The sacred ceremony in which the new generation of leadership of San Diego Center for Spiritual Living was installed and presented to the New Thought Community took place on Sunday, September 9, 2007. Master of Ceremonies Rev. Roger Juline deftly guided the schedule of presenters, musicians, and honorees in an afternoon of joy and celebration. The historic ministerial procession included a cadre of Religious Science ministers licensed with United Centers for Spiritual Living, Religious Science International, Affiliated New Thought Network, and independent ministries - all there to honor Rev. John Poleski's open-hearted inclusive involvement over many years with New Thought leadership and the San Diego League of Practitioners.

Following the processional, Board President Noble Benning welcomed guests with a recounting of the commitment he, Rev. John, and Connie made at the 2005 Annual Gathering to do whatever was necessary to grow a healthy spiritual community in downtown San Diego. Rev. John's wife Constance Cook-Core, RScP, performed the Invocation and turned the event over to Rev. Roger Juline for an introduction of the ceremonies. The first presentation was an inspirational reading from Ernest Holmes' final conclusion on page 423 of the Science of Mind textbook delivered by Dr. Ruth Hobson of the New Thought Center for Creative Living in San Diego. Dr. Hobson is also Director of Education and Dean of the San Diego Campus of Emerson Theological Institute, Rev. John's alma mater. Founding Minister Rev. Dr. Gordon Bishop gave personal comments honoring his and Karen's many years of friendship with Rev. John, touched on the evening John and Connie met ("the world hasn't been the same since!"), and John's willingness to step forward, go through the UCSL Affiliation Process and lead the San Diego Center for Spiritual Living into new growth and revitalization. The interleaving of the Declaration of Principles and the Global Heart Vision were read, respectively, by Rev. Gordon and Rev. Sharon Hudson, UCSL Ecclesiastical Representative and Founding Minister of Light of Life Center for Spiritual Living in Rancho Bernardo. Officiant Dr. Kathy Hearn, Community Spiritual Leader of United Centers for Spiritual Living, delivered the Installation Message and performed the sacred Installation of Senior Minister Rev. John Poleski, the officers of the Board of Directors, the Practitioners, and the membership of San Diego Center for Spiritual Living. Rev. Kevin Bucy, Founding Minister of Universal Spirit Center, delivered the Benediction.

Music was a powerful force throughout the proceedings. One of Rev. John's favorite pieces of classical music, Dvorak's "From The New World, Largo", filled the room as Mr. Steve Bates introduced the ministers in the processional. Long-time friend Rev. Fran Loskota-Christ, artistic director of Seaside Center for Spiritual Living in Encinitas, CA, and a regular performer at the Westgate Hotel in downtown San Diego, honored Rev. John with a piece she selected for his installation - "Let Somebody Know" by Brenda Russell. Jim & Carol Rieger and Sylvia Isely-Aguilera of the San Diego Center for Spiritual Living house band, Trilogy, beautifully performed Jan Garrett's "I Dreamed of Rain," and featured Sylvia as soloist in "Grow A Church", the prelude for Sunday services by Margaret Owen. That was just the beginning.

The highlight of the musical performances was the finale of Rev. John Poleski doffing his robes and strapping on his Guild 12-string acoustic guitar. Backed by Trilogy, John stepped fully into his former rock-star mode and wowed the audience with a powerful rendition of Supertramp's made-for-the-12-string "Give A Little Bit." Through a standing ovation and whoops and hollers, Rev. Roger Juline had to reclaim the audience for Rev. Kevin's closing comments and prayer.

Rev. John said it very well when he included on the back cover of the Installation Programme: "My heartfelt thanks to all those who made today a sacred and joyful experience." This heartfelt thanks is extended to Nancy Moyer, Event Coordinator, who worked tirelessly to ensure the smooth operation of all activities. Nancy was supported by team members Linda and Steve Bates, Eileen Bell, Noble Benning, Coco Cabuquit-Jarboe, Ken and Kathy Casey, Constance Cook-Core, Jan Dawson, Dolores Dempsey, Hope Engel, June Francis, Paulina Gilbert, Courtney Griffith, Sylvia Isely-Aguilera, Brad Moyer, Jim and Carol Rieger, Charise Rigby-Fene, and Kathy Thompson. Heartfelt thanks to all!

Rev. John also extends special thanks to the following people for supporting him through the United Centers for Spiritual Living Affiliation Process: Dr. Gordon Bishop, Annie Glasgow, RScP, Dr. Kathy Hearn, Rev. Sharon Hudson, Rev. Roger Juline, and Taffye Wallace, RScP.