This year marks a sacred transition in the life of our community. After 37 years of devoted service, Kathianne Lewis, DD will be retiring, and we are beginning the process of calling forth our next Spiritual Director. We are committed to a search process that is transparent, inclusive, and guided by the CSL Seattle community.
Search Process Overview
- Together in community, CSL Seattle creates a Sacred Covenant that captures our collective consciousness to attract our next Spiritual Director.
- A Board appointed Selection Committee guides the selection process.
- Candidates will be reviewed, finalists will be invited to present a talk and a workshop, and the Board will ultimately present a candidate for a membership vote. (If you are considering membership, this is a meaningful year to join. Members will have the opportunity to vote during the Spiritual Director selection process.)
The Process
(Coming soon: The Path to Co-creation visual roadmap.)
Questions about the process can be directed to board@spiritualliving.org.
Visit this page weekly, or read CSL Seattle’s weekly newsletter, to receive updates, news, and important information about the process.
The Sacred Covenant is complete. You are invited us to continue watering the covenant with our thoughts, words, actions, reactions, and especially our prayers. The downloadable Easy Prayer is a convenient way to do this.
June 5 & 12, 2026
Join Us for a Sacred Milestone
Sunday, June 14, 9 & 11am PT, In person and online
Everyone is invited to join us on Sunday as we unveil the CSL Seattle New Minister Sacred Covenant, a document that has emerged from our collective listening, prayer, and shared spiritual work. The covenant will help guide our consciousness as a community and serve as an important part of the materials used to attract our next Spiritual Director.
As facilitator Rev. Dr. Penny Macek explains, “A Sacred Covenant is the way that we are able to make the ‘Word of God’ active in our lives. It is created by revealing the highest aspirations that lie hidden within our souls. Ultimately, it describes the way that the ‘Will of God’ wants to express itself through us.”
Come be part of this special moment as we affirm the purpose, promises, intentions, and vision that have emerged through this process. Together, we will declare the qualities and consciousness we are called to embody as we prepare to attract our next Spiritual Director. It is a powerful opportunity to align with the highest vision for our community and our future. Be a part of this important milestone this Sunday, June 14th!
Thank you for continuing to co-create this important journey with love, intention, and prayer.
May 29, 2026
The Sacred Covenant Creation Team has completed the New Minister Sacred Covenant, a document expressing our community’s spiritual purpose, vision, and intentions that emerged from the Thursday, May 7 Co-Creation Service with Rev. Dr. Penny Macek. This Sacred Covenant will be shared with the community during services on June 14th and will help guide both our collective consciousness and the search materials used to attract our next Spiritual Director.
We are grateful for the continued openness, care, prayer, and participation of this community. Your willingness to remain engaged reflects a shared commitment to something greater than any one individual perspective and demonstrates the love this community holds for CSL Seattle and its future.
Your continuing participation matters. We encourage everyone to stay engaged in the New Minister Co-Creation Process by:
- Learning more about the complete process. LINK
- Watching Rev. Dr. Penny Macek’s recent message about the Covenant Creation process and continuing to hold the team in prayer. LINK
- Practicing the three daily spiritual practices requested by Rev. Dr. Penny: the 7 x 70 Forgiveness Process, the Fear to Faith Easy Prayer, and the Praising Prayer. These practices help create the consciousness that will draw our ideal Spiritual Director to CSL Seattle. LINK (pages 13, 14, and 16)
Thank you for continuing to co-create this important journey with love, intention, and prayer.
May 15, 2026
Preparing the Way: Sacred Co‑Creation for Our Next Spiritual Director
Our community took an important step in the process of attracting our next Spiritual Director on Thursday, May 7, when 114 people gathered in person and online for an All Community Co-Creation Service facilitated by Rev. Dr. Penny Macek. The healing and revelations that emerged were powerful reminders that the search process begins not with a job description, but with consciousness.
During the gathering, participants engaged in practices based on the Community Co-Creation work of Reverends Marsha Sutton and Lloyd Strom, including the “Fear to Faith” process designed to release limiting beliefs and support collective healing. Participants each created a Releasing Prayer and an Easy Prayer based on the “Fear to Faith” activity and were given additional spiritual practices to help raise consciousness.
In Science of Mind teaching, co-creation means working consciously with Spirit to become the qualities we seek to attract. Through prayer, healing, forgiveness work, and spiritual practice, we raise our collective consciousness so that we may welcome the highest and best expression of spiritual leadership into our community.
The healing work continued Friday evening and all day Saturday with the Covenant Creation Team as they began developing the Sacred Covenant, a document expressing our community’s spiritual purpose, vision, and intentions for the next Spiritual Director based on what emerged from the Thursday evening gathering. Once completed, the Sacred Covenant will be shared with the community and will help guide both our collective consciousness and the search materials that will be used to attract our next Spiritual Director.
