enews
 
"Amen"

 This Sunday, June 28, Reverend Bob Barth shares  
a simple yet deeply powerful prayer practice  
that you may use to enhance your own  
personal spiritual practice.

  Fred Albers and the UCOP Band are joined by vocalist, Joel Morrison this Sunday!

We look forward to seeing you there!
Can we get an "Amen!"
     
 
Rev. Jennifer Holder


 

A short service will be held for Jennifer on Thursday, June 25 at 10:00am in the Unity Village Rose Garden. Please wear bright colors in celebration of Jen's vibrant spirit.

 

An amazing soul has entered into the next stage of its spiritual journey. I was fortunate enough to be able to work with Rev. Jennifer Holder several  years ago when she served on our staff here at Unity Church of Overland Park. Whether she was working with the children in Youth and Family Ministry or helping guide our many volunteer teams, she always did so with a passion for guiding those she worked with in a greater understanding of the power within them. It is that passion and love that will be so greatly missed by our Unity Movement with the passing of Rev. Jen.

I knew Jennifer first as a teacher and then as a colleague and one of the things I always experienced when I was with her was how brightly her inner light would shine.  It was always simply a joy to be in her presence and to learn from her wisdom.

At this time, arrangements have not yet been made for a celebration of the life of Rev. Jen,  however, as we wait for those details, I ask that you join with all of us at Unity Church of Overland Park in sending blessings of light and love  to Jennifer, Ogun and their daughter, Joy.

 

~Rev. Brandon Nagel~


 

Annual Membership Meeting June 28


This year's nominees to our 2015-2016 Board of Directors are:

Steve Birge   -   Rosie Dominguez   -   Randy Fikki   -   Cathy Fisher
Tom McNamara        and           Greg Pregon

Photos and biographical information about each nominee
is available online here. 

Everyone is invited to the Annual Membership Meeting on Sunday, June 28 after services at 12:30 pm.  You will hear about our accomplishments the past year and our plans moving forward. All church members will then have the opportunity to vote for the Board of Directors. 

Childcare is available during the meeting and the children will have a special movie presentation of "Wallace & Gromit: Curse of the Were-Rabbit" complete with popcorn while we
conduct our business meeting.



New Vision Statement for UCOP!

Unity Church of Overland Park is moving in a bold new direction. By December 31, 2017 Unity Church of Overland Park will be a vibrant, authentic community. A place where we are unapologetically Unity Church of Overland Park, where we know, speak and teach Unity principle. Where we stand in the truth that we are the Divine in expression. Where we know that we are the Christ and we live and connect with the world and each other from that place.  

 

 

By December 31, 2017, Unity Church of Overland Park is a place where we demonstrate a deep connection to Spirit and to each other. A place where we grow together spiritually through both large and small group activities. A place where we connect to the Divine Nature that we are at the same time that we connect with each other as we further our understanding of the Power within us.

 

It is with these intentions that we boldly declare our new vision for Unity Church of Overland Park. The vision that will guide us in realizing the greatness that is already growing within us. That new vision is:

 

"By December 31, 2017, Unity Church of Overland Park is a vibrant, authentic community demonstrating a deep connection to Spirit and each other."

 

Unity Church of Overland Park is growing into a place where people from all walks of life can come and find success in life through harnessing and developing the power within them. It is my hope that you will join us in our march to 12/31/17.

 

UCOP Welcomes a New Intern for the Summer

Welcome, Michael Perrie!

 

Our new ministerial intern for the summer, Michael Perrie, is on his way to becoming a third year seminary student at Unity Village. Michael entered his first Unity church in Charlottesville, Virginia in 1975. Along the way he has served his deep spiritual calling as a founding board member of the Unity Center of Peace in Chapel Hill, NC; as a spiritual practitioner, chaplain and small group leader for the Living Enrichment Center in Wilsonville, OR; and as a founding board member for New Thought Center for Spiritual Living in Lake Oswego, OR. Michael was first certified as a Spiritual Practitioner in 2003, licensed as a Religious Science Practitioner in 2008 and he most recently served Unity of Beaverton, OR as platform assistant, prayer leader, and ministerial intern.

