Nashville Church of Scientology Hosts Tony Rockliff for Seminar in January

The Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre Nashville is proud to bring Tony Rockliff back for a seminar geared toward helping artists advance in their careers.

Tony Rockliff not only has decades of experience as a record producer, recording engineer and composer, he also knew how to work social media before it was considered important. So he will be delivering a seminar for artists to help them understand how to market themselves through the Internet. The seminar will be held at the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre Nashville on Jan 17, 2015.

Rockliff has worked with artists including Cat Stevens, Billy Ocean, Beck, Elton John's band, Regina Bell, the Temptations, Sir George Martin, Brian Johnson from AC/DC, Uriah Heep, David Pomeranz, David Campbell, Nicky Hopkins, members of Yes and the Doors and many others.  And in 1995, before there was any talk of social media, Tony created Cybertown, an on-line community of people from 155 countries interacting in a 3D Virtual Reality off-world town set about 100 years in the future.  Cybertown grew to 1.3 million members, was receiving 1.5 billion hits a year and was listed in the top 2500 sites in the world.

Rockliff described his seminar like this: “This seminar covers the exact activities being done by the musicians who are being successful expanding their careers via the Internet. It covers which social media are the really important ones and exactly how to use them, with step-by-step strategies. It has been updated to include the many changes that have occurred on the Internet during the last year.”

Corinne Sullivan, President of the Church is glad to host this seminar for musicians, “As a Celebrity Centre we have a unique mission to help artists, and part of that help is very practical.  Our founder, L. Ron Hubbard was an artist himself and made it clear how important artists are to society. We provide these seminars to anyone and everyone who wants to make a career as an artist. All are welcome.”

Rockliff’s seminar will be Jan 17, 2015 at 1pm at the Church of Scientology in Nashville, 1130 8^th Avenue South. Contact the Julie at 615-687-4600 for more information.  For more on Tony Rockliff, visit his website www.indietrak.com.

2014 Year in Review - Religion Communicators Council Spreads Message Further

The Religion Communicators Council meets each month to hear about a topic of interest. In 2014, the Nashville chapter held regular meetings as well as hosted the annual convention.

The Religion Communicators Council (RCC) hears regularly from a variety of organizations and groups which better the community, promote messages of faith or give tips on how to spread the good word. In 2014, RCC members were able to learn from many more organizations and faith groups.

The year began with a meeting at Horton Group where RCC members learned the “Basic Principles of Good Design,” from Senior Designer Corey Lamp who took them through real examples of what to do with balance, proximity, alignment, spacing, contrast and hierarchy.

Next RCC visited the Islamic Center of Nashville where they were able to meet three members of the Muslim Women’s Council. Aisha Lbhalla founded the Muslim Women’s Council of Tennessee, first with the purpose of getting Muslim women active and contributing to worthy causes, and now to bring them closer to those of other faith traditions.

After this meeting, Lbhalla was elected to serve as Membership Officer for the Executive Committee of the Nashville Chapter of RCC. Other officers elected to serve this year include Rev. Brian Fesler, Pastor of the Church of Scientology, who will continue in his role as President of the local chapter; Drew Pope, Director of Public Affairs for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, who is the new Vice President for Programming; Royya James, Conference Relations Coordinator of United Methodist Communications, who is now the Treasurer; and Julie Brinker, Director of Community Affairs for the Church of Scientology, who is remaining Communications Coordinator for the Nashville chapter.

In April, Nashville hosted the national convention for the RCC at the Inn at Opryland. The convention offered exciting plenary speakers, challenging workshops and awards to secular and faith-based organizations for exceptional work communicating faith issues.

The opening session featured Remziya Suleyman with American Center for Outreach, who provided a moving and informative look into the Role of Religious Communication in Public Advocacy by sharing her own experience in the field. Plenary sessions also featured speakers Rev. Larry Hollon of United Methodist Communications, Dr. Sybril Bennett of Belmont University in Nashville, Rev. Michael Waters of Joy Tabernacle AME Church in Dallas, and Sarah Wilke, Publisher of the Upper Room Ministries.

Workshops featured professional development, communication in a digital age, and interfaith communication. Speakers included Daoud Abudiab with the Islamic Center of Columbia, Bob Smietana formerly with the Tennessean newspaper, D. Greg Droubay with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and many more.

A special celebration was held in honor of the 85th anniversary of the RCC where a brief history of the organization was shown, and the dates and place of the 2015 RCC Convention were announced: April 9-11 in Washington, D.C.

After the convention, the Nashville chapter continued its regular meetings with a presentation by the Tennessee Department of Health Faith Based Initiatives Office Director, Dr. Michele Gourley. Dr. Gourley discussed the importance of being prepared in case of a disease epidemic in the community, such as Ebola, as well as having Points of Dispensing Clinics (PODs) set up well in advance so communities have a location to turn to in case of an outbreak of this nature.

RCC then wrapped up the year with a visit to Hands On Nashville, a volunteer organization which helps connect good causes to helpful people. They heard from Director of Corporate Relations, Tara Tenorio, who discussed volunteer opportunities such as ReCYCLE forKids, a program to bring used bikes to kids in need, as well as the MLK Day of Service.

RCC is open to members from all denominations, and the Nashville group includes Baha’is, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Scientologists, and more.  For further information about the RCC or their next meeting, visit www.religioncommunicators.org. 

2014 Year in Review – Drug-Free South Helping Youth in Tennessee

The Truth About Drugs materials provide teachers, law enforcement and community groups with effective drug education tools, and in 2014 Drug-Free South took these materials to thousands of students.

A recent study of 7th-12th-grade students revealed 10 percent of them abused over-the-counter drugs typically found in the home medicine cabinet. The U.S. Office of National Drug Control Policy reports that prescription drug abuse is the country’s fastest-growing drug problem. Drugs are finding their way into the nation’s classrooms and schoolyards.

