Event Calendar
SCOL News
Image by lilac-n-lavender Creative Commons.
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At our Annual Membership Meeting on June 3, 2023, the following members were re-elected to the positions they held:
Frank Kotowski: President Camille Johnson: Vice-President Valerie Miller: Secretary Lindy Cacioppo: Treasurer Suzanne Garrison-Terry: Recording Secretary Deborah Losee: Trustee And Karen Link was voted in as our second Trustee. Congratulations to our new Board, especially to new Board member Karen Link! ~ Valerie Miller, SCOL Secretary. |
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We are happy to announce that we have two new members.
Dr. Christopher Garrison is now a regular member and Daveda Horn is now an associate member. Welcome both to our family at Summerland Church of Light. ~ Reverend Frank Kotowski, June 1 , 2022 |
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"We are happy to announce the addition of two new church members who have transferred to our church:
Lisa and Tom Butler. Lisa and Tom are from Reno, Nevada. They are the current directors of the Association TransCommunication and former directors of the NSAC Department of Phenomenal Evidence. Here is their website: https://atransc.org/evp-tom-lisa-butler/ We are honored to have them as new members." ~ Reverend Frank Kotowski, May 3, 2022 |
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Please note that Valerie Miller, Summerland's Church Secretary. was appointed as the National Spiritualist Association of Churches Director of Publications and is the Editor of the monthly NSAC News. Congratulations Valerie!
Posted March 30 ,2022 |
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Summerland Church of Light Bereavement Notice
We are sad to inform you that our associate member, Mike Salgine, husband of T Vitanza-Salagine, transitioned suddenly on Thursday. The wake for Mike will be on Wednesday at the Branch Funeral Home in Smithtown from 4 to 8 pm. Reverend Frank will be delivering the eulogy. Branch Funeral Home, 109 East Main Street, Smithtown, phone: 631-724-9500 https://branchfh.com/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=smithtown&utm_campaign=website For the interment on Thursday arrive at the funeral home at 1 PM. There will be a procession of cars to Calverton National Cemetery where a military service will be held at an open-air platform at 2:30 PM. Rev. Frank will be directing a committal service at the interment. ~ Valerie Miller, SCOL Secretary, March 29, 2022 |
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Returning to UUFSB
MARCH UPDATE |
After consideration and Board discussion, we plan to hold an in-person church service at UUFSB once a month. We will be following the UUFSB covid protocols as before. The next in-person service will be on Saturday, April 2 at 10:30 AM. The live-streamed zoom service will be the same time as in-person: 10:30 AM Note that in-person services may not always be on the first Saturday of the month. |
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Returning to UUFSB February 2 Update
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Because of the rapid rise of Covid-19 on Long Island with the omicron variant, the Board of SCOL suspended
all in-person services and classes at UUFSB since December. Now, after due consideration and Board discussion, we plan to have an in-person Mediumship Development class at UUFSB on Tuesday, March 1 at 7:30 pm and a church service on Saturday, March 5 at 10:45 am. We will be following the UUFSB covid protocols as before. We first need to know if there are those who are willing to come to this class and service and help out with setting up the room and breaking it down afterward. Please email our church if you can commit to coming to the class or the service or both at summerlandchurchoflight@gmail.com |
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Returning to UUFSB December 29 Update
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Because of the rapid rise of Covid-19 on Long Island, especially with the omicron variant,
the Board of Summerland Church has decided to suspend all in-person activities at UUFSB in East Setauket, including services and classes, until conditions improve and are deemed safer. The in-person service scheduled for Jan. 15 will now be strictly on Zoom. We will keep you posted. Please be safe and patient. ........ |
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Returning to UUFSB
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The Summerland Board has finally decided on having in-person services once a month. We are proceeding cautiously due to the uptick of Delta variant cases and now have a date for our return to UUFSB for an in-person service: December 4*. Everyone will need to wear facemasks and follow 6 feet of separation. Complete protocols for in-person activities will be emailed to all on our list. We will be streaming the service so people at home can view. Keep safe, one and all.
* Note that our monthly services will not always be on the first Saturday of the month. The in-person service for January 2022 will be on January 15. ~ Valerie Miller, SCOL Secretary, September 2021 |
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Congratulations, Summerland!
