The Way to Happiness Sees Smiles Abounding During Friendship Day

 

The Church of Scientology Nashville and The Way to Happiness Association of Tennessee held the annual Friendship Day Celebration for 2021.

 

The Church of Scientology again opened its doors to the diverse community of Nashville for Friendship Day at the church’s sixth celebration of the day.  This year, the church featured youth voices with a panel discussion, and other activities for young people.

 

Children and parents alike enjoyed a fresh-faced panel discussion of 7-9 year olds discussing important topics on how to be a good friend, and how this leads to a happier life.

 

The International Day of Friendship was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2011 in the belief that “friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities.”

 

The Church of Scientology partners in this effort with The Way to Happiness Association of Tennessee, which provides a community betterment program based on the book The Way to Happiness by L. Ron Hubbard. The initiative is predicated on the fact that one’s survival depends on the survival of others—and that without the survival of others, neither joy nor happiness is attainable. Several precepts in the book promote dialogue and friendship, among them “Respect the Religious Beliefs of Others,” “Be Worthy of Trust,” and “Try to Treat Others As You Would Want Them to Treat You.”

 

For more information on the Church of Scientology, its programs or upcoming events, visit scientology-ccnashville.org. For more information on The Way to Happiness, visit twthtn.org.

Nashville Religion Communicators to Hear about Resilience on July 20

 

The Nashville Chapter of the Religion Communicators Council (RCC) meets monthly to talk about topics of interest and hear from professionals in religious communications.  

 

The Religion Communicators Council (RCC) is an interfaith association of religion communicators at work in print and electronic communication, marketing and public relations. The Nashville Chapter meets monthly at rotating locations to learn about other faith traditions, learn from fellow communicators and gain professional development opportunities.

 

The July meeting has been rescheduled due to the long 4^th of July weekend, to now take place on July 20. The meeting will feature a discussion on resilience, led by a prominent local United Methodist pastor. This is a perfect time for discussing such a topic, as many people return to more in person functions after the lifting of all COVID-19 restrictions.  “As a community, we are recovering, so what more perfect topic could we have for our July meeting than resilience? This will be a great meeting, and at the best time,” says Julie Brinker, communications coordinator for the Nashville RCC chapter and community relations director for the Church of Scientology Nashville.

 

The RCC has members from every faith group and walk of life including Baha’is, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Scientologists, Sikhs, Hindus and more. The RCC, founded in 1929, is an association of communications professionals who work for and with a diverse group of faith-based organizations in the areas of communications, public relations, advertising and development.

 

The RCC provides opportunities for communicators to learn from each other. Together, RCC members promote excellence in the communication of faith and values in the public arena. For more information about the Religion Communicators Council, visit religioncommunicators.org/nashville-chapter.

Nashville Religion Communicators Learns About the Ministry of Broadcasting

 

The Nashville Chapter of the Religion Communicators Council (RCC) meets monthly to talk about topics of interest and hear from professionals in religious communications.  

 

The Religion Communicators Council (RCC) is an interfaith association of religion communicators at work in print and electronic communication, marketing and public relations. The Nashville Chapter meets monthly at rotating locations to learn about other faith traditions, learn from fellow communicators and gain professional development opportunities.

 

The March meeting will take place virtually, as has been the common meeting ground for nearly all events since April 2020.

 

RCC members will hear from Jeffrey Anderson, who has been in international Christian broadcasting since 1982. He was with The Christian Broadcasting Network, Inc. for 12 years, including a position as Programming and Operations Manager of Middle East Television for five years. Since 1994, he has had a consulting business - Jeffrey P. Anderson and Associates: International Television Start-Ups, Programming, and Productions. His clients have been worldwide, but especially in Asia. Mr. Anderson, his wife Beverly, and two children, were Presbyterian missionaries to Japan in the latter part of the 1980s. Between 1993 and 2015, the Andersons were involved in a total of 25 summer mission trips among the four of them. Since 2016, Mr. Anderson and his wife have been missionaries with Far East Broadcasting Company.

 

During the RCC meeting, Mr. Anderson will be talking on: Pivoting in a World-Wide Crisis - The Need for Readiness, Yet Expecting the Unexpected.

 

The RCC has members from every faith group and walk of life including Baha’is, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Scientologists, Sikhs, Hindus and more. The RCC, founded in 1929, is an association of communications professionals who work for and with a diverse group of faith-based organizations in the areas of communications, public relations, advertising and development.

