“Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you…”
2 Timothy 1:4-6
Beloved Friends,
This May is a special month, one in which we celebrate many things. The one that touches my heart deeply this year is Mother’s Day. It is the love of a mother that Paul is writing to Timothy about in the scripture above. This special love influenced every woman who touched Timothy’s life, from generation to generation. In Jesus’ life, the love of His mother Mary was so clear and beautifully expressed. It was Mary who prompted Jesus to perform His first miracle – the changing of water into wine. And Jesus gave over the care of His mother to His beloved apostle John upon His crucifixion.
A young man who was tired of the monotony and the restrictions of home decided to leave, to go to a place where he could wander and be free. He soon realized it was not what he had dreamed it would be. He wrote his mother and told her that he was going to take the train back home. He told her that if she still wanted him, she should hang a white handkerchief on top of the tree in their yard which could easily be seen before the train stopped at the little hometown station. How amazed the wandering young man was when he found that his mother had used every available handkerchief to hang on the various branches of the tree. He could not understand how his mother could continue to love him. It was a mystery to him that his mother’s love had increased instead of diminishing.
Abraham Lincoln said it most clearly, “All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.” A mother is not a person to lean on, but a person to make leaning unnecessary. A spiritual mother will point her children to God by the nature of her example as much as by the power of her words. The successful mother sets her children free and becomes more free herself in the process. Mothers write on the hearts of their children what the world’s rough hand cannot erase. Yes, mothers give us the gift of love.
Just as the young man who returned home, I often wondered how my mom could love me through some of the suffering and pain I caused our family at times. She understood the true meaning of love. It is so with the love of God for the wandering child. Although my mother is no longer with me physically, her Spirit lives on in my heart. I sometimes feel her guidance and wisdom nudging me forward. It gives me comfort and strength to do the right thing. Her love lives on through me this day, just as God's love does, too. I pray that you celebrate your Mother this Mother’s Day. No matter what has happened in the past, there is always room for healing through grace and forgiveness. Celebrate Mother’s Day!
In Spirit and in Truth,
Reverend Stephen P. Horn
MARK’S MUSINGS
It's May already! The kids will soon be out of school and it is time to think about summer vacations. I'm excited because I will be in my new office near I-45 and the Beltway. I had a need for more time and office space. I had been turning away business at the office I was sub-letting, and God provided for my needs amply. I have conference rooms available for classes and workshops, so I'm ready to expand my time here and cut back on some of my work at various clinics. God guided me to the right building and the right office, so I will do my part and wait for the perfect clients to show up.
Ryan has taken a job at the local YMCA, where he'll work on weekends until school is over. During the summer he'll work 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. He did a great job preparing and interviewing. Thanks to Reverend Steve for your reference! He's also doing well in school and preparing for finals soon.
Amy plans to travel a bit more in the upcoming weeks. We may go back to the Northeast to see family in June. I may get to see some old High School friends of mine in my old hometown near Albany, New York. I'll keep you posted on that. Her travel involves more training for her company of agents in the field.
Our build-out for the educational rooms should begin soon. Thanks to all who have donated to the Building Fund – we went over our matching goal by 50% during the latest challenge! Our congregation is the best!
I encourage everyone to keep looking for events and committees that interest and excite you. Our church is truly run with assistance from the congregation. Reverend Steve and Kim are top-notch at what they do, but they can always use assistance in specific area. We also have a great need for teachers in Sunday School – especially men! Do consider an area of service to our ministry!
Finally, remember the goodness of God! “But remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, so the He may confirm his covenant that He swore to your ancestors, as He is doing today." Deuteronomy 8:18
Mark Groblewski, President, UCBA Board of Trustees
Youth Ed
The countdown to summer vacation has begun and if you ask any of our school age kids, they can probably tell you exactly how many days are left of school. We are certainly enjoying the nicer weather so we can blow bubbles and create sidewalk art! Just so you know, our bubbles represent all the prayers we send out into the world so it is truly spiritual fun!
We started a section on Diversity in late April for our pre-school and elementary class. We made kites to help demonstrate that although none were identical, they all flew (thank goodness!) and the different colors only added to the fun. Our Uniteens are studying a wonderful curriculum, Teens the Quest. Our Y.O.U. are joining their counterparts once a month at Unity Church of Christianity in Houston. They are discovering that it takes a lot of commitment to plan and prepare their classes with guidance from their sponsors.
All of our children and teens have been really great about the temporary classrooms. However, we are all looking forward to the build-out of our new classrooms and thank everyone involved for their support of our Youth Education ministry. And none of this would be possible without the dedication and commitment of our teachers, sponsors, and assistants.