For over five years, Drug-Free South, the local chapter of the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, has been working with teachers, counselors and police officers in Tennessee to stop the demand for drugs by reaching students before the dealers do. They use a series of drug education resources that work—a multimedia program that speaks to the youth of today, informing them of the truth about drugs and empowering them to make their own decisions to live drug-free.

The cornerstone of the program is a series of booklets that provide the facts about the most commonly abused drugs: marijuana, alcohol, Ecstasy, cocaine, crack cocaine, crystal meth, inhalants, heroin, LSD, prescription drugs, painkillers, and Ritalin. Next is a series of 16 award-winning “They Said, They Lied” public service announcements. They are contemporary, high-impact communications aimed directly at youth. Finally, the core of the Truth About Drugs educational program is a 100-minute documentary, The Truth About Drugs: Real People, Real Stories. The film is a hard-hitting, no-holds-barred presentation told by former users who themselves survived life-shattering addiction.

Parents and teachers can order Truth About Drugs booklets and DVDs free of charge from the drugfreeworld.org website or download the free Truth About Drugs Education Application onto their iPads or iPhones.

Drug-Free South began the year by visiting a new school in Elmwood, Tenn. There, they gave three seminars to 208 students with grades ranging from kindergarten to eighth. From there, Drug-Free South only got busier. In total, they visited seven counties and distributed over 18,000 booklets on the Truth About Drugs.  By the end of the year, volunteers for the program had traveled nearly 2,000 miles, educating students along the way.

To date, the Tennessee chapter has visited 31 counties, delivered over 240 seminars on the program, and distributed more than 60,000 booklets to those in need.

For more information on the Truth About Drugs program, or to order materials, visit drugfreesouth.org.

Church of Scientology to Host Black Legends of Basketball Exhibit in February

Black legends from the early years of basketball will be honored during a special reception and week-long exhibit at the Church of Scientology in Feb 2015.

The Nashville Church of Scientology is working with a number of organizations to make Black History Month very special in 2015. The first in a series of events the church will host will be a week-long exhibit of memorabilia from the early years of the Harlem Globetrotters and New York Rens. The exhibit comes from the Black Legends of Professional Basketball Foundation, founded by former Globetrotter, Dr. John Kline.

The exhibit is set to open on February 1, 2015 with a reception and meet-and-greet with Dr. Kline at 2pm.

Rev. Brian Fesler, pastor of the church, says, “It is important to recognize the struggle and courage these early Globetrotters had. They were pioneers, and deserve to be honored for their place in the history of human rights as much as basketball.” 

The exhibit, which includes pamphlets, posters and photos of the early years of basketball (1900-1960), will be on display for one week.  

The opening reception will be Sunday, February 1, 2015 at 2:00pm, at the Church of Scientology, 1130 8th Avenue South. The exhibit will open that day and will remain open to the public for one week. For more information, call Julie Brinker at 615-687-4600. 

Church of Scientology Helps Artists Reach Dreams

The Church of Scientology and Celebrity Centre of Nashville is dedicated to its mission to help artists reach their goals and become successful.

The Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre Nashville is proud to help aspiring artists. The reason: the church knows that when artists lead by example – when they are doing well and forwarding positive messages, the culture does well. “Scientology Founder, L. Ron Hubbard, spoke about the importance of the arts, and we know that art can keep a culture vibrant and alive,” says Corinne Sullivan, President of the Nashville Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre.

This past weekend, the church held a seminar called “Vision,” to help artists define their message. One attendee said she was able to see her own art in a new way afterward. The seminar covered materials from the book Art, by L. Ron Hubbard, from the chapters “Creating Art that Talks,” and “Message.”

The following day, award winning fine artist Owen York delivered a lecture on “The Mind of the Artist,” where he showed attendees how they can reach their full potential. York’s artwork has been featured in the 2012 Artlightenment Art and Film Festival in Nashville, Tenn., at Four Seasons Studio in Stockholm, Sweden, and at the Northern Indiana Arts Association, in Hammond, Indiana.

The Church is planning more seminars and events to help Nashville artists in the coming year. For more information, call Julie at 615-687-4600, or visit the Church’s website scientology-ccnashville.org. 

Celebrate a long history of human rights advocacy

Wednesday, Dec. 10, marked the 66th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

This is the 64th year of the celebration of the UN International Human Rights Day. This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

These two documents and the celebration of human rights day emphasizes that all human beings are entitled to justice and dignity through the application of the core principles of universality, interdependence and indivisibility, equality and nondiscrimination.

The international slogan this year is Human Rights 365 and the Tennessee theme is "Looking Back 50 Years: How far have we come? Where are we going?"

Both of these themes remind us that as a world, nation, a state and a city we have made gains but we are still challenged by issues such as those in Ferguson, MO, and Cleveland, Ohio, with the issue of race around police and community and criminal justice in general; the domestic violence issue in the NFL and the larger society; and the elimination of poverty and disparities in education, housing, employment and healthcare to name a few.

Dr. King, in accepting the Nobel Peace Prize in October, 1964 said "...problems, while appearing to be separate and isolated, are inextricably bound to the other."

It also reminds us, we must work daily and promote a common understanding of the rights, freedom and responsibilities to reach a place where all are respected, equal and free.

In Nashville, we used this day to reflect on our history and work with others to create a view to make our city, our state, and our nation better. We recognized Father Joseph Breen for his individual lifetime achievement and the First Baptist Church, Capitol Hill for its institutional role in Nashville's civil rights accomplishments and history; Yuri Cunza of the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Avi Poster of A VOICE for the Reduction of Poverty In Nashville and Beyond for their advocacy and service in breaking down barriers; and Rising Advocates Eben Cathey with Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition and Daynise Joseph with Organized Neighbors of Edgehill.

