Introducing The Spirituality Network Of Columbus Ohio

By Helen Walker


When hearing the terms spiritual and religious, most people believe these are two distinctly different things. However, there is a Christian based Spirituality Network now operating out of Columbus, Ohio. Unlike some other Christian based programs, the network is focused on acceptance and inclusion. As such, the primary goal of the program lies in providing a number of resources which will promote spiritual growth of those in the network and the community at large.

The network recently celebrated 25 years of being in existence. In doing so, the group committed to continue to take steps to transform the world while grounding in the source of all creation and promoting living a life of community action and service. In addition, the organization promotes acceptance and inclusion of all individuals which is not always the case when it comes to organized religion.

In believing in a God whose love is unconditional, drawing each person into a relationship with God through human relationships and circumstances and living a healthy lifestyle with an ongoing relationship with the Creator, self and all creation, that people will also be drawn to help others. In addition, those following this belief system must also have a life rooted in nonviolence, prayer and a radical passion to change the world for the better.

The organization provides a number of resources to members and those in the local community. These include the Wellstreams Program, spiritual direction referrals for individuals, spiritual retreats and counseling and programs which can foster a more deeply spiritual life which include care and enrichment for others. In most cases, services are provided free of charge and without expectation of anything in return.

While most religious organizations cater to people of the same faith, the network provides these services to individuals with or without a specific religious affiliation. For, the network is a nonprofit 501 (c)3 organization. As such, all donations to the group are tax deductible while the group does not profit through these programs or other activities.

One program the organization provides is the Living Faith Awards. The awards recognize outstanding work in a number of different fields of community service. Recipients of the Living Faith Award often contribute to the community by visiting prisoners and the sick and dying while providing shelter for the homeless and feeding the hungry.

Other awards are also distributed at the Living Faith Awards ceremony which is held once a year. These include the Alvin R. Haley Social Justice Award, the Interfaith/Multicultural Award and the Hope For Tomorrow Award. Each of these awards are presented to individuals in each category and community. Most often, those receiving these awards have been involved with the Spiritual Network in one context or another.

Each year, a call for nominations is listed in the monthly newsletter produced by the network. For individuals to be selected for nomination, the person must promote peacekeeping and peacemaking on an ongoing basis at home and in the world at large. Whereas, most often those nominated are very active in associated activities and community service projects sponsored by the organization.




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