FAQs and Links
We’ve provided the answers to some Frequently Asked Questions, defined some Science of Mind terminology and listed links to affiliated organization and reference material below. If you have additional questions about Guidance, Spiritual Living [link to copy below], our philosophies, ministries and organizations, feel free to contact us over the telephone or drop by in person. Our doors and hearts are open to you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
What time do Services begin?
Sunday Services
Prayer & Meditation
9:30 am
Church Service
10:00 am
Youth Church
10:00 am
Wednesday Service
Meditation
11:00 am
What should I wear to services? Is there special protocol or rules?
Guidance does not have religious icons in its sanctuary. However we consider our worship space to be sacred and holy. Please show respect for the space and those worshipping or praying by remaining quiet during prayers or sermons. We do not allow food or beverages in the sanctuary, but you may bring water. There is no formal dress code. We simply encourage you to use your best judgment for what is appropriate.
Do I have to be an official member of Guidance Church to attend services, take classes participate in special events or volunteer?
Membership is not necessary to participate in these activities. Guidance Church is open to everyone on equal terms. We welcome your involvement in service, receiving pastoral care, supporting the congregation as a volunteer and taking classes. There is one exception. Should you desire to become a licensed practitioner or minister then you must fulfill the training and licensing requirements for these ecclesiastical positions.
Is Guidance a Christian organization?
It is in the sense that we honor and accept the teachings of Christianity and view Jesus of Nazareth as a wayshower for the type of spiritual life one can lead. Some of our members come from traditional Christian backgrounds and for them Jesus is an embodiment of the Christ Consciousness and helps shape their spiritual experience. Our philosophy is more than Christian because we also honor and accept the teachings of other traditional religions like Judaism, Hindusim, Buddhism and Islamism, as well as New Thought and Ancient Wisdom teachings. Guidance members come from these varied backgrounds, too. Science of Mind teachings glean from Judeao-Christian traditions, including the aramic version of the Bible, early Gnostic wisdom from mystical sects and the founders of Christianity. Science of Mind is also shaped by spiritual beliefs and practices from the East, as well as the American New Thought and Transcendentalist Movements. Writings from Ernest Holmes, Howard Thurman, Ralph Emerson, Rumi, Tao ti Cheng and a host of others influence our philosophies.
We recognize Enlightenment in a number of early wayshowers like the Buddha, Moses, Muhammad and Jesus of Nazareth. There are more recent spiritual leaders too…Mahatma Ghandi, the Dalai Lama, Martin Luther King, Mother Teresa…who demonstrated unconditional love and self mastery.
We believe that each of us is capable of experiencing enlightenment in this lifetime through our commitment to spiritual practice, service and unconditional love.
Can I still practice my Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, or Judaism and still be a member of Guidance?
Sure you can. We are a faith that embraces all faiths and traditions. There is no limitation within Spirit. You can maintain your current religious/spiritual practice and still worship, serve, learn and play with us. Our openness makes Guidance a great choice for families with mixed spiritual traditions.
How do I join or spread the word?
Guidance does not proselytize, nor do we expect our members to do so. We accept people right where they are. To learn more about membership, contact membership@GuidanceChurch.org.
Does Guidance pass a collection plate? Where does the money go?
As a non-profit organization which supports ministries and philanthropic endeavors we rely on the generosity of our members, guests and friends. Some attendees tithe regularly, others make bequests or donate their time and service. There are many ways you can serve and support guidance, in addition to making a gift during collection at service. We fully appreciate all financial gifts, donations and contributions that are made.
Does Science of Mind believe in sin?
The original meaning of sin was simply to "miss the mark" of spiritual perfection. In Science of Mind, we believe that there is no "sin" in the traditional sense of that word. We can choose behavior that produces an undesirable effect in our lives, thus creating hardship or suffering. In other words, we are punished by our sins, not for them.
During service, the word “Practitioner” was mentioned? What do they do?