We paused to remember John Seigenthaler and George Barrett for their leadership in this community until their deaths earlier this year. Their voices are missed but their legacy lives on for each of us to emulate.

The key note speaker: Dr. Dennis Dickerson, Vanderbilt University's James M. Lawson Professor of History. Dr. Dickerson helped us reflect on the history and put into context the challenges and options for the future.

The committee organizing the event for Human Rights Day includes the Tennessee Human Rights Commission, Metro Human Relations Commission, Church of Scientology, the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the Muslim's Women Council.

The event was held at the First Amendment Center. More information can be found atwww.nashvillehumanrights.org.

Beverly Watt is the executive director of the Tennessee Human Rights Commission.

Nashville Amnesty Chapter Holds Write for Rights Events

The Nashville Chapter of Amnesty International is having a series of Write for Rights events this year to help more of its prisoners of conscience.

Amnesty International is known worldwide for its ability to help “prisoners of conscience”—people imprisoned for speaking their mind or exercising other basic rights. It does this by encouraging members to write letters which force leaders to confront the abuses perpetrated in their country.  Often this will result in the prisoners’ successful release. 

This year, the Nashville Chapter of Amnesty International is holding a series of events for Write for Rights, a two-week-long campaign, which is calling on activists to take action on behalf of ten activists and two communities suffering brutal human rights abuses including arbitrary detention and torture.

“Write for Rights epitomizes what Amnesty International is all about – individuals helping other individuals, wherever they might be. It is a unique and extraordinary event that brings together millions of people in a bid to secure justice for men, women and children around the world,” according to Salil Shetty, Amnesty International’s Secretary General.

The first Write for Rights event in Nashville took place at the Church of Scientology on Dec 13. Another event is scheduled for Dec 18 at the West End coffee shop, Atamology, between 6-8pm.  Organizers are giving a free cup of coffee to anyone who attends the next Write for Rights event. 

For more information on Amnesty International or to become involved, visit facebook.com/nashvilleamnestyinternational.  

Governor Proclaims December 10 Human Rights Day in Tennessee

Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam has proclaimed December 10^th Human Rights Day in Tennessee and is encouraging all citizens to join in observing the day.

The celebration of International Human Rights Day in Tennessee has become a time to look at battles won and lessons learned as well as to inspire the youth of today to do something about the state of the world tomorrow. It occurs each year on December 10^th, and this year the celebration took place at the First Amendment Center.

A proclamation was released by Governor Bill Haslam which states in part, “Whereas, respect for basic human rights is important in fostering human dignity and freedom… Now, therefore, I, Bill Haslam, Governor of the State of Tennessee, do hereby proclaim December 10, 2014 as Human Rights Day in Tennessee and encourage all citizens to join me in this worthy observance.”

The Tennessee celebration centered on the Human Rights Lifetime Achievement awards.   Awardees in this category were Father Joseph Breen, formerly of St. Edward Church who is known widely for his work to strike down the 2009 “English Only” proposition in Nashville; and First Baptist Church Capitol Hill which has long served as a beacon for the civil rights movement.  In 2008, Mr. John Seigenthaler was a recipient of this award and in 2012, Mr. George Barrett received the honor. In this year of their passing, the Human Rights Day celebration paid them special tribute during the celebration.

“Rising Advocate” awards were given to individuals who are in the early stages of their human rights work and show great promise for the future.  Planning committee chair Rev. Brian Fesler says, “This is how we recognize and encourage the leaders of tomorrow.” Rising Advocate awards this year went to Eben Cathey with the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition and Daynise Joseph with Organized Neighbors of Edgehill.

This year marked the inauguration of a new award: the Outstanding Service for Human Rights Award. Recipients of this honor included Yuri Cunza with the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Avi Poster who has championed immigrant rights, fair housing and the reduction of poverty for years.

The committee organizing the event for Human Rights Day included the Tennessee Human Rights Commission, Metro Human Relations Commission, Church of Scientology and Muslim Women’s Council.   For more information, visit www.nashvillehumanrights.org.

Church of Scientology Hosts Human Rights Themed Writers’ Night

The Nashville Church of Scientology will host a special writers’ night to honor human rights and freedom on December 10.

Recognizing the global need for human rights education, the Nashville Church of Scientology works with community groups, human rights agencies and others to create a grand event for International Human Rights Day each year.

This year, the church is spreading beyond one event. Rev. Brian Fesler, pastor of the church, is chairing the planning committee for the Human Rights Day celebration at the First Amendment Center, where legends such as Father Joseph Breen and First Baptist Church Capitol Hill will be honored in a special ceremony.

Later that evening, the Nashville Church of Scientology, 1130 8^th Ave South, will host a unique writers’ night in its community hall, where singers and songwriters are invited to perform music related to human rights, social justice and freedom. The Church will also be showcasing a human rights program called Youth for Human Rights in its Public Information Center. There will be booklets and public service announcements describing the 30 universal human rights.

This exhibit will be free and open to the public, and all musicians and artists are welcome to the writers’ night to perform on Human Rights Day, December 10, at 7pm. For more information, call Julie Brinker at 615-687-4600. 

Church of Scientology Hosts Series of Events to Celebrate Black History Month

The Church of Scientology is planning to celebrate Black History Month with a series of events in February 2015.

The Church of Scientology has long been a supporter of human rights and making human rights known throughout the world. To do this, the church participates in community events to celebrate important days such as International Human Rights Day, International Day Against Discrimination, International Day of Peace and more. Church members also support the programs United for Human Rights and Youth for Human Rights which work to educate children and young adults throughout the world on what their fundamental human rights are.

The reason behind this is simple. Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard made it clear that human rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream, and the church and its members are working toward this goal.

So it is only fitting that the church arrange a series of events for Black History Month to honor a people who have fought tirelessly for their basic rights.

