Church of Scientology Nashville Spreads Smiles

The Churches of Scientology Disaster Response are known for helping communities during times of emergency, and this has not stopped during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Church’s Volunteer Minister Corps are usually seen wearing bright yellow shirts sporting the unique Scientology Eight-Pointed Cross. This is a unique time wherein Americans are hunkering down in their homes and only go out for essential needs. Therefore, it was important for the church to do help, but in more of a virtual way to help slow the spread of COVID-19 while continuing to lift people up.

First, the Church of Scientology Nashville shared visual resources created by Scientology Media Productions directly on its Facebook page to help enlighten and inform church parishioners and the general public on How to Keep Yourself and Others Well.  This video has been shared on Scientology.org/StayWell as well as the Scientology YouTube Channel where it now has over 1 million views. It’s been shared on social media, and now the Church of Scientology Nashville has added it as a temporary Page Cover to help bring the message even further.

But that’s not all. Just this week, Scientology Media Productions with the help of church parishioners from around the world created a music video titled “Spread a Smile” featuring Chick Corea, Mark Isham, Stanley Clarke, Kate Ceberano, Kerri Kasem, and even the Jive Aces, among many others, all performing from their homes.

The music video is uplifting and encouraging, shining a light during dark times, according to the feedback of community members and parishioners. “I was literally feeling blue this morning and then I saw this and it changed everything,” said Elisabeth from Nashville.

The video ends with the message and hashtag #StayWell.

“This video was beautifully made and makes me smile every time I watch it,” says Julie Brinker, Director of Community Affairs for the Church of Scientology Nashville. “As soon as I saw it, I made sure to share it directly on our local church Facebook page and send to my friends. We’re all in this together.”

The Church has resources available online at Scientology.org/StayWell with information and tips including how to properly put on a mask and how to properly sanitize. “By following the guidelines and precautions in this booklet, you can help prevent the spread of illness and maintain a healthy environment.”

For more information or to learn more, visit Scientology.org/StayWell.

Nashville Church of Scientology Holds ‘Swing Into Health’ Concert

The Nashville Church of Scientology recently held a community concert in observance of World Health Day, called ‘Swing Into Health.’

When a jump-jive swing band comes rolling through Nashville right around World Health Day, it only makes sense that a concert related to healthy living is in order. And that’s exactly what happened during the second week of April when the Jive Aces visited the Church of Scientology for a community concert. Aptly titled “Swing Into Health,” the concert brought people together for a fun evening where they were able to engage with organizations promoting healthy lifestyles such as being drug-free, doing community gardening and finding affordable healthcare.

The Church of Scientology supports the Foundation for a Drug-Free World (FDFW), which has as its mission to educate people about the dangerous effects of drugs so they understand and can make informed choices on the subject. The local chapter, Drug-Free Tennessee (DFT) hosted the concert to observe World Health Day. 

Rev. Brian Fesler, pastor of the Nashville Church of Scientology, says, “There is a need in our communities to educate everyone on how to be healthy—this includes staying away from illegal drugs, and there are many other aspects to health that people should know. By educating people in a fun, upbeat way, they could be more inclined to make healthier choices.”

The Jive Aces, who headlined the concert, are a six piece swing band that has been together for over a decade. The group has performed at thousands of festivals, theatres and events throughout the UK, Europe and USA, as well as Japan, Israel, South Africa, Morocco and the Caribbean, 30 countries in all. The Jive Aces are renowned for their high energy Jump Jive music (the exciting sound where Swing meets Rock ‘n Roll) and spectacular stage show.

According to jiveaces.com, “Having become the first ever band to reach the semifinals of Britain's Got Talent in 2012 following up with a performance for Her Majesty The Queen as part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations and performances for both the Olympic and Paralympic celebrations, The Jive Aces have truly established themselves as the UK's top Jive & Swing band.”

For more information on the Church of Scientology or its programs, visit scientology-ccnashville.org. 

Artlightenment 2016 Art and Film Festival Coming in November

Eighth Annual Multi-media Art and Film Festival Slated for November 10-12.

