Mile Hi Church, the Denver-area church is a paradigm for New Thought communities worldwide.
In 1959, a small group consisting of fourteen people gathered in a sales room of the Kirby Vacuum Store in Lakewood, Colorado. They had a vision and by setting an intention they planted a seed. Their dream was to start a church which taught Science of Mind and Spirit, a spiritual philosophy founded in 1927, by Dr. Ernest Holmes.
This small group sparked the magic which has continued for 50 years as Mile Hi Church. Today there are approximately 10,000 friends and members which regularly attend the church. Over the years, Mile Hi has outgrown all of its locations, and recently moved into a new sanctuary seating nearly 1,500. Mile Hi Church is the oldest New Thought church in the United States and on March 14, 2010, it will celebrate its 50th year anniversary.
It’s magical here.
The tagline for Mile Hi Church is “It’s different here.” From my personal experience at this church, I can say, it's magical here, and offers a model for success to New Thought churches around the world. The Mile Hi vision of "Oneness revealed ... A world of love, peace, and abundance for all” is echoed in every service. Its mission affirms “To serve as a spiritual beacon for personal empowerment and global enlightenment.” That is excatly what Mile Hi does.
It is different here. The church welcomes everyone, no matter what their faith is, or lifestyle, or their sexual orientation. The philosophy teaches that God is not an angry bearded-man separate from us, keeping a scorecard for judgment day. Instead, it teaches that every individual is a unique expression of the one life – God. It does not tell us we're born into ‘Original Sin,’ instead it shows how wonderful we are and encourages us to express our unique gifts. The church doesn’t even make you feel guilty if you miss a service. Instead it reminds you that you’re here to make a difference in the world – to shine!
A few years back, when people were drawn in by the popular book and film, “The Secret,” New Thought churches were sent a message. The time has come. It is time to get this wonderful teaching into the world and let everyone know how amazing we are. Mile Hi has been teaching spiritual principals like the Law of Attraction since 1960. Continuing the legacy of its founder, Dr. Holmes, and affiliated with United Centers for Spiritual Living, Mile Hi is also a teaching institution. The church offers classes on the practical applications of the Science of Mind and Spirit philosophy, which has transformed thousands of lives.
Enhancing its teaching, Mile Hi regularly provides public access to internationally-renowned speakers, such as Deepak Chopra, Wayne Dyer, Jack Canfield, Marianne Williamson, and Michael Beckwith, all of whom consistently attract sold-out crowds.
The magic at Mile Hi continues today under the leadership of senior minister and spiritual leader, Dr. Roger W. Teel. The church is blessed with an exceptional team of Associate Ministers including: the Rev. Robert “Ras” A. Smith, Dr. Patty Luckenback, Dr. Lloyd G. Barrett, Dr. Marjorie Staum and the Rev. Cynthia James.
When asked about the 50-year celebration coming up, Dr. Teel commented, “No words are sufficient to express the gratitude I feel for this church and for the Science of Mind and Spirit. I have been totally changed, shaped and blessed by who we are and what we teach.”
As a spiritual beacon, Mile Hi attracts people yearning to go deeper, to understand their spiritual purpose. But the magic doesn’t stop there – it continues when Mile Hi members are encouraged by the church to discover their sacred gifts, and they learn to shine and help raise the awareness of Spirit. In essence, it’s the people and leadership of Mile Hi Church which provide the guiding light.
While there have been many remarkable people involved at Mile Hi, including those first fourteen members, it’s clear that the current leadership has set their sight on shining brightly and bringing this New Thought philosophy into the world – at a time when it’s most needed. Wouldn’t you agree?
Congratulations Mile Hi Church on your 50 year anniversary. Your spirit, passion and vision are commendable. To think it all started when fourteen people planted a seed ... now with 6000 members strong, can you imagine what will happen as we all become beacons of light?
For anyone in the Denver area, know that your presence would be honored, join Mile Hi Church on Sunday, March 14 for a very special anniversary service at 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM or noon. More information and directions can be found on http://milehichurch.org. I hope you enjoy the other images of Mile Hi below.
Namaste.
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Comments
Congratulations to Mile High. Thank you for your article.
I've heard of them. It sounds like a great church. I go to a Center for Spiritual Living (Religious Science) church here in Whittier, California. It was dedicated by Ernest Holmes in 1956... Though the one in LA (1960) is not as old as Mile High there are a few others in California that are older. Just FYI.
Mile Hi was my very first New Thought church, back in 1982. I became an ordained minister in 1993 and have never looked back. Thanks, Mile Hi. You changed my life forever.
New Thought Blog - Spirit Feast
www.spiritfeast.blogspot.com
I thank all of you for your kind comments.
Namaste
Congrats to Mile High. I would definitely like to visit when I am in Colorado!
I am greatly blessed in so many ways to be part of this Mile Hi Church community! The teachings of the Science of Mind and Spirit are indeed positively life-changing for me, and for many people I know.
Congratulations to Mile Hi Church, for continuing to shine so brightly for so many people!
Kate Heartsong
www.joyfulradiance.com
Beautiful article Alex! Thank you for sharing your gift of writing with the world!
Terri - always good to hear from you. Marcella, my FB friend and Kate - great to have you here.
Namaste
Check your facts..Unity has been around for over 100 years...so they are not the oldest New Thought church..Unity Church at 9th and Tracy in KC,MO is the first now called Unity church Universal with Rev. Greg Neteler Minister...
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