We are mentioned in the New Yorker Magazine May 31 print issue! |
Someone from the New Yorker called Frank last month as part of a fact-checking process. This person mentioned that our Summerland Church was going to be included in an article about Spiritualism! SCOL is mentioned briefly in a list of contemporary churches at the end of the article (third paragraph from the end). What an honor this is! This is a first! This article is really a book review, but seems to have a good perspective. We are mentioned with the Golden Gate Spiritualist church in San Francisco, home base of Frank’s and my friend Joe Owen and his deceased partner Rev. James Earhardt, writer of many Spiritualist manuals, and two other churches.
I subscribe to the online magazine and am thrilled to share the article with you. Maybe we can have a Discovery Circle about this article soon! Enjoy! Here is the link: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2021/05/31/why-did-so-many-victorians-try-to-speak-with-the-dead?utm_source=onsite-share&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=onsite-share&utm_brand=the-new-yorker ~ Valerie Miller, SCOL Secretary, June 9, 2021 |
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RIGHT HAND of FELLOWSHIP (online)
Saturday, May 22, 2021 Congratulations to Summerland’s newest full members: Karen Link, Kristin Giannetto, and Louella Blaner! Last week we held our second Zoom Right Hand of Fellowship and are happy to have Terry join us as a full member. The presentation was offered by Su Garrison-Terry and Frank Kotowski. We could not shake hands or offer long hugs, but we found other ways to express our love & appreciation! Congratulations Karen, Kristin, & Louella! ~ Valerie Miller, SCOL Secretary, May 26, 2021 |
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Welcome Summerland's newest Ordained Minister, Rev. Frank Kotowski!
The Rite of Ordination was held via Zoom, officiated by Rev. Christine Krithades, President of the NSAC. You have been our pastor and leader for years, Frank, and this honored bestowing crystallizes everything you have worked for! Congratulations!
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Congratulations to Summerland’s newest full member, Terry Kruse! Last week we held our first Zoom Right Hand of Fellowship and are happy to have Terry join us as a full member. The presentation was offered by Su Garrison-Terry and Frank Kotowski. We could not shake hands or offer long hugs, but we found other ways to express our love & appreciation! Congratulations Terry! ~ Valerie Miller, SCOL Secretary, January 21, 2021 |
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Frank Kotowski took the NSAC Oral Exam via Zoom for Ordained Minister Wednesday afternoon. He later received an email from June Killmer, the Director of the Education Department, stating that he “unofficially” passed the exam and further instructions for the future ordination ceremony are on the way. This gathering, when it is safe to meet in person again, would serve to to introduce Frank as an Ordained Minister to the Summerland congregation.
Congratulations, Frank, for fulfilling your goal and dream of becoming a Spiritualist Minister. You already were demonstrating leadership qualities for more than 10 years and now have the full credentials. Summerland is so proud of you and the heights you have attained. We know you will not rest on your laurels and will keep progressing! Blessings to you! ~ Valerie Miller, SCOL Secretary, November 5, 2020. |
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Summerland Church of Light Bereavement Notice
Godspeed, Ray Garrison It is with great sadness that I inform you of the transition of another of Summerland’s members, Ray Garrison. You were with us at Summerland for too short a time, Ray. We pray for a smooth transition under the guidance of Angels and Infinite Intelligence. Here are words from Su, his first wife. Raymond E. Garrison transitioned on Tuesday, April 14th, 2020 from a heart attack. He was pre-deceased by two wives: Cynthia and Mary. He has two adult children, Kate who lives in CT and Nick who lives on Long Island, and two grandchildren. As Ray was quick to say of his first wife, Su, “We met in Mr. Dufour’s fourth-period English class in our junior year in high school.” We have been friends ever since. He was born in Newark, but at heart. he was a Florida boy. That is where his parents and ancestors lived. He loved the beach and fishing. During his business career, he founded two companies: a billing and receipt company, a division of United Illuminating, and a shipping company for perishable goods, a division of UPS. He also holds a patent for the program for online use of credit cards. In the 1980s, Business Week listed him as a young entrepreneur to watch. In his later years, he worked with high-end stereo components, building and installing individualized sound systems for professional musicians. Ray was a quiet, thoughtful man with a very high IQ, yet he never earned a Bachelor’s degree. He did everything with a unique flair from dying his hair and beard red and blue to changing all the “We” to “I” in the Principles. He was intrigued by all things celestial from space travel to the composition of universe (where was God before Creation?) and of course, science fiction. He will be greatly missed. His ashes will be interred with Cynthia, his second wife, in Colorado. ~ Valerie Miller, SCOL Secretary, April 22, 2020. |
Godspeed, Nancy Halpin
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Summerland Church of Light Bereavement Notice
It is with great sadness that I inform you of the transition of one of Summerland’s first members, Nancy Halpin. Where do I begin telling you about her contributions, service, and undying love for Spiritualism? She was instrumental in setting up the first Long Island NSAC Convention in 2004 held in Ronkonkoma. She was also the best Secretary the church had, and no detail was left unattended. She moved south to retire and leaves behind husband Mike and three daughters and a son. She was 71 and passed on 3/21. Thank you and godspeed Nancy. Your infectious smile and loving manner brought joy to many. ~ Valerie Miller, SCOL Secretary, April 15, 2020.
