Heart Thoughts

March 31, 2016

New In this issue:

Food for Thought... Food for Life

The Book Nook

I of the Storm

Awaken the Passionate Heart

Andras Corban Arthen

Discover the Power Within You

Beholding Nature

A Walk on the Wild Side

We are bringing the first quarter of 2016 to an end and, oh my, what amazing programs and events we have had during these three months. In January we started the New Year with the White Stone Ceremony and from there kicked off the Season for Nonviolence with Tim Wilson and the Seeds of Peace young people leading us in a dialogue workshop. In February, we experienced Elaine McGillicuddy sharing her love story from her book Sing to Me and I Will Hear You and in the afternoon leading us in the Dances of Universal Peace. This was followed in March by Paul K. Chappell and the Peace Leadership training, which has changed my life and I know the lives of others who experienced Paul. In June of 2015, Rev. LeRoy and I made the decision to transition to vegetarianism. We had talked about taking the next step to a vegan diet, however, I was balking at that idea. That is, until Paul came. After experiencing what he had to share, it became clear to us that ethically we needed to take the plunge and embrace a vegan diet.

I share this with you because it really leads into the Easter experience for me. Jesus didn't set out to be crucified or to be resurrected. What Jesus did was lead an ethical life. He saw and spoke out about injustices that were going on and the authorities were not happy with him. The only way they could stop him was to kill him. However, we know that didn't really stop anything! His message is the same today as it was over 2000 years ago. Easter is the rising up of the triumphant Christ Spirit in you and in me. We do not worship the man Jesus; we embody his teachings so that we may have life and have it abundantly. We embody Jesus' teachings

of love, empathy, and compassion. In Unity, we teach - and say, we believe in - the sacredness of all life. We know in our hearts that when we hurt another, we hurt ourselves. Which brings Rev. LeRoy and me back to our decision to live a vegan life. Is it easy to shift what has been a culture of ours for over 70 years... meat and potatoes? No, but I don't believe it was easy for Jesus to stand up to the culture of his time either. So, Easter for me is rolling away the stone of old beliefs and habits and resurrecting a new way of being that aligns with love, empathy and compassion. To listen to the Easter talk please click here...

On April 4, we bring the Season of Nonviolence to a close for the second year. This year we are introducing a new season, The Season for the Earth, which will run from April 24 to June 27. We will be hosting speakers and events that highlight this important season. Stay tuned...

Join me this Sunday as I start a series on our Core Values, beginning with "we are loving".

You are a blessing in my life,

Rev. Patricia Bessey

If you are having a birthday in April, 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.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS

PLEASE NOTE:
As of April 5
New Bookstore and Office Hours
Tuesday, Thursday & Friday
10:00 - 3:00

Sunday, April 3

"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much."

~ Helen Keller

Share your favorite dish with your UGP community.

April 3 (First Sunday of the month)

12:15 - 1:45 PM

The purpose of the Healing Service is to facilitate healing by the flow of energy through the power of grace. Those serving as facilitators of healing know that their services represent their commitment to support the emergence and acceptance of the wholeness that Spirit intends for us by applying Unity's principles of healing as well as other modalities.

All who attend will have the opportunity to receive a personal time for healing if they choose. Everyone is invited to remain for the whole service, even after receiving a private healing session, as to help support the service.

These services are offered as a gift to our community; no fees are charged. Your love offerings will be gratefully accepted and will support the work of the Healing Ministry and Unity of Greater Portland.

Please invite your family, friends and others who may benefit from this service to attend.

"The greatness of a nation and it's moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." -Gandhi

Featured Recipe: Vegan Vanilla-Mixed Berry Muffins

Think you can't have amazing baked goods and pastries as a vegan? Not true! There are many strategies employed in vegan baking to mimic the functions of eggs and dairy. Apple cider vinegar (don't worry - you can't taste it - I promise!) when mixed with baking soda starts the chemical reaction needed to produce carbon dioxide and give batters a lift as they bake. I tried these muffins Sunday, and the two boys at my house gobbled them up. The sprinkling of sugar on top makes them extra yummy. Enjoy!!

If you have any questions or comments, or would like more information on vegetarian/vegan eating, email Steph Plourde, Certified Wellness Coach, at unitychurch@roadrunner.com.

I of the Storm, by Gary Simmons, is available at a 10% discount - Unity class starts April 13. From Amazon: "Simmons integrates spiritual principles, biblical quotes, and martial arts philosophy (he is a fourth-degree black belt in tae kwon do) as well as concepts from modern science--especially quantum theory. In this way he points us to the "I" of the storm of conflict, to our spiritual Self, as the means of realizing peace in our lives."

