Minister's Letter
I am writing to you on this added day to the calendar...February 29. When this arrives in your inbox, it will be March. We will be ready for longer days of light and spring our clocks forward an hour on March 13.
 
This spring we will enter into the Season for the Earth for the first time. This is the third of four seasons that the Association of Global New Thought offers. We are in the Season for Nonviolence now and we will have the Season for Interfaith and Intercultural Celebration again this fall.
 
As a sneak preview of the Season for the Earth, we have three excellent speakers lined up to be with us during the months of April through June. We plan to expand our raised gardens in the back of the church and grow food for our Sunday meal and to share with others. There will be many opportunities to help with this project. The frames for the raised gardens need to be built, the soil prepared, and the plants planted. Master Gardener Cynthia Froehlich, will oversee these activities and is supported by Rev. LeRoy. Cynthia is also leading a nature walk during this time. You are invited to participate wherever you feel called. As I said, more details forthcoming.
 
In the spirit of the Season for Nonviolence, we hosted Elaine McGillicuddy on Sunday. Elaine shared her love story with us as well as her involvement with the peace movement, which happened over 40 years. Elaine, a certified instructor of Dances for Universal Peace, led us in these dances following lunch. It was a fun and prayerful experience. Visit our website at www.unitygreaterportland.org to hear Elaine's moving message. You can also visit Elaine's website.
 
I want to draw your attention to our next guest for the Season for Nonviolence, Paul K. Chappell. Paul is with us on March 11 - 13. He is leading a two-day training for Peace Leadership. We are offering this training on a donation basis and lunch is included. We are making it affordable to demonstrate our commitment to our vision of a spiritually transformed world. We see this work as a way to experience it in our lifetime.
 
Paul K. Chappell graduated from West Point in 2002, was deployed to Iraq, and left active duty in November 2009 as a Captain. He is the author of the Road to Peace series, a seven-book series about waging peace, ending war, the art of living, and what it means to be human. The first five published books in this series include: Will War Ever End?, The End of War, Peaceful Revolution, The Art of Waging Peace, and The Cosmic Ocean. Chappell serves as the Peace Leadership Director for the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation. Lecturing across the country and internationally, he also teaches courses and workshops on Peace Leadership and Peace Literacy. To learn more, visit his website.
 
Paul is also very committed to Peace Literacy and I know that once you read what he has written you will see the importance of this as well.
 
So, as we move further into March, we have another event I want to share with you. As you may already know, Easter is early this year. Palm Sunday is March 20 and Easter is March 27. On Holy Thursday, March 24, we are offering a Seder Dinner from 6:00-8:00pm, which emulates the Last Supper that Jesus had with his disciples. Reservations are required, as we have limited seating. The cost is $10. Make your reservation by calling the office at 893-1233 or on the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board. The deadline for reservations is March 20.
 
We have so many great events happening... thank you all for your support to Unity of Greater Portland.
You are a blessing in my life,
 
Pat's Signature  
Rev. Patricia Bessey
 
If you are having a birthday in March, I have a gift for you.  It is meeting with me and completing an Annual Spiritual Checkup.  This can be done in person or by phone.  Let me know when your birthday is and that you would like to schedule a time to receive your gift.  You can email me at revpatbessey@gmail.com or revpatb@roadrunner.com. 
If you wish to send a tithe/donation to Unity of 
Greater Portland, please click the PayPal button below. 

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  IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS: 

Healing Service will not be held on 
March 6 due to the Annual Meeting. 
Next Healing Service will be April 3.

March 6 
   
Let us all get together
for a whole lot of fun.
Bring your favorite dish,
One that everyone is so crazy about! 

Annual Mtg
This Sunday, March 6
12:15 pm
    
We will be voting for new Board members along with new revised by-laws at the Annual Meeting. Please join us even if you are not a voting member; your input counts.

Starting in April, we will have "Second Sunday Savings" in the bookstore! On the second Sunday of each month, everything in the bookstore will be 15% off. This is a great opportunity to do some shopping, save a little money, and support Unity! Please join us on April 10th for our inaugural Second Sunday Savings day!!


Feedback for the bookstore? 
Please email Steph Plourde at unitychurch@roadrunner.com.

We appreciate your business!!

Bookstore Hours:
Tuesday-Thursday 10:00-3:00
Sunday before and after service

 
Unity Kindness Revolution 
Upcoming Activities: 

MARCH DATES
March 2, 11:00 am - Singing at Florence House
March 11, 6:00 pm - Pizza and Sing at Logan Place
March 14, 10:30 am - Preble Street Soup Kitchen
March 16, 11:00 am - Singing at Florence House

APRIL DATES
April 6, 11:00 am - Singing at Florence House
April 8, 6:00 pm - Pizza and Sing at Logan Place
April 11, 10:30 am - Preble Street Soup Kitchen
April 20, 11:00 am - Singing at Florence House

 Sign up on Bulletin Board at church 
For more information contact Rev Elizabeth Peterson at:
unitykindnessrev@gmail.com    

Date Changed to June 4

Please sign-up on Bulletin Board for 
Volunteers, Crafters, and Healers.