The first week of February 2015, the Nashville Church of Scientology will host an exhibit of the Black Legends of Basketball.  The exhibit will include pamphlets, posters and photos from the early years of basketball (1900-1960), featuring the Harlem Globetrotters and the New York Rens. 

Then, on February 21^st, Memphis journalist Art Gilliam will hold a book signing and talk about his recently published book One America, which chronicles his own experiences growing up in the segregated South.

“We are currently in progress planning more events for that month,” says Corinne Sullivan, president of the church, “we want to honor African American music and other artistic expression, as well as the achievements that have come from this community.”

For more information about the events planned at the church, contact Julie Brinker at 615-687-4600.

Tennessee Celebration of Human Rights Day to Honor Human Rights Leaders

Human Rights Day in Tennessee has become a time to celebrate the leaders of yesterday and recognize those taking up the torch for tomorrow, a time to look at battles won and lessons learned as well as to inspire the youth of today to do something about the state of the world tomorrow. It occurs each year on December 10^th, and this year the celebration will take place at the First Amendment Center from 5:00-7:00pm. The event is free and open to the public.

The event centers on the Human Rights Lifetime Achievement awards.   Awardees in this category are Father Joseph Breen, formerly of St. Edward Church who is known widely for his work to strike down the 2009 “English Only” proposition in Nashville; and First Baptist Church Capitol Hill which has long served as a beacon for the civil rights movement.  In 2008, Mr. John Seigenthaler was a recipient of this award and in 2012, Mr. George Barrett received the honor. In this year of their passing, the Human Rights Day celebration will pay them special tribute during the celebration.

“Rising Advocate” awards will also be given to individuals who are in the early stages of their human rights work and show great promise for the future.  Planning committee chair Rev. Brian Fesler says, “This is how we recognize and encourage the leaders of tomorrow.” Rising Advocate awards this year will go to Eben Cathey with the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition and Daynise Joseph with Organized Neighbors of Edgehill.

The Committee has also created a new award this year: the Outstanding Service for Human Rights Award. Recipients of this honor include Yuri Cunza with the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Avi Poster who has championed immigrant rights, fair housing and the reduction of poverty for years.

There will be a musical performance by Divine Praise Ensemble, human rights agencies will have information booths outside of the event hall, and special proclamations from the Mayor of Nashville and Governor of Tennessee proclaiming Human Rights Day.

The committee organizing the event for Human Rights Day includes the Tennessee Human Rights Commission, Metro Human Relations Commission, Church of Scientology and Muslim Women’s Council.   For more information or to become involved, visit www.nashvillehumanrights.org.

Nashville Church of Scientology Welcomes Art Gilliam for Book Signing During Black History Month

Art Gilliam shared his experience of growing up in the Deep South during the 1950s in his new book ‘One America,’ and will host a talk and book signing in February.

The Nashville Church of Scientology is welcoming Memphis radio station owner Art Gilliam for a book signing and talk on ‘One America,’ in which he reflects on his personal story of growing up in a segregated South during the 1950s.

A Nashville native, Gilliam is excited to return to the city to deliver this talk. According to thehistorymakers.com, Art Gilliam became the first African-American radio station owner in Memphis when he bought WLOK Radio in 1977. He started his work in the media writing a regular weekly op-ed column for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper as the first African-American to write for the paper before he became the first African-American television newscaster in Memphis as news anchor at WMC-TV (the NBC affiliate) in Memphis. He left Memphis for a time to serve in the Washington congressional office of Congressman Harold Ford, Sr., the first African-American to be elected to Congress from Tennessee.

In “One America,” Gilliam shares his experiences as a young black child growing up in the segregated South in the 1950s, a time when racism was overt and pervasive. His story takes a turn when his education at a New England prep school and then Yale University as a young teenager led to a compelling change in his perspective.

Gilliam has been a front row witness to a dramatic change in race relations in the United States but knows that we have not yet healed the wounds of the past. “I believe that the future greatness of our nation depends on our ability to move beyond our racial history and truly become One America,” says Gilliam. “This book reflects my hope and vision for America.”

Art Gilliam’s talk and book signing at the Nashville Church of Scientology, 1130 8^th Ave S, will take place Feb 21, 2015 at 1pm.  The event is open to the public.  For more information and to obtain free tickets visit http://www.nashvillehumanrights.org/one-america/

Nashville Church of Scientology Observes the Holiday Season

The Nashville Church of Scientology opens its doors to people of all faith traditions and celebrates the holidays with traditional events and get-togethers for friends and families.

Because the Scientology religion is practiced in 184 countries, Scientologists come from a wide variety of faiths and cultural traditions. But no matter their background, they, like most people, gather with loved ones to enjoy the warmth of friends and family and celebrate the joy of the season.

Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard honored the great religious leaders of the past for the wisdom they brought to the world, writing that Scientology shares “the goals set for Man by Christ, which are wisdom, good health and immortality.” It is in this spirit that Scientologists celebrate the holiday season, whether they observe Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or any other religious or cultural tradition.

Pastor of the Nashville Church, Rev. Brian Fesler, says, “Our church captures the spirit of the holidays. We bring people together to celebrate and plan the year ahead, and everyone is welcome here throughout the season.”

The Church will be hosting a Thanksgiving potluck dinner, there will be get-togethers throughout December and on New Year’s Eve, the church celebrates with a large-scale event. It is at this event that the church reviews the accomplishments for the year and sets the course for the year to come.

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

Tennessee Human Rights Day Celebration To Honor Freedom Fighters

The 2014 Tennessee Human Rights Day Celebration will pay special tribute to the late John Seigenthaler and George Barrett.

