Two long-time Kelowna pastors, Drs. Kenn and Deborah Gordon are about to retire from the Center of Spiritual Living, a place where they have served thousands of people over the past 30 years. The community is celebrating the Gordons with a Legacy Gala in Manteo at the Eldorado Resort on Nov. 25, with guests expected to attend the event from across North America. The two co-founders dedicated their ministry to the twin values of individual transformation and peace, anchored by the Pandosy Peace Center for spiritual education and mindfulness practice. “We’re talking about the inner God and the inner strength of the person,” said Dr. Deb Gordon. “And we always ask ourselves, ‘How do we reflect this in the best possible way so that people can awaken to it for themselves?’ As my teacher said: “Just love everyone when they come in.” This approach attracted people from all over the Okanagan Valley and led to popular community events such as the Spiritual Psychology Series held at Okanagan College. “We became a social network of loving, compassionate, supportive individuals who saw the highest good for the whole,” said Dr. Kenn. “We became a chalice where the contents – the people – were more important than the cup.” They touched so many lives in the Okanagan community, with some going so far as to say their influence was life-changing. “These teachings have changed my life from feeling a little negative as a middle-aged woman to comfort and knowing that the world really is a beautiful place,” said community member Claudia Hardy. “I will remember them as wise companions who journeyed with countless people, reminding us of who we really are and patiently encouraging us to move forward,” recalled Assistant Minister Rev. Corinne Crockett. Tickets for the Legacy Gala are available through the center’s website.