 

The RCC provides opportunities for communicators to learn from each other. Together, RCC members promote excellence in the communication of faith and values in the public arena. For more information about the Religion Communicators Council, visit religioncommunicators.org/nashville-chapter.

 

Nashville Religion Communicators Connects with the Community

 

The Nashville Chapter of the Religion Communicators Council (RCC) meets monthly to talk about topics of interest and hear from professionals in religious communications.  

 

The Religion Communicators Council (RCC) is an interfaith association of religion communicators at work in print and electronic communication, marketing and public relations. The Nashville Chapter meets monthly at rotating locations to learn about other faith traditions, learn from fellow communicators and gain professional development opportunities.

 

The February meeting will take place virtually, as has been the common meeting ground for nearly all events since April 2020.

 

RCC members will hear from a Deaconess from the Church for All People (C4AP) in Columbus Ohio. This church is an example of an urban church partnering with their surrounding community to offer services. For more info: https://www.4allpeople.org/Church

 

She will share how the church has adapted to COVID-19, specifically how programs have been modified from in person to virtual; how they are communicating with hard-to-reach folks; and the services offered for the surrounding community.

 

“We’re so glad to hear about how people are staying connected with their communities during this time,” says Julie Brinker, Communications Coordinator for the Nashville RCC and Director of Community Affairs for the Church of Scientology Nashville.

 

The RCC has members from every faith group and walk of life including Baha’is, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Scientologists, Sikhs, Hindus and more. The RCC, founded in 1929, is an association of communications professionals who work for and with a diverse group of faith-based organizations in the areas of communications, public relations, advertising and development.

 

The RCC provides opportunities for communicators to learn from each other. Together, RCC members promote excellence in the communication of faith and values in the public arena. For more information about the Religion Communicators Council, visit religioncommunicators.org/nashville-chapter.

 

Nashville Religion Communicators Council Holds Virtual Meeting, Inspires Leaders

The Nashville Chapter of the Religion Communicators Council (RCC) meets monthly to talk about topics of interest and hear from professionals in religious communications.  

The Religion Communicators Council (RCC) is an interfaith association of religion communicators at work in print and electronic communication, marketing and public relations. The Nashville Chapter meets monthly at rotating locations to learn about other faith traditions, learn from fellow communicators and gain professional development opportunities.

In early May, RCC Nashville held its second virtual zoom meeting on the topic of “Presentation Skills for Leaders,” with a seasoned professional who has more than twenty years of communications experience in the fields of journalism and public relations.  The Zoom session focused on presentation skills in the age of COVID-19 and helped religious communications professionals gain insight into ways to enhance their speaking skills through the virtual platform.

The last RCC meeting, in April, took place virtually as well, with nearly a dozen Nashville members discussing the response to COVID-19 for faith leaders and faith communities across Tennessee and what this looks like for both small and large congregations.

The RCC has members from every faith group and walk of life including Baha’is, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Scientologists, Sikhs, Hindus and more. The RCC, founded in 1929, is an association of communications professionals who work for and with a diverse group of faith-based organizations in the areas of communications, public relations, advertising and development.

The RCC provides opportunities for communicators to learn from each other. Together, RCC members promote excellence in the communication of faith and values in the public arena. The next Nashville Chapter meeting will be in March at Thistle Farms. For more information about the Religion Communicators Council, visit religioncommunicators.org/nashville-chapter.

Nashville Religion Communicators Council to Hold 2nd Virtual Meeting to Inspire Leaders

The Nashville Chapter of the Religion Communicators Council (RCC) meets monthly to talk about topics of interest and hear from professionals in religious communications.  

The Religion Communicators Council (RCC) is an interfaith association of religion communicators at work in print and electronic communication, marketing and public relations. The Nashville Chapter meets monthly at rotating locations to learn about other faith traditions, learn from fellow communicators and gain professional development opportunities.

Rolling with the current times, RCC Nashville is holding its second virtual zoom meeting in early May on the topic of “Presentation Skills for Leaders,” with a seasoned professional who has more than twenty years of communications experience in the fields of journalism and public relations. 

The last RCC meeting, in April, took place virtually as well, with nearly a dozen Nashville members discussing the response to COVID-19 for faith leaders and faith communities across Tennessee and what this looks like for both small and large congregations.