Each year the Tennessee Celebration of Human Rights Day honors those who have committed their lives to serving others with the Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2008, Mr. John Seigenthaler was a recipient of this award and in 2012, Mr. George Barrett received the honor. This year both of these great men departed their lives. So in their honor, the planning committee for the Human Rights Day celebration plans to pay them special tribute.

The Human Rights Day celebration will be held in the John Seigenthaler center in Nashville on December 10th from 5-7pm.

According to nashvillehumanrights.org, “Human Rights Day in Tennessee has become a time to celebrate the leaders of yesterday and recognize those taking up the torch for tomorrow, a time to look at battles won and lessons learned as well as to inspire the youth of today to do something about the state of the world tomorrow.”

The committee organizing the event for Human Rights Day includes the Tennessee Human Rights Commission, Metro Human Relations Commission, Church of Scientology, Muslim Women’s Council and Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. The event is free and open to the public. Networking begins at 5pm and the program starts at 5:30. For more information or to become involved, visit www.nashvillehumanrights.org.

Religion Communicators Council Gets Hands On

The Religion Communicators Council meets each month to hear about a topic of interest. In November, the Nashville Chapter visited the volunteer organization Hands On Nashville.

The Religion Communicators Council (RCC) hears regularly from a variety of organizations and groups which better the community, promote messages of faith or give tips on how to spread the good word. This month, the Nashville chapter went to Hands On Nashville which rose in prominence in Nashville during recovery efforts after the historic flood of 2010.

President of the Nashville chapter and Pastor of the Church of Scientology, Rev. Brian Fesler says, “The mission of RCC is to promote excellence in the communication of faith and religious values, so it ties right in with our purpose to hear from organizations doing good works in the community.”

RCC met with the Director of Corporate Relations, Tara Tenorio, who discussed upcoming volunteer opportunities such as ReCYCLE for Kids, a program to bring used bikes to kids in need, as well as the MLK Day of Service. Tenorio encouraged RCC members to promote these events by directing people to the website, hon.org.

This isn’t the first time the RCC has met with non-profit groups doing good for the community. In October of 2013, the group held a special meeting called “Putting Faith into Action” and had representatives of The Rescue Mission and the Salvation Army. Prior to that meeting, RCC has met with members of Amnesty International, Thistle Farms, Room in the Inn, and more.

RCC is open to members from all denominations, and the Nashville group includes Baha’is, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Scientologists, and more.  For further information about the RCC or their next meeting, visit www.religioncommunicators.org.

Artlightenment Wraps 6th Annual Art Show and Film Festival

Artlightenment wrapped its 6^th consecutive year on Saturday night with its festival themed “the light side of art and film.”

Artlightenment’s 6^th consecutive year showcased underwater photographer Christy Lee Rogers, celebrity photographer Raeanne Rubenstein, and up and coming fashion designer Elisabeth Donaldson, all of whom are based in Nashville.  The festival was held at the Church of Scientology & Celebrity Centre Nashville.  Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard was an accomplished artist who also wrote articles and books to help artists achieve success through their craft.

The festival’s first event was underwater photographer Christy Lee Rogers’ talk “Making a Career as an Artist.”  Rogers’ success in her career drew a large crowd. She has been described as, “…undeniably contemporary yet also timeless,” by writer Duncan Beebe for Eyemazing Magazine.   At the end of the festival, Rogers took home top honors, the annual Artligthenment Award.

The Film Festival portion of Artlightenment spanned two evenings, Thursday and Friday, and drew full audiences.  Celebrity photographer Raeanne Rubenstein premiered her latest short film ‘Mary and Albert,’ which received an Audience Choice award.  Rubenstein has photographed some of the biggest names in movies, music and pop culture such as Dustin Hoffman, Dolly Parton, Andy Warhol, and iconic singers Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morrison, among others.

The Best Film award went to Jason K. Allen for his film ‘American Sock,’ a whimsical comedy about a girl searching for her soul mate on social media sites which leads to being swept off her feet by the most unlikely of candidates. The film was directed by Jeffrey Lamont Brown and starred Angela Gulner and Sto Strauss.

Free seminars for artists to encourage career success has been an integral part of the festival since its inception.  Screenwriter Annie Kananack delivered a workshop “From Screenplay to Big Screen,” to encourage future screenwriters. Kananack says, “I am most alive and fulfilled when I’m writing,” and takes her inspiration from character-driven films of the 30s and 40s.

The Artlightenment festival takes place during the second weekend of November each year at the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre Nashville, 1130 8^th Avenue South. For more information on the festival, visit artlightenment.com.

Committee Announces Awardees for 2014 Tennessee Human Rights Day Celebration

The committee planning Tennessee’s annual Human Rights Day celebration has just released the names of the 2014 awardees.

Human Rights Day in Tennessee has become a time to celebrate the leaders of yesterday and recognize those taking up the torch for tomorrow, a time to look at battles won and lessons learned as well as to inspire the youth of today to do something about the state of the world tomorrow. It occurs each year on December 10^th, and this year the celebration will take place at the First Amendment Center.

The event centers on the Human Rights Lifetime Achievement awards.   Awardees in this category are Father Joseph Breen, formerly of St. Edward Church who is known widely for his work to strike down the 2009 “English Only” proposition in Nashville; and First Baptist Church Capitol Hill which has long served as a beacon for the civil rights movement.

“Rising Advocate” awards will also be given to individuals who have been working in the field of human rights for a short time, but show great promise for the future.  Planning committee chair Rev. Brian Fesler says, “This is a great chance to recognize the leaders of tomorrow.” Rising Advocate awards this year will go to Eben Cathey with the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition and Daynise Joseph with Organized Neighbors of Edgehill.

The Committee has also revealed a new award this year: the Outstanding Service for Human Rights Award. Recipients of this honor include Yuri Cunza with the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Avi Poster who has championed immigrant rights for years.

