Nashville Church of Scientology Welcomes 2016

Nashville’s Church of Scientology saw a whirlwind of activity throughout 2015 and church parishioners and guests gathered on New Year’s Eve to celebrate a year of accomplishments and look forward to the coming months.

As the old year draws to its close and a new one begins, it is time to celebrate successes and resolve to look ahead to the possibilities of another year. So it was as Scientologists gathered this past weekend to express vivid appreciation for a triumphant year of accomplishment, recognizing record expansion and worldwide humanitarian achievement.

Parishioners and guests filled the chapel at the Nashville Church of Scientology to pay homage to 2015’s unsurpassed growth of Scientology across the globe and the momentum that has set the stage for 2016—and beyond. During 2015, a breathtaking number of new facilities opened their doors to the world, with more than 40 dedicated in the past 12 months alone, representing every level of Ideal Church of Scientology Organization (Orgs) and Church-supported humanitarian programs.

The Nashville Church of Scientology began the year by teaming up with community leaders and pastors to have a joint interfaith service to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

During Black History Month, the Church opened its doors to several community events. The first, a presentation for the Black Legends of Basketball where they were honored with a special display and discussion about the history and impact the Harlem Globetrotters made on the sport. Next, it hosted a presentation by dynamic teen, Lizzie Kimbrough, who performed “Ain’t I A Woman: A Tribute to African American Women.” And finally, the Church hosted a book signing for Memphis radio personality Art Gilliam who wrote “One America.”

In the spring, the church was happy to host a retirement celebration for a military chaplain, an educational seminar on the environment with focus on tree planting and community gardens, and a community gathering for International Friendship Day which had nearly 70 guests of diverse faiths, cultures, and races come together in dialogue about how to overcome stereotypes.

During summer, the church held its anniversary celebration for thirty years in Music City with a large-scale event in the church where community guests, parishioners and friends were able to recognize members’ achievements and look forward to the many years ahead. In September, the church held a forum on human trafficking for International Day of Peace where local experts talked about the problem and things people can do to help victims.

Church members spent several months tutoring young children in North Nashville, distributing copies of The Way to Happiness, a booklet written by L. Ron Hubbard, and promoting human rights messages across Middle Tennessee.

In November, the Church hosted the annual Artlightenment art and film festival, which was themed “Music City Mystique.” In its seventh year, this was the most successful to date in terms of the attendance and number of artists participating.  The festival included a film festival and fashion show along with a plethora of fine art, painting and photography displays.

In December, the Church worked with local and state government agencies and nonprofit organizations to plan the Tennessee Celebration of International Human Rights Day. During the December 10th celebration, human rights advocates were awarded for their service to the community.

Nashville Church of Scientology pastor, Rev. Brian Fesler, said, "2015 has been an exciting year, definitely 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 making strides in 2016." For more information about Scientology, visit www.scientology-ccnashville.org.