The RCC has members from every faith group and walk of life including Baha’is, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Scientologists, Sikhs, Hindus and more. The RCC, founded in 1929, is an association of communications professionals who work for and with a diverse group of faith-based organizations in the areas of communications, public relations, advertising and development.

The RCC provides opportunities for communicators to learn from each other. Together, RCC members promote excellence in the communication of faith and values in the public arena. The next Nashville Chapter meeting will be in March at Thistle Farms. For more information about the Religion Communicators Council, visit religioncommunicators.org/nashville-chapter.

Scientology Volunteer Minister Delivers Food and Hope During COVID-19 Pandemic

The Churches of Scientology Disaster Response is always active in times of disaster. This has not changed with the unseen enemy of COVID-19.

Jennifer, a Scientology Volunteer Minister in Nashville, is always willing to help people. During times of disaster, she springs into action. Now that COVID-19 has utterly changed the ways of life for people as we know it, she took action when called upon to help with food delivery for those unable to leave their homes during this pandemic.

Jennifer takes the words of L. Ron Hubbard to heart: “A Volunteer Minister is a person who helps his fellow man on a volunteer basis by restoring purpose, truth and spiritual values to the lives of others.”

“Every little bit helps,” says Jennifer. “Any help is appreciated and everyone can find some way to help. I consider it an honor to give my time and help to ease another’s load in their time of need.”

Working with the Nashville General Hospital Foundation, Jennifer has been able to deliver groceries to more than 20 families in the Middle Tennessee region, and she’s not stopping there.

“I’ll be out every day that I’m needed,” she said, “I get the call, and I’m there.”

The Volunteer Ministers (VM) program was launched more than thirty years ago, in response to an appeal by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard.

Noting a tremendous downturn in the level of ethics and morality in society, and a consequent increase in drugs and crime, Mr. Hubbard wrote, “If one does not like the crime, cruelty, injustice and violence of this society, he can do something about it. He can become a VOLUNTEER MINISTER and help civilize it, bring it conscience and kindness and love and freedom from travail by instilling into it trust, decency, honesty and tolerance.”

For more information about the Church of Scientology Disaster Response or Volunteer Ministers, visit volunteerministers.org.

Nashville Religion Communicators Council Virtually Meets, Discusses Impact of COVID-19

The Nashville Chapter of the Religion Communicators Council (RCC) meets monthly to talk about topics of interest and hear from professionals in religious communications.  

The Religion Communicators Council (RCC) is an interfaith association of religion communicators at work in print and electronic communication, marketing and public relations. The Nashville Chapter meets monthly at rotating locations to learn about other faith traditions, learn from fellow communicators and gain professional development opportunities.

Rolling with the times, RCC Nashville held its first virtual zoom meeting this month on the topic of “keeping people informed during global pandemics,” and had almost a dozen religious communicators join in the conversation. Together, the shared challenges they have faced and overcome and the many resources they’ve found that are invaluable during these unprecedented times.   

“We are thankful that we have so many resources available and can still connect virtually, even while staying apart,” says Julie Brinker, Communications Coordinator for the RCC Nashville Chapter who also handles Community Affairs for the Church of Scientology Nashville.

The RCC has members from every faith group and walk of life including Baha’is, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Scientologists, Sikhs, Hindus and more. The RCC, founded in 1929, is an association of communications professionals who work for and with a diverse group of faith-based organizations in the areas of communications, public relations, advertising and development.

The RCC provides opportunities for communicators to learn from each other. Together, RCC members promote excellence in the communication of faith and values in the public arena. The next Nashville Chapter meeting will be in March at Thistle Farms. For more information about the Religion Communicators Council, visit religioncommunicators.org/nashville-chapter.

Nashville Religion Communicators Council to Hold Virtual Meeting

The Nashville Chapter of the Religion Communicators Council (RCC) meets monthly to talk about topics of interest and hear from professionals in religious communications.  

The Religion Communicators Council (RCC) is an interfaith association of religion communicators at work in print and electronic communication, marketing and public relations. The Nashville Chapter meets monthly at rotating locations to learn about other faith traditions, learn from fellow communicators and gain professional development opportunities.