Bookstore Hours:

Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 10:00-3:00

Sunday before and after service

Feedback for the bookstore?

Please email Steph Plourde at unitychurch@roadrunner.com.

We appreciate your business!!

Unity Kindness Revolution
Upcoming Activities:

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

MAY DATES

May 4, 11:00 am - Singing at Florence House

May 9, 10:30 am - Preble Street Soup Kitchen

May 13, 6:00 pm - Pizza and Sing at Logan Place

May 18, 11:00 am - Singing at Florence House

For more information contact Rev. Elizabeth Peterson at:

unitykindnessrev@gmail.com

Saturday, June 4

10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Please sign-up on Bulletin Board for

Volunteers, Crafters, and Healers.

CLASSES & EVENTS
LOVE OFFERING UNLESS DESIGNATED
Sign-ups on UGP Bulletin Board

THE I OF THE STORM

Embracing Conflict, Creating Peace

Wednesdays -April 13 - June 1

6:30 -8:30 PM

With Rev. Pat and Rev. LeRoy

Have you ever failed in a relationship? When a relationship ends or when there is conflict, do you make yourself or the other person wrong? Let's face it managing tension in relationships often brings us to the edge of our resourcefulness. But the truth is, when we feel judged or threatened, we instinctively move to protect ourselves.

Benefits from taking the class:

Learn new insights into dealing with judgment and criticism based upon truth principles
Learn how to impersonalize and redirect the energy of conflict in to positive avenues of healing and transformation
Learn clear and simple methods for dealing with stressful and challenging situations
Gain relevant skills for creating harmony and managing conflict as it arises in your personal and professional lives

Available for SEE Credits

I of the Storm Book required (available in bookstore)

Awaken the Passionate Heart Workshop

Saturday, April 23, 2016

9:00 am - 4 pm

with Irene Tomkinson & Karen Fitzgerald

Ladies, this workshop is for you!
To quote one happy participant, "This workshop changed my life!"
Let it change yours.

Awaken to passion.

Light up with fun.

Enliven yourself.

Your dreams are not done.

Irene Tomkinson and Karen Fitzgerald certainly know how to wake you up!

As an author, coach, therapist and workshop leader, Irene has helped thousands to unfold their potential while uncovering their deepest desires. With our shared stories and our shared dreams, she guides us to connect more fully with ourselves and others. Described as a 'teacher of teachers", she is also a hoot!

Karen Fitzgerald leads the way with her one woman solo show, "Hot Mama Mahatma," her comic tour of reinvention from New Hampshire to New York, with a stop in India. Eat, Pray, Love it wasn't, but it opened her eyes and it will open yours! A hit in NYC and NH, Dr. Christiane Northrup raved: "Great piece. SO SO SO much in here for EVERY woman! Bravo!!!" As a Hay House webinar leader, coach, performer and Huff Post blogger, Karen will dance you into your own joy.


Karen Fitzgerald


	Irene Tomkinson

$55.00 suggested donation

NO ONE IS REFUSED BECAUSE OF MONEY

For more information contact: Irene @ 603-9647090

www.IreneTomkinson.com or itomkinson@comcast.net

Andras Corban Arthen

Sunday, April 24

Guest Speaker 10:00 am

Workshop 12:15pm - 3:15 pm

Andras Corban Arthen is the founder and spiritual director of the EarthSpirit Community, an international religious and educational organization, established in 1977, which is dedicated to the preservation and development of Earth-centered spirituality. EarthSpirit has been hosting the internationally-recognized Rites of Spring festival since 1979.

Arthen is also the Vice-Chair for the Parliament of World Religions, and is a recognized speaker, author, and advocate for Pagan Spirituality around the globe.

Morning Talk - 10:00 am

Andras will offer a shorter talk on an animist perspective on the Mystery at the core of every religion.

Presentation: People of the Earth - 12:15 pm

"The Surviving Indigenous Spiritual Traditions of Europe"

The cultures and religions of Old Europe that were labelled "pagan" actually represented the original indigenous traditions of Europe. These peoples were, in fact, the "Indians" of Old Europe, and they have much in common with other indigenous, earth-centered cultures around the world. Some of these original traditions have continued to exist into the present, primarily in remote rural locations throughout Europe. Andras Corban Arthen has traveled extensively throughout Europe studying these survivals, especially those of Lithuania and other eastern European countries. The presentation includes digital slides and videos from these cultures.

Suggested Love Offering of $20, however, no one will be turned away.