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Congratulations Frank for winning the NSAC Teacher of the Year Award!! And thanks to his students for filling out testimonials... ~ Valerie Miller, SCOL Secretary, October 4, 2019. |
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Summerland Church of Light Bereavement Notice
It is with mixed emotions that I inform you of the passing of Michael Thorn, a beloved member of our church. He passed from illness on August 16. His sister, Jacquie, tells us that “It was a difficult time and he is happy to be free of this physical plane. We will be holding a Memorial for Michael on Saturday, September 7th, 4 pm at the Shirley Beach in the Town of Brookhaven, 19 Grandview Drive, Shirley NY 11967.” Here is a link to his obituary Michael was a valued member of our church for years and was also on the Board of Trustees. He was an excellent church healer and helped guide many others to become designated church healers. He helped out with our national events as well, especially when Long Island hosted the Spiritualist Convention in 2014. Godspeed, Michael, as you transition to the Spirit World.... ~ Valerie Miller, SCOL Secretary, August 30, 2019.
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Elections were held last week.
The best to all Board Members and Pastoral Committee Members, old and new! Note: We finally have a Treasurer!! The position of Treasurer has been vacant since September 2015 when Bob Kiss resigned for an eventual move upstate. Welcome Lindy Cacioppo as Treasurer! Welcome Anne Marie Lisa as Trustee! Thank you for your commitment and service. ~ Valerie Miller, SCOL Secretary, April 25, 2019. |
Here's the Happy Board and Pastoral Committee!
From left, Valerie (Secretary), Anne Marie (new Trustee!), Lindy (new Treasurer!), Debbie (Trustee & Healing Chair), Frank (President, Medium Chair, Student Minster), Camille (Vice President & Scheduling Chair), Wendy (Visiting Facilitator Chair), Su (Recording Sec’y & Ministry Chair) |
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Starting January 1, 2018
New place, new time, new day, new energy! Be part of the Summerland community as we get a new start and expand our energies under guidance from Infinite Intelligence! Services on Saturday at 10:30 AM Service address: Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at Stony Brook 380 Nicolls Rd., E. Setauket, NY 11733 Mailing address: P.O. Box 1297, Bay Shore, NY 11706 See our page 'How to Reach Us' for directions, maps, and Google and Michelin location links. |
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Congratulations to James Wagenhauser, who completed his third practice healing under review and is now a Summerland Student Healer! ~ Valerie Miller, SCOL Secretary, July 8,2017. |
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The Right Hand of Fellowship event took place last week. (3/26/17) At this time we formally welcomed Denise Jordan and Renee Murphy into our church community. ~ Valerie Miller, SCOL Secretary, Posted April 2, 2016 |
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Recently, the Board had the pleasure of approving the following new member: Denise Jordan Please give her a warm welcome when you her next! |
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Recently, the Board had the pleasure of confirming the following new Board Member: Marianne Straaik Thank you Marianne for stepping up and volunteering to become a Board Member Trustee! ~ Valerie Miller, SCOL Secretary, Posted February 5, 2017 |
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Summerland Church of Light Bereavement Notice
Go Gently to the Summerland, M'Lis