Rolling with the current times, RCC Nashville will be holding its first virtual zoom meeting this month on the topic of “keeping people informed during global pandemics,” and will be inviting all religious communicators to join in the conversation which will be next week.  

The last RCC meeting took place at United Methodist Communications in February, and RCC members heard from Jamie Dunham, Chief Brand Strategist at Brand Wise, on the topic Podcasting for Your Brand. Dunham is a blogger, brand strategist and cultural curator. Her focus is building cultural relevancy for brands that lead to stronger and more profitable consumer relationships. She has provided counsel to a wide variety of consumer sectors – the arts, faith-based communities, grocery, healthcare, hospitality, restaurants, travel and package goods.  She is particularly passionate about The Lipstick Economy – the 108 million women that account for 85% of all consumer purchases. That is also the name of her podcast, which comes out every two weeks.

RCC members were able to learn how important podcasts are today, especially being a relatively non-crowded market to send out a message, as well as successful ways to go about starting a great podcast.

The RCC has members from every faith group and walk of life including Baha’is, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Scientologists, Sikhs, Hindus and more. The RCC, founded in 1929, is an association of communications professionals who work for and with a diverse group of faith-based organizations in the areas of communications, public relations, advertising and development.

The RCC provides opportunities for communicators to learn from each other. Together, RCC members promote excellence in the communication of faith and values in the public arena. The next Nashville Chapter meeting will be in March at Thistle Farms. For more information about the Religion Communicators Council, visit religioncommunicators.org/nashville-chapter.

Church of Scientology Volunteer Ministers Bring Aid to the Nashville Community

The Churches of Scientology Disaster Response worked alongside hundreds of volunteers from churches, neighborhood groups, and community organizations to provide help and relief to those affected by the Nashville tornado which ripped through the city early in the morning on March 3, 2020.

The storm, which struck out of the darkness early Tuesday, left a path of destruction across four counties, including hardest-hit Putnam County.

Utility crews worked to repair more than 600 downed poles and restore power to almost 50,000 Nashville residents.  Many survivors were left wondering how to rebuild after homes, businesses and schools that were damaged or destroyed. Communities turned out to help those left injured or homeless or simply to share their grief.

But what’s more than that is the now 20,000 who have signed up to volunteer through Hands on Nashville and began working to rebuild as early as Tuesday morning March 3^rd. While it was important to heed Metro’s call to stay out of damaged areas, neighbors began helping neighbors. And once it was time to start clearing away debris, volunteers assembled in masses across the city in the most devastated areas.

Scientology Volunteer Ministers began in East Nashville, clearing debris and working with community members who most needed help, and went on to Germantown and North Nashville where the damage had been severe for several neighborhoods. There, Volunteer Ministers were able to remove an approximate 5000 lbs of debris, as well as help dozens of people move furniture out of destroyed homes and into moving trucks.

“People are working together, supporting one another, and rebuilding the city one home at a time,” says Julie Brinker, who is coordinating the Church of Scientology Disaster Response teams in Nashville.

For more information about the Church of Scientology Disaster Response or Volunteer Ministers, visit volunteerministers.org. 

Meet a Scientologist Transforms the Look of Reality With Christy Lee Rogers

Scientology Network’s MEET A SCIENTOLOGIST, the weekly series spotlighting the everyday lives of Scientologists from around the world and all walks of life, announces an episode featuring renowned photographer and fine artist Christy Lee Rogers.

MEET A SCIENTOLOGIST airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Scientology Network.

Christy Lee Rogers creates breathtakingly beautiful photographic works of art using a novel underwater technique. By blending a baroque aesthetic with modern technology, her work is winning prestigious awards and fans all across the world.

Born and raised in Hawaii, Christy Lee Rogers grew up in and around water, developing an affinity for the element that would play a pivotal role in her future career. As a teenager, Christy became passionately interested in photography, spending hours in a darkroom developing her images. After finding the courage to pursue her passion professionally, she presented her first collection—models submerged in water, surrounded by billowing gowns against a solid black background. As her artwork defied conventional categorization, Christy found gallery owners hesitant to take her on. But the stunning luminescence, color and composition of her work garnered admirers and clients, and quickly become a gallery favorite. Today, Christy’s art is world-renowned, and the story of how she got there is a picture worth a thousand words.