As Rev. Dr. Penny explained, this stage of the process is consciousness-driven rather than focused on the more “left-brain” aspects of creating a job description. Those practical details will come later, but spiritual healing and raising of consciousness must come first. This stage is sacred and cannot be rushed.
Continue Co-Creating with Us: Your Participation Matters!
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Learn about the complete New Minister Co-Creation Process. LINK
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Watch Rev. Dr. Penny Macek’s recent talk about the Covenant Creation process and hold the team in prayer as this sacred work continues. LINK
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Engage daily in three practices as requested by Rev. Dr. Penny: the 7 x 70 Forgiveness Process, the Fear to Faith Easy Prayer, and the Praising Prayer. These practices are intended to help create the container of consciousness to which our ideal Spiritual Director will be drawn. LINK (pgs 13, 14, 16)
May 8, 2026
Community Conversation — New Minister Sacred Covenant Emerges
Thank you to everyone who participated in last night’s All-Community New Minister Co-Creation Service! Join us this Sunday, May 10, as we share the CSL Seattle New Minister Sacred Covenant, emerging from our collective listening and shared spiritual process.
This Sacred Covenant reflects the highest aspirations of our community, expresses how our shared spiritual values are lived through our collective life, and will call forth our next Spiritual Director.
Please hold the Covenant Creation Team in your awareness as they continue their work this weekend, and join us Sunday for the reading of the Sacred Covenant.
May 1, 2026
Selection Committee & Covenant Creation Team Update
We are pleased to share that the Board has completed the selection process for both the Selection Committee and the Covenant Creation Team. Members have now been confirmed and notified, and we are grateful for the willingness, presence, and service each person brings to this important work of our community.
Covenant Creation Team
Following the All Community Co-Creation Service, this team will help craft the Sacred Covenant that will call forth the Center’s next Spiritual Director.
Kenny Pulsifer, Vice President, Board of Trustees
Sarah Loron, RScP, President, Board of Trustees
Nancy Rice, RScP, Board of Trustees
Monica Comstock, Executive Director
RA Franklin, Member
Lynn Perry, Member
Rev. Andrea Weatherhead, Staff Minister | Marketing & Communications Strategist
Donald Thorpe, RScP, Member
Betty Gibelyou, Board of Trustees
Lynann Bradbury, Member
Rain Lutack, Board of Trustees
Selection Committee
After completion of the New Minister Co-Creation Process and crafting of the Sacred Covenant, this committee will guide the practical aspects of the Spiritual Director selection process.
Cath Danigelis, Treasurer, Board of Trustees
Chris Coy, RScP, Secretary, Board of Trustees
Mandy Tsui, RScP, Board of Trustees
Sarah Loron, RScP, President, Board of Trustees
Jeff May, RScP, Board of Trustees
Monica Comstock, Executive Director
Joyce Borninkhof, RScP, Member
Tani Rae Standridge, Member
John Niss, RScP, Member
Lisa Jing, RScP, Member
We are appreciative of everyone who expressed interest and willingness to serve. Thank you for your commitment to the ongoing evolution and shared vision of our community.
April 17, 2026
All Community Co-Creation Service: Your Participation is Essential
Thursday, May 7 | 6:00–9:30pm
Everyone within our community is invited to take part in this crucial first step in the New Minister Selection Process.
Your participation – in person (if possible) or online – is essential on Thursday, May 7.
The purpose of this evening is to begin co-creating a Sacred Covenant for our community, a clear and collective expression of the qualities, values, and vision we hold for our next Spiritual Director and for ourselves. This Covenant will help guide the entire selection process and serve as a foundation for our relationship with our future leader.
The co-creation process will be facilitated by Rev. Dr. Penny Macek, who brings deep experience in spiritual leadership and transformational community processes. Details about Penny and the full co‑creation process are included in the overview linked below.
Because this gathering includes shared practices and printed participant materials, registration is required. When registering, you’ll indicate whether you plan to attend in person or online, helping us to prepare thoughtfully.
We encourage those who are local to join us in person, while remaining grateful that online participation allows members of our wider community to be part of this sacred process.
>> Register Here
>> Learn more about the New Minister Co‑Creation Process & Rev. Dr. Penny Macek
Selection & Covenant Creation Teams Update
The Board has completed the selection process for both the Selection and Covenant Creation Teams, and members are now being notified. If you expressed interest in being considered, please check your email.
Once all team members are confirmed, look for next Friday’s newsletter to see the full list of participants on each team.
Community Conversation — Stay Connected
Each Friday, this section shares important updates and opportunities to participate in shaping our community’s future, including the Spiritual Director search during this pivotal year at CSL Seattle.
Missed recent updates? Catch up on all Community Conversation posts at this LINK.
An Invitation to Serve: Covenant Creation Team & Selection Committee
The Board of Trustees is forming two important teams in support of the search for a new Spiritual Director and invites members of the community to serve.
- Covenant Creation Team – A short‑term, immersive spiritual process that supports the community in co‑creating a shared Sacred Covenant – an expression of the consciousness and vision that will help call forth our next Spiritual Director. Click here for a detailed overview of the process.