The committee organizing the event for Human Rights Day includes the Tennessee Human Rights Commission, Metro Human Relations Commission, Church of Scientology, Muslim Women’s Council and Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.  The event is free and open to the public.  Networking begins at 5pm and the program starts at 5:30.  For more information or to become involved, visit www.nashvillehumanrights.org.

Artlightenment Hosts Artists Tea

Today the Artlightenment film festival and art show opens. This year’s theme: “the light side of art and film.” On Sunday, the artists of the festival gathered for a tea and meet and greet.

The Artlightenment festival is unique in that it has the purpose to uplift the artists themselves, not any other cause. So the artists were brought together days before the opening, to share tea and see who was behind the beautiful works of art that are now adorning the walls of the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre in Nashville.

The Church of Scientology is proud to host the event as it shares this commitment to helping artists. Founder of Scientology, L. Ron Hubbard, an artist himself, believed artists pave the way for the future of the culture and the church carries this message forward.

The theme for the 2014 Artlightenment festival is “the light side of art and film.” The festival begins Nov 13 and runs through Saturday, Nov 15. Artists showcased this year include underwater photographer Christy Lee Rogers, actress and filmmaker Carla Christina Contreras, celebrity photographer Raeanne Rubenstein and screenwriter Annie Kananack.

Rogers will deliver a seminar entitled “Making a Career as an Artist,” Thursday at 6pm. Her work has been described as, “…undeniably contemporary yet also timeless,” by writer Duncan Beebe for Eyemazing Magazine.  Rogers’ seminar will be followed by Contreras with her seminar “Secrets to a Long and Successful Acting Career.” Contreras was born and raised in Hollywood and has been acting since the age of three.

The seminars have been an integral part of the festival since its inception, where successful artists pass on their knowledge to others.  

The festival takes place Nov 13-15 at the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre Nashville, 1130 8th Ave S, and all are welcome. For more information, visit artlightenment.com.

Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre Nashville Opens Art Exhibit by Stephen Hackley

Artwork by Stephen Hackley is now on display at the Nashville Church of Scientology.

The Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre Nashville has a mission to support the artists in society. This includes musicians, photographers, fine artists, filmmakers—anyone creative, trying to produce something aesthetic. The reason behind this is simple: L. Ron Hubbard who founded Scientology said, “A culture is only as great as its dreams, and its dreams are dreamed by artists.” The Church carries this forward today by hosting a number of events to drive forward the dreams of artists, and thereby uplift the culture.

In alignment with this mission, the church is hosting artwork by fine artist Stephen Hackley during the month of November and early December. The art reception for the display took place on Saturday evening. The following day, Hackley hosted an informal talk and painting demonstration where he discussed the essay “Art and Communication” by L. Ron Hubbard.

Hackley has been recognized time and again as one of the top floral artists of the world and many know him as “the flower painter.” His artwork was chosen twice by the Blossom Art Competition, hosted by the Susan Kathleen Black Foundation as one of the fifty pieces to tour top museums in America for two years. In September of 2007, Hackley was recognized by the Mayor of Richardson, TX, as one of the world’s top floral artists with a proclamation from the city which read, in part, “Stephen’s unique floral paintings extend beyond the canvas. His use of intense color and flowing lines have become a form of spiritual communication as people are drawn emotionally and soulfully into his pieces.” That same year, he was recognized by the governor of Texas, Rick Perry, for being a finalist in the Blossom Art Competition.

Hackley describes his work: “I produce floral works on canvas and also on wood using a monochromatic under-painting followed by layers of colored glazes, which allow the under-painting to come through, thereby creating a noticeable depth to the work… My works tend to be larger than life pieces, enhanced by dramatic lighting and intense color, giving a new viewpoint or perspective to the viewer.”

“We are excited to have this beauty in our church,” says church president Corinne Sullivan who is encouraging everyone to view the art.

Stephen Hackley’s artwork will be displayed during the month of November and early December at the Church of Scientology, 1130 8^th Avenue South. For more information on Stephen Hackley, visit stephenhackley.com. For more information on Scientology, visit scientology-ccnashville.org. 

Drug-Free South Distributes Booklets at Stand at the Cross

Drug-Free South joined the Stand in the Gap Coalition on Saturday for its event “Stand at the Cross.”

Just six miles north of the Lafollette/Carryville, Tennessee exit, the Stand in the Gap Coalition (SIGCO) has established a 100-foot cross by the roadside.  Stand in the Gap is a Christian-based organization with the mission: “We seek the eradication of 'Drug Abuse, Alcohol Abuse and Family Violence' in our Tri-State Area through God's help and guidance as promised in II Chronicles 7:14.”

Drug-Free South, the local chapter of the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, stood with SIGCO and distributed hundreds of the Truth About Drugs booklets to those attending the event.

Rev. Brian Fesler, who coordinates the Drug-Free South, says, “We are all working toward the reduction of drug abuse and violence. This is an event for everyone to take a stand and say, ‘no more drugs in Tennessee.’”

The Stand in the Gap Coalition covers 11 counties in East Tennessee including Anderson, Bell, Campbell, Claiborne, Union and others.

Drug-Free South has worked across Tennessee to bring an end to drug addiction by educating youth before dealers reach them.  Fesler says they are reaching out further. “The plan is to make Tennessee a drug-free zone,” he says.

For more information on Drug-Free South, visit drugfreesouth.org. For more information on the Stand in the Gap Coalition, visit standntgap.org.

Drug-Free South Raising Student Awareness

To protect youth from the disastrous effects of abusing drugs, the Drug-Free South team is bringing the truth directly to Tennessee students.

Drug-Free South participated in Red Ribbon Week this year with several events to raise awareness about the dangers of drugs to youth.  The organization has participated in the Red Ribbon campaign since 2009 by distributing copies of The Truth About Drugs booklets, visiting school classrooms and community meetings to deliver seminars utilizing the documentary The Truth About Drugs: Real People, Real Stories, and getting the Drug-Free World public service announcements played on television.