The Scientology Network debuted on March 12, 2018. Since launching, the Scientology Network has been viewed in 240 countries and territories worldwide in 17 languages. Satisfying the curiosity of people about Scientology, the network takes viewers across six continents, spotlighting the everyday lives of Scientologists, showing the Church as a global organization, and presenting its social betterment programs that have touched the lives of millions worldwide. The Network also showcases documentaries by independent filmmakers who represent a cross section of cultures and faiths, but share a common purpose of uplifting communities.

Broadcast from Scientology Media Productions, the Church’s global media center in Los Angeles, the Scientology Network can be streamed at Scientology.tv and is available through satellite television on DIRECTV Channel 320, mobile apps and via the Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV platforms.

Church of Scientology Nashville Celebrates Interfaith Harmony Week with Special Service

The Church of Scientology Nashville opened its doors to all religious communities for a special service in observance of World Interfaith Harmony Week.

Hate graffiti, death threats, and violence toward people of religion have become recurrent mainstream news. FBI hate crime statistics show that incidents in churches, synagogues, temples and mosques increased 34.8% between 2014 and 2018, the last year for which FBI data is available.

“In order to truly combat religious discrimination in this day and age, we have to come together and learn about the religious other,” says Rev. Brian Fesler, Pastor of the Church of Scientology, who brought together people of many different faiths and cultures to take part in a service for World Interfaith Harmony Week, the first week of February. The theme was “Faith In Harmony,” and featured music as a key part of the special service.

More than a half dozen different faith groups were present for the service, and a beautiful mix of people sang and played music together while faith leaders shared words of wisdom on why it is so important for all people to come together as one in harmony.

Rev. Fesler is passionate about bringing together all peoples. “Everyone, regardless of their race, religion, culture—everyone deserves to have a voice, to live in peace, and to practice their religion in harmony with the rest of mankind,” he says.

The Church of Scientology’s creed begins with the words: “We of the Church believe that all men of whatever race, color or creed were created with equal rights; that all men have inalienable rights to their own religious practices and their performance…”   

“It is part of our very fabric to support others’ rights and abilities to practice their religion in peace, so that is what we are lifting up through this service,” says Rev. Fesler.

For more information about Scientology, its practices or beliefs, visit scientology.org. 

Nashville Religion Communicators Council Learns the Rules of Podcasting

The Nashville Chapter of the Religion Communicators Council (RCC) meets monthly to talk about topics of interest and hear from professionals in religious communications.  

The Religion Communicators Council (RCC) is an interfaith association of religion communicators at work in print and electronic communication, marketing and public relations. The Nashville Chapter meets monthly at rotating locations to learn about other faith traditions, learn from fellow communicators and gain professional development opportunities.

The February meeting took place at United Methodist Communications, and RCC members heard from Jamie Dunham, Chief Brand Strategist at Brand Wise, on the topic Podcasting for Your Brand. Dunham is a blogger, brand strategist and cultural curator. Her focus is building cultural relevancy for brands that lead to stronger and more profitable consumer relationships. She has provided counsel to a wide variety of consumer sectors – the arts, faith-based communities, grocery, healthcare, hospitality, restaurants, travel and package goods.  She is particularly passionate about The Lipstick Economy – the 108 million women that account for 85% of all consumer purchases. That is also the name of her podcast, which comes out every two weeks.

RCC members were able to learn how important podcasts are today, especially being a relatively non-crowded market to send out a message, as well as successful ways to go about starting a great podcast.

The RCC has members from every faith group and walk of life including Baha’is, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Scientologists, Sikhs, Hindus and more. The RCC, founded in 1929, is an association of communications professionals who work for and with a diverse group of faith-based organizations in the areas of communications, public relations, advertising and development.

The RCC provides opportunities for communicators to learn from each other. Together, RCC members promote excellence in the communication of faith and values in the public arena. The next Nashville Chapter meeting will be in March at Thistle Farms. For more information about the Religion Communicators Council, visit religioncommunicators.org/nashville-chapter. 

Nashville Religion Communicators Council to Hear about Podcasting

The Nashville Chapter of the Religion Communicators Council (RCC) meets monthly to talk about topics of interest and hear from professionals in religious communications.  

The Religion Communicators Council (RCC) is an interfaith association of religion communicators at work in print and electronic communication, marketing and public relations. The Nashville Chapter meets monthly at rotating locations to learn about other faith traditions, learn from fellow communicators and gain professional development opportunities.