NEW CLASSES / WORKSHOPS / BOOK STUDIES 
SPECIAL SERVICES / MOVIES / RETREATS:


THE WAY TO PEACE:
A Spirituality of Compassion and Nonviolence
Led by Jack Seery

Tuesdays February 2 - April 12
(Except February 16 and March 15)
           6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
 
As part of the Season for Nonviolence this class is being offered with the purpose to engage in a process of personal and communal transformation through the deeper understanding of silence, compassion and nonviolence. Through readings, presentation and discussion, participants will understand the breadth and complexity of these concepts and their application to our lives. We will support each other as we enter into this way to peace. 
 
Readings:
            Michael Nagler         The Search for a Nonviolent Future
            Karen Armstrong      Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life
 
Class is offered on a love offering basis. 
Books are available in the bookstore at a 10% discount. 
Open to all; not a closed class.

Keep a True Lent 
With Revs. Pat & LeRoy
February 10 - March 16
Wednesdays 6:30 to 8:00 pm

Why take this class?
  • To draw Truth out of the material presented and to recognize and apply these teachings in your own life.
  • To acquaint you with Charles Fillmore's teaching of practical Christianity
  • To have a realization during the six weeks that will take this material from an intellectual experience to an awareness experience.
Offered on a love offering basis
Books will be available for purchase in bookstore for 10% discount
SEE credit available
Open to all; not a closed class.

Peace Leadership
in  Difficult Times

2-DAY TRAINING...MARCH 11 & 12, 2016
9:30 am - 4:30 pm (both days lunch included)

UNITY OF GREATER PORTLAND
54 RIVER ROAD  WINDHAM, MAINE (I/2 mile over the Westbrook line)
PREREGISTRATION REQUIRED...SEATING LIMITED...207-893-1233 X5

Cost:  Donation                                       www.unitygreaterportland.org
 

-- The Foundations and Skills of Peace Leadership

-- Conflict Resolution in a Workplace or Social Movement

-- How to Combat Deception and Dehumanization

-- How to Be Persuasive and Go Beyond Preaching to the Choir

-- Learn the Power of Waging Peace

-- The Tactics and Strategies of Effective Action

 

Paul K. Chappell is a West Point graduate, Iraq War veteran, and former army captain who serves as Peace Leadership Director of the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation. Part African-American, part Asian, and part Caucasian, Chappell grew up in a violent household in Alabama with a father who fought in the Korean and Vietnam wars. Chappell's most recent book in his seven book Road to Peace series is The Art of Waging Peace.




Sunday, March 13, 2016
Sunday Service 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Paul K. Chappell
West Point Graduate, Iraq War Veteran,
Peace Leadership Director of the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation

Workshop 12:15 pm - 2:15 pm
Offered on a love offering basis


THE WAY OF SILENCE
Led by Jack Seery
 
This is an invitation to join with members of the Unity of Greater Portland community for a day of silence in community at Unity of Greater Portland. It is an opportunity to withdraw from the constant noise and demands of our lives and listen to our inner voice, the inner voice of our authentic self, the inner voice of God, however experienced. Being in community creates a supportive atmosphere that allows us to surrender into that silence. Being in silence creates a deeper sense of community.
 
Saturday, March 19
9:30 am to 3:00pm
 
Lunch will be provided
 
This will be offered on a love offering (Retreat and Lunch)
Sign up on church bulletin board

Palm Sunday
Sunday, March 20 - 10:00 am
 
Come celebrate the beginning of the Holy Week by attending this service. As part of the service an adult Spiritual Baptism will be offered to all who would like to participate. We will walk the palms to signify the journey to Jerusalem. Palms will be available to take with you.


 
March 20, 2016
12:15 pm

Our roster is full! Please join us for some great entertainment.

Sponsored by Unity's Youth Ed  
 
Love Offering 

Holy Thursday Celebration
  
Join us as the Unity community celebrates the conclusion of the 2016 Season for Nonviolence with the ritual and feast of Passover on Thursday, March 24, from 6:00-8:00 pm in Unity Hall.
 
The Seder (Passover ritual and meal) recounts the Hebrews' flight from slavery in Egypt to freedom in Canaan (The Land Flowing with Milk and Honey). Jesus of Nazareth was celebrating Passover (as had been done for thousands of years and is done by Jews to this day) with his disciples in an Upper Room in Jerusalem on the Thursday between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday. It was at this feast we call the Last Supper that Jesus instituted Communion as he blessed the bread and the wine. So, this day is important to both Jews and Christians.
 
In New Thought, Egypt symbolizes ignorance and the flight to the promised land represents our willingness to be led out of this bondage. At the Last Supper, Jesus promised that giving his life and body would lead to regeneration of his people by using bread and wine as symbols. Paraphrased from "Keep a True Lent", Charles Fillmore.
 
The evening will include the traditional Passover ritual, hand-washing, and a 3-course meal. The cost is $10 to cover the ingredients. Reservation required...by either signing up on the bulletin board or by emailing unitychurch@roadrunner.com so we will know how much food to prepare. Limited seating reserve today!