Terminology
Affirmative Prayer
Affirmative prayer is a form of prayer or metaphysical technique that is focused on a positive outcome rather than a negative situation. See Prayer and Treatment below.
Alignment
Your life is in alignment when it lines up in accordance with the spiritual life (the purpose and intention for which God created and ordained you).
Co-Create
We are co-creators with God. Our individualized world is a result of our participation with God in Its creation. The more aligned we are with God and Its creation, the more we experience perfect peace, sustenance, well-being and the manifestation of our dreams.
Circulation; The Law of Circulation (aka The Law of Giving and Receiving)
Energy is constantly in flow and has to flow. This happens all the time in nature. A fruit bearing tree supplies food. Unused fruit falls to the ground and becomes implanted. More fruit trees blossom, grow and provide food. We must let energy flow or stagnation results. Unfortunately most conversation on the Law of Circulation is centered on money. While there is nothing wrong with the money aspect, true Spirit is activating a cause and being open to the actual receipt of GOOD. This includes money and other symbols of prosperity, but the root behind all of this is Good, Love and Spirit. Remember that this Law is always operating. As you trigger and receive good, greater good is triggered and received by you and all of existence.
Conscious Mind
The self-knowing mind in God or man.
Divine Intelligence
The centerpiece of divine energy is the collective storehouse of all life within the universe. It is the full expression of the Divine, which invests itself in all forms through the projection of its divine intelligence into all manifestations of life. Thus, divine intelligence – acting as an extension of the Divine – is the unifying energy that is the "wall" upon which all the pieces of life's mosaic adhere. Seeing the Divine in all is the principle that all manifestations of life convey an expression of All That Is.
The Global Heart Vision of the United Centers of Spiritual Living
Whereas in this information age the “global brain” has become an operative reality, we envision the emergence of the Global Heart to balance and guide the further evolution of humanity as stewards of our planet and all its inhabitants. We see a world free of homelessness, violence, war, hunger, separation and disenfranchisement. We see a world in which there is generous and continuous sharing of heart and resources. We envision a world in which forgiveness, whether for errors, injustices, or debts, is the norm. We see a world in which borders are irrelevant. We see a world which has renewed its emphasis on beauty, nature, and love through the resurgence of creativity, art, and aesthetics. We see a world in which fellowship with all life prospers and connects through the guidance of spiritual wisdom and experience. We envision a world in which we live and grow as One Global Family that respects and honors the interconnectedness of all life. We envision United Centers for Spiritual Living as a bridge across the illness and illusion of separation thereby dynamically empowering the vision of Global Heart. We envision United Centers for Spiritual Living as united and actuated by this compelling vision of a healthy world (a world experience of Global Heart) and is ardently committed to bringing this vision forth through its ministries and its transformative teaching.
We see the United Centers for Spiritual Living as a global community of inspired individuals caring for and about each other and the entire planetary family, thereby bringing the gift of active compassion and kindness to the world. Our local ministries and communities become “points of inspiration and influence” effectively advancing the vision of the Global Heart to benefit all expressions of life.
Global transformation
When each of us as individuals commit ourselves to greater spiritual awareness through spiritual practice, service and interwork, "we" as the one God can transform life on this planet. Spiritual transformation leads to greater peace, productivity and an upleveling of consciousness for everyone, hence Global Transformation. As we grow, we create nothing less than heaven on earth.
Guidance Credit Union
Healing / Mental Healing
Mental healing means mind healing. The possibility of healing physical diseases through the power of right thinking rests entirely on the theory that we are surrounded by an Infinite Mind which reacts to our thought. See Prayer and Spiritual Mind Treatment below.
Holmes Institute Seminary
Holmes institute, accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council, a member of The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), is a Master's Degree program whose mission is to prepare spiritual leaders for service in the global community. This unique program is dedicated to educating Licensed Ministers for United Centers for Spiritual Living through a quality distance education program in the areas of education, leadership, philosophy, science and spirituality, psychology, and religion. To learn more, visit http://www.holmesinstitute.org.