With extreme sadness and heavy hearts, we wish to inform you that our dear friend, fellow member, and Board Trustee M'Lis D'Angelo passed away early Thursday morning. Please continue to send prayers and healing to Tom D'Angelo, close-by daughters Missy and Robin, and son Craig, who is also a member of our church. Here are the details, received from Missy, M'Lis's daughter: Grant Funeral home https://www.michaeljgrantfuneralhomes.com/home.html 571 Suffolk Avenue, Brentwood Directions: https://www.google.com/maps/place/571+Suffolk+Ave,+Brentwood,+NY+11717/@40.780144,-73.2552567,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x89e831ecd31c72ff:0xbab8874eaf28878a!8m2!3d40.780144!4d-73.253068 (631) 273-4443 Sunday December 11: 5-7 PM viewing Monday December 12: 11 AM- 1 PM funeral All are welcome Infinite Intelligence, we ask You and the Summerland Healing Angels, Spirit Guides, Doctors, and Healers to support and lovingly guide the transition of our dear friend M'Lis to the Summerland. We pray that she is joyously greeted by her loved ones who have already crossed over. In addition, surround her family close by and far away in compassionate, nurturing and comforting light of the highest vibration. Show them the way to cope with this unexpected loss and offer peace and tranquility under Your guidance. We ask this in all sincerity and honesty, and we will do our part. Let it be so. Blessings, Valerie ~ Valerie Miller, SCOL Secretary, December 10 2016. |
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Summerland formally welcomed new members last Sunday at the Right Hand of Fellowship service. (10/30/16) The vibrations were high with the brightness and promise of an exciting time ahead for Summerland and its newest participants! Welcome and hugs to Phyllis, Jim, Danielle, Su, and Kathy! Thank you Karin for taking the pictures! ~ Valerie Miller, SCOL Secretary, Posted November 6, 2016 |
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At our Board Meeting in October, we had the pleasure of approving the following new member: Kathy Ortaglia. Please give her a warm welcome when you see her next! ~ Valerie Miller, SCOL Secretary, Posted October 30, 2016 |
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Summerland is doubly blessed!
The Board is excited to appoint Suzanne Garrison Terry as our new Recording Secretary! Suzanne will take over the position vacated by Janet Johnson, who will be leaving July 23. Thanks Janet for all the work you have done to make Summerland the special place it is! ~ Valerie Miller, SCOL Secretary, Posted July 24,2016 At June's Board Meeting, we had the pleasure of approving a new member: Suzanne Garrison Terry! Please give her a warm welcome when you see her next! ~ Valerie Miller, SCOL Secretary, Posted July 3, 2016 |
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Message from Frank Kotowski, Jr.:
Our Annual Membership Meeting went very well Sunday, partly because there were no bylaw proposals to discuss! Our Board of Trustees remains the same. But welcome two new members to our Pastoral Committee: Debbie Losee and Al Straaik, co-directors of the Healing segment of our Pastoral Committee. And Wendy Hodor is now our Point Person for guest presenters for our church. And more information to share: We are happy for Janet Johnson and a bit sad at the same time. Janet informed us that she will be moving to South Carolina shortly. We wish her the best at this time of transition to a new life and new home, but will miss her energetic spark, warmth, and the valued work done as Recording Secretary, among other things.
Good Luck Janet! |
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And...
