We think that by achieving outer perfection we will achieve inner peace. We believe that as long as we strive to be more, do more, and have more that we will ultimately demonstrate Christhood. Really, it is only by refusing to participate in that impossible game that we can fully express Beingness. As long as we allow external criteria to measure spiritual Wholeness, we will forever fall short. As long as we allow the rules of the sense-world to determine our success or failure as spiritual beings, the adverse ego is guaranteed supremacy. In Truth, there is no possibility of failure as spiritual Beings. We are already that which we are seeking to be.

 

When we speak negatively about ourselves, obsess about our supposed shortcomings, or reply to a sincere compliment with "Well, thanks, but...", we affirm our willingness to continue to play by the rules of the adverse ego. Certainly, there are times that we could do better. At those times, one appropriate response is to accept the lesson with gratitude, and claim the sincere intention to be willing to behave differently in the future. When complimented, an appropriate response is to smile and remember that "Thank you" is a complete sentence. When we become aware that our thoughts are not reflecting Truth, an appropriate response is to deny that the error thought has any power, see and feel it being dissolved to nothingness, and claim Oneness. Breathe, be still, and know Truth. Repeat as needed.

 

"I give no power to thoughts of negativity. Poof- they are gone! There is only One Power. Right here, right now, I AM whole. I AM complete. I AM enough. THAT is the Truth of Being. THAT is my Truth." 

   

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SEE CLASS: Myrtle and Charles Fillmore's Teachings on Healing and Wholeness 

Wednesdays thru 8/31, 10:30am -12:30pm

The course is based on 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 Myrtle and Charles Fillmore's interpretation of how Jesus used and demonstrated those spiritual laws and principles in his own life. The three major topics we will discuss during this course are:  The Source of Healing, The Consciousness of Healing and The Practice of Healing.

SEE classes at Unity Church of Peace are offered on a love offering basis. Please see Cindy Cawthorne, LUT, for further information, or reply to this email with your questions.   

UPCOMING EVENTS

A Sacred Saturday Retreat

"Color, Shape, Imagery and Silence as Meditative Tools"

August 20, 9:30am - 2:30pm

You are invited to join Nita for an experience and exploration of meditation through the practice of "mark-making", which is simply applying some type of visible marks to a surface with some type of marking utensil. This has nothing to do with whether or not you define yourself as an artist or as a creative person. THERE ARE ABSOLUTELY NO DRAWING SKILLS NECESSARY FOR THIS PRACTICE. If you do self-identify as an artist, you will be invited to lay that label aside for this day. This will be a private exploration: we will not be sharing any opinions about each others' work, and you will not be asked to show your work to anyone. Near the end of the day, we will enjoy sacred space in which those who wish to share their thoughts or insights may do so.

This day of retreat and renewal will be an opportunity to practice using the tools of color and shape, along with the physical act of mark-making to create a space in which you are able to know the guidance of Spirit within you. There are many ways to hear that "still small voice", and for some of us, that language is more visual than verbal. For some of us, color, shape, and silence can serve to facilitate Knowing. There are many types of meditation practices, and you may find this to be a helpful addition to your spiritual practice.

Materials for the day will be provided, or you may purchase materials to take home for $10.00. A materials list will also be provided ahead of time so that, if you prefer, you may bring your own materials. Please plan on bringing your own lunch. A love offering will be blessed. Reply to this email if you'd like a materials list.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

UPCOMING SUNDAY SERIES and FALL STUDY GROUP

The I of the Storm: Embracing Conflict, Creating Peace

Aug 21 - Oct. 9

Sunday Services: 10:30 - 11:30 am
Saturday Morning Study Group: 10:00am - 11:30am Aug. 27 - Oct. 8

Our great commandment is to love one another as we love ourselves. If we are to do this, we must each learn to navigate conflict. Whether you live alone and telecommute, are retired, or live in a crowded home with a large family  or roommates, and work at a job in a crowded call center, the potential for conflict exists in every one of our lives. We all want peace. Learning how to relate to conflict in a positive way is a necessary first step.
 
Beginning later this month, we'll focus on moving beyond merely managing the  conflict in our lives to actually embracing it, allowing it to teach us lessons we might not otherwise learn. This process leads to peacemaking, within ourselves, in our relationships, and with outer circumstances. Working from the book by Unity minister Gary Simmons, we'll explore how our spiritual principles, biblical teachings, and concepts from modern science all point us toward the means of realizing peace in our lives.
 
In addition to Sunday lessons, Nita will facilitate a series of Saturday morning classes. There are specific actions and practices we can incorporate into our lives which allow us to function more peacefully in our day-to-day lives. If we are to "be the change we wish to see", it can be
 really helpful to have a safe place to learn how to make those changes. Unity Institute elective credit will be available for those who may be seeking leadership credentialing.
 
If you would like to participate in a weekly study group and cannot attend on Saturday morning, please reply to this email. We have a couple of teacher-candidates who are willing to facilitate non-credit class series if there is sufficient interest.
 
Books are available at amazon.com 

 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Women's Retreat: "Letting Go Into the New Year"

1:30pm Sept. 16 - 3:30pm Sept. 17

Holy Trinity Monastery, St. David

$74.00 (includes room and 3 meals)

Step away from the busy-ness of your life and join other inspired women to explore, expand and rest in our Oneness. Music, movement, art, and meditation . Group activities as well as time alone will be offered. Space is limited, please contact Marcia Breitenbach, 975-5376. ($25.00 deposit required, a very few spaces remain).

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------