Artlightenment, the annual multi-media art show and film festival, which showcases dozens of  visual artists, painters, sculptors and filmmakers, is slated to run November 10-12 at the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre Nashville, 1130 8^th Ave. S., Nashville, TN, 37203. Created by painter, sculptor and film producer, Robyn Morshead in 2009, this three day event also features workshops, live music and a fashion show, making it a vital force in Nashville’s creative community.

The theme of this year’s festival is “America-Its Cultures and Influences” and will feature the work of legendary painter Jim Warren, one of the most versatile and successful artists living today. The whimsically surreal and amazingly unique creations he paints have inspired artists from around the world. Winning a Grammy Award for his cover art of Bob Seger’s “Against the Wind” album, Warren has also painted portraits of such notable figures as Brooke Shields, the Beach Boys and Kelsey Grammar for the Fame-Wall project in New York and continues to collaborate with Disney Studios on various projects. Ticketholders will enjoy a rare opportunity, not only to see Mr. Warren’s work, but to meet him in person during a brief reception, on Saturday, November 12 at 6:30pm. He will then speak about his legendary career, which has spanned four decades.

In addition to Mr. Warren’s work, over 30 visual artists will have their art on display beginning at 6:00 pm on Thursday, November 10. The 2016 Film Festival will include short films created by both Nashville filmmakers and filmmakers from 35 countries around the world. These films will be screened nightly throughout the Festival.

Artlightenment is also proud to feature professors and student filmmakers from MTSU, including well-known Documentary Filmmaker Tom Neff who will showcase some of his photography. These works will be shown throughout the Festival’s three day run.

Tickets for this revolutionary event are $10 for three days. Ticketholders have access to all exhibits and workshops as well as the Film Festival and closing-night awards and fashion shows. For more information on the Artlightenment 2016 Art and Film Festival, to see the schedule of events, or to purchase tickets, please visit: http://www.artlightenment.com.  

Enjoy a sneak-peek of Artlightenment’s Art Show, (no ticket required) on November 5, which will dovetail with the WEHO Art Crawl, beginning at 6:00 pm at 1130 8^th Ave. S., Nashville, TN, 37203.

Artlightenment Festival Announces 2016 Theme

Artlightenment takes place in November at the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre Nashville and organizers have just announced theme for the 2016 event.

Nashville is a city for the arts. While it goes by the name Music City, there is a wide variety of art beyond music that residents partake in: theatre, dance, design, fashion, sculpting, painting, and more. And for the past seven years, these art forms have all come to light in one explosive event: the annual Artlightenment film and art festival.

Artlightenment 2016 will see its eighth year of the festival which continues to grow and change while inviting even greater participation from the community. Organizers of the event have just announced the theme for this year, “America: Its Cultures and Influences.” It will take place from the art opening on November 5th through the awards ceremony and fashion show on November 12th.  The film festival will be Nov 10-12th, and the complete schedule can be seen at www.artlightenment.com.

According to the Artlightenment website, the festival was created from founder Robyn Morshead’s dream to help artists by giving them a festival dedicated to no other cause than the art itself. “This is a festival about them, the artists, and what they have to say,” says Morshead.

The Church of Scientology and Celebrity Centre Nashville is the festival host each year, in accordance with Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard’s vision to help all artists. All are invited. For more information, visit artlightenment.com. 

Seminar About the Mind Interests Artists at Nashville Church of Scientology

Owen York is an artist with a special mission: “My dream is to bring art back from the dead, by bringing the artist back to life.” This past weekend, he delivered a seminar on the mind to fellow artists. 

The Founder of Scientology, L. Ron Hubbard, began his research into the mind when he was in his teen years. Through his travels and discoveries, he compiled the best-selling self-help book, Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health and published it in 1950. Since that time, people from all walks of life have discovered the tools within and used them to help better their lives. Owen York is a Nashville fine artist who believes these tools are of great importance to artists and wants to help others improve their lives.

This past weekend, York delivered his seminar “What You Need to Know About the Mind As an Artist” to a crowd at the Nashville Church of Scientology.  “Artists uplift society,” says Rev. Brian Fesler, pastor of the church. “Our founder knew that artists influence others and that this could be positive or negative. If artists have are doing well spiritually, they can uplift people and the society will flourish.”

