Heart Thoughts
May 19, 2016
New in this issue:
Life is never dull when you are part of the Unity of Greater Portland community, and I like it that way. This past Sunday we welcomed guest speaker Susan MacKenzie as part of our Season for the Earth. Susan gave us a historical perspective of our evolution as a species and how it ties to the earth and our Christian roots. She shared so much with us that to recap it would not do justice. Listen to it by clicking here. I am going to listen again as well, because it was so impactful.
 
Going along with the theme for the earth Saturday was "cleanup day"; a mighty thank you to those who participated. It was impressive to see the busy worker bees sweeping the sand from the parking lot or weeding the gardens around the memorial garden, covering the roof on the small shed, creating an herb garden right outside Unity Hall. Then there was trimming bushes and putting a mixture of loam and compost into places that were calling for it. Thank you John Michael Roods for holding the vision for pockets of beauty throughout our property and continually working at bringing back more of our land into lawn and gardens. Thank you Matt Purinton for organizing the day so anyone who showed up had an assignment. They didn't have to stand around wondering what needed to be done. Lastly, but not least, to all who took on the assignments: Michael Wozich, Pat Bartke, Yaeko Collier, Todd Glacy, Sue Vittner, Yvette Nadeau, Steph Plourde, Ken Lloyd, LeRoy Lowell, Mary Ellen Doyle, Karen Bailey and Kelly Cimino. Thank you all.
 
I tell you often that change is a natural progression to life and we are not exempt from it. So change is happening again at Unity of Greater Portland. For the last several years we have been doubly blessed by having Ingrid Avery preparing delicious lunches for us after the services on Sunday. Many of you know that Ingrid has stepped into a care-giving role for her mom and dad, which has caused her to rethink her commitments at this time. She sees that there will be times when she will be needed on the spur of the moment to tend to her parents and so has made the decision to step down in her full time role as our chef extraordinaire. This was not an easy decision as this is a passion for Ingrid. She shared that many have told her she needs to open a restaurant; however, she always has seen Unity as her restaurant. She will be in the background supporting the ongoing of this team by sharing recipes and knowledge, when asked, and an entree every so often. So how do we honor someone who has been serving so graciously for so long? We get to do that on June 5th. It will be Ingrid Avery Day, and it just so happens to be potluck Sunday as well. What better way to show our love as Ingrid has for so long, by bringing your favorite dish to share? Just so you know, Ingrid is vegetarian and doesn't do refined sugar, but that doesn't mean everyone shares that diet. Also, you will find in the seat pocket in front of you on Sunday mornings a card in which you can share with Ingrid how much you appreciate her. Once you have written your thoughts onto the card, place the card in the offering basket when it comes to you during the service.
 
So you might now be wondering what is next.  I shared on Sunday that God always provides and that is true here. Recent newcomer Maria Lundy has blessed us by immediately stepping into the kitchen role her second week at service by signing up to help with the Seder meal. She has been in the kitchen ever since. So with her help and others, the Sunday lunch will continue without interruption. We are always inviting new folks to join the team, which would be to either set the tables and prepare coffee before the service or in serving and cleaning up after the service. Another way to honor Ingrid is by serving and making sure this meal continues as it has for the past five years.
 
Service is making a sacred commitment to soul growth. When you say "yes" you are setting an intention to grow. The spiritual journey is about reaching in to reach out and here is an opportunity to fulfill our mission.
 
Join Rev. LeRoy this Sunday as he shares our core value on Soul-centric.

You are a blessing in my life,
 
Pat's Signature
Rev. Patricia Bessey
 
P.S. I have heard from some folks that they are using the PayPal donate button on our website to make their Sunday donations when they are unable to attend and it works really easy. Just planting the thought that when you are unable to be with us on Sunday you can still choose to support Unity of Greater Portland easily and effortlessly. 

