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Our 2nd Candidate Weekend!
"
The Roar of Silence"
with Reverend Brandon Nagel


This Sunday, we will learn about the nature of God and explore one of Unity's primary tools for truly beginning to understand and develop our own relationship with that  

Divine Nature. Join ministerial candidate, Rev. Brandon Nagel, as he delves into what Unity means when we talk about going into the silence.   

 

Following the service, at 12:00 in harmony hall, we will have an opportunity to get to know Rev. Brandon a bit better and ask any questions we might have for him at the
Potluck Q & A / Meet & Greet Event.

  So fire up those crock pots AGAIN
and we shall see you there!


More Information About Our 2nd Candidate
   

Our second candidate for the position of Lead Minister 

at Unity Church of Overland Park  

is Rev. Brandon Nagel.

 

Sunday morning, November 23, Rev. Brandon will present the meditation and lesson for that day.  Following the 11:00 service, there will be a congregational potluck.  Everyone is invited to bring a yummy potluck dish to share and once everyone has gotten their food and has settled into their seats, we will begin  

Q & A/Meet & Greet session with the candidate.  Congregants may get to know him better and ask him questions. Then everyone will have an opportunity to fill out a congregational evaluation form giving their impressions and opinions of Rev. Brandon throughout the Sunday events.  This form will be available in printed form or online to fill out.  Our board will review all the evaluation forms from congregants and take that feedback into consideration as they continue to discern who is most qualified to lead this spiritual community in the direction we've determined that we would like to go.

 

 A lifelong Unity student, Reverend Brandon Nagel was first introduced to Unity by his grandmother and mother as a young child. Brandon began his work in church ministry right here at Unity Church of Overland Park in 2007. Over the course of the past seven years, Brandon has worked in both congregational care and adult education; however he served the longest as the Director of Youth and Family Ministry. It was during this time that Brandon developed Unity's first youth prayer chaplain program. Brandon's Junior Prayer Chaplain Program brought an emphasis not just on prayer, but on the power of praying with others to the children of this community and has since been shared with other Unity ministries. Brandon is currently serving as the Associate Minister of Educational Programing where he oversees all   aspects of the ministry's educational classes and events.

 

Brandon graduated in June of 2014 from Unity Institute and Seminary with a Masters of Divinity and was ordained by Unity Worldwide Ministries at that time. While at Unity Institute, Brandon was an integral part of many student activities including student chapel services and the annual Martin Luther King Day Celebration. He was honored to get to 'be the voice of Dr. King' and read the words spoken by Dr. King during the civil rights movement of the 1960's at the annual student led service. During his time at Unity Institute Brandon was fortunate enough to be a part of the Lyceum held every year at Unity Institute volunteering his time to work with speakers as they presented their     papers. In addition to extracurricular activities Brandon focused the final year of his education on studying and learning how to develop community based ministries following the Me to We model of ministry development. He considers himself fortunate to have been employed in a ministry while in school as this gave him the opportunity to put into practice the skills that he was learning as he learned them.

 

Having grown up not just in Unity, but at Unity Church of Overland Park, Brandon is passionate about fostering a strong community-based family environment here at Overland Park. He believes whole-heartedly that through his leadership we will create the sort of fun and dynamic family environment we need to attract the vibrant family community that this congregation has been calling for. He currently lives in Spring Hill, KS with his wife, Sara, and their new baby daughter, Harper.

   

 
Thanksgiving Eve Service

Thanksgiving Eve Candlelight & Communion Service

Wednesday Evening, November 26 at 7 pm

with Rev. Brandon Nagel & Rev. Jan Stromseth

 

Join Rev. Brandon Nagel and Rev. Jan Stromseth for a very special Thanksgiving Eve candlelight and communion service at 7 pm on November 26. It will be a time to celebrate all that we are grateful for heading into the holiday season. During the evening we will honor our connection to Spirit through sacred ritual, meditation and celebration of all the blessings for which we give thanks. All are welcome to participate as we reframe the ritual of communion to remind us of the sacred connection to God that is with us in every moment.

