from the ancient
Aramaic language. Subject will include The
Human Energy System, Healing Guilt and
Fear, The Cause of Health, and much more!
Donations will be accepted.
Dr. Ryce will be speaking at the 10:30 a.m.
service on Coin of the Realm.
(314) 275-7685).
Check out our
Website at
www.Soul-Esteem.com!
Ongoing Activities ... at The Soul-Esteem™ Center
A Course in Miracles Study Group
with Rev. Robert Brown Sundays at 9 a.m.
Street Smart Spirituality
Discussion Group
The Spirit of 12-Steps for Everyone
Led by Michael Babcock
Fridays April 12 and May 10, 2013 • 7:00-9:30 p.m.
Facilitated by Tim Barnett Sundays at 9 a.m.
Women’s Group
Led by Rev. Candy Christie
Fridays April 19, and May 17, 2013
6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Meets on the third Friday of every month at
The Soul-Esteem Center. The focus is on wholeness,
coping skills, encouragement, prayer, support and fun.
Following each meeting there will be a social hour at a
nearby restaurant.
Come join this lively discussion group and share your
comments, questions, perspectives and support as the
group focuses on various topics having to do with a
practical use of spirituality as it applies to one’s everyday
experience of life.
Creating with Spirit...A day to enjoy your craft!
Saturdays April 6 and May 11, 2013
10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Bring your own scrapbooking, paper craft project and
supplies, knitting, or other craft to work on in the company
of others who share your interest in crafting. Bring
your lunch and enjoy each other while doing something
creative at the same time! There is no fee—a love offering
will be donated to The SEC. Questions?
Call Polly at 314-932-7026.
7
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April 21, 2013
Come Celebrate The Soul-Esteem
Center’s 16th Anniversary!
For every first-time visitor you bring,
receive a $10 coupon to spend in The SEC
Bookstore!!! Message by Rev. Phylis entitled In Tune With The Infinite, music by
Deborah Sharn and Steve Schenkel. Don’t
miss this wonderful day of celebration!
Sunday Sermon Topics
and Guest Musicians (Sermons by Rev. Phylis Clay Sparks unless otherwise noted.)
April 7:
Word Power
Music: Javier Mendoza
May 5:
Ministers of The SEC on God’s All-Sufficiency
Music: Mark Madsen
April 14: Coin of the Realm by Dr. Michael Ryce
Music: Tim Mead and Brad Smith
May 12: The Highest Riches
Music: Brad Smith and Tim Mead
April 28: Plenty of All Things
Music: Georgy Rock and Bob Dill
May 26: Coming Into Fullness of Power
Music: Danielle Feinstein and Andrew Stock
Old Progress Parkway
Dorsett Rd.
\
Progress Parkway
Dorsett Rd.
(East of I-270, midway between
Westport Plaza Dr. and Dorsett Rd.)
Join us as we come together in reverence to God, in a casual and loving atmosphere. We welcome
all people. The service includes a spiritual message, prayer, guided meditation, live music, background video and more ... The Spirit of 12-Steps for Everyone at 9:00 a.m.; A Course in Miracles
Study Group at 9:00 a.m.; Children and Teen Gatherings and Toddler Care at 10:30 a.m.
Edward Jone
270
Old Progress Parkway
Sundays at 10:30 a.m.
270
Progress Parkway
Spiritual Service
105 Progress Parkway
Maryland Heights, MO 63043
s Blvd.
The Soul-Esteem™ Center’s
May 19: Double Think
Music: Deborah Sharn and Steve Schenkel
Kimler Dr.
THE
SOUL-ESTEEM
CENTER
Par
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105 PROGRESS PARKWAY
MARYLAND HEIGHTS 63043
314-ASK-SOUL
270
Pro
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April 21: In Tune with the Infinite
Music: Deborah Sharn and Steve Schenkel