If you are having a birthday in May, I have a gift for you. It is meeting with me and completing an Annual Spiritual Checkup. This can be done in person, over the phone or via SKYPE. 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 [email protected] or [email protected]


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
    
 
Apprehend God in all things. For God is in all things.
Every single creature is full of God, and is a book about God.
Every creature is a word of God.
If I spent enough time with the tiniest creature-even a caterpillar-
I would never have to prepare a sermon.
So full of God is every creature.
~ Meister Eckhart
 
This week's Featured recipe: Easy Black Bean Burrito Bowl
 
 
This is delicious and healthy way to pack a lot of protein and fiber into oneyummy bowl. The great things about a burrito bowl is that you can throw just about anything you like into it! If you felt so inclined, you could certainly season a meat alternative, like Beyond Beef, and add that. However you do it, the combination of rice, beans, guacamole, and fresh vegetables and/or pico de gallo and/or roasted onions and peppers. It's a nice mix of flavors and full of nutrition and perfect for summer. Enjoy!
 
http://www.veganricha.com/2016/01/easy-black-bean-burrito-bowl.html

If you have any questions or comments, or would like more information on vegetarian/vegan eating, email Steph Plourde, Certified Wellness Coach, at [email protected].

Next Meeting: May 20
Time: 1:30-2:30 pm
 
This group is for adults affected by cancer, their friends and family. If you know of anyone who has been affected by cancer and would like a little support in a safe, nonjudgmental and confidential environment please let them know this group is open to all.

Located: 54 River Road, Windham ~ for more info call 893-1233

 
 
Unity Kindness Revolution

Upcoming Activities: 
 

MAY DATES
May 13, 6:00 pm - Pizza and Sing at Logan Place
May 18, 11:00 am - Singing at Florence House 

JUNE DATES
June 1, 11:00 am - Singing at Florence House
June 10, 6:00 pm - Pizza and Sing at Logan Place
June 15, 11:00 am - Singing at Florence House
 
 Sign up on UGP Bulletin Board
For more information contact Rev. Elizabeth Peterson at:

Sunday, June 5
12:15 pm

Come join us for our Unity of Greater Portland Community Meeting. What is working and what isn't will be part of the discussion. Come and share your thoughts and concerns.

Prayer Shawl Team Update

Team meetings are going on sabbatical for the summer. We will start up again in the fall.  In the meantime shawls will be available for anyone who needs one,  just see Patti LaCombe, Cindy Hildreth, Suzanne Keefe or myself to sign one or more out!

Thanks, 
Jan Strout
 

TWO SUNDAY SERVICES

Starting July 3

8:00 am 40-Minute Contemplative Service with Lesson/Talk (no Children's Church or coffee hour) 

10:00 am Regular service with same Lesson/Talk with lunch following service. (Children's Church during service)

UGP Community Spring Clean UP Crew - May 14 


Season for the Earth Events
LOVE OFFERING UNLESS OTHERWISE DESIGNATED
Sign-up on UGP Bulletin Board 
                                                                 
            
            
Beholding Nature: 
Spiritual Ecology Through the Eyes of the Heart
Led by Jack Seery & Cynthia Froehlich
Mondays (May 9 - June 20) On-going, come join us!
 6:30 - 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.
 
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 am - 12:30 pm

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.

The walk will take place on the Sebago to the Sea Trail.  The trail-head with kiosk and parking area is on Rt. 237 about a mile from the junction with Rt. 35.  Here is a link to the trail map from the Portland Water District.  The trail head is marked with an orange kiosk symbol near the top right corner of the map. 

Cynthia will be at the Unity parking lot at 9:00 am, and anyone who is unsure of how to find the trail can meet there and we will caravan over to the trail, about 6.5 miles from the church.  Or just meet at the trail parking lot at 9:30 am. The kiosk has permit forms (free) that have to be filled out and placed inside your car window.
 
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.
 

