"Living a Life of Balance, Part 2:
Home, Play & Work"

Join us this Sunday, February 14
at 9 and 11 am

Yearning to find balance in our lives is a deeply personal experience. It is also an undertaking of epic proportions as we attempt to balance the many activities of life. It is easy to feel overwhelmed as we balance our family, our job and our social life and other commitments. Add to that a desire to find a balance in physical, mental and spiritual health and growth and it is easy to get discouraged in our search for balanced living. And yet nothing is more imperative to our spiritual growth than finding balance in all areas of our lives.

Last Sunday, we explored how to balance our mind, body and soul.
This Sunday, we'll look at how you can take that personal balance and apply it to your family, work and play.

Finally we will explore the idea of finding balance in both giving and receiving as we rock out with Fred and the amazing UCOP Band on Rock n' Roll Sunday, February 21!

Living in balance is about finding ways to live in harmony with universal spiritual principles. So let's explore those principles and find ways to put them into action.

We look forward to seeing you there!

As we move through this series, you may be interested in exploring the topic of balance even further through individual, or small group study. Click here to access study guide curriculum for the book,

Living in Balance, by Joel & Michelle Levey.

	Rock n' Roll Sunday - February 21!

	Featuring the music of such great artists as... Supertramp, the Hollies, Steve Winwood, Herbie Hancock, the Eurythmics, the Temptations and Styx! Weave all this great music together with bits of inspirational message and you have a Sunday morning experience like no other! Nobody does Rock n' Roll Sunday like UCOP!

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

Sunday, February 7, 2016

"Living a Life of Balance Part One: Mind, Body & Spirit"

with Rev. Brandon Nagel
Guided Meditation with Rev. Jan Stromseth

vocalist, Joel Morrison - interpreter, Teri Sturgeon

song leaders: Marianne Hamer & Holly Sharp

	Vow Renewal Ceremony - February 14

	Valentine's Day Vow Renewal Service Sunday, February 14 at 12:30 pm in the Sanctuary Join with Rev. Brandon on Sunday, February 14th at 12:30 pm in the Sanctuary for a very special service. This will be a time when 15 couples in our spiritual community will reaffirm their marriage or commitment vows. Join us in blessing these wonderful couples on their special day.

	Kelley Hunt in Concert to Benefit JUST FOOD

	"Dance of Hearts" - Kelley Hunt in Concert to raise funds for JUST FOOD Valentine's Weekend at Liberty Hall in Lawrence, KS Saturday, February 13 at 8:00 pm Lawrence-based, internationally acclaimed roots/blues/Americana singer songwriter, Kelley Hunt, has performed all over the world but home is definitely where her heart is. Hunt returns to hometown Liberty Hall on Saturday, February 13 for "Dance of Hearts," a Valentine's throw-down to raise funds for local/regional food bank JUST FOOD. And Hunt will up the ante with special guests The Fat Brass Horns and The Mighty Kel-Tones joining her sterling touring band for this show. Showtime is 8pm, doors 7 pm, all seats are reserved - floor tables and premium balcony sections are $40, regular balcony sections are $25. The Liberty Hall dance floor will most definitely be open. Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations and the Liberty Hall box office (644 Massachusetts 785.749.1972.) All proceeds from the show go directly to JUST FOOD. Fans are also urged to bring donations of food items to the show. In return they'll receive coupons redeemable for discounts on Kelley Hunt merchandise on sale at the show. To Hunt the idea is as obvious and direct as one of Cupid's arrows. "Hey, man, romance lives. This is a very simple equation - grab your mainest person, come on out, get seriously down and show some big love for those less fortunate in our community in the process. No debate, no room for hate, let's just bring everyone together and see what we can do for someone else this one night. We're gonna work it on out," said Hunt. According to JUST FOOD, Douglas County has one of the highest numbers of hungry people in the state of Kansas, a fact most people don't realize. Over 19,000 people need food assistance. Each year JUST FOOD serves an average of 8-10,000 people in the community, over 5400 last month alone. And for only $1 JUST FOOD can provide 5 meals for a family in need. JUST FOOD also provides related support services like cooking classes that teach families how to cook healthy meals for under $2 per serving. JUST FOOD Interim Executive Director Elizabeth Keever says this is a critical time of year for the organization and those it serves - a time when proceeds from this show will be particularly welcome. "As utility bills increase to keep homes warm this winter many in our community may have to choose between keeping the heat on or feeding their families without assistance from JUST FOOD. Proceeds from this show come at a perfect time to help us keep our pantry shelves stocked all winter long. We see this as a concert that can bring our community together and spread some love to our neighbors in need," said Keever. Kelley Hunt will arrive at Liberty Hall still riding a wave of accolades for her 6th release "The Beautiful Bones" which streeted mid-2014 and has been universally hailed by press, radio and fans on both sides of the Atlantic as the best work of her career. "If there truly is a Higher Power, He/She should press PLAY on the latest release by Kansas City's Kelley Hunt," said BLUES MUSIC MAGAZINE; "It is not very often that we receive an album that makes us sit down and really listen; like, grabs us and demands our full attention. 'The Beautiful Bones' has depth, soul, personality, and nuance. (It) will definitely lift your spirits and make you smile, on the inside." AMERICAN BLUES SCENE; "a beautiful work of art...It is an album you will want to hear over and over discovering something new each time," added TUMBLR. THE SEATTLE TIMES proclaimed her "One of the best songwriters of the genre."

	Easter Basket Outreach Program Starts Soon!

