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"Character Ethic is based on the fundamental idea that there are principles that govern human effectiveness-natural laws in the human dimension that are just as real, just as unchanging and unarguably "there" as laws such as gravity are in the physical dimension." -- Stephen R. Covey
 My current series of Sunday lessons are focused on the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey. These habits are not just useful in business, but in life. They are very well-aligned with our Unity and New Thought teachings, and they belong in your spiritual toolbox.
Habit #1 - Be Proactive: We are the architects of our own lives and experiences. It is up to us to choose the direction of our life, to choose how we show up and to choose how we participate in the process of Life expressing as us. We must live the Truth that we know, and one of the things we know is that what we focus on increases. We know that there is only One Power. We know that prayer and meditation are the tools that we use to experience the connection with Oneness. Being proactive means that we bring all of this Truth together each day as the foundation for our lives. Here's a useful first step: "I invest time each day in prayer, meditation, and spiritual study. As I maintain my spiritual practice, I allow space for the High Guidance of Spirit to be known to me."
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Habit #2 - Begin With the End in Mind: We must live with intention. Our focus and attention allow us to live optimally, moving in the direction of our highest Good. Living with intention requires us to invest our time and attention to discern where it is we want to go and what is ours to do along the way. If we wish to live in alignment within Spirit expressing, we must allow the image of that life to emerge for us. Our Powers of Imagination and Faith allow us to bring about the highest and best that we can be in this lifetime. We rest in meditation and contemplation of infinite possibility, and allow our path to become clear. We use our imagination to envision what that might look like. We engage as much of our thinking and feeling nature as we can. As we have this experience in Mind, we engage also our power of Faith to 'make it so'. We realize our Good first in Mind, knowing that as we believe it is done. "Each morning when I awake, before I even get out of bed, I envision the new day unfolding in peace, harmony, and grace."
Habit #3 - Putting First Things First: We need to remember that our lives work optimally when we allow ourselves to move forward one step at a time. Trying to do the "last thing" when we haven't yet laid the foundation will only frustrate and discourage us. As exciting as our vision of the end may be, and while we must remain mindful of holding that vision of success, we must also take the action steps needed to get there. We cannot simply sit and wait for our Good to appear at the doorstep with no involvement from us. We must do the work. This reflects our Power of Order. This is the orderly flow and out-picturing of the Universe. All things in the outer have their beginning in Mind. The order of the Universe is Mind, idea, expression. "I claim "Let there be Light" on my path. As each step is illuminated, I take that step willingly, lovingly, joyfully, expectantly."
Habit #4 - Think Win/Win: Our work in Life is to fully express our Wholeness and learn to live in awareness of Oneness. My good does not come at your expense. Your good will never short-circuit the full expression of God-ness in my life. When we live in alignment with our true purpose, we best serve Wholeness. That which we call God-will or Divine Will or even "God's plan for us" really only means that in each moment there is an optimal choice available. It doesn't mean that if we make a different choice that our Good will not unfold, or that we are condemned or anything else along those lines. It simply means that there is always a choice that works best for ALL parties concerned. In the quantum field of pure potential are infinite choices. All ultimately lead us to live the Christ Life that is our Truth. Listening to the still small voice within allows us to know the best choice in the right time. No one is ever harmed by following Divine guidance. Something higher and better always results from following Divine Guidance. "I recognize that others may be impacted by my actions. I pause, I listen, and I choose as I am guided within. I release my ego-based choices to the optimal choices presented in Stillness."
 Marcia Breitenbach in Concert
Sunday, May 20th at 1:00pm
Our music director, Marcia, has a new CD! Gifts of Joy is a co-creation with Spirit that brings messages about the choice to embrace life, love, peace, joy and transformation. Each song empowers us to do what is ours to do, as we let go of what no longer serves. This is Marcia's "first" concert of her new music, and you can be sure there will be a surprise or two as well as the unveiling of her new and wonderful music. Download a flyer and visit Marcia's website.
HAPPY NEWS!
At our very first organizational gathering seven years ago, we claimed the intention to become a full-grown Unity Church. Many of you recently signed our application to the Board of Unity Worldwide Ministries, requesting acceptance as a full-status voting member ministry, and I am VERY happy to tell you that our application was approved at the end of April. In June, we will be recognized as a full-status church at the national Unity People's Convention in Detroit. I will be there to accept the plaque that has been ordered for us, and we'll be placing it proudly on our walls when I return. Thank you to each of you for the important role you play in our community's success! Read our approval letter here.
 COMING SOON
Rev. Meghan Smith presents
"Illuminate Your Brilliance"
June 16th, 9:30 - 12:30
$25.00 suggested offering
Rev. Meghan Smith returns on Saturday, June 16 to facilitate the journey to activate the rainbow of living light within you through vibrational tones, empowering meditation, and personal exploration and exercises for each chakra. On Sunday, June 17th, , Rev. Meghan will present our Sunday lesson. For more information, download the flyer.
Child care and Sunday School is always available for kids
Our Sunday School teachers look forward to sharing Unity principles with your children aged 4-12. If you've got questions, please speak to our YOU teachers: Cindy Cawthorne, LUT, Barbara Richman, LUT, Judyth Willis, and Sunni Adams. Our nursery is available for the very young ones, as well.
Some closing thoughts...
Culturally, much of what we encounter each day is superficial and based on the changing tides of public opinion and popular media. The "character-driven" habits outlined and explained by Covey are so very much deeper, and completely in alignment with our Unity principles. If you've missed any of the Sunday lessons covering these habits so far, visit our website. You may listen to the audio archive online, or click on the "details" tab to download mp3s or email to a friend.
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Upcoming Sunday Lessons
5/20: Gifts of Joy - Marcia's CD release party after church!
5/27: Habit #5 - Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood
6/3: Habit #6 - Synergy
6/10: Habit #7 - Sharpen the Saw
06/17: Guest, Rev. Megan Smith
06/24: Guest, Rev. Jim Marshall
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