|
On Friday evening, Oct. 12th, and all-day Saturday, Oct. 13th, we will come together and allow the Christ expressing within and through our collective Unity Spiritual Center of Peace consciousness to guide us in creating that "very simple and ...orderly arrangement to further the work of Spirit". You are invited to be a valuable participant in this very important process.
Rev. Jim Marshall, will facilitate the two-part process that will help shape how we do leadership as we move forward in the growth of our shared spiritual community. The intended goal of those of us who founded our community was to utilize an open and inclusive leadership model. We have looked at many systems over the years, and have realized that - as with every important decision that has been made for our community - we must allow the Christ to be at the head of what we do, and that means we must go within for guidance. We are proud of the Spirit-led work we have done to this point and we are thankful for the minds and hearts that have worked together to bring us to this exciting moment.
From the beginning, we declared the intention to be recognized as an autonomous, full-status Unity ministry, with credentialed Unity leadership. Seven years later, we are a full-status voting member of Unity Worldwide Ministries (Yay!), we have two Licensed Unity Teachers, and two more official LUT candidates (Yay! Yay!). There are at least 5-6 more students in various stages of completion of their first-level classes towards becoming Licensed Teachers (Yay!, Yay!, Yay!). Of course, with your generous support, I became a Licensed Unity minister last March, and continue my journey towards graduation and ordination, scheduled for March, 2014 (and a big, personal Yahoo! from me on that one!).
Our history together has been one of discernment of purpose, followed by claiming the willingness to do the work that allows us to accomplish that which we know is ours to do, so that we may most optimally BE that which we ARE, which is the Christ, in potential and in expression. This feels like an especially sweet and tender moment in our history together. We are maturing in our relationships with each other, experiencing Oneness of Spirit. We are welcoming new friends into our community who are excited about finding and fulfilling their roles as we move forward. We are filling the chairs in the sanctuary as we haven't before. We have kids in our midst! We are continuing to do the good work in our community that we have done since the beginning (thanks again to Kat Domet for laying the foundation for the work that Susan Smith and our Community Outreach group so lovingly continue). Our core values of Service, Peace, Acceptance, Creativity and Education have been honored, and continue to be reflected in our day-to-day activities.
I am so very, very blessed to be part of this whole out-picturing of Spirit. We have proven that claiming an intention, doing the work, and remaining aligned in Truth works. The "next step" is already known to the Christ, which is at the head of our community. Indeed, the "next step" already exists in the perfect fullness of Divine Mind. We must simply remain willing to BE present, to BE still and listen, and to BE always-willing to do the work necessary to bring that vision into outer manifestation. It is an exciting moment for us!
The Divine within me salutes and honors the Divine within each of you- Namaskar!
Blessings, Rev. Nita
ENVISIONING OUR PATH TOGETHER
Friday, Oct. 12, 6:00 - 9:00pm
Saturday, Oct. 13, all-day ('til we're done!)
Rev. Jim Marshall, "Open Space Envisioning in Unity", facilitates
A completely safe and respectful environment will allow all interested voices to speak, as well as allow all listeners to hear. No ideas are out of bounds, and there is no bias toward any preconceived ideas or conclusions. This is not a free-for-all: Rev. Jim has facilitated this type of event many times, and will guide us through the heart-centered, prayerful processes necessary for collective spiritual discernment. A couple of ground rules you need to be aware of... participation at Friday evening's session is a firm prerequisite for attendance and participation in Saturday's session. If you want to attend Saturday, you must attend Friday night. There is also no participation "by proxy"- we won't be collecting any type of "suggestion box" input. If you wish to be a part of this, be sure to clear your schedule for the complete event. We rest confidently in the knowledge that absolutely the right and perfect people will be in attendance. If you cannot make it, please don't worry about it! Know that whatever is ready to emerge will emerge, in the absolutely best possible way for all of us. If you'd like to read a bit about the process, download the brochure by clicking here. And, just so you are aware... one of the interesting aspects of this process is that the minister does not have a voice in the discussion. I will be there, observing, listening, and holding the High Watch, but I will not actively participate in the conversation. As you might imagine, this promises to be a very interesting event for all of us! Lunch will be provided on Saturday, and (knowing us!) there will surely be snacks and refreshments available. I will look forward to seeing you there, and hearing what YOU have to say.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOVIE NIGHT - "THE DHAMMA BROTHERS"
THIS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
Doors open at 5:40 pm. Come for socializing and personally flavor/butter your popcorn in the flavoring bowls!