York’s artistic style speaks for itself. His originals, commissions and portraitures have sold nationwide and internationally. He specializes in acrylics & watercolors and his influences include Impressionism, Rock & Roll and commercial Illustration. He has a degree in Illustration from the American Academy of Art in Chicago.

At the seminar, York discussed how to reach one's full potential as an artist, why artists are different from other people, and why it is imperative for artists to know how the mind works.

According to his website, owenyork.com, he has been involved in the arts “literally since Day 1.” As a child, he was recognized for his visual arts abilities, but was also a skilled writer & musician, playing the piano & saxophone and winning contests for young authors. At a young age, he was invited into a special program for the gifted, limited to a handful of those who excelled in the arts. He has also worked as an actor for TV, commercial, film & radio for stations including The History Channel, HSN and The Weather Channel. Despite these adventures in the various arts, York is a fine artist at heart.

To find out more about the Church of Scientology’s seminars, call 615-687-4600. For more information about Owen York or his artwork, visit owenyork.com.

Artlightenment 6th Annual Art Show and Film Festival Schedule Released

The annual Artlightenment Festival seminar schedule has been released. The festival will take place November 13-15th at the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre in Nashville, Tennessee.

Artlightenment, now in its 6^th consecutive year, has recently announced its seminar schedule. The seminars have been an integral part of the festival since its inception, where successful artists pass on their knowledge to others.

Robyn Morshead is founder of the annual art show. An artist and filmmaker herself, she gears the event toward the advancement of every artist and filmmaker who participates or attends.

The seminars will open on Thursday, Nov 13 at 5:30pm with Christy Lee Rogers discussing “My Underwater Photography,” which will be shortly followed by Carla Christina Contreras on “My Secrets to Acting Success” at 6:30pm.

Thursday will also be the opening to the film festival, with short films being shown from 7-9:30pm.

Friday, Nov 14 at 7pm, celebrity photographer Raeanne Rubenstein will discuss the theme of the 2014 Artlightenment festival, “The Funny Side of Art and Film,” before commencing another round of the film festival from 7:30-10pm that night.

Saturday, Nov 15, the Artlightenment Art show officially opens at 1pm, and is open to the public. At 4pm, Annie Kananak will deliver a seminar on “From Screenplay to the Big Screen,” before the 6pm artists reception where guests will be able to “meet and greet” the artists of the festival. 7:30pm will begin the Artlightenment Awards presentations where the Best of Show will be awarded, among others. To conclude the festival, at 8:30pm, there will be a fashion show with designs by Monarch Clothing.

The festival will take place this year on November 13 - 15 at the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre Nashville, 1130 8th Ave S, and all are welcome. Prospective participants may submit their film or artwork online at artlightenment.com or contact Robyn Morshead at robynmorshead@gmail.com.

Nashville Church of Scientology Celebrates the New Year

Nashville’s Church of Scientology saw a whirlwind of activity throughout 2013. Parishioners gathered on New Year’s Eve to celebrate a year of accomplishments and look forward to the year ahead.

Internationally, the Church of Scientology had much to celebrate from 2013. The highlight of the year was the November 17th opening of the Church's new cathedral - the 377,000 square foot architectural masterpiece in Clearwater, Florida known as The Flag Building, an achievement that crowns a year of the Church's most expansive growth to date.

Locally, the Nashville Church of Scientology had its best year to date as well. Scientologists looked back on the time spent on programs aimed at drug and human rights education, and other activities aimed at improving their community, schools and neighborhoods.

The Church began the year by opening its doors to community events. During Black History Month, the church hosted a presentation for the Black Legends of Basketball. Legends were honored with a special display and there was a panel discussion about the history and future of basketball.

Throughout the year, church members visited 14 counties in Tennessee to deliver information on the Truth About Drugs. Working with the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, they were able to enlighten thousands of students who are now certain they will never fall victim to a dealer’s lies. One school to receive a visit was Smyrna West Alternative where a teacher expressed his gratitude by writing a letter to the volunteers.  He noted the program “is a highly informative, mind-grasping look at the dangers and horrible realities that addiction creates.”

In the summer months, Scientologists went out into the community to distribute copies of The Way to Happiness. This booklet written by L. Ron Hubbard is a common sense guide to better living that anyone can use. The entire neighborhood surrounding the church received copies of the booklet. 

