Spiritual Community in the New Millennium: New Thought Clearinghouse

by Mary Collins

"This is a response to the desire we all have to create spiritual community
which serves us and empowers our lives".

The name New Thought Clearinghouse came to me in a dream in the fall of 2001. New, means not the same old paradigm of beliefs and teacher/preacher talking at you. Thought conveys, "Change your thinking and change your life". Finally, a spiritual smorgasbord where one is free to choose what fits and leave the rest, a Clearinghouse. It feels homey, not institutional, a warm and respectful place.

In 1996, after healing from MS, I began a quest for spiritual community. I attended churches and a satsang on Sundays, often six events in one day. The Science of Mind classes taught by Pat King resonated deeply with me. Very active with RSCT until 2000 I served on the board of trustees and in many volunteer roles. My desire for involvement led to an often draining dynamic of running an institution I had little time or freedom to explore beyond RSCT and when I did "go outside" other groups also sought to recruit me to be a member and volunteer.

I left RSCT fatigued , choosing to continue to study via Emerson on-line. Last spring as I completed all the required courses for my accredited doctorate and awaited final examinations in CA in 2003, I realized that leading a church did not resonate for me. I could see that my training and education, combined with my style of bringing together people could create a new way. There would be no institution, no building, nor staff, and no big mortgage, which in fact is a very ancient way of spiritual gathering. NTC is decentralized with meeting locations in homes and businesses to foster individual empowerment. Email communications go directly to each person from my home office. I do not conduct "Sunday services" through NTC because there are plenty of good options out there already. (I attend Unity of Cary and lead the service there from time to time.)

New Thought Clearinghouse is based on a model of 6-12 people gathering. In each group there is an opportunity to truly develop relationships, trust, openness, mutual respect, and then to network in very empowering ways. We began discussing books and quickly decided to invite guests with expertise to share more. Our expansion has been spontaneous and from within the group. Clearly, it was the right place at the right time. Twice monthly we are in the presence of committed and engaged seekers not merely interested in receiving information, but fully empowered to share and discuss their own rich paths and experiences.

We have hosted an astrologer, a hypnotherapist, an intuitive channel, and various trainers, attracting many of the practitioners you see in Innerchange. Word of mouth and the reputation of our topics attract people, they return because of the quality of the people and the experience. We honor the spiritual path of everyone and ask only that people come with an open mind and heart. There is no fee or love offering for the small groups, workshops are at competitive fees. We are free of doctrine and dogma; our only rule is to practice mutual respect.

I see and hear the enthusiasm and the high level of engagement found at the meetings. It is the kind of community people desire I am told. Because of the flow any preparation and communication is fun for me. I find New Thought Clearinghouse is spiritual community for this millennium. The journey continues as we gather in more places and explore ever-expanding experiences in consciousness. New Thought Clearinghouse currently has meetings in North Raleigh and Cary, and hosts and/or new locations to allow NTC are always welcome.  Workshops and other events are offered in a variety of times and locations.

The New Thought Clearinghouse advertisement is on page 20. Contact Mary Collins at veganmary@mindspring.com or 919-469-5716.

Mary Collins is a doctoral student in Religious Studies with Emerson Institute, an accredited on line seminary.  Her family lives in Cary, NC and includes her stepdaughter Caitlin (11), son Andrew (2), husband Ken and cat Cleo (ageless).