This year, Drug-Free South volunteers reached across Tennessee spreading the message: Say Yes to Life. “Our volunteers have seen thousands of people over the last few days,” says Brian Fesler, regional coordinator for the Drug-Free South, “This has been a fun, fast-paced week. We’ve reached a lot of people and have helped them understand the truth about drugs.”

The volunteers traveled Tennessee, and in just the last few days have given six seminars to over 1100 students. Before the week is over, the team plans to see at least another 1,000 people. “We really want a drug-free South, it’s not just our name,” says Fesler.

Drug-Free South is a chapter of the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, an international non-profit organization. Its materials demonstrate the dangers of drugs through factual information and interviews with former addicts, giving personal perspectives on each of the substances covered.  For more information, visit drugfreesouth.org. 

Artlightenment Art and Film Festival Nov 13-15

In less than two weeks, Nashvillians will be treated to “the light side of art and film” at the 6^th annual Artlightenment festival.

“The light side of art and film” is the theme for the 2014 Artlightenment festival which will take place Nov 13-15 at the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre Nashville. The festival will showcase underwater photographer Christy Lee Rogers, actress and filmmaker Carla Christina Contreras, celebrity photographer Raeanne Rubenstein, screenwriter Annie Kananack, and fashion designer Elisabeth Donaldson of Monarch Clothing. Each is bringing a unique element to the show and will deliver a special presentation during the festival.

Underwater photographer Christy Lee Rogers will deliver a seminar prior to the show titled “Making a Career as an Artist,” on Nov 13. Rogers’ work has been described as, “…undeniably contemporary yet also timeless,” by writer Duncan Beebe for Eyemazing Magazine.  Rogers’ seminar will be followed by Carla Christina Contreras with her seminar “Secrets to a Long and Successful Acting Career.” Contreras was born and raised in Hollywood and has been acting since the age of three.

On Nov 14, celebrity photographer Raeanne Rubenstein will deliver a talk on “The Funny Side of Art and Film,” which echoes the central theme of the 2014 Artlightenment showcase.  Rubenstein has worked with some of the biggest names in movies, music and pop culture such as Andy Warhol, French director Francois Truffaut and iconic singers Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morrison, among others.

Screenwriter Annie Kananack will deliver the workshop “From Screenplay to Big Screen,” on Nov 15 to encourage future screenwriters. Kananack says, “I am most alive and fulfilled when I’m writing,” and takes her inspiration from the films of the 30s and 40s as they are very character driven.

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 festival will take place Nov 13-15 at the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre Nashville, 1130 8th Ave S, and all are welcome. For more information, visit artlightenment.com.

Religion Communicators Council Decides to Get Hands On

The Religion Communicators Council meets each month to hear about a topic of interest. In November, the Nashville Chapter will visit and hear from volunteer organization Hands On Nashville.

The Religion Communicators Council (RCC) hears regularly from a variety of organizations and groups which better the community, promote messages of faith or give tips on how to spread the good word. This month, the Nashville chapter will visit volunteer organization Hands On Nashville which rose in prominence in Nashville during recovery efforts after the historic flood of 2010.

“It’s important to hear from groups that are doing good works,” says President of the Nashville chapter and Pastor of the Church of Scientology, Rev. Brian Fesler, “The mission of RCC is to promote excellence in the communication of faith and religious values, so it ties right in.”

This isn’t the first time the RCC has met with non-profit groups doing good for the community. In October of 2013, the group held a special meeting called “Putting Faith into Action” and had representatives of The Rescue Mission and the Salvation Army. Prior to that the group has met with members of Amnesty International, Thistle Farms, Room in the Inn, and more.

The RCC meeting will be held on November 18^th over lunch at the Hands On Nashville office. RCC is open to members from all denominations, and the Nashville group includes Baha’is, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Scientologists, and more.  For further information about the RCC or their next meeting, visit www.religioncommunicators.org. 

Human Rights Day Celebration to be Held at First Amendment Center

The Tennessee Celebration of Human Rights Day on December 10^th in Nashville, Tennessee will be held at the First Amendment Center.

Tennesseans are excitedly making plans to attend the celebration of Human Rights Day at the First Amendment Center, after a recent announcement that the event would take place there. This event commemorates the ratification of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations, originally signed in 1948. “The First Amendment Center is the ideal place to have this event due to its nature and legacy,” says Rev. Brian Fesler who chairs the planning committee and pastors the Church of Scientology.  

Founded by John Seigenthaler, the First Amendment Center is an operating program of the Freedom Forum and is associated with the Newseum and the Diversity Institute. The center has offices in the John Seigenthaler Center at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn., and at the Newseum in Washington, D.C. The center’s programs provide education and information to the public, including educators, government policy makers, legal experts and students, according to firstamendmentcenter.org.

The Human Rights Day celebration in Tennessee centers around the Human Rights Lifetime Achievement awards, the Rising Advocate Awards, and new to this year’s program: Outstanding Human Rights Service awards. In 2008, John Seigenthaler was a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement award. Fesler says the committee plans to pay special tribute to Mr. Seigenthaler who passed away in July of this year.

Last year, three lifetime advocates received awards for their work, including the Rev. James "Tex" Thomas, pastor of Jefferson Street Missionary Baptist Church; Elliott Ozment, the founder and managing attorney at Ozment Law; and Carrie Gentry, who was active during the civil rights movement in Nashville. Rising Advocate awards were given to Gatluak Thach with the Nashville International Center for Empowerment and Stephanie Teatro with the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition. Fesler says that the committee is reviewing nominations for this year’s awardees but would not yet reveal any names.

For more information or to register for the event, visit nashvillehumanrights.org.  

