Special Events
Sunday, Dec. 31
New Years Eve potluck in the Fellowship Hall after service. Guests are always welcome. Bring your favorite dish to share.
Upcoming Sunday Speakers
Dec. 3, 11 a.m.
Melody Cooper's talk is "Celebrating the Light." She is a professional harpist, pianist, and vocalist, and loves to play her new ukulele. Originally
from New York City, she lived many years in Key West, Florida and has now relocated to Asheville. Melody was
the music director at Unity of the Keys, and now plays twice a month at the Center for Spiritual Living in West
Asheville. She is also a certified yoga and meditation teacher, and currently teaches at Purna Yoga 828 in West
Asheville. She is an accomplished public speaker who combines music, message, and meditation for spiritual
services. For more information, visit her website melodycooper.com.
Dec. 10, 11 a.m.
Forrest Rivers regards the Earth as sacred and believes all paths to God lead to the same place: Oneness. When
he is not writing, he spends his time hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains where he lives with his beloved dog,
Abbie. To date, he has appeared on over 55 consciousness themed podcasts and radio shows. He is the author of
The Hippie Revival and Collected Writings and his forthcoming book Humanity's Spiritual Rebirth
is scheduled to be published in 2024. Forrest can be contacted on Facebook at
Forrest Rivers Author Page, and via his website,
ForrestRivers.com.
Dec. 17, 11 a.m.
Angela Divine has been studying metaphysics for about 30 years and is certified in several healing modalities, such
as hypnotherapy & Pranic healing. She has worked extensively as a holistic nurse particularly in holistic
retreat centers in Sedona, AZ.
Dec. 24, 11 a.m.
Bill Groves received his Bachelor of Science in Psychology from St. Meinrad Seminary in Indiana. He then went on
to complete four years of post graduate work in theology, counseling, and pastoral studies at St. Francis School
of Pastoral Ministry in Milwaukee where he earned his Master of Divinity. Bill was ordained a Catholic Priest in
1980 and continued in the priesthood for ten years, working almost exclusively with people of Native American and
Hispanic culture in Colorado. In 1990 he left active priesthood and began working in his home state of Oklahoma as
a licensed drug and alcohol counselor. He came to Franklin in January 2012 and soon became part of the Spiritual
Light Center family where was happily our Administrator until he retired in March 2022.
Dec. 31, 11 a.m.New Years Eve pot luck lunch after the service.
Space clearing and Burning Bowl Ceremony facilitated by Doug VanOrsdall & Craig Eister.
Doug VanOrsdall is currently our Board President. He has a master's degree in ,and worked in banks for many years.
He has used that skill to help SLC a lot in this area. Doug and his husband Craig Eister are huge dog lovers and
have rescued, rehabilitated and cared for countless dogs. He can also throw a fabulous party, and is a great cook!
He has supported SLC tirelessly since arriving and his presence is greatly appreciated. Craig Eister was born in
Nebraska in 1966 and is all Leo — plus the qualities of his German heritage. He grew up in Tampa, Florida,
but attended college in North Carolina where he earned bachelor's and master's degrees in math and computer science.
Craig worked for 30 years setting prices in the travel industry, before starting his own consulting company last year.
He has a certificate in Leading Diversity and Inclusion from Northwestern University, and this has become his true passion.
Craig moved to Scaly Mountain in 2015 with the love of his life Doug, MANY animals, and his Mom. They have all been
his best supporters. In 2021, he wrote, directed, and produced his first play, entitled "The Great Pandemic." But the
happiest day of his life was October 19, 2019, when he and Doug were married.
Our Vision
The Spiritual Light Center is a peaceful and joyful fellowship of individuals, centered in love, dedicated to the God within, and honoring the many paths to truth.
Our Mission
We are developing our highest selves by continuous sharing of spiritual ideas, in an environment of unconditional love and respect for others.