 

Thanksgiving Day Potluck Dinner

All Church Potluck Thanksgiving Day

Thursday, November 27th

 

Thanksgiving is a time to gather with family, share a wonderful meal and give thanks for the many blessings in our lives. For all those who may not have other plans, we invite you to join with your church family in harmony hall for this special occasion. The doors will open at 10 am so we may set up and prepare our food until 12 noon. At noon we will pray-in and Thanksgiving dinner will be served. We'll enjoy dining and conversation until 1:15 and then begin clean-up so that we can lock building by 2 pm. Please bring a dish to share (or more) to serve 10. This is an all church, all community event. Please contact Gary Spaulding at [email protected] for additional information or talk with him at church. Secondary contact, Linda Riggs 913-634-5359. Reservations are not required but it does help us with planning. So please contact one of us if possible.
Advent Begins Sunday, November 30

We invite you to join us for the season of Advent beginning Sunday, November 30 with our series "A Joyous Birth."
We are preparing for a joyous birth here at Unity Church of Overland Park. Each of the four Sundays in Advent we will explore the power and meaning in the story of the birth of the Christ
and discover how each one of us is pregnant with the potential for God's infinite blessings in all moments and aspects of our lives.

 

 

 

 

"Share the Joy" Christmas Outreach

The UCOP "Share the Joy" Christmas Outreach Program has begun!
Wish tag adoptions continue November 23 and 30 with all gifts due back to the church by December 7. The Share the Joy project is a wonderful, rewarding way to find deeper meaning and purpose in the Christmas holiday. We will be providing gifts and Christmas cheer for 165 children and adults through Hope Care Center, KVC, Cornerstones of Care, Community Living Opportunities/Marty Lane House and our own U.C.O.P. family.   An outreach project of this size really does take a lot of energy, dedication and LOVE to be successful! If you would like to volunteer to help you can contact Marcianne Wagner-Heaton at (913) 851-8848 or [email protected].
  
Recycle Those Old Christmas Items

 

What Was Old is New Again

Recycle the Joy of Christmas with the Green Team

December 7 in harmony hall

 

On Sunday, December 7 there will be a table in harmony hall upon which you may donate Christmas cards, ornaments, Christmas lights, decorations, wrapping paper and other holiday items for which you no longer have a need but that may be a treasure for someone else. At the same time, feel free to take whatever you can use. What a great way to save time, money and reduce waste while giving new life to objects created to bring a little holiday cheer!

 

For more information, contact Mike McCord at 913.907.4061.

 


YFM Christmas Program
Youth & Family Ministry 
Christmas Program

 

December 14 at 6:00 pm in the sanctuary

 

This year's program will be a wonderful blend of drama and music featuring a special performance of  
"A Partridge in a Pear Tree" by Lowell Swortzell. Join us for this fun-filled evening of comedy and music as we celebrate the Christmas season in YFM. Following the performance join us downstairs in harmony hall for a Christmas Cookie Potluck and visit from Santa.       (Love Offering) 

Will You Be Shopping on Amazon this Christmas?

Black Friday and the Christmas shopping season are nearly upon us.  Many of us do our shopping these days from the comfort and convenience of our own homes using the Amazon marketplace. Did you know that if you go to our website first, and then enter the Amazon site through our link, the church will then get a small percentage of that purchase?  It's like free money for the church!  And it doesn't have to be a spiritual book or something church-related either. We will get a small percentage of anything you purchase on Amazon, if you go through our site first on your way there. How cool is that?!  It doesn't cost you anything to help support your spiritual community because you were going to shop anyway, weren't you!  Now you can do it and help UCOP at the same time. Just click here and it will take you to the UCOP Amazon access page.  You can also find the Amazon access page from a link on our Homepage as well at www.ucop.org.  

So happy shopping and thank you for your support! 
We truly appreciate you.


Personal Empowerment

Who are you? What is your purpose? How do you spot trouble? Your ability to answer these questions is your pathway to peace and joy! Knowing you are Spirit incarnate is your statement of I Am presence, knowing you are inherently good. Join Cathy Combs for this in-depth exploration of knowing your inherent peace. 