Immutable Law
Absolute in its ability to accomplish.
Infinite Mind / One Mind
One Mind is the Mind of God. That Mind is everywhere and in everyone and everyone is in that Mind. Each of us has access to all that that Mind knows because it is omniscient and all-knowing. What is known anywhere in that Mind is known everywhere in that Mind. From the point of I am/We are, we can access anything in that Mind.
June Cobb Church
June Cobb Church is located at 1195 East 55th Street in Los Angeles, California. The current minister there is Rev. Margaret E. Tate.
Meditation
A continued unbroken awareness of the mind in its most raw state. When we meditate we overcome distractions and attachments. We focus our energy into an expanded awareness of the All. This is bliss. For more information, you can visit the Guidance Meditation Ministry page located under Our Ministries, which has resources and information to help get you started. Also, on Wednesdays at 11:00am, Mediation Services takes place in the Sanctuary.
Mental Science
The Science of Mind and Spirit. A systematic knowledge of the laws of the Mental and Spiritual World
Metaphysics
That which is beyond the known laws of physics
Practitioner
[insert practitioner photo]− Practitioners are individuals licensed as part of the ecclesiastical order of the United Centers of Spiritual Living (formerly known as the United Church of Religious Science). The designation RScP appears after their last name. These individuals have taken specific classes in the Science of Mind teachings and function as spiritual counselors who practice a form of prayer that is in alignment with universal principles governing the cosmos. Practitioners are available for prayer at the end of each Sunday and Wednesday service, and they also participate in a 24-hour prayer phone line which anyone may call: (323) 778-3392. You can also request prayer via prayerministry@GuidanceChurch.org.
Prayer and Spiritual Mind Treatment
Affirmative prayer, or spiritual mind treatment, is a simple process. It asks us to pray knowing. This is the way Jesus of Nazareth and the Buddha prayer. When you pray believing that the prayer is already answered, it allows you to naturally, create what you desire. You’re allowing spiritual laws of this Universe to unfold in your life and create your highest good.
Spiritual Mind Treatment is when you use affirmative prayer to shift your below. Below, please find a step-by-step Prayer Treatment process that will shift your consciousness. Each step is important, but what is most important is your feeling tone will praying because that helps you feel the deep connection with Spirit.
- Ask yourself, "What do I want? Then you can share your desire with Universal Intelligence as you pray. Think about the qualities of what you desire? If you had it, how would you feel? What would you do? Use all of your senses. For example, say you want to own a home in a better neighborhood. Imagine yourself living there. You might see relaxing colors on the walls, trees and lush lawns outside, kids playing peacefully. You might hear the sounds of nature and feel a soft breeze blowing. The desire for a new home translates into peace, freedom, abundance, love, and so on.
- Recognition: This is the first part of your affirmative prayer when you start speaking aloud or silently. You remind yourself of the nature of Life/God/The Creater/Spirit. You might say, "Mother, Father God, I recognize that there is only God. That It is everywhere present as love, abundance, peace and sustenance."
- Unification: This is where you remind yourself of your unrrevocable connection to God. And since God is everything. Then you are apart of this everything and therefore you are completely unified with all people, places and space. You might say, "God is I am. This is the greatest story about me. I am connected to God and the entire world. I can experience all of God’s good in and through me, including my new home."