Recently, the Board had the pleasure of approving the following new members: Lynette Gillissen & Lisa Masciadrelli Please give them a warm welcome when you see them next! ~ Valerie Miller, SCOL Secretary, Posted May 1, 2016 |
Toufik el Fachati ~ Unsplash
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Dear Friends,
We ask that you take a little time out of your day, connect with Infinite Intelligence, and send healing thoughts of love and compassion to those in need. Janet Johnson
Janet was involved in a car accident a few weeks ago. She is recovering and is able to move around, but has received some setbacks that are making it difficult for a full recovery. Infinite Intelligence, we ask You and the Summerland Healing Angels, Spirit Guides, Doctors, and Healers to surround Janet and her recovery team in healing light of the highest vibration. We call in healers from far and side to assist in the process so Janet can get back to daily activities without pain and without any additional stress. Donnie List, brother of Rosemary's husband Jim
You may remember praying for healing for Donnie earlier from a previous healing request. Donnie is the brother of Rosemary's husband Jim. Sorry to say, in Rosemary's words, Donnie had unexpected complications from his illness and transitioned yesterday. Prayers would be appreciated for his journey home and for the family, especially his four children, two of whom are young teens. Infinite Intelligence, we ask You and the Summerland Healing Angels, Spirit Guides, Doctors, and Healers to support and lovingly guide Donnie List's transition to the Summerland. In addition, surround his family, especially his children, in compassionate, nurturing and comforting light of the highest vibration. Show them the way to find peace and tranquility under Your guidance. We ask this in all sincerity and honesty, and we will do our part. Let it be so. Olivia Carbone, Barbara Newman, M'Lis D'Angelo, Michael Thorn, Jodie and Bob Kiss
Please keep Olivia, Barbara, M'Lis, Michael, and Jodie and Bob in your thoughts and send healing prayers their way. Ask for Divine guidance to help make their path ahead full of joy, fully connected to the All That Is. Thank you for your time and prayers. ~ Valerie Miller, SCOL Secretary, March 23, 2016. |
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At our last Board Meeting, we had the pleasure of approving the following new member: Craig Smith, M'Lis's son! Please give him a warm welcome when you see him next! ~ Valerie Miller, SCOL Secretary, Posted February 28, 2016 |
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Summerland Church of Light Birth Announcement
Congratulations to Theresa Falese on the birth of her second granddaughter, Adriana Theresa Patel. She arrived Wednesday, weighing in at 8 lbs.! Mom Alex and baby are doing fine! ~ Valerie Miller, SCOL Secretary, Posted February 14, 2016 |
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Message from Camille Johnson:
As you know, Barbara Newman will be leaving us (and greatly missed!) as she heads down to her new home in New Jersey this month. She has promised to come back to join us from time to time and we can all look forward to that. I will now be handling scheduling the podium. Thank you Barbara for all the work and loving service you have provided over the years.
We will miss you, but will look forward to seeing you when your schedule permits! And Camille, thank you for taking on the platform scheduling! We know you will do very well with this function and are so grateful that you are handling this! ~ Valerie Miller, SCOL Secretary, Posted February 14, 2016 |
Schoeller Family 2011
Schoeller Family 2012
Schoeller Family 2012
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Summerland Church of Light Bereavement Notice
Dear Friends, With sadness and heavy hearts, we have received word that Richard's father, Richard A. Schoeller, passed away. In Richard's words, My father died on Tuesday evening, January 26th. Here is the schedule of services if you would like to attend: *Visitation on Sunday and Monday:* 2 - 4:30 p.m. 7 - 9:30 p.m. Prayer service on Monday only at 8 p.m. *Mangano Funeral Home* *1701 Deer Park Ave.* *Deer Park, NY 11729* *(631) 586-3600* *Funeral on Tuesday:* Gather at 10 am - Mangano Funeral Home Depart at 11 am Interment - Pinelawn Memorial Park, Pinelawn Road, Farmingdale Thank you all for your loving support and friendship. Love, Richard and John ================== Suggested prayer at this time: Infinite Intelligence, we ask for our church guides and healers to support and lovingly guide Richard A. Schoeller's transition to the Summerland. In addition, surround the his family---including his son, our dearest friend Richard P. Schoeller --- in compassionate, nurturing healing light of the highest vibration. Show them the way to find peace and tranquility under Your guidance. Please keep all in your prayers. We ask this in all sincerity and honesty, and we will do our part. Let it be so. You may remember seeing Richard's Dad and the family when they came to Summerland to witness an Evening of Spirit Communication in 2011 and 2012. Posted above left are a few pictures. Thank you for your time and prayers. May Infinite Intelligence continue to bless and comfort the Schoeller family and their friends.... ~ Valerie Miller, SCOL Secretary, Thursday, January 28 2016. |