  

Suggested Love Offering: $10

Register here!  

 

Cathy is an author, poet, educator, counselor and workshop architect specializing in personal empowerment and spiritual community leadership development. Cathy has an MA in Psychology from John F. Kennedy University in California.
The Hidden Potential of Therapeutic Gems
 
The Hidden Potential of Therapeutic Gems

7:00-9:00 pm - Tuesday, December 2

with Greg Pregon

 

One of the world's most powerful forms of energy medicine is gem therapy. In this class you will learn extraordinary new information that reveals how we can harvest greater amounts of the life force energies held within crystals. Discover their hidden potential to improve your energy and vitality; bring physical healing, emotional nourishment, mental improvement as well as spiritually uplift. We will go over how and why gemstone energy works and how important shape, purity, quality and size are when selecting gemstones as therapeutic tools.

 

Suggested Love Offering:      $10

Register Here 

 

Greg Pregon has been attending UCOP for the past 4 years. He has served UCOP as a prayer chaplain and is one of our Youth and Family volunteers serving as a classroom teacher. He is an educator and has taught children and adults alike. He has served in several school districts across the metropolitan area and taught at UMKC and the Metropolitan Community College at the Longview campus. He has worked with adults with disabilities, children in behavioral health centers, children from preschool through high school and is currently working with children who are deaf or hard of hearing. In the last year his diverse interests and abilities have led him to studying and working with gemstones for health and spiritual growth. He has completed Gemstone Energy Medicine Foundation and Advanced Color Ray Healing Color Dynamics classes. Greg wants to use his newly gained knowledge and abilities as a way to serve our community.
An Evening with the Angels

As we turn our attention toward the light of the season, angels naturally come to mind. Their warm radiant presence somehow seems very personal with the affection of one who knows us, really knows us- and still likes and even loves us! Angels have historically been depicted in art and lore as messengers from God. You are invited to share an evening appreciating the beauty of angels in art, sharing actual "angels on earth" stories and participating in a guided meditation aimed at clarifying the connection between you and the angels. You will leave this time together knowing that you are never alone and have 100% access to the divine energy of angels. Please join Karen Marie and Alice Brink for this special evening.

 

Suggested Love Offering:      $10

Register Here 

 

Karen Marie holds a master's degree in psychology, and is a certified Angel Practitioner. She has been offering angel readings and Akashic record readings for several years. She recently published her book, Archangel Miracles. Additionally, Karen is a graduate of Core Star Energy Healing School and works for the Kansas City Healing Project which offers complimentary energy healing sessions to cancer patients.

 

Alice Brink holds a BSED, is a member of the Heartland Chapter of the International Coach Federation and is in the Master's in Executive Leadership Coaching Program at Avila University. She has over 24 years of experience in education, bio-energetic field work and business as an entrepreneur, real estate broker and small business owner. Alice is also the proud mama of two exceptional adult children and enjoys making and appreciating art, hiking, reading, travel and exploration in general.
Men's Group Breakfast December 6
The December meeting will have 3 parts:

8:00 to 9:00 am Breakfast

 

9:00 to 9:30 am Discuss the process of picking speakers for 2015

Please bring ideas for speakers, subjects you would be interested in and, if you have it, names of people we might be able to get to speak on the subject along with their contact information. Remember Jim Filby (our presenter communication guy) can't get the subject covered unless he knows who and how to contact them.  Dave Shepherd will record all suggestions and then, at our January meeting, all men will be able to vote on the ones they want. We will do our best to get the top requested speakers for our 2015 meetings.

 

9:30 to 10:00 am Edward Graunke will present "How to Take Better Pictures with your Camera and Phone"

Ed Graunke has been a professional sports photographer for many years and has provided photography services for the last Men's Retreat. He has also fought through many operations and health conditions while pursuing his passion. Ed will show us some of the better ways to use our cameras and phones to get the pictures we want.

