enews

"Called to Be"
The Installation of Reverend Brandon Nagel
as Senior Minister of UCOP 
Join us this Sunday, January 31
at 9 and 11 am 
     
This Sunday we celebrate and bless Reverend Brandon Nagel (officially) as our new Senior Minister of Unity Church of Overland Park.  This very sacred ceremony will be led by guest speaker, Rev. Patricia Bass, former Senior Minister of UCOP and currently the interim Director of Silent Unity.

Reverend Patricia will discuss that divine calling, that special call in our hearts that beckons us to take action and make a commitment to what it is, and who it is, we have
come here to be in this life.
 

Vocalist, Molly Hammer, shares her divine talents with us this Sunday as well!

We look forward to seeing you there!

 
 
    
Church-wide Breakfast to Celebrate - January 31

And to celebrate Reverend Brandon's big day, the Men's & Women's Groups would like to treat the entire congregation to a homemade breakfast with eggs and bacon and sausage and fruit and pancakes and "all the fixin's" you can imagine!  (a $5 love offering per person is greatly appreciated) So don't fill up at home this Sunday morning.  Bring your appetite and help us celebrate our new Senior Minister!



If you missed last Sunday's service, you can view it here...

Sunday, January 24, 2016
"Defining Your Destiny"
Core Values Sunday
with Rev. Brandon Nagel
Meditation by Rev. Jan Stromseth
vocalist, Kelly Potter -  interpreter, Teri Sturgeon
song leaders: Sharon Johnson, Millie Webb & Holly Sharp
 
Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University Returns!

 
We all need a plan for our money. Financial Peace University (FPU) is that plan! Through video teaching, class discussions and interactive small group activities, FPU presents biblical, practical steps to get from where you are to where you've dreamed you could be. This plan will show you how to get rid of debt, manage your money, spend and save wisely and much more!
 More than 1.5 million families have taken FPU. The average family completing the course pays off $5,300 in debt and saves $2,700 in just 90 days. That's a $8,000 change in position! Whether you're struggling to make ends meet or you're a millionaire, Financial Peace University has something for you. This isn't some stuffy economics class! You'll laugh as you learn money skills from Dave and participate in entertaining class activities.
 
 You may learn more about this amazing class and register for it by visiting
Class Fee: $93

You can still get in on this terrific class if you register by February 1st.
 
 
Rob Jones, MS, MAEd, AFC, CSA is a financial counselor and educator for the Hutchins & Haake CPA firm. Rob holds two master's degrees - one in family financial planning and the other in adult education. He is an Accredited Financial Counselor and specializes in helping families set financial goals then uses proven techniques to help folks reach those goals through dumping debt and planning for the future. Rob is a long-time member of Unity Church of Overland Park and volunteers to coordinate the Financial Peace University course as a way to share his time and talent with the church and community. We offer FPU at this time of year because folks are focused on their New Year's resolutions of getting their financial life in order and getting organized and Financial Peace University can be a great benefit in reaching those goals. If you have questions about the course, you can reach Rob at 913 620-7148.
 
Joining Rob as co-coordinators for this course will be Deb and Jim Filby. The Filbys have been attending UCOP since 1999. Deb has served on the Board of Directors and is currently a prayer chaplain and the Volunteer Coordinator. They have completed Financial Peace University (FPU) and are happy to help you work through any questions you might have about the program.


Bookstore Open House - February 7

 Join us in the bookstore for fellowship and treats during our Valentine's Day Open House event, February 7th following each service. Three prizes will be awarded to those who can most accurately guess the number of candies in the jar!


All gift items and jewelry 20% off during the month of February! 
Vow Renewal Ceremony - February 14

The Valentine's season is a time when couples often renew their vows. If you are interested in renewing your wedding or commitment vows, plan on joining with us on Sunday, February 14th at 12:30 pm in the Sanctuary for a special service. This will be a time when you may reaffirm the vows by which you were wed or you and your partner may speak vows recommitting to your relationship. You can write your own vows or exchange vows specifically written by Rev. Brandon for this special service.
You also have the option of having a ring blessing, blessing your original rings or even blessing new rings. Each couple will receive a certificate of celebration and a "unity" candle that you will light as part of the service. And be sure to invite your friends and family to join with you in this special time.
To be part of this special service pick up a registration form at the reception counter, fill it out and return it on or before February 7th. If you have any questions, you may contact Sandi Keeler at 913-649-1750 x3004.
 