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We are excited to welcome T. Vitanza-Salgine as our new Vice President! "T" will take over the position vacated by Jodie, who will be leaving the end of the year. Thanks Jodie for all the work you have done to make Summerland the special place it is! ~ Valerie Miller, SCOL Secretary, Posted November 8, 2015 |
Inga Shcheglova ~Unsplash
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Summerland Church of Light Birth Announcement
CONGRATULATIONS to Danielle Cahill & family. We all are so happy to introduce and welcome Aurora Sky, who was born on September 14! Danielle says she will get back to church services once she gets some solid sleep. She misses all and the beautiful energy at Summerland... Hope to see you soon Danielle with Aurora when you are able! So happy for you Danielle! Blessings to you, Aurora, and the family ❤ ~ Valerie Miller, SCOL Secretary, Posted October 11, 2015 |
Inga Shcheglova ~Unsplash
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Summerland Church of Light Birth Announcement
CONGRATULATIONS to Marianne & Al Straaik, grandparents of a healthy baby girl.. In Al's words, Baby Sophie born on the 28th...7lbs 13oz... so beautiful I am at a loss for words!!! So happy for you Marianne & Al! Al says Mom & baby are just fine! ~ Valerie Miller, SCOL Secretary, Posted October 4, 2015 |
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Special Congratulations to the new Board Members and the Pastoral Committee who were voted in at the
Annual Membership meeting last Sunday, April 19th: Board of Trustees: Jodie Kiss, Vice President Janet Johnson, Recording Secretary M'Lis D'Angelo, Trustee Pastoral Committee: Mediumship: Frank Kotowski, Jr., Director Platform: Jodie Kiss & Barbara Newman, Co-Directors Healing: Rosemary Calderalo, Point Person;Wendy Hodor, Barbara Newman, Co-Directors |
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And hugs and a big thank you for hard work well done to vacating Board members Vice President Michael Thorn, Recording Secretary Gail Keller, and Trustee Debby Murrin. We appreciate all that you have done for the church. ~ Valerie Miller, SCOL Secretary, Posted April 26, 2015 |
Luke Rocco Martocci •
March 30, 2015
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Summerland Church of Light Birth Announcement
Dear Members, With happiness and cheer, we have received word that the Martoccis have given birth to a beautiful bouncing boy! In Pete's words, Just wanted to let Summerland know Luke Rocco Martocci was born today at 12:32 pm he is 23 inches tall and 11 pounds 13 ounces yes he's a big boy. Love pete and colleen and luke Infinite Intelligence, we ask for our church guides, doctors, and healers to support and lovingly continue to guide and welcome Luke to this brave new world! We pray for his health and continued growth on all levels, and wish for Colleen to have the best and brightest mothering experience. Blessings and congratulations to Colleen, Pete, and Luke! Thank you for your time and prayers. ~ Valerie Miller, SCOL Secretary, Posted Monday, March 30 2015. |
Barbara at a few of our holiday & anniversary parties--always bright, cheerful, and glowing.
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Summerland Church of Light Bereavement Notice
Dear Members,
With sadness and heavy hearts, we have received word that Barbara Rant passed away suddenly on Saturday. Rev. Richard Schoeller contacted Frank with information about the funeral arrangements. There will be a wake for her on Tuesday, 2--4 PM afternoon and 7--9 PM in the evening, and a religious service will take place at 8 PM at the Charles Schmitt Funeral Home, 3863 Merrick Rd., Seaford, NY 11783, (516) 785-3380. Here is the funeral home's website:https://www.schmittfuneralhome.com We ask that you send prayers and love to Barbara's family, friends, and fellow Summerland members as they come to grips with this unexpected tragedy and great loss of this woman who was the moral compass of our community. Barbara is a Spiritualist; as such she knows, as do we all, that life continues beyond the veil. It is hard, though, for us on this three-dimensional plane to wrap our heads around this quickly, as Barbara only recently played a pivotal role in helping and guiding us at a group meeting. She also was a strong participant in our new Cabinet unfoldment group. Infinite Intelligence, we ask for our church guides, doctors, and healers to support and lovingly continue to guide Barbara's transition to the Summerland. We pray that she is joyously greeted by loved ones who have already crossed over, and that she will continue on with with her dedicated spiritual growth and compassionate benevolence towards all. In addition, surround her family and friends in tender, restorative healing light of the highest vibration. Please keep all who knew and loved Barbara in your prayers. Thank you for your time and prayers. ~ Valerie Miller, SCOL Secretary, Posted Monday, March 30 2015. |