Discover the Power Within You

Facilitated by Louise Flynt, LUT

Saturdays, April 30 - May 28

9:30 to 11:30 am

Eric Butterworth, Unity's beloved author, raises the question: "What did Jesus really teach?" How does the answer to this question impact all of us in this time of confusion and global turmoil? In his book, Discover the Power Within You, he makes clear that "the philosophy of Jesus is a workable philosophy, a way of life," no matter what is happening in the outer world. This book is a must read for all Unity students seeking for the way of truth in these troubling times. In this class we will explore and discuss Butterworth's insights on how to maintain an unwavering connection to God using the words, actions and life of Jesus.

oks are available in the bookstore

Available for SEE credit

Beholding Nature:

Spiritual Ecology Through the Eyes of the Heart

Led by Jack Seery and Cynthia Froehlich

Mondays, May 9 - June 20

30 - 8:00 pm

How beautiful the world is when one looks at it without searching, just looks, simply and innocently. ~~ Hermann Hesse

In human relationships, the most honoring thing one person can do for another is to truly see them, to look deep beneath the surface and affirm the unique being within. This is how God sees. In this class, we will work with a variety of practices to broaden and deepen our perceptions of the other-than-human world, practices that will open "the eyes of the heart" and help us to perceive Nature apart from our projections. We will do this in Unity's own backyard.

We will also be reading essays from Spiritual Ecology: The Cry of the Earth and exploring responses to the impacts of human doings on the earth. Through the 3 points of witnessing, tender-heartedness, and prayer, we will try to discover what action may be required of us without becoming overwhelmed. We want to engage with Earth as an infinitely creative, intelligent, and adaptive system-being, and step into the role of partner and servant rather than rescuer. Through deep-heart relatedness, we hope to craft brand-new strategies for thriving.

Bio: Jack Seery has been a member of Unity of Greater Portland since 2004. He has been teaching classes on compassion and nonviolence for several years. He is a spiritual director and leads days of silent retreats. In the past he worked in a soup kitchen and engaged in various forms of nonviolent resistance.

Bio: Cynthia Froehlich is a member of Unity of Greater Portland. In 2009, she began three years of study with Pam Montgomery (author of Plant Spirit Healing) and with Stephen Buhner (author of The Secret Teachings of Plants and The Lost Language of Plants). Through these teachers, both of whom worked extensively with the HeartMath Institute, Cynthia has received training in "heart-centered perception" in nature. She is also a certified herbalist, Master Gardener, and holds an MA in English from Ohio University.

Spiritual Ecology: The Cry of the Earth required (available in bookstore)

A Walk on the Wild Side

With Cynthia Froehlich

Saturday, May 21

9:30 - 12:30

Location TBD

Join us for a Saturday morning walk through spring woodlands, wetlands, and fields to see what's growing. Spring ephemerals should be in full swing, and several early-blooming wetland shrubs should be in full blossom. We will learn identify plants once used for food and medicine, and listen to what the plant guilds have to tell us about their habitats. We will take time to see from the "unused side of the eye," as Thoreau put it, looking at small details and making interesting connections that we often overlook. In addition, fresh air, exercise, and good company. A refreshing time for body and spirit.

Dress for wet ground and possible ticks. Bring water and munchies.

Bio: Cynthia Froehlich is a trained herbalist who has led nature walks for Forest Works! of York County. She also developed and headed up a naturalist program for high school students in alternative education.

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

Service 10:00 a.m. in Sanctuary

A Course in Miracles 12:30-2:00 p.m. Contact: Randall Sawyer 420-6145

Mon * Preble Street Soup Kitchen (2^nd Mon) 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

AA Women's Step Meeting 7:00-8:00 p.m.

Tue Men's Spiritual Progress Group (3^rd Tue) 6:30-8:00 p.m.

Women Empowering Women (3^rd Tue) 6:30-8:00 p.m.

Wed * Florence House Sing (1^st and 3^rd Wed) 11:00 a.m.-12:00

Fri * Logan Place Pizza Party/Sing-along (2^nd Fri) 6:30 p.m.

Cancer Support Group (3^rd Fri) 1:00-2:00 p.m.

Sat Team Leader's Meeting (2^nd Sat) 9:30-11:30 a.m. - closed group

* Unity Kindness Revolution Events

GENTLE REMINDERS

Online Church Directory

Join our Online directory - It's simple. Just contact the office at unitychurch@roadrunner.com or call 893-1233 Tuesday -Thursday, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. and ask for Steph, or leave a message on box 1. We ask that 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.

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?

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.