Drug-Free South Wants You to Wear the Red Ribbon

To protect youth from the disastrous effects of abusing drugs, the Drug-Free South team is bringing the truth directly to students and the community in honor of Red Ribbon Week.

Red Ribbon Week begins today. This week is the oldest and largest drug prevention campaign in the country, according to imdrugfree.com. Red Ribbon Week occurs during the last week of October each year and is a time to educate young people and help prevent drug abuse.

Drug-Free South has participated in the campaign since 2009 by distributing copies of The Truth About Drugs booklets, which help young people understand what drugs are and how they affect the user, visiting school classrooms to deliver a seminar to students utilizing the documentary The Truth About Drugs: Real People, Real Stories, and getting the Drug-Free World public service announcements played on television.

This year, Drug-Free South volunteers have lined up a series of events to commemorate Red Ribbon Week. “Our volunteers will be all across Tennessee and will see thousands of people,” says Brian Fesler, regional coordinator for the Drug-Free South, “This is shaping up to be a fun, fast-paced week where we can really reach everyone and help them understand the truth about drugs.”

Drug-Free South has provided seminars to students in over thirty counties in Tennessee, but Fesler says the group won’t stop until drugs are no longer an issue. “We are reaching young people before drugs become a problem in their lives,” he says

The Red Ribbon Campaign was started when drug traffickers in Mexico City murdered DEA agent Kiki Camarena in 1985. This began the continuing tradition of displaying Red Ribbons as a symbol of intolerance towards the use of drugs. The mission of the Red Ribbon Campaign is to present a unified and visible commitment towards the creation of a Drug-Free America, according to redribbon.org.

Drug-Free South is the Tennessee chapter of the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, an international non-profit organization. Its materials demonstrate the dangers of drugs through factual information and interviews with former addicts giving personal perspectives on each of the substances covered.  For more information, visit drugfreesouth.org. 

Artlightenment Prepares 6th Annual Festival

November draws ever nearer and with the Artlightenment festival ready to roll in the second week, much excitement lies ahead for Nashville’s art community.

Artlightenment, now in its 6^th consecutive year, is boasting local talent from painters to sculptors, screenwriters to fashionistas. The festival will showcase underwater photographer Christy Lee Rogers, actress and filmmaker Carla Christina Contreras, celebrity photographer Raeanne Rubenstein, screenwriter Annie Kananack, and fashion designer Elisabeth Donaldson of Monarch Clothing. Each is bringing a unique element to the show and will deliver a special presentation during the festival.

Underwater photographer Christy Lee Rogers will deliver a seminar prior to the show titled “Making a Career as an Artist,” on Nov 13. Rogers’ work has been described as, “…undeniably contemporary yet also timeless,” by writer Duncan Beebe for Eyemazing Magazine.  Rogers’ seminar will be followed by Carla Christina Contreras with her seminar “Secrets to a Long and Successful Acting Career.” Contreras was born and raised in Hollywood and has been acting since the age of three.

On Nov 14, celebrity photographer Raeanne Rubenstein will deliver a talk on “The Funny Side of Art and Film,” which echoes the central theme of the 2014 Artlightenment showcase.  Rubenstein has worked with some of the biggest names in movies, music and pop culture such as Andy Warhol, French director Francois Truffaut and iconic singers Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morrison, among others.

Screenwriter Annie Kananack will deliver the workshop “From Screenplay to Big Screen,” on Nov 15 to encourage future screenwriters. Kananack says, “I am most alive and fulfilled when I’m writing,” and takes her inspiration from the films of the 30s and 40s which are very character driven.

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 festival will take place Nov 13 - 15 at the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre Nashville, 1130 8th Ave S, and all are welcome. For more information, visit artlightenment.com.

Religion Communicators Council Hears About Health, Disaster and Faith

The Religion Communicators Council meets each month to hear about a topic of interest. In October, the Nashville Chapter heard from the Tennessee Department of Health on faith and disaster preparedness.

Faith is not always front and center in today’s world. It is a mission of the Religion Communicators Council (RCC) to promote the good news of people of faith through communications work. The Nashville chapter does this by providing meetings once a month to learn about new ways to improve religious communications or hear about topics of interest. For the October meeting, members heard from Dr. Michele Gourley, Director of Faith-Based Initiatives for the Tennessee Department of Health as well as two of her staff who spoke to disaster preparedness.

This wasn’t the first time Dr. Gourley has reached out to the RCC. In 2012, she came as a special guest to talk about her position and what it means to faith groups in the state. Her position had just been re-introduced at that time.   

“We are excited that Dr. Gourley was able to speak with us again,” says Rev. Brian Fesler, President of the Nashville RCC chapter and pastor of the Church of Scientology, “She brings faith and health together, and hearing from her is always a treat.”

Prior to serving in this role, Dr. Gourley worked for the state of Tennessee in the Division of Health Planning, where she helped write and oversee the 2010 and 2011 State Health Plans. She obtained her medical degree and Masters of Public Health degree from East Tennessee State University with an emphasis on rural primary care and community health.  She has also completed studies in wellness coaching, trauma and resilience and health impact assessments.

Dr. Gourley has spent the majority of her life as a part of faith communities in Middle and East Tennessee, has served as part of faith-based medical and public health projects in Central America and has participated in ecumenical faith communities in the Middle East and Europe.  In 2010, she was selected as a participant in Duke Divinity School’s Center for Reconciliation’s Summer Institute, where she focused on the role of food as it pertains to faith and reconciliation.

During the meeting, Dr. Gourley discussed the importance of being prepared in case of a disease epidemic in the community, such as Ebola, as well as having Points of Dispensing Clinics (PODs) set up well in advance so communities have a location to turn to in case of an outbreak of this nature. She encouraged congregations to set these up and also to visit the state department of health website to learn more.  

For more information about the RCC or their next meeting, visit www.religioncommunicators.org.