- Selection Committee – An ongoing commitment that guides the practical aspects of the Spiritual Director selection process with care, discernment, confidentiality, and collaboration.
If you feel a sense of readiness and responsibility to contribute to this work – and have the time and capacity to do so – we warmly invite you to express your interest. Submitting an interest form allows the Board to hear from you; it does not automatically place you on a team, but it does help them thoughtfully shape these groups.
Please submit interest forms by this Monday, April 20.
>> Covenant Creation Team Interest Form
>> Selection Committee Interest Form
March 20, 2026
Join Our Meeting of Members & Community Conversation
Sunday, March 29, 1–3pm
The Board of Trustees welcomes your questions! Please email them in advance to board@spiritualliving.org so we can get a sense of the community’s thoughts before we gather.
Update on Our Spiritual Director Search
Save the Date!
All-Community New Minister Co-Creation Meeting
Thursday, May 7, 6–9:30pm
Join us for the first step in the New Minister Co-Creation Process! Through a blend of learning, inner reflection, and shared visioning, we will engage in practices that clear the past, deepen understanding, and open to new possibilities. This approach emphasizes transformation, individually and collectively, so we, as a community, can come into clarity, unity, and a shared vision for the future.
Your presence helps support the unfolding of a Sacred Covenant that will call forth our next Minister/Spiritual Leader.
Mark your calendars and watch this space for more details.
Community Conversation — Stay in the Know
Did you miss the March 6th launch of our new Community Conversation section in the newsletter? See highlights from the past two weeks below and catch up!
This year marks an important transition for our community. After 37 years of devoted service, Kathianne Lewis, DD, will be retiring, and we are beginning the search for our next Spiritual Director. We are committed to a process that is transparent, inclusive, and guided by our community.
What’s Happening
-
The Board will appoint a Selection Committee to guide the search process.
-
Together, we will create a Sacred Covenant, shaped by community input, to define the vision and qualities for our next leader.
-
Candidates will be reviewed, finalists will be invited for a weekend of talks and workshops, and the Board will ultimately present a candidate for a membership vote.
Get Involved
Join us in person or online for the Annual Meeting of Members & Community Conversation on Sunday, March 29, 1–3pm.
All are welcome to attend and participate. Voting at the Annual Meeting is limited to members.
If you are considering membership, this is a meaningful year to join. Members will have the opportunity to vote at the appropriate time during the Spiritual Director selection process.
Questions about the process? Email board@spiritualliving.org.
March 13, 2026
Community Conversation: An Update on Our Spiritual Director Search
We want to be sure you see all that is going on at CSL Seattle regarding our search for our next Spiritual Director, so we are repeating this Community Conversation section content from last week to ensure as many of you see it as possible.
This year marks an important transition for our community. After 37 years of devoted service, Kathianne Lewis, DD, will be retiring, and we are beginning the search for our next Spiritual Director. We are committed to a process that is transparent, inclusive, and guided by our community.
What’s Happening
-
The Board will appoint a Selection Committee to guide the search process.
-
Together, we will create a Sacred Covenant, shaped by community input, to define the vision and qualities for our next leader.
-
Candidates will be reviewed, finalists will be invited for a weekend of talks and workshops, and the Board will ultimately present a candidate for a membership vote.
Get Involved
Join us in person or online for our Annual Meeting of Members and Community Conversation on Sunday, March 29 | 1–3pm.
All are welcome to attend and participate. Voting at the Annual Meeting is limited to members.
If you are considering membership, this is a meaningful year to join. Members will have the opportunity to participate in voting at the appropriate time during the Spiritual Director selection process.
Questions about the process? Email board@spiritualliving.org.
Watch This Space
Each Friday, this section will share updates and ways you can participate in shaping our community’s future.
March 6, 2026
Welcome to the Community Conversation!
This year marks an important transition for our community. After 37 years of devoted service, Kathianne Lewis, DD, will be retiring, and we are beginning the search for our next Spiritual Director. We are committed to a process that is transparent, inclusive, and guided by our community.
What’s Happening
-
The Board will appoint a Selection Committee to guide the search process.
-
Together, we will create a Sacred Covenant, shaped by community input, to define the vision and qualities for our next leader.
-
Candidates will be reviewed, finalists will be invited for a weekend of talks and workshops, and the Board will ultimately present a candidate for a membership vote.
Get Involved
Join us in person or online for our Annual Meeting of Members and Community Conversation on Sunday, March 29 | 1–3pm.
All are welcome to attend and participate. Voting at the Annual Meeting is limited to members.
If you are considering membership, this is a meaningful year to join. Members will have the opportunity to participate in voting at the appropriate time during the Spiritual Director selection process.
Questions about the process? Email board@spiritualliving.org.
Watch This Space
Each Friday, this section will share updates and ways you can participate in shaping our community’s future.