Easter
Sunday, March 27, 2015 - 10:00 am
 
We invite you to join your Spiritual Community for a joyful celebration of Easter.  It will be a time to honor the resurrection of our Christ Consciousness and includes a flower ceremony.
 
Easter Egg Hunt
 
Th
e Youth Ministry will be having the traditional Easter Egg Hunt. 

Silent Retreat
Led by Jack Seery
April 14 - 17, 2016

There is still room to join us at the retreat.

Thursday evening - Sunday lunch
 
Location will be at Marie Joseph Spiritual Center at Biddeford Pool. 
 
You are welcome to join us for this silent retreat is Marie Joseph's Spiritual Center has room. The cost is $280.  If you are interested, contact Jack Seery, jseery@sacoriver.net or 207- 651-5990.
  ONGOING ACTIVITIES
Ongoing Activities
 
Sun    Morning Prayer Circle 9:15 a.m. in Unity Hall with Rev. Pat
Meditation 9:30-9:45 a.m. in Sanctuary
A Course in Miracles 12:30-2:00 p.m. Contact: Randall Sawyer 749-4205
Mon    * Preble Street Soup Kitchen (2nd Mon) 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Tue     Men's Spiritual Progress Group (3rd Tue) 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Women Empowering Women (3rd Tue) 6:30-8:00 p.m. 
Wed    * Florence House Sing (1st and 3rd Wed) 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.  
Prayer Circle 12:00 noon (bring lunch and stay to enjoy fellowship)
Fri       * Logan Place Pizza Party/Sing-along (2nd Fri) 6:30 p.m.
            Cancer Support Group (3rd Fri) 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Sat      Team Leader's Meeting (2nd Sat) 9:30-11:30 a.m. - closed group

* Unity Kindness Revolution Events

GENTLE REMINDERS
Winter Storm Cancellations
 

Storm Policy - If the local status is considered "winter storm watch", a decision will be made by 9:00 pm the night before by the Board President and Minister. As soon as the local status is "winter storm warning", we automatically close. This would apply to all activities at the ministry - Sunday and weekday events.
 
Definitions: A storm watch means that the weather has the chance of turning into a storm. A storm warning means that the weather has turned bad; and is headed your way.
 
Our policy is caution, we always want you to be safe in your travels. If you have questions about "IF" a class or service will be held due to weather conditions, you may call 893-1233 and press #4 for storm cancellation information. Of course, even if a class or service is being held possibly the weather is different in your location, so please, use your own best judgment and "Be Safe". 

Online Church Directory

Join our Online directory - It's simple. Just contact the office at unitychurch@roadrunner.com or call 893-1233 Tues or Wed, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and ask for Steph, or leave a message on box 1. We ask you have been actively attending services and/or classes for at least 3 months and if you no longer are attending to please let us know that you no longer want to be on the directory. We do have to pay for the number of people who are on it and would prefer to pay for those who are actively using the directory. 

 

You are welcome to join our online directory to be able to connect with one another for social and outreach reasons - We ask you refrain from using it as a marketing tool. Your compliance if appreciated. If we receive a spamming complaint, you will be removed from access to database.


Prayer Shawls 
  
The Prayer Shawl team has Shawls and "Lapghans"(suitable for use with wheelchairs) available. These shawls are available free of charge to anyone you feel would appreciate one. Prayer shawls are made with Love and are never SOLD. However, we do appreciate monetary donations to purchase supplies, as well as donations of yarn.
 
Please see Patti LaCombe or Jan Strout, if you wish to gift a prayer shawl to someone.

God is our Source and provides us with many channels of supply. Some of those channels are the following:

   

When ordering through Amazon, if you go through Amazon Smile (smileamazon.com) and designate Unity of Greater Portland as your chosen charity, .5% of your purchase will be donated to Unity of Greater Portland.  It will show up as Unity Church of Truth, our official name, but it is us! This deal is not quite as beneficial as the old Amazon Associates Program but, if we use it, it will add up. This is a great way to still support UGP!  


Do you shop at Staples?    
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Many members of our Unity family shop at Staples and collect a few "Staples Reward Points" each month.  But if you're like me, they seldom amount to enough to really save me much money.  Then I found out that I can use the Staples Rewards Number for Unity of Greater Portland.  My points are added to those of many other members and help the church save money on much needed office supplies.

 

 

Staples Rewards Number for Unity Church

5000266261

   

   
Unity Recycles Ink Cartridges and gets reward for that too!

 

Also, if you want to you can drop cartridges at Staples 
and use our number and we get credit there as well. 

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When you pick up a Clynk bag in our bookstore and  

recycle your bottles in it, Unity gets a check!


Check out the gently used books in the hall by the Office.  
Leave a donation and enrich your library!

 

Thank you God for all the channels of supply 

you provide us with!  We are so Blessed!

Church Information
Unity of Greater Portland
Office and Bookstore are open from 
10 AM to 3 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
 
Prayer Support
Minister of Prayer:
Rev. Airin Wolf - unitygpprayers@gmail.com
UGP Confidential Prayer request and Prayer Chaplain Line: 
893-1233, EXT. 3
Silent Unity Prayer Support  
1-800-NOW-PRAY  (1-800-669-7729) or www.silentunity.org
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