 
Sacred Service Opportunities
It's that time of year when we let go of certain things in our lives and make space for the other things we want to embrace in the New Year.  There are some folks who have been in sacred service for some time now who have discerned that it is time to step down and release that activity in the New Year.  To these folks we say, "Thank you so very much for your time in service to this ministry.  You are greatly appreciated!" 
Then there are some who have discerned that one thing they intend to do in the coming year is to be of greater service in their spiritual community.  To these folks we say, "Welcome aboard!  We thank you for stepping up to serve and we are confident there is a right and perfect volunteer position waiting just for you!"

To help you figure out where you might be of service, let us tell you about some teams that are currently looking to expand their volunteer roster.  If something interests you, please contact Deb Filby, Volunteer Coordinator, at [email protected] or call 649-1750 x3025.

First Voice Team:  These are the friendly folks who man the reception desk during our business week, Monday through Thursday.  They are the ones who answer the incoming calls and are often the first impression that people have of our community when they call in.  It is a tremendous blessing to serve on the First Voice Team.  We currently have openings for the Monday afternoon shift, Wednesday mornings and Thursday afternoons.  If you are regularly available during any of those windows of time and would like to serve on this team, please contact Deb Filby 

Screens & Lights Team:  You can be part of the team that helps create the sacredness of our Sunday morning services by controlling the lighting and beautiful images on the screens.  It's not quite as complicated as you might assume.  If you can follow along in a script and click a mouse button on cue, you can do this job!  And full training is available, naturally.  It does require being present for both services at least once per month.

Video Team:  More and more people are "church-shopping" online these days.   Having a good video presence on YouTube is a wonderful way to grow your church and you can be part of that mission!  Team members need only be present for the 11:00 am service and they run the video camera.  They do not have to do any of the editing later. Again, full training is available.

If interested in the Screens & Lights or the Video Teams, please contact our Director of Communications & Worship, Jan Chapman, directly at [email protected].

Service Coordinators:  These wonderful folks assist our Volunteer Coordinator on Sunday mornings with the "backstage elements" of keeping the service running smoothly.  They do need to be present for both services on the day they serve. This position is a wonderful way to meet lots of your fellow congregants and new visitors as they come, welcoming them into our community with a great first impression.  Please contact Deb Filby if interested.

Song Leaders:  Do you like to sing?  Would you like to share your talents with your spiritual community?  Fred Albers is looking for additional Song Leaders to lead everyone in the singing of our congregational songs.  Song leaders are needed for both services on the days they serve and should be available every other Tuesday evening for rehearsals at the church.  If interested, please contact Fred Albers directly to arrange an audition at [email protected].

Ushers:  Greet people, hand out bulletins, direct folks where they can be seated, help collect the offering during services.  It is a sacred honor to serve as an usher at UCOP. 

Name Tag Team:   Once a month, this team makes sure everyone gets a name tag as they come in the doors.  This is a wonderful community-building team to serve on. 

Hospitality:  Our Hospitality Team serves the coffee and goodies downstairs in Harmony Hall after services each Sunday.  It's a wonderful way to meet people and build that sense of community that keeps folks coming back each Sunday.  Team members serve after only one service, not both.

If you are interested in the Ushers, Name Tag or Hospitality Teams, please contact Deb Filby.

Thank you for considering Sacred Service at Unity Church of Overland Park.  We couldn't do all this without your support! 
 
 
SEE Core Credit Class Available
In this course students will experience the rewarding process of Bible interpretation. Students will explore the basic principles involved in interpreting texts and making meaning from a theological perspective. They will learn what metaphysical interpretation is, how to interpret a Bible story metaphysically and apply the meaning to their lives. Selected stories from Acts to Revelation will be read and interpreted from a variety of modern critical and contemplative viewpoints.
 