- Realization: This is where you affirmatively state that you realize that the thing you desire is already in your life. If you can desire it, imagine it, picture it, then it must exist in Mind/God [link to Terms, One Mind]. Otherwise where did this idea come from? In Religious Science there is a fundamental Unity. Throughout your prayer, keep affirming God’s nature as your own. When you have an inner feeling of "Yes" this is true, that’s when realization arrives. You might say, "I realize that God completely provides for my every want and highest God. I embrace my unlimited potential. I know without a doubt that a perfect home exists for me. I can feel and see this home…" If doubts arise, don’t ignore them. Treat them. That’s why this process is Spiritual Mind Treatment. Speak the truth about the fear and then speak the real truth. You might say, "I am afraid that my credit report is not good enough to qualify for a home or I don’t have all the resources I need to make this vision a reality. The truth is that God is always with me so I know that I am strong. Every resource is available to help me improve my credit now. God IS supply; God IS wealth, so there is nothing to fear...because God is right where I am."
- Thanksgiving: It is important to express gratitude as if you have already received your desire. You might say, "I am completely grateful for God flowing in and through me as me. I am grateful for perfect sustenance operating in my life. Thanks be to God for my new home!"
- Release: Since your desire is fulfilled, you can release it. This should result in peace and tranquility. Allow the Law to work through you and make your desire a reality. You might say, "I release this prayer into the Law knowing that it is done. And so it is. Amen."
Rev. Dr. Daniel L. Morgan
Founded Guidance Church in 1967. Read about our early beginnings on the About Us page.
Science of Mind
Religious Science, also known as Science of Mind, was founded in 1927 by Ernest Holmes (1887–1960). It is a spiritual, philosophical and metaphysical religious movement within the New Thought movement. In general, the term "Science of Mind" applies to the teachings, while the term "Religious Science" applies to the organizations. However, adherents often tend to use the terms interchangeably. Ernest Holmes stated "Religious Science is a correlation of laws of science, opinions of philosophy, and revelations of religion applied to human needs and the aspirations of man." He also stated that Religious Science/Science of Mind (RS/SOM) is not based on any "authority" of established beliefs, but rather on "what it can accomplish" for the people who practice it. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religious_Science)
Science of Mind Magazine
Science of Mind magazine, your daily manual for spiritual living, offers a spiritual perspective on world events, as well as tools for your spiritual practice, all based on the life-affirming Science of Mind philosophy. Filled with practical as well as inspirational content, Science of Mind will change your life.
Self, The
"Our consciousness of God is our real self and at the same time it is both personal and impersonal. It is personal in that it is personified through us and it is impersonal in that we are all using a universal power." Ernest S. Holmes, The Science of Mind.
Source
There is only one source: God. Everything originates from it and returns to it. Sometimes one can be under the misconception that their job, money, status, etc. are their source or the source of the good in their lives. If you are experiencing separation in your life use Spiritual Mind Treatment to align yourself with the truth that all that you are, have and experienced is sourced by Spirit.
Supply
Substance and supply are unlimited. They are the nature of God Itself. We can not ask or be given more because God has given us everything. We have the All. Any discord, misery, unhappiness or lack is the result of a misuse of this truth. If you are experiencing lack in your life use Spiritual Mind Treatment to align yourself with the truth that there is only infinite supply. Focus on the unlimited good that is at hand for you now.
Trans-denominational
All our welcome. We transcend Christian denominations and types of religion. We believe that there is One God and this God has One Mind [Link to One Mind in terminology] which we are all apart of.
United Centers for Spiritual Living
United Centers for Spiritual Living is an organization of over 200 spiritual communities that provide spiritual tools to transform our personal lives and help make the world a better place. At United Centers for Spiritual Living, our spiritual communities teach powerful principles for personal and global transformation, honoring all paths to God. We help people experience a personal relationship with the creator; promote a community of tolerance, understanding and respect; provide classes, programs, prayer and meditation; and advocate a safe spiritual community of like-minded people interested in living a spiritual life. For more information visit http://www.unitedcentersforspiritualliving.org/.
Visioning
Visioning is an intuitive process for opening your consciousness to receive Spirit's vision for your. You can cultivate it as part of your spiritual practice. Spirit’s life vision for you is one of wholeness, joy, prosperity creativity and generosity of heart. You can apply visioning to every aspect of your life be it — spiritual, professional, relational, communal and financial.