 

Michael has developed professional business, administrative and entrepreneurial experience through establishing and operating two jewelry businesses, one in Boston and one in North Carolina; through licensing and marketing in the financial services industry; and as a public procurement officer for local government in Portland, OR for 16 years.

 

Since arriving at the Village, Michael has gladly served the community as treasurer and student affairs representative for the Student Association Board, as a volunteer for the World Day of Prayer, student chapel services, Vespers services, Daily Word services, and many other volunteer activities. A daily practice of the Living Presence of Spirit is the consistent striving of his life.

 

Holiday Closing

 
Youth & Family Ministry Summer Camps!

 

Master Builders Boys Camp

June 29-July 1   6:30- 8:30 pm

Ages 6-13

It's our second annual Master Builders Boys Camp! A camp designed for boys who want to discover their talent of working with their hands and raising their self-esteem and creativity. We will once again be joined by members of our UCOP Men's Group, who are masters in their own right at designing and building. The boys will gain a stronger connection to the men of our church and come away with new skills and appreciation for their own abilities. Participants will receive an awesome take home surprise if they attend all three nights! Healthy snacks served.

Camp Fee: $40 for full 3 night camp or $15 per individual night.  

REGISTER HERE! Registration ends June 25 at 5pm.

 

Power Girls Camp

July 13-15 6:30-8:30pm

Ages 6-13

This is our second year to host our amazing power-filled girl's camp! Our camp will have a "retreat" like theme, where each girl is celebrated for her uniqueness and reminded of her inner divinity. We will have creative activities and games to explore how we can tap into our beauty, strength and resourcefulness as Power Girls! There will be plenty of time for chatting and expressing our ideas. Each participant will receive a very special gift if they attend all three nights! Yummy, healthy snacks will be provided.

Camp Fee: $40 for full 3 night camp or $15 per individual night.

REGISTER HERE!  Registration ends July 9 at 5pm.

 

Pixies, Pirates and Fairies!

The Little People's Camp

July 27-29, 9:00 am to 12 pm   (RESCHEDULED)

Ages 3 through Kindergarten. (Must be potty trained)

Our little ones will discover their inner divine power through exciting stories that revolve around those powerful little people: Pixies, Pirates, and Fairies! Each night we will explore how to tap into our inner power and express our best through a fabulous mix of fun group activities, art, songs, games and building our own fairy houses or pirate ships! Healthy "fairy-themed" snacks will be served.

Camp Fee: $30 for full 3 night camp or $15 per individual night.
REGISTER HERE!   Registration ends July 24 at 5 pm. 

 

Space is limited for all these camps so sign up soon!

For questions please contact  

Kelly Sturgeon at [email protected]  

or 913.649.1750 x 3010

 

 

Back to School Project - July 5 - 26

Back-to-School Project

(formerly known as Pack-a-Backpack)

July 5 to 26

 

This year, we'll provide school supplies for Community Linc children and those within our own UCOP families. The format will be a bit different than what we've done in the past, hence the new name.   We have learned that our partner organizations prefer that school supplies be unpacked so that children may pick out the items that are specifically on their school supply lists and pack their own backpacks.

 

To this end, the tags you claim on each Sunday in July will not be to fill a backpack for a certain child, but an agreement to provide a certain number of this or that school supply in general. Someone may choose to provide 10 reams of notebook paper, another may provide 5 boxes of crayons, another may buy two backpacks suitable for an elementary school boy and girl, etc. All supplies will then be made available, as in a store, for the Community Linc families to pick up what their children need for school.

 

UCOP families in need may also contact Kae Kessler about packing a backpack for their children before all the supplies are delivered to Community Linc. You may contact Kae Kessler at [email protected].

