When we are in the midst of our worst times, we gain nothing by avoiding ground zero. We must go to where the core of the error is, and reveal the Truth at that that very point, no matter how bad the stench! Our sense-based mind does not want to do this. Sense-mind wants to hide the error, because if it goes to the core of the error, it must confront its own mistake. We really do not want to do that!
Christ-Mind knows that we cannot move forward without redeeming that mistake. Those in this story were convinced of the ugly and uncontestable nature of death. We have all shared (and to some extent, continue to share) that fear-based belief. Christ-Mind knows that in Truth there is no death. It centers Itself in alignment with the One Power which we call God, and does Its work. It demonstrates and teaches us how to do this work:
1. We look upward. Not at the sky as the geographical home of God (we know God and the kingdom of the heavens is within us), but as a way of turning away from the error and affirming the higher Truth.
2. We give thanks. This gratitude is not for the sake of the Christ, and certainly not in any way to placate an anthropomorphic "god". It is a way of reminding ourselves that there is a Power which is always present and always available. It helps us to stop focusing on the error and focus on the abundant, infinite, ever-present Good.
3. When we are fully centered and grounded in Truth, we claim the Good which already exists behind the perceived lack or need. We are not trying to "make" something which does not exist. We are simply removing the erroneous belief with which we have covered up the Omnipresent Good.
Eternal, everlasting, Omnipresent Life is the Truth. The appearance of anything unlike God- Good- Wholeness- is a mistake in our understanding. We do not have to "create" life out of death. That would be impossible. There is no place that Life is absent, and even if there were, we could never create life from death. Our work is to "take away the stone" of error, and see Truth clearly.
Things in the world appear the way they do because we have believed them to be that way. We have believed that the tangible is "real". We have believed that our lives start with our birth into these bodies and that we end with the laying down of those same bodies. The consciousness that we are pre-exists and succeeds our physical bodies. The Christ within knows this Truth because It is that Truth. The Christ within us is that eternal Life. That is what is meant by "I Am the resurrection and the Life." In our human minds we do not see this, so we continue to believe the mistakes. Healing occurs when we look upward, align ourselves in Truth, and know the peace, appreciation, and gratitude that arises from that state of alignment, AtOneMent. As we are centered in that space of knowing, we claim the Truth that is already Omnipresent. We claim it fully, completely, without doubt. We know, as Jesus knew. "Father, I know you hear me always..."
When the error is removed, we clean up whatever needs to be cleaned up- we take away the bandages, clean off our faces, and move forward with new understanding of Living Truth
Namaskar (which means, the Divine in me recognizes the Divine in You),
Rev. Nita
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MOVIE NIGHT: SPIRITUAL LIBERATION
Jan 25th, 6:00pm.
Our monthly movie night is coming soon... This month's free film is Dr. Rev. Michael Bernard Beckwith's "Spiritual Liberation". Unlimited popcorn and other snacks available for a small charge. Conversation afterwards. Doors open at 5:40pm. Volunteers are welcome!
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Classes are in session - Join us!
The Point of Power
Wednesdays, through Feb. 13
10:30am - 12:30pm
We are each a "Point of Power" as unique, unrepeatable expressions of an unlimited Universe/God. Wow, that's exciting! Now how do we put this metaphysical principle to work in our lives? Barb McLawhorn, LUT Cand., facilitates this 5 week class, exploring the practical actions and exercises needed to help you discover the true you - a Being of worth and Light. We will discuss powerful principles that will help us see our lives through a new lens that realigns us with our inner Christ and helps us to bring metaphysical ideas into use in our everyday lives. Come find your power!
Mastering Life's Energies
Saturdays through Feb. 23rd(NO CLASS ON FEB. 2nd)
10:00am - 12:00pm
"Would it be all right if life got easier?" This book presents practical "how-to" guidance as we strive to live our authentic lives in alignment with spiritual Truth. There are many types of energies in our lives- physical vitality, creativity, time, money, enjoyment, and relationship- and when we learn to bring them together, we live "luminous" lives filled with possibility and promise. Unity Institute SEE elective credit is available for this class, which Rev. Nita will facilitate.
NEW: Speaking Circles
Five Wednesdays, Feb. 6 - March 6
1:30pm - 3:30pm
Many people experience fear when they must speak or perform in public. Besides the fear of speaking, most folks have never actually learned to listen well. Speaking circles addresses both of these situations in a very supportive and spirit-based framework. Whether you wish to speak, sing, or in any other way address groups of people, you will find Speaking Circles helpful. As a bonus, the listening skills you develop in Speaking Circles will help you in all areas of your life, from your work life to sitting around the dinner table. No book is required (library copies are available), and there is no charge. Bring a 5-minute reading or prepared text to the first session. This non-credit class is highly recommended for all of those on a Leadership Development path. Jon Strauss will facilitate.
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INTERFAITH COMMUNITY SERVICES (ICS):
We are excited to begin 2013 as members of Interfaith Community Services. ICS provides a wide range of services to help people in financial crisis stabilize their housing, employment and healthcare; and programs that assist seniors and disabled individuals in remaining safe and healthy at home. Coming newsletters will provide more detailed information about the services that ICS provides.
ICS provides the following services to families and individuals who are in severe financial crisis:
- Emergency Financial Aid provides assistance with rent, mortgages, utilities, medications and other basic necessities such as identifications, bus passes and back-to-work needs. ICS clients receive one-on-one case management-a critical step in helping them to lift themselves out of financial crisis.
- Gifts of Love matches donor groups with families in need to provide holiday food and gifts, as well as school supplies for children.
- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance provides free tax preparation to low to moderate income households to connect these taxpayers to the Earned Income Tax Credit and other credits for which they may qualify.
You can find more information about ICS, their locations, and how to utilize their services, visit the ICS website.
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ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING AND NEW MEMBER SUNDAY
Our annual congregational meeting is held at the end of February, and we'll be installing new members at that time. Membership does not require that you sever any existing relationship with other centers or denominations, and does not require any financial commitment. It is basically a statement that you feel aligned with our community and wish to support it in any way that you feel most drawn. Nita's Sunday lessons in January and February will be focusing on basic Unity concepts and practices, and will serve as one part of our membership requirements. Besides attending at least three of these Sunday services, potential new members are required to attend a brief (less than one hour) membership class, which will be given at various times during January and February.
If you are a already a member, plan on attending these Sunday lessons to add to your understanding of our Unity tools and practices. We are blessed with teachings which are useful even at their most basic level, and become increasingly more helpful and useful as we deepen our understanding.
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MISSED A SUNDAY LESSON?
The media player on our website has been repaired, so Sunday lessons are again available online at our website. You may either listen online or download to listen offline anytime. You may also download an app and subscribe to our channel so that new lessons are downloaded automatically. Click here and bookmark our channel!
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UPCOMING LESSONS and EVENTS
01/27: Back to Basics 3: Affirmations (and Potluck Sunday)
02/03: Special Guest Speaker, Teri Wilder
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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.
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