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Our Year of Abundant Living Continues...
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Give, and it shall be given
Greetings!
I invite you to pause for a moment, and allow yourself the gift of a few relaxing, loving breaths. Right now, sitting in front of your computer, enjoy a deep breath, focus on your heart-center, and remember that the Truth of your Being, your true identity, is Divine. The apostle Paul tells us that "...we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ." (Romans 8:16-17, NRSV)
As you continue to relax for these few moments, consider what being "joint heirs with Christ" really means. As joint heirs to all that God [Spirit, Beingness, Oneness] is, ALL the fruits of this abundant and infinite universe are ours to enjoy. Unity co-founder Charles Fillmore writes:
"Everything in the universe belongs to God, and though all things are for the use and enjoyment of man, he can possess nothing selfishly. When man learns that a higher law than human custom and desire is working in the earth to bring about justice, righteousness, and equalization, he will begin to obey that law by tithing, loving his neighbor, and doing unto others as he would have them do unto him. Then man will reach the end of all the troubles brought upon himself by his selfishness and greed, and will become healthy, prosperous, and happy."
So... along with the rights of inheritance of Good, we also have responsibilities. Most of us have heard the statement that we are "spiritual beings, living in a spiritual universe, governed by spiritual law." One of those spiritual laws is the law of giving and receiving- we must be willing to give in order to receive. If we wish to have friends, we must behave in a friendly manner. If we wish to be forgiven, we must forgive. If we wish to receive love, we must be loving. If we wish to be understood, we must be willing to understand. If we wish to enjoy prosperity and abundance, we must be willing to share that good with others.
Tithing is a spiritual practice that allows us to learn that our Good is always present. Tithing is a spiritual practice that allows us to bring order into what may be chaotic financial circumstances. Tithing is a spiritual practice that allows us to brings all areas of our lives into alignment with the infinite abundance that is our birthright as joint-heirs with Christ. Tithing is a spiritual practice that allows us to learn how to "put feet on our prayers" by placing God first in all that we do.
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I know personally how frightening it can be to commit to the spiritual practice of tithing. Many years ago, I had a scary amount of credit card debt and wasn't at all convinced that I could possibly "give away" 10% of my income and still pay my bills. I decided to participate in the 4T Prosperity Program (tithing of time, talent, and treasure) because of the guarantee that my tithe would be completely (and cheerfully!) refunded if I did not feel that I had received satisfaction from the 12-week course. I really, really needed that safety net before I could make the commitment to try tithing. Bottom line, I didn't ask for my money back, I did pay all my bills, I have continued tithing, and I credit this program with deepening my commitment to my spiritual journey. Prosperity is about oh-so-very-much-more than money!
Participating in this program is a commitment- probably one of the biggest commitments to your spiritual growth that you have ever made. Those of us who have completed the program have found it to be truly life-changing. You must be willing to do the work. No one can do the work for you. No one else can transform your life for you. If you would like more information, we'll be showing an informational DVD at 10:00am on Sunday morning before church. The class begins Tuesday evening, March 1, from 6:30 - 8:30. Required materials (workbook & CDs) cost $49.50 and must be purchased at the first meeting. If you cannot attend the first meeting, you may begin at the second week, but no one will be allowed to join the class after that.
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Here are some other opportunities you may enjoy as you proceed along your spiritual path. As always, if you've got questions, simply reply to this email....
New Members will be welcomed during service this Sunday, 2/27, preceding our 6th Annual Membership Meeting, to be held at approximately 12:15pm, following potluck. We'll be presenting our annual reports and voting on the budget for the coming year. The past year has been one of transition and growth, and 2011 is off to a great start for continued growth. All are welcome to attend, only members will be allowed to vote. These annual meetings are our main opportunity to discuss the direction and leadership our church is taking, so please plan to attend! The meeting shouldn't last more than one hour.
SEE Class: Charles and Myrtle Fillmore on Health and Wholeness. This course is based in the spiritual laws and universal principles that support the expression of health and wholeness in our minds, bodies and affairs. We will be working with the Fillmores' interpretation of how Jesus used and demonstrated those in his own life. Everyone is welcome to attend! Cindy Cawthorne, LUT, facilitates. Wednesdays, 10:30am - 12:30pm or 6:30 - 8:30pm, 2/23 - 3/23 (a love offering will be accepted)
Interfaith Peacewalk - "Weaving Peace"- Sunday, 3/6. Maureen and Sharon are coordinating our participation in this annual event. There is no charge for this opportunity to show your commitment to Oneness and peace in our world. Click on the "Reply" button to request more info, or contact Maureen for details. mogarrison@cox.net
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Thank you very much for reading! If you have friends or family who might enjoy our newsletters, please use the "Forward Email" button at the bottom of the page. Their email addresses will not be saved or used for any other purpose than the one-time mailing you request, and if they enjoy it, they will have the option to sign up to receive their own copy in the future.
Your positive support is so appreciated! If you'd like to join us "in person",
our Sunday services are from 10:30 - 11:30, with fellowship following.
On Wednesdays we enjoy shared Silence, 9:45 - 10:15am. All are welcome
Sunday is our Silent Unity Prayer service, 8:50 - 9:30am. Join with Unity Friends around the world as we come together to align in consciousness with Silent Unity's monthly message.
If you enjoy singing or laughing (preferably both!), please join us for choir practice at 9:30 on Sunday mornings. There are no auditions and you do not need to read music. We come together because we love to make joyful noise, and you are welcome to join in!
Many thanks and abundant blessings to Rev. Gardiner Rapleye, who has set forth towards Unity Village as he takes the next steps of his journey. He will, of course, remain in our hearts, and we look forward to hearing updates from him. Gardiner-- we'll be waiting for hugs when you come back for a visit!
Visit our website for more information, a map, streaming audio, or to download mp3 files of past lessons so you can listen on your iPod or other player. If you'd like to support our community financially, our new Donate button is waiting to serve! I look forward to seeing you soon!
Blessings-
Nita Strauss, LUT
Spiritual Leader
Unity Church of Peace
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