Required Texts: Bible (NRSV or NET preferred)
The Metaphysical Bible Dictionary, by Charles Fillmore
 
Recommended Texts:
Be Ye Transformed, by Elizabeth Sand Turner
Wisdom for a Lifetime, by Alden Studebaker

Class fee: $15 per session  REGISTER HERE
 
Jesse Tanner is an ordained Unity minister and professor of Scriptural and Religious Studies at Unity Institute and Seminary. He holds an M.T.S. in New Testament and a Ph.D. in History and Philosophy of Religion. His research interests are centered on religious pluralism, interfaith dialogue and textual interpretation. Jesse enjoys conversation, coffee, hiking, playing music and spending time with his wife and son.
"Twelve Powers" Meditation
As we explore the Twelve Powers in 2016, described by Charles Fillmore as "expressions of the divine power inherent in each of us," Debra Baker will lead a deep meditation each month to help us expand and explore these innate gifts. Individually, we find ourselves with stronger abilities to utilize some of these powers over others. Through meditation we will discover (and uncover) on a profoundly spiritual level the presence of each power and learn how to further develop and use it in our daily lives. Completely guided by Spirit, these monthly sessions will provide insight into ourselves and a deeper connection with Source and one another.

For the month of February the power is Love.
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.
 
2016 Energies
Learn the best direction to take in your life for the year 2016. Using the tools of Astrology and Numerology, presenter Kathryn Andries will teach participants how to understand their planetary and numerological influences for the coming year. She will then teach participants how to apply this information to attain success in all areas of life, including relationships, career, health, spirituality, and more! In this hands on workshop, we will explore how the planetary and numerological changes will affect the world globally, as well as individually. Participants will learn how to erect a numerological chart and calculate their numbers for success. Participants will also be guided on how to interpret their personalized astrology chart for 2016. The information you learn in this workshop will help you make the best choices for yourself in 2016. Awareness will give you the guidance you deserve! No prior knowledge of numerology or astrology is required.
 
Required Texts/Materials: Soul Choices: 6 Paths to Find Your Life Purpose, by Kathryn Andries

Class fee: $15 per session  REGISTER HERE
 
Kathryn Andries is a veteran teacher, author, public speaker and storyteller. She studied dreams for 5 years at the School of Metaphysics and then proceeded to teach and study dreams for the next 15 years. Her love of dreams led her to write two books on the subject, one for adults (Naked in Public: Dream Symbols Revealed) and one for children (The Dream Doctor). She is also a contributing author of Interpreting Dreams for Self-Discovery. She has been writing a dream column for "Aquarius Monthly" for the past 3 years.
 
Kathryn's other books include Soul Choices: Six Paths to Find Your Life Purpose, Soul Choices: Six Paths to Fulfilling Relationships and The Big Desire. She also produced the video "Inside the California Missions."
 
Kathryn hosted the television show "Discover Your Life Purpose" and is a frequent guest on radio programs. She co-founded the School of Intuitive Arts and Sciences where she teaches astrology, numerology, palm reading, eye analysis, past lives and family birth order.
 
She has an extensive educational background. Kathryn earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Michigan and a holistic health practitioner degree from Body Mind College in California. She completed extensive studies in the intuitive arts at the Berkeley Psychic Institute, the School of Metaphysics and the American Federation of Astrologers.

 
Adult Bible Study Is Back!
 
Dan Beckett resumes this weekly exploration of the Bible as of February 14. Each week Dan will have a different topic for the group to explore. Together we will take a look at everything from historical foundations to traditional Unity metaphysical interpretation as we explore how to uncover the many layers of meaning that are contained within the Holy Bible.
*  This will be an ongoing class and is open for you to join at anytime.

 
UCOP & You - February 16
This class has been designed for those who are newer to Unity Church of Overland Park and is part of the required membership series. 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.
Class Fee: love offering
REGISTER HERE

 


Deb Filby is the Volunteer Coordinator at UCOP. She also serves as a Prayer Chaplain and is a former member of the UCOP Board of Directors.

 
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.
 
Yoganetics Fall Series
Begin again. 
With each breath we are rewriting the body.  Yoganetics is a
core-based, slow-motion approach to increasing flexibility, reducing stress, and relieving chronic pain.  
Poet Laureate of Kansas Emeritus, Wyatt Townley, has been teaching Yoganetics for decades.  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. 
 
To learn more, call (913) 381-1984, or go to www.yoganetics.com.
 
Men's Group Breakfast - February 6
Men's Group Breakfast - 8 to 10 am
1st Saturdays in Harmony Hall
Please join the Unity Men's Group 8:00 - 10:00 am the first Saturday of each month for a delicious breakfast with eggs, bacon, pancakes and "all the fixin's." Good food and conversation precede each month's programming.

February 6th will feature Curt Straub speaking on Arbitration and Mediation.
 
Women in Unity Saturday Meeting - February 20
Women in Unity Saturday Meeting
February 20 in Harmony Hall 2
10:30 am - 12:30 pm
 
We have a great agenda set for the February meeting. Rosie Dominguez is going to take a few minutes to tell us about an exciting opportunity she has for us.