	Easter Basket Outreach Program February 14 - March 20 'Tis the season to bless our community with lovingly filled Easter baskets for children and adults in need. You will have the opportunity to adopt wishtags and fill baskets full of love and goodies beginning Sunday, February 21 through March 13. All baskets are due back to the church by March 20. This year we will be supporting Little Sisters of the Poor, Lake Mary Center, Community Linc and members of our own UCOP family. And you have a wonderful additional way to serve during the Easter Basket Outreach Program. It takes many volunteers to attend to the adoption tables each Sunday, organize and inventory the baskets, and most fun of all... to help deliver these beautiful baskets to their grateful recipients! Basket deliveries are scheduled for Wednesday evening, March 23 and Saturday morning, March 26. We also need helpers on February 14 at 12:30 pm to help prep all the wishtags. If you would like to give of your time and love by serving on this team, please contact team leader, Glenda Analla at easter@ucop.org or call 913-593-5380.

	Member Recommitment Ceremony

	Member Recommitment Ceremony Sunday, March 6 in the Peace Chapel at 12:30 pm and Tuesday, March 8 in the Sanctuary at 7:00 pm with vocalist, Molly Hammer On January 31, we installed Rev. Brandon Nagel as our new Senior Minister and collectively made a vow to support this ministry and community in living our mission and attaining our vision. New members are asked to make that covenant with the church when they join. We would also like to invite those of you who have been members for a while now to a special Member Recommitment Ceremony. Join Rev. Brandon and vocalist, Molly Hammer, on Tuesday, March 8 at 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary for a special ceremony to rededicate and recommit yourself to your spiritual community. Each member who joins us for this ceremony will receive a member name tag, as well as a special blessing during the service on March 13. In order for us to have those name tags by March 8, please register by no later than February 28. You may fill out a registration form at the reception counter or contact Sandi Keeler at skeeler@ucop.org or 913-649-1750 x-3004. If you are unable to attend the Tuesday evening ceremony, we will also be holding a ceremony in the Peace Chapel on March 6 at 12:30 pm. You need only attend one ceremony to receive your name tag. If you are unable to attend either ceremony, but would still like a name tag, member name tags will be available for order from Sandi Keeler beginning March 14.

	Environmental Calendar of Events Now Available

	If environmental causes are close to your heart, you may be interested in all the local events going on around town to educate and inspire sustainable living practices. UCOP's Green Team has created a calendar of these events for your reference which can be found on our website right here!

	Questions about Foster Parenting?

	TFI Family Services Representative available Sunday, February 28 in the lobby Kansas needs caring and committed families to care for children placed in out-of-home care. Currently there are over 6,000 children in custody of the State for some type of abuse or neglect and less than 1,500 foster homes to care for them. Over 600 of these kids are right here in Johnson County. It is interesting to note that if only one family in each spiritual community in Kansas were to become a foster family, there would be a loving supportive home for those 6000 children! If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, or would like more information about how you can help, please call us at 1-800-279-9914 or visit our website at www.tfifamilyservices.org . A representative from the organization will also be available to answer questions in the lobby after services on February 28.

	Bible Interpretation

	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.

	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.

	"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 March the power is Order. 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.

	Convention Volunteers Work Exchange Program

	Unity People's Convention "Honoring Our Past, Growing Our Future - The First 50 Years" June 13-17, 2016 at the Sheraton Hotel in Overland Park Be a part of the LARGEST event in the Unity Worldwide Ministries! Step into service while meeting amazing Unity ministers and licensed teachers from all over the USA and the world!! And take advantage of the WORK EXCHANGE program. For each hour you volunteer you are entitled to attend an hour of a workshop or keynote speaker of your choice...FREE OF CHARGE! Volunteers are being sought for the following areas: AV tech support, registration, welcome and information, ushers, bookstore and much, much more!! Opportunities are available in 4-hour periods from 6:30am to 10:30pm Monday - Friday. Unity Worldwide Ministries will host a Volunteer Appreciation and Training Breakfast on Saturday, June 11 from 9:00am to 12:30pm. For more information, please visit the UWM Convention table, available two Sundays each month in Harmony Hall (or the lobby) starting February 7 through May 29. Or you may contact Deb Filby at 913-649-1750 x3025 or dfilby@ucop.org.

	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. Mark Gossman is very excited to offer the music for this year's retreat. His mission is to create unity in the world through sacred sound. In addition to leading very powerful drum circles, Mark intends to bring a profound experience of relaxation and primal integration through the use of three priceless Paiste gongs commissioned by the Sikhs. These hand-forged instruments represent the Pythagorean intervals which enliven every atom in our bodies and unravel the spiral mysteries of the ages, producing deep relaxation and intergalactic journey! Finally, Mark will lead the men on an exploration of their human instruments, their voices, to fully project their highest intentions with power and grace.

	Sacred Service Opportunities

	If you are considering stepping into service here at the ministry, we thank 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 dfilby@ucop.org or call 649-1750 x3025. First Voice Team: These are the friendly folks who are the first impression that people have of our community when they call or stop in. 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. Full training is available. 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! 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 jchapman@ucop.org. 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. 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 falbers@ucop.org. 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. You get to meet people and build that sense of community that keeps folks coming back each week. 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!

	Singles Group Sunday Brunch

	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. 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 All Gift Items in February Bookstore hours: Monday-Thursday 12 to 5pm Friday & Saturday closed /Sunday 8:30am to 1:00pm

	Spotlight Gallery Artist for January & February

	Our January & February Spotlight Gallery Artist, Charalyn Bishop 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: charalynmbishop@gmail.com or call 913-980-6949.

	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

	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.

	Care & Support

	Prayer & Meditation Spiritual Counseling Weddings, Holy Unions & Restatement of Vows Baptisms & Christenings Submit a Prayer Request

	Get Involved

	Groups Youth Volunteer Membership

	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.