 

 

I Am Enough, Part II

(No class on July 2)

Join us as we explore Bren� Brown's last five Guideposts in her book, The Gifts of Imperfection and her Oprah Life Class. Each week we will uncover new ways of letting go of comparing, anxiety and always being in control. We will refocus on being creative, having fun and figuring out where we are headed in life. We will venture into your creative spirit as we sing, dance and play using various art supplies (paints, stickers, stamping, glitter, your photos and much more). You will create your own five weeks of Rainbow Reminders that I Am Enough as we delve into questions like:

*           Who has earned the right to hear my story?

*           How can I give myself permission to be imperfect?

*           What is holding me back from __?

*           How do I incorporate fun into my life?

*           and many more!

           

Come and try the first week. You will discover your soul urging you to return. You do not need to have completed Part I to take this workshop.

Suggested book: The Gifts of Imperfection, by Bren� Brown

 

One Time Materials Fee: $10 This includes a take home 7x10" multimedia journal, photo printing and use of art supplies.     Class Fee: $15 per session  REGISTER HERE! 

 

National Presidential Award winning teacher, transformational life coach, motivational speaker and author of The Journey Through Metamorphosis Workbook, Sue Gibson-Wilson's intuitive, energetic and creative workshops have made her a successful "go to" person for those wishing to change old behaviors. Using spirituality as the basis for her work, Sue has developed and implemented powerful tools, based on research, to empower those who struggle with many issues. Sue has taught Science in public high schools for twenty four years. Sue is currently facilitating two extensive Twelve Step Studies, teaching workshops and coaching individuals to step out of their comfort zones and grow with Spirit.
Tuning In to the Angels

Have you always wanted to learn more about angels and how to connect to the deep wisdom that is available to you? Attend this spiritual workshop and learn to "tune in" to higher energy and use it to benefit yourself, your relationships and the world.

This powerful yet fun workshop will address every area of life, providing you with ways to live from your higher self. Learn how to set the tone for your day, how to use creative visualization techniques to create positive outcomes, how to use your gifts to make money and bless others, plus how to open up to the healing energies of Spirit. You will use your spirit-given creative abilities and leave with a keepsake from our time together.

 

Class fee: $15  

REGISTER HERE! 

 

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 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. 
Membership Classes Resume in July
This class has been designed for those who are newer to Unity Church of Overland Park. The materials presented will offer the history of Unity and UCOP. In addition, participants will hear about the various ministry staff members and their individual roles and responsibilities.  Participants will be provided information about volunteer teams, outreach programs and affinity groups. The class will offer opportunities for attendees to uncover and begin offering their gifts through stepping into service for the ministry in some way. As with all classes, participants will begin to build relationships and community with one another.  

 

Suggested Love Offering: $10

REGISTER HERE! 

 

Rev. Jan Stromseth is Associate Minister of
Congregational Care here at UCOP.

Rev. Brandon Nagel is the Minister of
Spiritual Growth & Development.

 

This class has been designed for those who desire a basic understanding of Unity's teachings and principles. Each of the five basic teachings will be reviewed, along with an exploration of 'identity statements' that further expound upon what is meant by the teachings and how they are expressed by Unity as a spiritual movement. Focused attention will be given to prayer and meditation and the positive, affirming ways in which they are taught and utilized by Unity.

 

Suggested Love Offering: $10

REGISTER HERE! 

 

 

 

 

Evolutionary Life Journey through Movement

Awaken to the present moment. Connect to the ancient knowledge of your body. Experience the soma body- the unification of body- mind - spirit. This class is for all ages and abilities. The movement can be easily adapted to people with physical limitations!

In this workshop you will be gently guided through the primary developmental stages of movement, which we passed through as babies and small children. These stages are the same stages that we see in evolution. As small humans our phases of movement beautifully mimic the evolution of life on earth. By experiencing these movements with awareness, we readily sense our connection to other sentient beings on this planet (something that is becoming somewhat or a rarity in our industrialized world of technology.)    