Cyndi Swall will be our guest speaker for the meeting.  Cyndi is a woman's transformation coach and bliss mentor.  She said, "I was raised in Unity and partnered with Unity Worldwide Ministries to do transformational work across the country with Unity churches. "

We are also going to have a drawing for a FREE professional Body Wrap (NOTE: you must be a non-smoker to get a body wrap) from Jaci Brown, Licensed Esthetician with La Belle Angele Day Spa. This is a $110 value! The Body Wrap works on detoxifying and increasing circulation and metabolism and more. You must be present to win.  

 
Unity Midwest Men's Retreat - March 4-6
Friday, March 4th @5pm to Sunday March 6 @11am
Unity Village Hotel and Conference Center
"Finding Your Deep Courage as a Man"
with James Mayfield Smith
music by Mark Gossman
healing services by Patrick Andries
 
A conscious, awakening man is emotionally courageous. Our partners, our children and our passions all ask us for more emotional availability. Yet for most men, we unconsciously organize our lives to decrease our vulnerability to physical and emotional risk. This keeps us stuck in lives that don't quite fulfill our deepest desires. Finding our courage to be vulnerable is required if we wish to lead a life that is passionate and on purpose. This retreat offers the opportunity for men to be fully masculine while at the same time connecting deeply to the emotional vulnerability that brings the richest gifts into a man's life. If you long for greater joy, connection and meaning and are willing to go within to find the depth of your tenderness, this retreat will guide you into safely experiencing deeper aspects of yourself.
 
You may register for this retreat at the Men's Group table after Sunday services 
or ONLINE HERE 

James Mayfield Smith is a transformation-focused empowerment coach. He utilizes the power of storytelling, metaphor, deep listening, emotional processing, somatic release and sacred ritual to guide individuals and groups into greater clarity and freedom in their lives. This often involves letting go of old stories that no longer serve and calling in new symbols and images for the next stage of their lives. James has applied mythic insights and transformation tools to the business world of educational publishing and sales training and offers residential retreats, classes and coaching focused on personal and professional development. James also consults with school districts, leads shamanic breathwork retreats, leads an annual Asheville-based Wildman retreat and leads an annual adventure travel trip to Ireland. You can explore James' work at http://billygoatwisdom.com.

 
Spotlight Gallery Artist for January & February
Our January & February
Spotlight Gallery Artist,
Charalyn Bishop
 


Artist Statement: It was late night television when I saw the first commercial. "Relax," it said. "Adult Coloring Books are the perfect way to unwind..." ("Adult" meaning intricate patterns as opposed to x-rated pictures.)
Relaxed is not what I felt when I colored my first page. Obsession, compassion, exhilaration, accomplishment but it was definitely not relaxing! Please enjoy and may they bring a smile to your face.
 
Charalyn Bishop has her Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis in color and design elements from the University of Missouri. She has attended continuing education classes at Washington University and the Graphic Arts Institute in St. Louis and the Kansas City Art Institute.   She started as Art Director of KDNL TV30 in St. Louis in 1969. After four years, she moved to Kansas City as Art Director of KCTV5. After nine years, she moved into television management as a Promotion/Marketing Director. She moved around the Midwest to one CBS and two NBC affiliates.   Ms. Bishop came back to Kansas City and went into broadcasting sales. She currently sells websites, reputation management services and other internet services geared to help small businesses.
 
All "Colorings" are for sale unless otherwise indicated. The 11 X 14 matted and framed drawings are a combination of colored pencil, fine point markers and gel pens and the designs vary from nondescript designs, fantasy, flowers and animals.
To contact Ms. Bishop: [email protected] or call 913-980-6949.
 
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. 
  
                 
January 31 - Five Pie Pizza, 9133 Metcalf Ave
February 7 - K-Machos, 11741 Metcalf Ave.
February 14 - The Peanut, 7938 Santa Fe Drive, Downtown OP
February 21 - Jack Stack Barbecue, 9520 Metcalf Ave.
February 28 - Le Peep, 7936 Quivira Rd.
 
   

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  
Personal Growth Books
in January 
 
Bookstore hours: Monday-Thursday 12 to 5pm
Friday & Saturday closed /Sunday 8:30am to 1:00pm

Got some shopping to do 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.


Donate
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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!
 
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.