In November, the Church hosted the annual Artlightenment art and film festival, which is themed “Art, Artists and the Art of Existence.” In its fifth year, this was the most successful to date in terms of the attendance and number of artists participating.  The festival has added film and fashion and become one of the go-to events of the year for area fine artists.

In December 2013, the Church worked with local and state government agencies and non-profit organizations to plan the Tennessee Celebration of International Human Rights Day. During the  December 10^th celebration, human rights advocates were awarded for their service to the community, there was a panel discussion on Human Rights Issues Today, and a special speaker who served the United Nations for nearly 30 years gave an overview of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Church pastor Rev. Brian Fesler said, "2013 has been an exciting year, our best yet. We are thankful for all our friends in the community who are working to make Nashville a better place, and we look forward to collaboration and a 2014 where everyone wins." 

For more information about Scientology, visit www.scientology.org.

Church of Scientology Community News: Independence Day Celebrations Across Nashville

The Nashville Church of Scientology supports the good works of others. Today’s highlight: Nashville celebrates Independence Day.

It is the 4^th of July. Google has done up a doodle to showcase the day, with a series of family photos at historic sites around the country. Businesses are closed and families are getting together to celebrate the holiday. And, in Nashville, the Church of Scientology is opening up a gathering to the community of potluck and fireworks show.

“Today is a special day for the nation. We are celebrating freedom,” says Rev. Brian Fesler of the Church of Scientology, “This day can bring the entire community together in solidarity.”

And so it does with celebrations popping up all across the Nashville area. The downtown fireworks display in the city promises to be a grand show with celebrity performers including the likes of The Band Perry, Keb’ Mo’ and the Nashville Symphony.

The Adventure Science Center will feature a rooftop view of the downtown fireworks. Lipscomb University is offering a Free Independence Day festival featuring fireworks, musical entertainment, food and games for the entire family.

As newspaper columnist Erma Bombeck said, “You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness.  You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism.”

For more information about 4^th of July celebrations, go to nashville.about.com.

Spreading the Way to Happiness at Memphis Stone Soul Picnic

Common sense booklets which provide information on how to live better to be distributed at Stone Soul Picnic in Memphis. 

Saturday, August 31, from 1-10pm, Memphis residents and others from around the country will “surry” on down to the Stone Soul Picnic. As this is the 39^th annual event and Memphis’ longest-running outdoor festival, it has gained popularity and attention as an institution in the city.

The picnic is a gospel-loving, family-friendly occasion. In past years, the picnic has brought such luminaries as Johnnie Taylor, Shirley Caesar and Al Green. This year's event will be held at the historical Tom Lee Park on the banks of the Mississippi River in Downtown Memphis and expects over 15,000 in attendance.

While the festival always brings people together for a great time, this year will go a step further to help promote good lifestyle choices with a booklet that is being distributed called “The Way to Happiness.”

The Way to Happiness was written by author, humanitarian and Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard in 1981 to address these problems and to provide a path that can be followed by any person of any background, culture or creed to attain a happier, more prosperous and more fulfilling life.

 “Viewed from almost any perspective, the world today suffers from a moral and ethical crisis of epidemic proportions,” according to the website scientology.org. “Beneath society’s rampant crime and drug abuse, corporate greed, political misconduct and international conflict lie the root problems of dishonesty and immorality.”

Those distributing the booklet report that when it is distributed in communities afflicted by violence, gangs and racism, it has brought calm and peace. The booklet has been used in thousands of prisons and its message has restored self-respect among the most hardened criminals, guiding them onto the path to becoming useful and contributing members of society.

More than 100 million copies have since been distributed in 205 countries and territories since its initial publication in the early 1980s. By participating in the Stone Soul Picnic, organizers hope to reach people that might not be reached any other way. “We go to where people are in order to get this message out there,” says Chris Hays who organizes the Tennessee chapter, “In this fast-paced media age, there are many conflicting messages of right and wrong, but by placing effective answers in someone’s hand they can change around their life for the better.”

To learn more about The Way to Happiness, visit thewaytohappiness.org. For more information about the Stone Soul Picnic, visit Memphis.about.com.