 

Creating A Culture of Peace 
The World Peace Diet - Immersive Training 
Saturday,  June 25
10:00 am - 4:00 pm

A day-long training exploring vegan living presented by Will Tuttle, Ph.D.
  • Are you concerned about our culture's mistreatment of people, animals, and the Earth?
  • Do you feel called to help create a positive future for our children and the world?
  • Do you long to untangle and understand the hidden roots of the dilemmas we face as individuals & a society?
  • Do you aspire to develop skills to embody, share, and teach healthy and compassionate living for service, fun, and/or your livelihood?
This World Peace Diet Training is created and offered by Dr. Tuttle to provide effective responses to these questions. This day-long workshop offers time for Q & A and discussion in a supportive and nurturing environment.
 
You will gain the tools to understand veganism as a spiritually, culturally, and physically transformational path of awakening, and learn how to effectively bring this understanding to your community, friends, and family.
 
Besides lecture presentations going more deeply into the vegan teachings in 
The World Peace Diet, there will be role-playing exercises and guided meditations facilitated by Dr. Tuttle.
 
We will discuss the Five Levels of Health, the Seven Mentalities, and keys to spiritual and practical dimensions of vegan living.

Location: Unity of Greater Portland54 River Road, Windham, ME 04062
(If you pre-signup for the training, you'll receive a 
complimentary copy of Conscious Eating, Dr. Tuttle's  DVD).
 
Dr. Will Tuttle, author of the acclaimed best-seller, The World Peace Diet, and recipient of the Courage of Conscience Award, is also co-founder of Veganpalooza, the largest online vegan event. A vegan for 36 years and former Zen monk, his Ph.D. from U.C. Berkeley focused on educating intuition. He has created eight CD albums of uplifting original piano music. With his spouse Madeleine, a Swiss visionary artist, he lectures extensively and internationally. See www.worldpeacediet.com for more information.



Awakening Your Inner Genius
Sunday Talk - June 26
10:00 am
            
Opening the Intuitive Gate:
The Keys to 
Developing Your Intuition
 Sunday Workshop - June 26
12:15 - 2:15 pm
           
An acclaimed pianist, composer, educator, and writer, Will Tuttle unites both eastern and western meditation traditions and is a Dharma Master in the Zen tradition.

Uplifting, philosophical, musical, inspiring, and both challenging and reassuring, this is a seminar that can change lives, as we invite spirit to work its wonders on the ultimate frontier: the human heart.

Dr. Tuttle's insights include:
  • Discovering your unique ways of accessing your intuitive wisdom
  • Effective inner & outer practices for developing joy and spiritual awareness
  • Techniques using meditation, imagery, music, and art that inspire intuitive insights
  • How to respond to the global "intuitive imperative" and meditate more effectively
  • Ancient secrets for awakening the love, compassion, joy, and peace within.
Will Tuttle, Ph.D., has performed and lectured widely throughout the United States and Europe. His doctorate degree with highest honors from the University of California, Berkeley, focused on educating intuition in adults, and he has taught college courses in creativity, humanities, mythology, and philosophy. He has a broad background in both Eastern and Western meditation traditions, and is a former Zen monk. Devoted to planetary awakening and to creating uplifting healing music, he has created 6 much-loved CD albums of original piano music. He currently travels with his spouse, Madeleine, a visionary artist from Switzerland, providing concerts, seminars, and exhibits, and their intuitively-inspired Personalized Music and Art Portraits for individuals and couples.

 

Piano Passion ~ Concert for a New World
Monday, June 27
7:00 pm

A master at recreating the deepest vibrations of the soul," Will Tuttle's uplifting original piano music evokes deep feelings and a sense of wonder, joy, and adventure. 

An acclaimed pianist, composer and recording artist, as well as a Dharma Master in the Zen tradition, he has performed widely throughout North America and Europe for the past 15 years, and has created 6 beloved CD albums of all-original piano music. 

This Piano Passion Concert is an affirmative musical prayer for world peace and for celebrating the beauty of the Earth and potential of our Spirit. Rooted in ancient sacred traditions that see music as a vehicle of consciousness, the concert generates a field of healing and insight. It includes visionary art by Will's spouse, Madeleine, who is a nature artist from Switzerland. 