We are so blessed to have such loving adults serving our youth! Honestly, it is one of the ways we get to celebrate and nurture our own inner child. And it still amazes me that the lessons are exactly what I need to be reminded of in my life. God is Good ~ All the Time! We only have to look at the smiles on our children’s faces to know how true that is. Thank you, thank you God!
Youthful blessings,
Chris Bennett
TREASURER’S REPORT
March ~ 3/1/07-3/31/07
General Fund Income $20,654.09
Expenses -26,161.94
Net General Fund Income - 5,507.85**
Building Fund Income + 6,982.00
Total Income $ 1,474.15
Building Fund $ 90,333.00
Unity Church of the Bay Area's tithe for March was $2,570.00. It was blessed and $100 each was sent to Janie Kelley and Marty Zabawar, ministerial students at Unity School of Christianity. $592.50 each was sent to the Association of Unity Churches, Unity School of Christianity, Silent Unity and Unity Church of Rockport, TX. 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!
**As mentioned in last moth’s newsletter, this month we paid taxes on our property from last year that were escrowed at close in the amount of $7,513.35. Although on paper we show a negative General Fund Income, this was a planned expense and in reality, the General Fund would reflect a $2006.35 profit if not for this one-time expense to finalize payment of existing taxes we assumed at close. As a church, we are a duly registered non-for-profit corporation exempt from future property and school taxes.
A NOTE FROM OUR TREASURER…
How exciting it is to have had such a prosperous year to date. Your generosity has been greatly appreciated. Our recent “Matching Fund” challenge for the Building Fund raised $31,678. After tithing, our Building Fund is now $111,000! Thank you God!
It is important to remember that we are a tithing ministry. It is the reason, I believe, why we are prosperous – not only in finances but in every area of our ministry. I would invite everyone to consider tithing. I have heard testimony after testimony of the blessings pouring into the lives of those who tithe to their spiritual source of nourishment. I myself have seen the blessings of tithing multiplied in my life. God is Good ~ All the Time!
Contact magazine, distributed by our Association of Unity Churches, had an interesting article this month on the power of tithing consciousness. Tithing is more than giving money to a church – it is living in a conscious understanding of God as your Source and the Universe as a treasure chest of abundant supply.
With the purchase of our own church home, our monthly operating expenses have increased by close to $3000 each month. Please remember this when you give to our church. It is great to give to our Building Fund, but please remember our agreement to only use those monies for the Buildout. And I invite you to consider tithing. The blessing you give will be returned to you in ways and measures beyond your expectations!
Your Treasurer,
Sylvia Hicks
THE FIRST MOTHER’S DAY
Mother’s Day began in the United States in 1858, through the efforts of Ann Jarvis who organized Mother’s Work Days to improve sanitary conditions for both sides of the Civil War. When she died, her daughter, Anna Jarvis started a memorial day to recognize women. This occurred in 1908 in Grafton, West Virginia. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson declared Mother’s Day as an official day for American citizens to show the flag in honor of mothers whose sons had died in war. Nine years after the first official Mother’s Day holiday, commercialization of the U.S. holiday took over! Today, Mother’s Day is the most popular day of the year to dine out! Wikipedia, 2007
MAY TALENT SHOW AND POTLUCK DINNER
The Activities Team has another new offering for fun! The Potluck Dinner and Talent Show will be the best! Many have signed up, but there is always room for more. Bring a friend!
Saturday, May 19, 2007
6:30 p.m. Potluck begins at the church.
Bring your covered dish a little early so we can be prepared for eating!
Share Your Talent!
Call Ann Rasch (281-482-5430) or call the church office for details!
Singing…Whistling…Juggling…Dancing…Acting…Poetry Reading…
Musical Instruments…display your art or special gift or talent!
NEW CLASS!
Join Reverend Steve for a discussion of the book, Key To Yourself – Opening the Door to a Joyful Life from Within, by Venice Bloodworth. Class will run Wednesdays, May 2-June 6, 2007, from 7-9 p.m. This wonderful book combines the science of mind with spiritual Truth. It explains the simple Truths we teach and use each day in Unity. The class is offered on a love-offering basis, with books available in the bookstore. Come and join in learning the way to live life from the inside out! Even if you have not attended regularly, stop in a give a class a try
Did You Know UCBA has a Men's Group?
The group meets monthly at various local restaurants to share an evening meal and fellowship. The group sponsored the Church's Valentine's Dinner in February and is planning upcoming events. See Steve Broom or Ron Blakemore for details, or call the Church office. Men, consider becoming a part of the fun!