The February meeting will take place at United Methodist Communications, and RCC members will hear from Jamie Dunham, Chief Brand Strategist at Brand Wise, on the topic Podcasting for Your Brand. Dunham is a blogger, brand strategist and cultural curator. Her focus is building cultural relevancy for brands that leads to stronger and more profitable consumer relationships. She has provided counsel to a wide variety of consumer sectors – the arts, faith-based communities, grocery, healthcare, hospitality, restaurants, travel and package goods.  She is particularly passionate about The Lipstick Economy – the 108 million women that account for 85% of all consumer purchases.

The meeting takes place at 11:30 am on February 4^th, 2020 at United Methodist Communications and is open to both members and non-members of RCC. Registration for the meeting is required by emailing rccnashville@gmail.com.

The RCC has members from every faith group and walk of life including Baha’is, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Scientologists, Sikhs, Hindus and more. The RCC, founded in 1929, is an association of communications professionals who work for and with a diverse group of faith-based organizations in the areas of communications, public relations, advertising and development.

The RCC provides opportunities for communicators to learn from each other. Together, RCC members promote excellence in the communication of faith and values in the public arena. The next Nashville Chapter meeting will be Feb. 4^th, 2020 at 11:30 am at United Methodist Communications, and will feature Jamie Dunham, Chief Brand Strategist for Brand Wise. For more information about the Religion Communicators Council, visit religioncommunicators.org/nashville-chapter. 

Nashville Religion Communicators Council Holds First Meeting of 2020

The Nashville Chapter of the Religion Communicators Council (RCC) meets monthly to talk about topics of interest and hear from professionals in religious communications.  

The Religion Communicators Council (RCC) is an interfaith association of religion communicators at work in print and electronic communication, marketing and public relations. The Nashville Chapter meets monthly at rotating locations to learn about other faith traditions, learn from fellow communicators and gain professional development opportunities.

The first meeting of 2020 took place in early January at the Cookery, a local restaurant which in addition to serving coffee, breakfast, lunch, dinner and catering to the public, has a greater purpose. According to its website, “in The Cookery kitchen, formerly homeless students are trained and equipped in culinary techniques and food safety in order to prepare them for employment in Nashville’s food industry.” All revenue from The Cookery goes to cover all café expenses and back into Lambscroft Ministries programs to serve Nashville’s homeless.

During the meeting, RCC members participated in the inaugural meeting for DayBreak Discussions, a new meeting format for Nashville RCC which brings together members along with the broader community for organic conversations about worldly topics.

The RCC has members from every faith group and walk of life including Baha’is, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Scientologists, Sikhs, Hindus and more. The RCC, founded in 1929, is an association of communications professionals who work for and with a diverse group of faith-based organizations in the areas of communications, public relations, advertising and development.

The RCC provides opportunities for communicators to learn from each other. Together, RCC members promote excellence in the communication of faith and values in the public arena. The next Nashville Chapter meeting will be Feb. 4^th, 2020 at 11:30 am at United Methodist Communications, and will feature Jamie Dunham, Chief Brand Strategist for Brand Wise. For more information about the Religion Communicators Council, visit religioncommunicators.org/nashville-chapter. 

Church of Scientology Nashville New Year’s Celebration Caps History-Defining Ten Years

Dozens gathered to celebrate the culmination of the greatest period of growth in Scientology history at the Church of Scientology Nashville on New Year’s Eve.

Scientologists assembled to celebrate a record-shattering decade with a  Golden Age for Scientology, more than 50 new Churches arising, publishing and multimedia facilities taking flight, and the launch of Scientology Network.

That’s just a glimpse of why the 2010s saw greater expansion for the Scientology religion than all previous decades combined.

“Yes, tonight we celebrate the fact we conquered time. Since, how else could anyone accomplish so much in ten fleeting years?” began Mr. David Miscavige, the ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion. “But, either way, our theme tonight is ‘Time.’ Time past, time present and what this decade signified in terms of a future that’s already preordained as glorious.”

In evidence of an unprecedented ten years for Scientology worldwide, Mr. Miscavige proceeded with a stunning visual presentation highlighting a parade of epic achievements. The complete visual presentation can be seen at www.scientology.org.

In the wake of new Church openings, the Church attained landmark victories and recognitions in multiple countries, including a watershed Supreme Court decision in the United Kingdom.