Film starts at 6:00pm, with discussion following. Doors close at 8:00 pm.
The FREE movie this month is, "The Dhamma Brothers" (and the brief follow-up video). This inspiring documentary follows the success of an intensive meditation program aimed at rehabilitating prisoners. Many of the inmates in one of Alabama's toughest prisons are in for heinous crimes such as murder. Thanks to a revolutionary program, highlighted by a rigorous 10-day meditation retreat based on the teachings of the Buddha, these distressed souls are finding a way out-while never leaving the walls that imprison them.
Light refreshments will be available for a small charge. Next month's movie will be "You Can Heal Your Life: The Movie" by Louise Hay and Friends, on October 19th. _______________________________________________ ( top) NEW CLASSES BEGIN SOON...
Our two Licensed Teacher Candidates will be presenting non-credit classes soon! In addition, Rev. Nita will facilitate the final SEE credit class for this year. Our classes are interactive, informative, and present a wonderful opportunity to learn, grow, and meet those with whom you share this path of ever-increasing awareness. If you've got questions, just hit the "reply" button and ask! Required texts are noted. Generally, at least a few copies will be available from the instructor, or you may seek out copies (used and new) through your favorite online booksellers. We do not charge for SEE classes - a love offering will be blessed at each class session. "The Five Principles"
(required text by Rev. Ellen Debenport )
Facilitated by Susan Sellers, LUT Cand. Tuesday evenings 6:00 - 8:00PM, 09/25 - 10/23 The five principles are core teachings of the Unity spiritual movement, founded by Charles and Myrtle Fillmore in 1889. Here's your opportunity to work with these principles, test them, apply them to your life, and WATCH WHAT HAPPENS. This is an excellent class for students who may be new to Unity, as well as seasoned students. "Ask Yourself This"
A class about you (Required text by Rev. Wendy Craig-Purcell) Facilitated by Barb McLawhorn, LUT Cand. Wednesdays 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM, 09/26 - 10/24 Have you ever felt stuck? Are you wondering how to make changes that will bring a deeper dimension to your life? In this course we will embark on a five part exploration designed to acquaint you with the fine art of asking yourself the right questions to help identify your deepest beliefs, unlock your own inner brilliance and create the meaningful life you desire. This life-changing wisdom within you is just a question away waiting to be discovered. Join us as we begin the journey to awareness. The Twelve Powers of Man
(Required text by Charles Fillmore)Facilitated by Rev. Nita Strauss Saturdays, 10:00 AM - 12:00PM, 09/29 - 11/3 (NO CLASS 10/13 due to Leadership Event) In this class (required for those seeking Unity credentialing), you'll develop a working knowledge of our Truth Principles and the Twelve Powers. This material will then be put into practical application in your own life so that you can more fully express the Christ in your life, which will absolutely transform your life. _______________________________________________ ( top) 
SUE K. RILEY AND SLOAN WAINWRIGHT
IN CONCERT "POSITIVE, EMPOWERING MUSIC THAT MATTERS"October 28Sunday service at 10:30, Concert at 1:00pm (tickets $10.00) Everyone LOVED Sue and Sloan when they visited last year, and we're very happy that they're returning! In addition to their concert, Sue will present her "Sunday Sermon in Song" at our regular 10:30 service. If you aren't yet familiar with their music, visit their websites: 
SURPRISE!
WE HAVE A MAKE-UP DATE WITH DANIEL NAHMOD! As many of you know, our visit from Daniel Nahmod scheduled for last February was cancelled because he became a father in December. I am very happy to announce that he will be visiting us on November 18th. He'll be performing for our Sunday service and also doing a 1:00pm concert. For more info about Daniel and his music, visit his website.
_______________________________________________ ( top)
| 