 

Yoganetics FALL Class Series
Yoga is not about getting fit, it's about getting home. Fitness is a byproduct of giving the body the nourishing motion it craves. With its gentle yet deep approach, Yoganetics moves toward greater flexibility, less stress and core stability from within out. People with back pain, arthritis and fibromyalgia have found relief with Yoganetics.            

          

Wyatt Townley, the new Poet Laureate of Kansas, has been teaching for over thirty years. Her Yoganetics book was deemed an "Editor's Choice" by Yoga Journal and her work has been featured in Self, Dance Magazine, Parents, Body and Soul and The New York Times.  

For more information call (913) 381-1984 or visit www.yoganetics.com. (Fee-based class-first class free for new students!)
Great Bible Study Workshop for the Christmas Season

Rev. Dr. Jesse Tanner leads a workshop discussion on the birth stories found in the Gospels of the New Testament. What actually happened at Jesus' birth? Are the Gospel accounts historical? How did the early Church understand and use these narratives? What are the most helpful ways to read and interpret them today? Join Dr. Jesse for a dynamic dialogue about the historical, literary and theological dimensions of the first Christmas in the Gospels.

 

Suggested Love Offering: $10

Register Here 

 

Rev. Dr. Jesse F. Tanner is an ordained Unity minister and professor of Scriptural and Religious Studies at Unity Institute and Seminary. He holds a Master of Theological Studies from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, IL where he studied New Testament Greek, textual criticism and early Christian history. Jesse also holds a Ph.D. in History and Philosophy of Religion from the University of the West in Rosemead, CA where he focused on interfaith encounter as a form of interpretation and the power it has to bring transformation.

 

His areas of personal and scholarly interest include religious pluralism and identity, interreligious dialogue, theological hermeneutics and Christian origins and history. He publishes regularly in scholarly journals as well as more popular forums on religion and spirituality. Jesse is involved in a variety of ministerial and social justice activities and participates often in interfaith community efforts.

 

I Bless My Body: Transformative Play-Shop for Women

In this powerful workshop, female attendees will get in touch with the negative beliefs and limiting patterns that have been holding them back from body freedom. In a safe and comfortable environment, we will use Unity teachings and other spiritual principles to help bring about a healthier relationship with the body along with vitality and beauty. If you have struggled with low energy, negative thoughts, heaviness or general dis-ease, this workshop will be a blessing!

 

Suggested Love Offering: $22

Register Here 

 

Rev. Diana Kennedy has been in the Unity movement over twenty years and currently serves at Unity Worldwide Ministries. She is a Unity Minister, a Certified Q Coach, an EFT Practitioner and an Intuitive Change Agent. A powerful speaker, Diana is passionate about sharing spiritual teachings and supporting individuals on their journey. Her approachable style inspires her students to dive in deeply and get the most from her transformative workshops.
Bookstore Holiday Open House

Holiday Open House

Sunday, December 14, join us in the bookstore for our Holiday Open House following both services. Sign up for prizes and enjoy a piece of cake. It's a great time to get some Christmas shopping done with EVERYTHING in the store at 20% OFF!!

 


a Meditative Holiday Favorite...

In the Presence "All Is Calm, All Is Bright" Meditation

7:00 to 9:00 pm - Tuesday, December 16

with Debra Baker

 

This month, experience the special "All Is Calm, All Is Bright" meditation, a traditional favorite for over the last ten years. Bring your family and friends for a transformational holiday experience. This meditation provides the opportunity to go into a deep, deep experience of the Presence. Meditation does wonderful things to our human bodies, giving them vital time to revitalize and heal themselves. At the same time, our souls experience their real, true selves, going to the place inside that is timeless and eternal. After the meditation, there will be a sacred prayer circle to share and honor one another's prayer intentions. You'll experience such serenity you won't want it to end.

 

Suggested Love Offering: $10

Register Here 

 

Debra Baker is a spiritual counselor, energy worker, Reiki Master, Oneness Blessing Giver and teacher who has been helping people heal their lives since 1988. A gifted medium and intuitive, Debra is the author of Amazing Intuition, Expanding Your Most Important Resource, which is available in the UCOP bookstore.

