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"... he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part..." (Luke 10:38-42, NRSV)
A few drops of rain have fallen, more will be welcome. I watch the hummingbirds and remember "my" hummingbird. I imagine them all to be "mine" now. (click here if you'd like a link to my hummingbird experience of a few months ago). It's a cloudy Sunday morning, no human sounds intrude. So many layers of bird conversations: calls and responses, cooing, screeching, trilling. A cardinal makes its call and I hear the echo bounce back from the hills surrounding our home. I'm surprised at how disproportionately loud the chirps of the little yellow finches are. My human-brain thinks I should be able to identify them all by now; coos, chirps, and trilling is apparently too vague. Apparently I must also organize and categorize
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Along with the bird-sounds is the occasional buzz of a mosquito. This particular buzz reminds me that I may claim Oneness, but I'm not particularly thrilled about opportunities for communion with the flies and mosquitos.
Young quail rush along the ground, and Dad flutters up onto the wall for a better view of his brood. I love the feast of color when a brilliant red cardinal stops to rest on my lagoon-blue wall above the bright magenta bougainvillea and the marigold-colored lantana in the foreground. I am happy to know my yard contains the elemental red-blue-yellow from which all colors emerge: it is an affirmation of the always-present, infinite field of all possibility.
A few more raindrops fall into the pool, rippling lightly from center to circumference. I allow my thoughts to do the same, rippling lightly from center to circumference. It is a special celebration day, and soon I will put down my coffee cup so that I may move into the more active stages of preparation for the morning. For now, the simple observation of my own back yard seems so much more important.
I again recognize the familiar story of Martha and Mary playing out in my own consciousness. Today, however, I play the role of Mary. Today I remember how important this activity of simply being present to the Divine Moment at hand really is. Yes- there are things to be done. Eat, shower, dress, stop for flowers, get the mail... but in this moment - this Divine moment - precious raindrops are rippling lightly in my pool, an incredibly noisy little flock of finches are gathering, Papa quail is standing sentry, and I am fully aware that I have chosen "the better part". To be awake and aware, to listen and observe, to know Oneness, and allow my own thoughts of praise to season this blessed morning is the best possible thing. Martha's work will get done.
In this moment, I am still. I sit in wonderment of the Christ within each of us, and listen to the voice of God expressing at the point of each bird with whom I share this sacred space. The to-do list will always be with me, but this moment will pass. So I listen, I see the colors, I smell the moisture in the air, I breathe the breath of Life, and catch a glimpse of my first dragonfly of the season. I am thankful...
The Light I AM recognizes, blesses, and honors the Light You Are-
Namaskar- Blessings, Rev. Nita
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NEW CLASSES BEGIN SOON
Classes are an opportunity to expand your spiritual understanding, get to know your fellow travelers along the spiritual path, and deepen your spiritual practice. We talk, discuss, pray, meditate, and laugh a LOT as we learn!
Bible Interpretation
Two Saturdays, 6/14 and 6/28
9:30am-2:30pm (PLEASE BRING YOUR LUNCH)
Rev. Nita facilitates
Discover the Power Within You Wednesdays, 6/18- 7/16 10:30 - 12:30pm
Barbara McLawhorn, LUT facilitates
The Background of New Thought
Thursday evenings, 6/19 -7/17 (NOTE NO CLASS 7/10)
6:30-8:30pm
Rev. Nita facilitates
Saturdays: This two-part workshop is an invitation to open your mind and your heart to the enduring guidance which is available to us when we learn to look at the Bible metaphysically, or symbolically. The Bible is a collection of myths, stories, fables, and other types of material written by humans, who were attempting to put into human words their own experiences as spiritual beings living the human life. That said, this is not a class "about" the Bible, but about learning to understand and integrate the wisdom contained in the Bible into your life
Wednesdays:B ased on the book by of Eric Butterworth, Discover the Power Within You presents the thesis that we all can discover, accept, and release the same power of the Divinity that Jesus believed dwelt within him, within consciousness, and also in each individual. Jesus described this Divinity as the Kingdom of Heavens within. Eric Butterworth calls us to believe that the Divinity within humankind's consciousness was not just Jesus' heritage. That divine heritage, he asserts, is also ours. For that reason, the book is more than just something to read and believe. It becomes a tool to develop an action plan and to practice the Divinity as our way of living. Books will be available at class.
Thursdays: Unity is a part of what is called the "New Thought" movement, but did you know that New Thought has its origins in ancient Greece? This overview will start with a viewing of the movie, "What Is New Thought?" This class will give you a good overview of how our own Unity movement fits into the larger New Thought movement, as well as introduce some of our basic principles and explain some of the differences between New Thought and traditional religions.
All classes are offered on a love offering basis. If you've got any questions, just hit the "reply" button on this email and ask.
***************  WHAT IS NEW THOUGHT? Movie Showing - Thursday, June 19, 6:30pm
If you missed this the first time it was shown, here's another chance! Everyone is welcome to attend this viewing, which is part of our Background of New Thought class. You do not need to attending the class to come watch the movie. Discover your roots! (NO CHARGE)
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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. Our nursery is available for the very young ones, as well. We provide professionally trained and screened childcare for those ages 0-3, so that you may enjoy attending service while knowing that your little ones are well cared-for.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
There are many things which need to get done here in our center, and Susan Smith is working to make it easier for you to become involved. Please check at the information table to see what might be fun for you to do.
INTERFAITH COMMUNITY SERVICES (ICS) RESOURCES & OPPORTUNITIES
To volunteer through our affiliation with Interfaith Community Services, you can contact, Sandi Brickley, ICS Volunteer Resources Manager, either by phone at 520-297-2738 ext. 217 or at their website
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If You Could Benefit from ICS resources, referrals are available
Interfaith Community Services provides a wide range of services for seniors, disabled individuals and people in financial needs. Please contact Susan Smith or Rev. Nita with questions about ICS services. Contact Susan via email.
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