Studies have long shown that the practice of the developmental movement patterns is beneficial to people of all ages. These core human movements stimulate the lower brain and improve coordination, groundedness (sense of trust and connection to the earth), inner connectivity and connection to one's core (on both a physical and mental level). They can also enhance our abilities to set boundaries, make decisions and reach for what we want in life, thereby enhancing our relationships with others. Lower brain stimulation supports higher brain function and is particularly important in a world that leans heavily towards higher-brain activities. Developmental movement patterns are used in a wide variety of therapies (physical therapy, body psychotherapy, somatic therapies, developmental therapies for children) and also in various dance and somatic movement practices.

By tapping into our bodies in the present moment - in the now - we train presence, tune into sensation and start to accept and thoroughly enjoy the evolution and change of each moment. Our biological bodies function only in the present moment. Often, however, many of the ideas we have of ourselves and/or the world around us are fixed, thereby coming into conflict with the present-moment experience of our bodies. Or, our minds are fixed on events of the past and/or expectations for the future. More often than not a rigid mind, or fixed mind, leads to a fixed body, meaning physical limitations and/or illness. To prove the presence of the body in the now, we have only to look at emotions and trauma, which are experienced always in the present but may be linked to an event in the past. Through somatic movement practices, we observe the body in the moment and we unify the body-mind-spirit in the now. Unity feels great and is undoubtedly healing!

 

Course fee: $15 per session

REGISTER HERE! 

 

Liz Erber is a freelance somatic movement educator, movement/ dance instructor and coach, choreographer and performer. She has been teaching since 2001 and teaches internationally around Europe, India and the USA. In a few months, after four years of     training in Laban/Bartenieff movement analysis, she will also be a certified movement analyst (CMA). Body movement is our primary form of expression and, of course, essential to function. One of Liz's primary goals is to learn as much as possible about human movement (a life long journey), and to share the joy of moving with others, while also teaching about developmental/evolutionary movement and the unity of body-mind-spirit. Liz grew up in Overland Park and has been residing in Berlin, Germany since 2008. In 2005 she earned a double bachelor's degree from the University of Washington, Seattle in Dance and Drama. She also holds an earlier bachelor's degree in chemistry and pre-medicine from Carleton College. She is fluent in a number of     languages and has worked professionally in writing and translation.

 

Spirit at Work

Infuse some Spirit into the work that you do! In this creative and empowering class, you will learn to infuse positive energy into your work or business life. Ready for a new job? Then join us and together we will use spiritual principles to create your ideal work. You are meant to do work that you love! Whether you want to shift dynamics at work, get a promotion or create work that you love, Rev. Diana will share spiritual tips and techniques that will help to bring this about. Diana draws upon her own life experience, plus she shares wisdom from Unity teachings, from A Course in Miracles and from Louise Hay.

 

Class Fee: $15 per session

REGISTER HERE! 

 

In the Presence Meditation
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 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'll want it to go on forever.

 

Class Fee: $15

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.
Quantum Prayer

Join UCOP congregant and author, Cathy Combs, as she shares from her recently published book, 'Quantum Prayer: It's Already Answered! Quantum Reality: It Already Exists!' In an interactive and experiential format, participants will discover God, prayer and ego from the perspective of the Unitive Principle. If the reality that 'there is no adversary' intrigues you, come and enjoy as Cathy offers her perspective on this idea. This class will offer you an inspirational and uplifting view of yourself and your world.

 

Class Fee: $15 per session

REGISTER HERE! 

 

Cathy Combs is passionately devoted to Unity, UCOP, personal empowerment, spiritual community leadership development, and public service. Her background is in education and counseling, having received an MA in Psychology from John F. Kennedy University in California. She has been in Unity since 1974 and has been a very active volunteer at UCOP for several years. She loves and lives Gandhi's statement: 'Be the change you wish to see in the world.'

 

Another Gem of a Class with Greg Pregon!