Come and expect to be transported, uplifted, and carried to new inner places! 

This concert is offered for freedom, for Earth-healing, and for the happiness of every 
being.

      
Dr Will & Madeleine Tuttle
June 25-27
Individual Sessions 
for Personal Music & Art Portraits 

These sessions can be for either individuals or couples.
 
In your session, Will meditatively tunes into your unique essence and translates this into music.  You will receive a private piano concert inspired by your spirit, and the music is recorded onto a 30-minute CD and a digital master.
 
Simultaneously, Madeleine creates a 9" x 12" watercolor painting also inspired by your essence, not a physical likeness but a unique artistic blend of evocative images.
 
Will and Madeleine have been creating individualized Music & Art Portraits over 10 years and are the only ones providing these unique, uplifting, healing, and evocative creations. People are consistently deeply touched by them.
 
Please see Will and Madeleine at their table for more details or to schedule an appointment! The suggested donation is $135 and the sessions last approximately 45 minutes.


OTHER CLASSES & EVENTS
LOVE OFFERING UNLESS OTHERWISE DESIGNATED
Sign-up on UGP Bulletin Board 
                                                                 
An evening of music, meditation and deep communion
Thursday, May 19
7:00 pm

Celebrating our Magnificent, Unique Creations
and
Bidding Wiley a Heartfelt Bon Voyage from Maine
 
Please join us for this wonderful evening of experiencing God together through music, prayer and poetry. Please bring something to share that exemplifies your uniqueness, if you like, or come simply to witness others.  As Wiley will be leaving us soon for a new harbor there might be a heavier emphasis than usual on music.  If you have a special favorite song, please send requests to me and I will see if I can twist his arm just a little bit.
Much Love,
 
Wiley and Jesse
 
PS  We also want to thank you for the wonderful 10 months that we have shared creating Beauty, Love, GOD together!!!!
 
 This is offered on a Love Offering basis

    
Todd Glacy
"Instrument of Love" CD Release Concert!
May 22, 12:15pm
 
Join us as we help celebrate the release of Rev. Todd's new CD "Instrument of Love" with this afternoon concert event. Todd will perform many of the songs from the CD, as well as share stories about the creative process. Afterwards Todd will be available to answer questions and sign CD's. 
 
You can listen to the song "Instrument of Love" here.

            

 
Saturday, June 18, 2016
9:30 am to 3:00pm
 
This is an invitation to join with other members of the Unity of Greater Portland community for a day of silence in community. 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 Spirit, 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 and a deeper relationship with Spirit.
 
At Unity of Greater Portland
54 River Road
Windham, Maine
 
Lunch will be provided
 
Please sign up at Unity of Greater Portland
Or call the office - 893-1233
This will be offered on a love offering (Retreat and Lunch)
www.unitygreaterportland.org or on FB @Unity of Greater Portland
 
Biography:
Jack Seery has been a member of Unity of Greater Portland for 11 years. He has been on the spiritual journey since 1957 and presently claims dual spiritual citizenship. He is guided by the prophetic way of Jesus and Christian mystical tradition and the wisdom of other traditions. Over the years, he has been a spiritual guide for many, a teacher of spirituality, active in feeding the homeless for 15 years and has engaged in various nonviolent actions including public fast, civil disobedience and a weekly public witness for peace. He lives with his partner, Brigit, in Waterboro, Maine.
                              
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 749-4205
Mon    Preble Street Soup Kitchen (2nd 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 (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 
Fri       * Logan Place Pizza Party/Sing-along (2nd Fri) 6:30 p.m.
            Cancer Support Group (3rd Fri) 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Sat      Team Leader's Meeting (2nd 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 [email protected] 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? 
logo

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. 


When you pick up a Clynk bag in our bookstore and  
recycle your bottles in it, Unity gets a check!


Used Books and CD's/Tapes

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, Thursday and Friday
207-893-1233
 
Prayer Support
Minister of Prayer:
Rev. Airin Wolf - [email protected]
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 Silent Unity's website

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