Further highlighting the end-of-decade celebration were presentations to honor L. Ron Hubbard’s technology in application across every sector of society in the name of a better world.

Association for Better Living and Education (ABLE), bringing to bear programs to counteract drug abuse, illiteracy, immorality and criminality.

Bringing the night to an inevitable climax were the Grand Opening presentations of the very newest Ideal Organizations for 2019, including:

The November 2 ribbon-cutting of the Church of Scientology Kansas City, in a fully restored, nationally registered Missouri landmark on 18th Street and Grand Boulevard in the city’s renowned Crossroads Arts District.

And the November 9 dedication of the Church of Scientology Central Ohio, in the state capital of Columbus and accessible to all on US Highway 33.

Whereupon, as thunderous applause reverberated in the packed-to-capacity Shrine Auditorium, the night’s celebration transcended to a tone of triumph. So it was, as the concluding moments of the Church’s most momentous decade drew near, Mr. Miscavige left one and all with a final word:

“With that, we arrive at the close of this evening’s event, and a moment to contemplate the next ten years. And the next, and the next and the next after that, until time runs its course and what L. Ron Hubbard told us is indeed fulfilled: That time is not behind us; it lies ahead in eternity; and we shall find ourselves in it, irrevocably. But either way, what is absolutely manifest destiny is all of us together for the next ten years. And in anticipation of which, I say: Happy New Year and Godspeed into eternity!”

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

The Way to Happiness Brings Moral Precepts to Neighborhood Association

The Way to Happiness Association of Tennessee recently worked with a local neighborhood association to bring them all of the concepts of the common sense moral code.

The Way to Happiness Association of Tennessee is always working to bring calm to neighborhoods by distributing copies of the booklet of the same name. Recently, volunteers took things a step further by speaking with community leaders, showing them each of the award winning 30 second public service announcements that illustrate the concepts in the book, and encouraging residents to take on the program themselves for their own neighborhood.

"True joy and happiness are valuable," begins the common sense guide, The Way to Happiness, written by humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard in the early 1980s. Since then, the book has sparked a movement and has been reprinted and passed hand to hand to a wide variety of cultures and peoples. In Tennessee, The Way to Happiness Association works with communities and neighborhoods to spread the booklet to as many people as possible. Organizers say that when the booklet is passed from hand to hand, it is like oil spread upon a raging sea, the calm flows outward and outward.

The Way to Happiness booklet details 21 precepts predicated on the fact that one's survival depends on the survival of others. According to thewaytohappiness.org, "This code of conduct can be followed by anyone, of any race, color or creed and works to restore the bonds that unite humankind." The Way to Happiness aims at giving people back a sense of what is right and wrong in a way that is easy to understand. In the three decades since it was authored, some 80 million copies of the book passed hand to hand.

Prior to showing the public service announcements, the neighborhood association was asked to share problems they face in the community. Many responses were about parenting skills, communication, and taking care of one’s own area, but still there were others who were more concerned with violence in the community. After the videos were played, the room was energized to spread these messages as they give so much hope for handling these troubles. Each resident was asked to take at least 10 booklets to share with their neighbors, and materials were soon being passed hand-to-hand, each person taking up the responsibility to share positivity.

The community plans to come together for a follow up event in March, 2020. For more information on The Way to Happiness, visit twthtn.org.

Nashville Religion Communicators Council Looks Back on 2019 and Plans for 2020

The Nashville Chapter of the Religion Communicators Council (RCC) meets monthly to talk about topics of interest and hear from professionals in religious communications.  

The Religion Communicators Council (RCC) is an interfaith association of religion communicators at work in print and electronic communication, marketing and public relations. The Nashville Chapter meets monthly at rotating locations to learn about other faith traditions, learn from fellow communicators and gain professional development opportunities.

The December meeting took place at the Cookery, a local restaurant which in addition to serving coffee, breakfast, lunch, dinner and catering to the public, has a greater purpose. According to its website, “in The Cookery kitchen, formerly homeless students are trained and equipped in culinary techniques and food safety in order to prepare them for employment in Nashville’s food industry.” All revenue from The Cookery goes to cover all café expenses and back into Lambscroft Ministries programs to serve Nashville’s homeless.

During the meeting, RCC Board members for the Nashville Chapter reviewed the content of the year’s meetings and created a plan for 2020.