 

Gems of the 7 Color Rays

Gems of the 7 Color Rays

7:00-9:00 pm - Tuesday, December 16

with Greg Pregon

 

The Earth's gems play a surprisingly central role in how color functions. Color rays are the most fundamental building blocks of all living things. Just as visible light is comprised of the seven colors of the rainbow, so is the life force. Each of the seven color rays is particularly healing and nourishing to a certain system in the physical body. For this reason we can greatly benefit a particular system by wearing its corresponding color ray gemstones. For example the red ray nourishes and supports the muscles, tendons and fascia. Consequently, wearing ruby can help strengthen these parts and resolve certain conditions related to them. In this class you will learn about all the color ray gemstones and the physical systems that are nourished and supported by each color ray.  

 

Suggested Love Offering:      $10

 

Greg Pregon has been attending UCOP for the past 4 years. He has served UCOP as a prayer chaplain and is one of our Youth and Family volunteers serving as a classroom teacher. He is an educator and has taught children and adults alike. He has served in several school districts across the metropolitan area and taught at UMKC and the Metropolitan Community College at the Longview campus. He has worked with adults with disabilities, children in behavioral health centers, children from preschool through high school and is currently working with children who are deaf or hard of hearing. In the last year his diverse interests and abilities have led him to studying and working with gemstones for health and spiritual growth. He has completed Gemstone Energy Medicine Foundation and Advanced Color Ray Healing Color Dynamics classes. Greg wants to use his newly gained knowledge and abilities as a way to serve our community.

 

T3 - Time - Talent - Treasure

We at Unity Church of Overland Park are so grateful for the overwhelming demonstration of commitment that took place here on Commitment Sunday.  We thank you for your support of this spiritual community.

For those who would like to know more about our T3 Culture here at Unity Church of Overland Park, please visit the T3 page of our website here.

If you are ready to grow spiritually and make a commitment yourself, you may do so at any time while at church, or right here online.
Small Group Ministry Webpage
You can view all the latest information on our new small group ministry on our website. Learn what groups have formed and how to get involved with them. Learn what steps you can take if you're interested in forming a new small group yourself.  You can find the Small Group Ministry page under the "Get Involved" tab of our website homepage at www.ucop.org.  Or, you can...    Check out the new page right here!
 
Singles Group Sunday Brunch 
Singles Group

Want to connect with other singles at Unity Church of Overland Park? Each Sunday at 12:30 this group meets at various local restaurants. Put these dates and locations on your schedule. We'd love to have you join us. 
  

     

November 23rd - Old Chicago Pizza - 117th & Metcalf

November 30th - Hy-Vee - 95th & Antioch - Brunch Buffet ($11.99)- All you can eat - please arrive before 1 pm  

December 7th - Bo Lings - 9055 Metcalf - Overland Park

December 14th - The Peanut - 7938 Santa Fe Dr - Downtown Overland Park

December 21st - K-Macho  - 1229 E. Santa Fe - Olathe, KS (I-35 to Santa Fe then west)

December 28th - Conroy's Public House - 5285 W. 95th St - Overland Park 

 

Contact Linda Riggs for more information at 913-634-5359.
Please arrive at the restaurant no later than 12:45. 
  
CommUnity Books & Gifts

20% off all Gifts & Jewelry    
in November   
 
Bookstore hours: Monday-Thursday 12 to 5pm
Friday & Saturday closed /Sunday 8:30am to 1:00pm

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Does Unity Church of Overland Park feed you spiritually? Your gifts and tithes are greatly appreciated and lovingly accepted. Gifts are made through PayPal, a safe and secure way to make online donations. Make an online donation today. 
 
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About Us
Unity Church of Overland Park
10300 Antioch Rd., Overland Park, Kansas 66212
913.649.1750, www.ucop.org

Office Hours:     Monday-Thursday:  9am to 5pm
Building Hours:  Sunday  8am to 1pm; Monday-Thursday: 9am to 9pm
 
We offer practical, spiritual teachings that empower abundant and meaningful living.