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September 2008 “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” Psalm 107:1 Beloved Friends, September always brings me fond memories of my childhood. Autumn in the Midwest is one of the prettiest times of the year, especially as the tree leaves burst into vibrant hues of red, yellow and green. Gratitude and appreciation for everything in life is an important spiritual principle taught by our Wayshower and Elder Brother – the Master Teacher Jesus Christ. He taught us to simply love one another, forgiving the shortcomings of each other. He showed us the perfect pathway to God by giving thanks in advance of His many miracles. And yet life sometimes does not feel miraculous. Mother Teresa spoke it clearly, “The best way to show my gratitude to God is to accept everything, even my problems, with joy.” In every instance of life, there is good waiting to be discovered. We must be conscious and patient sometimes, especially in times that might cause our faith to be shaken. In the great novel, Robinson Crusoe, by Daniel Defoe, we find this Truth. When Robinson Crusoe was wrecked on his lonely island, he drew up in two columns what he called the evil and the good. He was cast on a desolate island, but he was still alive – not drowned, as his ship’s company was. He was apart from human society, but he was not starving. He had no clothes, but he was in a hot climate where he did not need them. He was without means of defense, but he saw no wild beasts such as he had seen on the coast of Africa. He had no one to whom he could speak, but God had sent the ship so near to the shore that he could get out of it all the things necessary for his basic wants. So he concluded that there was not any condition in the world so miserable but that one could find something for which to be grateful. We, too, can develop grateful hearts that allow us to face the world in its fullness and know that God is our Source, our Strength – never failing and ever-present. This is the faith that moves mountains and allows us to reap the rewards of the abundance around us. We are the receivers of God's grace; let God be the receiver of our gratitude. Gratitude is the soil in which joy thrives. God’s will for us in the full, richness of a life filled with the abundant blessings of God. Love is the answer – Gratitude is the key. Let this thought from Henry Ward Beecher resound in you this month, “As flowers carry dewdrops, trembling on the edges of the petals, and ready to fall at the first waft of the wind or brush of bird, so the heart should carry its beaded words of thanksgiving. At the first breath of heavenly flavor, let down the shower, perfumed with the heart's gratitude.” One in Christ, Michael’s Blog 9.08 Do you smell the roses? Several months ago my son got caught up in a downsizing occurring in the banking industry. He had been with this Mega bank over sixteen years. He was hired by this bank to work in their mailroom after he had been making deliveries to this bank as a bicycle courier. He immediately started progressing up the chain, and over the years had been working as a manager and officer of this financial institution. Part of his separation package was a continuation of salary and benefits for forty weeks. He has a three year old son, a mortgage, a car note, etc, etc, etc. This was in March of this year. During the month of June he informed me that he was taking his family to Mexico for a month. Wow! You should have heard his Dad’s (my) judgments. “How can he do that? No job, not looking for a job, and all the other parental “shoulds” I had working in my brain. Until…until he said, “Dad, when will I ever have an opportunity to take my three year old son to Mexico for a month?” Those were the exact words I needed to let go and release those “shoulds” and to realize that I had, indeed, taught my son to “Smell the Roses.” I forget sometimes what life is really telling me. At that point, I was so happy for him and his family and happy for myself. Upon their return, my three year old grandson, Elijah called me and said “Paw Paw, come make me some homemade strawberry ice cream!” So the next weekend, Sylvia and I went to Austin, made the ice cream, and smelled the roses with my beautiful grandson, Elijah! Whippee! YOUTH & FAMILY MINISTRY Everyone is back in school now and for many families, schedules and routines are re-established. September is a busy month for many and we are no exception at Unity Church of the Bay Area. We are already working on bookmarks for Unity’s World Day of Prayer that occurs this year on Thursday, September 11, 2008. The bookmarks are being decorated by our children and teens and have this year’s prayer on it: “Rejoicing in our oneness with God and one another, we celebrate healing in every aspect of our lives and in the world.” We envision that this prayer will touch our hearts and be conscious daily in our thoughts, especially when we see or use our bookmark. Also this month, we will be participating in a project called Pinwheels for Peace. The International Day of Peace was originally established by the United Nations in 1981, and they set