“We are so excited to launch a new series of programs for our members,” says Julie Brinker, Communications Coordinator for the Nashville RCC and Director of Community Affairs for the Church of Scientology Nashville, “We’ll have three different tracks on a rotating schedule so our members will get a lot of new opportunities to learn and grow as communicators.”

The RCC has members from every faith group and walk of life including Baha’is, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Scientologists, Sikhs, Hindus and more. The RCC, founded in 1929, is an association of communications professionals who work for and with a diverse group of faith-based organizations in the areas of communications, public relations, advertising and development.

The RCC provides opportunities for communicators to learn from each other. Together, RCC members promote excellence in the communication of faith and values in the public arena. The next Nashville Chapter meeting will be January 7^th, 2020. For more information about the Religion Communicators Council, visit religioncommunicators.org/nashville-chapter.

Religion Communicators Council Nashville Sees Community Building Project at Glencliff United Methodist Church

The Religion Communicators Council (RCC) is an interfaith association of religion communicators at work in print and electronic communication, marketing and public relations. The Nashville Chapter meets monthly at rotating locations to learn about other faith traditions, learn from fellow communicators and gain professional development opportunities.

The November meeting was held at Glencliff United Methodist Church, where RCC members received a tour and heard about the tiny homes project to help the homeless community.

Just over two years ago, Mayor David Briley joined Glencliff United Methodist Church and Open Table Nashville for the groundbreaking of the tiny home village which would help the least of these have a transitional place to live to break the cycle of homelessness. Now, RCC members were able to see the progress that has been made in the Glencliff community.

“We are excited for all that they are doing for the community,” says Julie Brinker, Communications Coordinator for the Nashville RCC and Director of Community Affairs for the Church of Scientology Nashville.

The RCC has members from every faith group and walk of life including Baha’is, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Scientologists, Sikhs, Hindus and more. The RCC, founded in 1929, is an association of communications professionals who work for and with a diverse group of faith-based organizations in the areas of communications, public relations, advertising and development.

The RCC provides opportunities for communicators to learn from each other. Together, RCC members promote excellence in the communication of faith and values in the public arena. For more information about the Religion Communicators Council, visit religioncommunicators.org/nashville-chapter. 

Scientology Nashville Teams Up With General Hospital for Red Ribbon Week

The last week of October is Red Ribbon Week, a time to educate young people about the dangers of drugs.

The Church of Scientology Nashville in partnership with Drug-Free Tennessee and Nashville’s General Hospital held health screenings, drug prevention and education activities during Red Ribbon Week, a national initiative to promote drug prevention and awareness.

Tennessee consistently ranks in the top five US states in terms of substance abuse rates, according to a report from lakeviewhealth.com. The website further describes that despite the rise in opioid addictions, alcohol abuse statistics have remained stable, so alcohol is still the most commonly abused substance in Tennessee. In fact, more than 60 percent of patients who enter state drug treatment programs seek treatment for alcohol addiction and about 1 in 20 Tennessee residents abused or were dependent on alcohol in 2016. The website describes opioid abuse, specifically pointing out that oxycodone and hydrocodone are the most commonly abused of painkillers. Although physicians legally prescribe them, these medications often end up on the black market, which has led to a surge in drug related crimes in Tennessee. Opioid overdoses have become so widespread that the Tennessee General Assembly has permitted pharmacies to carry naloxone, a medication used to negate the effects of an opioid overdose until the patient receives professional treatment.

To protect youth from the disastrous effects of abusing these and other drugs, Scientologists and others teamed up with Drug-Free Tennessee to bring the truth about drugs to young people during Red Ribbon Week while also promoting healthy living through free health screenings of glucose, cholesterol, BMI and blood pressure.

“Not only did we get so much valuable information, we also were able to learn about our own personal health [at the workshop],” remarked Christine G., one attendee.

Red Ribbon Week is a week-long celebration at the end of October to promote a drug-free lifestyle. The Red Ribbon has been worn as a symbol since 1985 when DEA Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena was murdered. Angered parents and youth in communities across the country began wearing Red Ribbons to show their commitment to raise awareness of the killing and destruction caused by drugs in America.

Drug-Free Tennessee is the local 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 on the Truth About Drugs, visit drugfreeworld.org. For more information on the Church of Scientology and its programs, visit Scientology.org.