STORY BY KAREN BOSSICK

PHOTO BY MANON GAUDREAU

Members of Light on the Mountains Center for Spiritual Living recently made the last payment on their mortgage.

The congregation of a hundred-plus members now own their sanctuary, which is marked by prayer flags just north of the Sawtooth Botanical Garden, free and clear.

The Center is a member community of Centers for Spiritual Living, an international organization with about 400 centers, teaching chapters and study groups throughout the world. It espouses the Science of Mind & Spirit philosophy.

Light on the Mountains was founded nearly 35 years ago

The building, at 12446 Highway 75, has been not only a place to connect over spiritual principles but a place of weddings, parties, workshops and funerals. It recently opened its sanctuary for a 50-minute workshop titled 5 Signs of Mental Distress and 5 Healthy Habits.

The video, which was presented by school social worker Julie Carney, Crisis Hotline director Tammy Davis and 5B Suicide Prevention Alliance representative Jasmine Schofield can be seen at https://livesream.com/lightonthemountains

Just before Christmas the community began sponsoring a refugee family with a 2-year-old child from South Sudan, where two-thirds of the 12 million people are experiencing food shortages caused by political conflict, drought and massive displacement. Members collaborated with students from Sage School to collect furniture and household items for the family, now living in Twin Falls.

They’re now seeking an apartment for the family since the Twin Falls Refugee Center is having trouble finding apartments for refugees coming to Idaho.

Light on the Mountain’s theme for this coming year: Heart-Centered Community Through Connection, Unity and Celebration.

Want to know more about Light on the Mountains? Visit www.lightonthemountains.org or call 208-727-1631.