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Living a Life of Balance Series Finale:
Rock n' Roll Sunday
"Give & Take"  
Join us this Sunday, February 21
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. 

In the last two Sundays, we explored how to balance our mind, body and soul. Then we took that personal balance and applied it to our family, work and play.

This Sunday 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!

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

Sunday, February 14, 2016
"Living a Life of Balance Part Two: Home, Play & Work"
with Rev. Brandon Nagel
Guided Meditation with Dan Beckett
vocalists, Kelley & Amanda Sharp -  interpreter, Stacey Storme
song leaders: Marianne Hamer & Sharon Johnson
 
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 online here or at the reception counter, or you may 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.

 
Easter Series - March 13 - 27

Join us at Unity Church of Overland Park this Easter season as Rev. Brandon Nagel explores the metaphysics of the Easter story. When we think of the Easter story, typically we focus on the death and resurrection of Jesus, but symbolically we all live the story many times in our lives as we awaken to the divinity within. Easter is about more than the events that occurred in Rome many years ago. It's about the awakening of the Presence of the Christ within all of us and the journey we go through as we are waking up. Throughout this three-part series, we will look at both historical and biblical sources as well as the thoughts of classical Unity authors such as Emilie Cady, Eric Butterworth and Charles and Myrtle Fillmore, as we learn how our spiritual journey is about crucifying those beliefs that no longer serve so that we can be resurrected as the light of God that we are.
 
March 13: "Life is a Highway"  vocalist, Pancho Javier
What does it mean to be on a spiritual journey? What is our destination and what might we expect (and look out for) along the way as we begin our journey toward manifesting our light?
 
March 20: "Past the Point of No Return" Palm Sunday  vocalist, Kelly Potter
There comes a point in our journey where, for whatever reason, we can no longer go back to the way things were. We've simply grown too much spiritually to become what we once were. With this realization comes a mix of emotions. There is often joy and celebration as we realize how far we have come. But at the same time we can be faced with fear and worry as we realize what we still have to release in order to complete our journey.
 
March 25: "Good Friday"  vocalist, Kelly Potter
One of the final acts of our journey is crossing out and releasing those things, beliefs and feelings that no longer serve us. Charles Fillmore believed that crucifixion represented the giving up of the error thoughts that we were holding onto. Those thoughts that lead us to believe that we are not the Christ itself. Join Rev. Brandon and Rev. Jan Stromseth for a powerful ritual of releasing those beliefs, preparing you to awaken as your Christ Self on Easter Sunday.
 
March 27: "Rise Up" Easter Sunday  vocalist, Molly Hammer
The resurrection is more than a story that happened long, long ago. It plays out within us every time we attain a new understanding of the Truth of the light of God that we are. Our spiritual journey through the cross is about raising our consciousness so that we can experience the resurrection in our own lives. Ultimately, Easter is a pattern for letting in more of the light that we are. Join us on this sacred Sunday as we take a look at that pattern and celebrate the raising up of our spirit, soul and body into the consciousness of God that lives within us.
 
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.  

 
Easter Basket Outreach Program!
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.
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.

 
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.

 
Mulch Madness - Saturday, March 12
Shake off that winter case of "cabin fever" and get some fresh air and exercise with your spiritual family. It's time to beautify our campus once again in preparation for spring. We invite you to bring your rakes and shovels and wheel barrows and help us move a bunch of mulch around to all our flower beds and landscaping. Many hands make light work so come on out and enjoy the beautiful spring weather. We also need volunteers to bring food to keep our mulchers powered up and hydrated. If you are available to help out, please contact Jane Sauve at jsauve@ucop.org or call 913-649-1750 x3012.
 
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 has resumed this exploration of the Bible. Every 2nd & 4th Sunday, 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.

 
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.
 
Bible Journaling Class - March 30
A journaling Bible provides the perfect way for you to keep a journal of your spiritual life right inside the Bible that you read and study. Together we will explore the joys of Bible journaling from a Unity perspective. Three main ideas that will be our focus are:
     1. Favorite themes such as: love, healing and forgiveness
     2. Parallel quotes of the Bible and other holy books
     3. The Daily Word, Sunday celebration messages and other sources of inspiration.
We will also have a drawing amongst the participants for an actual journaling Bible. This could become an on-going small group for those who are interested in continuing.
Register Here!
 
Junie Maggio is a registered nurse and teacher, who first attended Unity Church on the Plaza in 1980. Since 1994, she has been a member of Unity Church of Overland Park. As the mother of two daughters born in Huazhou City, Guangdong Province, China, she is passionate about diversity, inclusion and the call to Spirit as reflected in all of the world's cultures, religions and faith traditions. Junie has recently discovered an amazing connection with Spirit through Bible journaling, which celebrates and honors the uniqueness of each individual in their own particular style. As such, she is excited to share this innovative activity with interested members in her spiritual community.
 
Unity Basics - Wednesday, April 6
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 '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.

This class is a prerequisite for membership at Unity Church of Overland Park and, as such, is offered on a suggested love offering basis of $10.
Register Here
 
Reverend Jan Stromseth is the Associate Minister of Pastoral Care and Adult Education at UCOP.
 
Yoganetics Spring 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.
 
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.
 

 
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. 
  
                 
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

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!
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.


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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.