Ellen Raymond came to Phoenix in the fall of 2003 after taking an early retirement from her teaching career on Long Island, New York. Ellen taught English in a Junior- Senior High school where she produced the drama club’s plays, produced the student newspaper, represented the Teachers Union for several years, and served in many other capacities.
During that time, she was the chairman of a local town councilman’s election committee; worked as a real estate agent and enjoyed raising her daughter.
After arriving here in the valley with her daughter Rachel, Ellen enjoyed supporting her daughter’s path to becoming a Homoeopathic Doctor. She bought several investment homes and served on the HOA board of her condo on Tempe Town Lake as chairwoman of the social committee and then the financial committee.
Ellen found NVC while looking for a place to worship on her first Christmas Eve here in the valley. She had no former experience with New Vision thought or teachings but was drawn to it immediately and attended Rev. Michelle’s Foundation class and followed NVC to our home here at this location where the first service in the new church also happened to be Christmas Eve. She has and continues to be involved in the church supporting many activities and heading the Concierge Table.
In her words “This is my spiritual home where my soul is nourished and healed and enlightened. I am grateful for the love I have found here and am so grateful for the opportunity to deepen my commitment to NVC. I am ready to give back to NVC by serving on the Leadership Council and promise to be guided by NVC’s mission statement and vision in all that I do.”
My name is Henri Benkiel and I have been with New Vision for about 24-25 years. Just like many others, I was brought to New Vision by a friend. Felt like home right away. I had many unanswered questions about my religion (Jewish) and New Vision answered it all.
I have been a construction estimator most of my life and have had many sessions with Sub Contractor, General Contractor and Architects to work out problems on the job. I used programs to do all my estimating and all bookkeeping. I am very good with numbers. I also spent a lot of time doing mediation for the city and state court when I first came here. I am very well aware about consensus which the peace group that I joined used all the time.
Why do I want to join the Leadership Council? I am now retired and can give you the time that I could not before. Have great ideas for New Vision financially and am also able to help whenever any construction might be needed (well almost) I can read proposals and check all bidders.
New Vision has given me so much (even my wife Molly which I found 2 days after my 1st treatment) I pray every morning thanking god for all that I have. When I found that I had lung cancer (twice), I did the same and was healed. Once again when I had prostate cancer. God is in my life, always.
Even if you choose not to have me join, I will be there for you. Thank you
Rene Perdue
I started my spiritual journey at the Seattle Center for Spiritual Living over 25 years ago. I moved to Phoenix in 2004 and became a member of New Vision Center. I served on the Leadership Council from 2012 to 2014. Subsequently, I helped in the founding of Scottsdale Center for Spiritual Living and served on their Leadership Council from 2015 to 2017. Then I found my way back home to New Vision Center. I feel uplifted and loved every time I walk through these doors!
I have owned my bookkeeping service for over 30 years and enjoy working with all types of businesses. I am married and have two children and two grandchildren. It would be an honor to serve this loving community again on your Leadership Council.