 

Learn which gems can deeply purify and help heal the physical body, promote the release of toxins and negative energies stored in the organs, and support the immune system. These gemstones can help you resolve a chronic or acute illness, experience more vitality and energy, relieve acute and chronic pain, boost the immune system, strengthen a weakened organ and soothe the body after trauma or surgery. After our discussion you will have a chance to experience one of many different gemstone treatments. So come and join in the fun and treat yourself to a wonderful experience with gemstone energies.

 

Class Fee: $15

REGISTER HERE! 

 

Greg Pregon has been attending UCOP for the past four 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, at UMKC and the Metropolitan Community College at the Longview Campus. He has taught adults with disabilities, children in behavioral health centers, 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. Greg wants to use this knowledge and ability as a way to serve our community.
Yoganetics Summer Session Starting Soon

YOGANETICS�  

Summer Class Series

Smart Yoga for Bodies in Transition

24  Mondays & Thursdays  

May 11 - August 3

Mornings: 9:30-10:45am

with Wyatt Townley, E-RYT 500

 

Yoganetics is a user-friendly, gentle-yet-deep yoga system. Its breath-based, core-based, slow-motion approach increases flexibility while reducing stress. People with back pain, arthritis and fibromyalgia have found relief with Yoganetics.            

          

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

 

For more information, call (913) 381-1984, go to www.yoganetics.com or visit the Yoganetics table May 3 & 10. (Fee-based class-first class free for new students!)

 

Adult Bible Study News


 
Small Groups Webpage
You can view all the latest information on our new small groups 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 Groups page under the "Get Involved" tab of our website homepage at www.ucop.org.  Or, you can just click right here!

NEW SMALL GROUP

Wholly Health Empowerment

Sundays, 12:15 to 1:00 pm in harmony hall 4/Uniteens room  

with Barbara Gintzel

 

Can you improve your health, prevent disease and stay healthy with spiritual and natural activities? Join us after church on Sundays for 45 minutes or so as we pool our knowledge, our skills and our prayer power to raise each other to greater awareness of ways we can bless our bodies and help each other achieve our personal health goals. The focus of each meeting will be to discuss our individual health goals (as desired) and one health topic. The health topic for the month of June will be:  "Aging? Really? No way!"   These meetings are on-going. You may drop in at any time.  

This group will not meet in July and August  

but will resume in September

 
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. 
  

                 

June 28 - The Thai Place   9359 W. 87th St., Overland Park

Contact Linda Brozanic for more information at 913-219-7538.
Please arrive at the restaurant no later than 12:45. 
  
CommUnity Books & Gifts
20% off all Children's Books in June!   
 
Bookstore hours: Monday-Thursday 12 to 5pm
Friday & Saturday closed /Sunday 8:30am to 1:00pm

Spotlight Gallery Artist -Eugenia Ortiz

In May and June we feature the works of Eugenia Ortiz, a visionary, intuitive, light worker creating spiritually based artwork. She channels Divine Universal Energies that flow, express and communicate through her information and healing frequencies to raise the vibration and energy of the viewer and the space in which her work is displayed.

 

Eugenia and her spouse, Roman Bermudez, celebrate the opening of their new space, Jaguar Eagle Spiritual Healing Source in Olathe. Together, they will be offering many spiritual healing modalities for divine alignment, such as Resonance Repatterning�, Attunement, chromotherapy, sacred geometry activating, intuitive drawings, energy cleansing/balancing and life coaching, to name a few. They will have a grand opening of Jaguar Eagle Saturday, May 16th at 1pm located at 500 East Santa Fe, Olathe, 66061.

 

Eugenia has also been appointed to the City of Olathe Arts Master Plan Committee and is looking forward to brightening Olathe!

 

On-Call Weekend Facilities Position Available

This job involves setting up and tearing down after weddings, receptions and workshops, as well as cleaning meeting rooms & bathrooms.

 

If interested, please contact Jane Sauve at [email protected]

or call 649-1750 x-3012 

 

 

Do You Shop on Amazon?

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.


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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.