aside September 21st as the day each year we hold the vision for peace. In 2005, two art teachers in Florida had an idea that would allow their students to express their feelings about what’s going on in the world and their lives and to celebrate World Day of Peace. Thus began Pinwheels for Peace which is now an international project embraced by many around the world. All of our children and teens, and of course any adults that want to participate, will create pinwheels with our personal thoughts about peace, acceptance and living in harmony with others on one side. On the other side, pictures and designs can be added. Then we will plant them outside in the front of the church on Sunday, September 21st. The spinning of the pinwheels in the wind will help spread our thoughts and feelings about peace along Highway 3 to our local community, and throughout our world. What a great idea to use this childhood symbol to promote peace in our hearts and throughout our land! And it is so in keeping with our Unity teachings and principles! Stop by Youth & Family Ministries and get your pinwheel in advance so that you can be prepared on Sunday, September 21st! (You can visit the website for more information at www.worlddayofpeace.org.) I am very excited to announce that we will have a Saturday training class in November for all adults participating in our Youth & Family Ministry team. The tentative date is Saturday, November 15, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. I invite all existing team members and any of you that are considering becoming a part of our vital ministry, one that blesses our children each Sunday. We have immediate opportunities for class facilitators/teachers, class assistants and special project assistants once or twice a month. Working with our youth is the highlight of my week! Their presence and all that they teach me continually bless me. And any Sunday you are with our youth, you receive a free CD of the service so that you really don’t miss out on anything. Please call me at 281-339-2096 or the church office if you are being called or guided to be a part of our team. I guarantee you will receive many blessings beyond your imagination in working with our youth! Our Uniteens & Y.O.U.s (Youth of Unity) gratefully thank all those that supported their recent bake sale. These funds will be used for various outings and activities. Thank You! Peace, love, and youthful blessings! Garage Sale Information…. On Saturday, September 20th, UCBA will be having a garage sale at the Church. We will begin to accept sale items at noon on Sunday, September 14th. We will accept any items in good repair. The hours we will accept merchandise are as follows: Sunday, 9/14 – noon til 4 p.m., Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday – 10 a.m. til 7 p.m. and Thursday from 10 a.m. til 8 p.m. We will cease accepting new merchandise at 8 p.m. on Thursday, September 18th. On Saturday, September 20th, the sale will last from 8 a.m. til 3 p.m. The Men’s Group has agreed to make and sell BarBQ at lunch time. As always, we need your help (and your sale items). If you would like to volunteer to help, please sign up in the gathering room. There are also a number of things that we could use during the sale, including tables (for use inside with sale items and outside for diners), plastic chairs for diners and hangars for clothes display, and last but not least, lots of great “treasures” for resale. For more information, please contact Judi Hoggatt, Carla Clark, Theresa Abell, Diane Robinson, Mary Ann Curtis, Lisa Boozer or Nikkie Saunders, or the Church office. SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER! Unity Church of the Bay Area is pleased to welcome Jerry Stefaniak as our guest speaker on Sunday, September 28, 2008. Jerry is one of our favorite guest speakers who has a wonderful spiritual presence and couples it with his great sense of humor. Jerry and his wife Stav have a private counseling practice in Houston. Jerry is a long time student of a Course in Miracles and facilitates ACIM groups in Houston at Unity Church of Christianity. His message for his visit will be, Using Your Spiritual GPS. This is one Sunday that will inspire you and touch your heart in a powerful way. Jerry has a way of opening your heart and uplifting the soul. Plan to attend at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, September 28, 2008! (On this Sunday there will be no 8:30 a.m. Service. All are invited to attend the 10:30 a.m. Service.) Forgiveness…A workshop with Jerry Stefaniak! Jerry will facilitate a workshop on Forgiveness following the service on Sunday, September 28, 2008. Forgiveness is a key spiritual principle taught by Jesus Christ and spoken of repeatedly in a Course in Miracles. It is through Forgiveness that we release ourselves from the bondage of human judgment to enhance our relationship with Spirit, our Creator. Love and compassion flow more readily through us when we are free from resentments, judgments and petty jealousies. A light lunch will be provided for workshop attendees. Jerry will then present an experiential workshop that will last approximately two hours. The