On Saturday, May 23, the Christian Science Church of South Lake Tahoe will host its annual Spiritual Summit, an afternoon dedicated to inspiration, healing, and discovering practical spiritual solutions to life’s challenges. The event will take place from 1:00–4:00 PM at the church located at 2081 Lake Tahoe Blvd. in South Lake Tahoe.
This year’s summit continues a growing tradition of offering the community a space to explore life from a spiritual perspective—one that encourages healing, peace, and a deeper understanding of God’s presence in everyday life. The purpose of the summit is to help us all reconsider limitations, fear, disease, and uncertainty through a more spiritually grounded lens.
The summit will feature two inspiring speakers from the Christian Science Board of Lectureship, along with special musical guest Andrew Brewis.
James Shepherd CS, will present a talk titled *Why Everyone is Needed*. His message centers on the idea that every individual has a unique spiritual value and purpose, and that God’s love embraces all people without exception.
Shepherd’s life experience brings warmth and authenticity to this topic. Raised in a family that relied on prayer and Christian Science healing, he witnessed firsthand the transformative effects of spiritual understanding from a young age. Over the years, he has devoted his life to helping others through prayer-based healing ministry and community service. His work has included volunteering in youth programs, prison outreach, coaching sports, and supporting those in need.
Also speaking at the summit is Caryl Emra Farkas CSB, presenting on the topic: *How Understanding Spiritual Identity Brings Healing and Peace Even in the Most Challenging Times.*
Farkas’s journey is one marked by profound spiritual discovery and healing. After years spent exploring various spiritual paths and struggling with chronic illness, she experienced what she describes as an instantaneous healing through a renewed understanding of Christian Science and spiritual truth. That experience led her to become a Christian Science practitioner, teacher, and international lecturer.
Her talk will explore how seeing ourselves—and others—as spiritual rather than merely material beings can transform fear, illness, conflict, and uncertainty into opportunities for healing and peace. Especially during challenging times, her message offers a hopeful reminder that spiritual identity is not fragile or limited, but grounded in God’s enduring goodness.
The afternoon will also feature inspirational music from Andrew Brewis, a musician and hymn writer from London, England. Brewis is known internationally for his uplifting Christian music and for having eight of his compositions published in the new Christian Science Hymnal used in churches around the world.
A Community Invitation
The Spiritual Summit is open to the entire community and we welcome anyone seeking fresh perspectives on healing, spirituality, and wellbeing. Whether attendees are deeply familiar with Christian Science or simply curious about spirituality and healing, the event offers an opportunity to pause, reflect, and engage with ideas that promote greater peace, health, and happiness.