workshop will be offered on a love offering basis. We all have forgiveness issues – it is part of our humanness. Join Jerry in this workshop to find new ways to heal the past that we might be present fully in the now moment to express the love that God has placed in our hearts! Please call the office sign up at the Information Table in the Sanctuary if you wish to attend. HOW ABOUT AN UPDATE? Have you been receiving mail and e-mail from Unity Church of the Bay Area? We are always looking to keep our database of information up to date. We send out our newsletter and e-mail notices to help keep people up to date with church news. Please let us know of any updates to address, phone or e-mail on the enclosed envelope and mail or bring it to the church. Also, if you wish to discontinue receiving e-mails or the newsletter, please note that on the inside envelope and we will remove you from our mailing lists. Also, do you donate cash in the Offering? Did you know we can make sure you get a year-end statement for IRS purposes if you use an envelope? There are envelopes in your bulletin and on the Information Table. Make sure to write your name and the amount of the donation and we will take care of the rest! WORLD DAY OF PRAYER ~ THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 11, 2008Each year on the second Thursday in September, Unity celebrates peace and holds a World Day of Prayer. Prayer requests are sent in from around the world, with names of loved ones to be read at World Headquarters in Silent Unity on this special day of prayer. We will be having a meditation service on Thursday, September 11th at 7 p.m. in which we will have a World Healing Meditation. This special service will honor the vision of world peace. Our affirmation this year for World Day of Prayer is: Rejoicing in our oneness with God and one another, we celebrate healing in every aspect of our lives and the world. You can go to www.worlddayofprayer.org and add your list of names to be held in prayer at Silent Unity. We will also have lists available at church to be placed in our prayer box. ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING ~ SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2008Mark your calendars now! Our Annual Membership Meeting will be held after the 10:30 a.m. service on Sunday, October 12, 2008. All are invited to attend as we review the past year and look forward to the coming year. This past year has been a huge success! We completed our interior remodel and now are poised to move forward to grow and be more involved in our greater community. Although only members are allowed to vote on business matters before the church, we invite all attendees to come and be part of the meeting. One item of business at this year’s meeting is the election of two Board of Trustee Members. Our nominating committee for board elections this year is open to your suggestions. The committee will be taking nominations through the end of September. Our Bylaws dictate that we inform the membership in writing of the meeting and any business – including candidates for the Board of Trustees, at least ten days prior to the meeting. Please be considering church members who you believe would be qualified, proficient and excited about serving our church in this most important way. Listed below are the contact names and numbers for our committee. Maybe you would like to serve! Call or speak with any committee member below with your nominations. Remember, our Annual Membership Meeting is October 12, 2008. Amy Groblewski, Chairperson - 281-992-0287; Theresa Abell - 281-460-1662; Sylvia Hicks - 281-326-3334; Reverend Horn, 832-338-8738. TREASURER’S REPORT for JULY 2008 General Fund Income $ 16,965.30 Expenses - 18.993.19 Net General Fund Income - 2,027.89 Building Fund Income + 1,883.95 Total Income $ - 143.94 Unity Church of the Bay Area's tithe for July was $1706.00. It was blessed and $426.50 each was sent to the Association of Unity Churches and Unity School of Christianity. $426.50 was sent to both Unity of Port St. Lucie, Fl; and Unity of the Ozarks, AR; ministries that continue to share the good news of Unity as they attract a new minister to lead them. Your continued financial support allows our church to grow and flourish and carry the message of positive, practical Christianity in the Bay area. Thank you, and thank you God! UNITY CHAPLAINS Have you ever considered expanding your prayer consciousness and serving others in a very special and meaningful way? Our Unity Chaplains serve our congregation through prayer after services and in monthly wellness calls. Each is trained in listening, holding sacred space and praying affirmatively with others. Does this special way of expressing God touch your heart? We are visioning for our Chaplain Team for next year, with training to occur in early October. Call the office to schedule an appointment with Reverend Steve if this wonderful opportunity to pray and serve our congregation speaks to your heart. If you are interested, please come to our chaplain meeting on Sunday, September 14th following the 10:30 a.m. service.
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