Our Unity Community September-October Newsletter 2015

Transcription

1 Our Unity Community September-October Newsletter 2015 Unity of Roseburg Founded October 2000 An Expansion Ministry of Unity of the Valley Eugene, Or. Unity of Roseburg Location & mailing address: 507 NE Winchester Roseburg, OR Phone: Sunday Service 10:30am Office Hours: Mon-Wed 9-noon Rev. Kathleen Flynn Board of Directors: Chairperson: Trevor Watts Sec./Treasurer: Diana Pace Vice Chair: Tedie Hash Members: Rev. Johanna Keller-Joyer, John Blume, Rev. Kathleen, Tedie Hash, Diana Cariaga and Rev. Inge Tarantola, Founding Minister Staff: Music Director: Open Newsletter Editor: Diana Cariaga Youth Leaders: Trevor Watts, Deborah Pritchett, Jimmy Smith, Julianne Crane & Lori Gombart Hospitality: Sherri Williams Kitchen Angels: Bonnie Yurgalevicz, Prayer Chaplains: Sally Grady, Rev. Johanna Keller-Joyner, Rainey Tanes, and Julianna Crane, Historian: Jean Adams Librarian: Diana Pace Building & Grounds: Trevor Watts, Deborah Pritchett & Tedie Hash Remembering Our Past Celebrating Our Future 15th Anniversary Celebration Sunday, October 11, 2015 Annual Meeting &Potluck (following the service) & Board Election Those who have been received by the congregation as members are eligible to vote in the election. 1

2 Remembering Our Past Reflections on 15 Years of Growth We are blessed to have such a vibrant spiritual community. I recall the first Sunday celebration of Unity of Roseburg 15 years ago. At that time we met at Celebration Central, almost across the street from where we are today. It was a glorious day in October and the atmosphere sizzled with joy and excitement. Since then we moved a few times until we rented this building in 2005, marking our 5 th birthday. Many events preceded that first Sunday service. There had been a Unity Study Group for about 2 years at the Unitarian Church. On occasion I facilitated, commuting from Eugene. I was going to the U of O at the time, completing my degree in preparation for ministry. I did not know how that would unfold, leaving it to Spirit. Well Spirit found the way with a call from Roseburg saying the study group wanted to become a Unity church and asking if I would like to become their spiritual leader. O yes I would! Many meetings later with the group that would become our founding members, Unity of Roseburg was born in the home of Walt and Jean Hunter. Unity of the Valley in Eugene is our sponsoring church until we become an independent church and I remain the senior minister of record until the spiritual leader is credentialed. At the request of Unity Headquarters and with the support of our board of directors I went through Field Licensing, being ordained in April It became clear that Unity of Roseburg was ready to have a spiritual leader who lived in Roseburg. I was commuting and was not able to be present in a way that a Roseburg resident could be. Donna Smith became my successor and now you are blessed to have my friend Rev. Kathleen Flynn. Let s celebrate who we are and how far we have come in 15 years!. God s richest blessings, Rev. Inge Tarantola Founding Board Members Remember I m Still Here ~ by Mickey Grimes Little Did I Know ~ by Brenda Green I have attended many different churches over the years and for years; I did not go to church at all. Some church goers talk and sing about Jesus so much, it sounds as though they have forgotten God. They believe that people have to be saved by the blood of Jesus. There is heavy focus on everyone being a sinner. I THINK EVERYONE SHOULD BE FREE TO FIND GOD IN THEIR OWN WAY. I found that freedom at Unity of Roseburg and after 15 years, I am still here. What I like about Unity of Roseburg is the friendly, nonjudgmental and positive thinking of those who attend there. These are a few of the lessons we try to apply to everyday living. It s a very a very practical and useful way to live. Using writings from the other great teachers like Ghandhi, Wayne Dyer and others, bring a wider perspective to the teachings. I feel sure others find this helpful in gaining perspective about their spiritual life. My interest in numerology, astrology, readings and prayer is accepted here. I believe everyone is psychic to a certain degree, some more than others. The bible is full of psychics who are called prophets. When I go to Unity, I feel welcomed. I feel better throughout the week and when I miss a Sunday, I always wonder what I missed. Unity began for me with an invitation from a woman named, Eileen Simpson to attend the first meeting of a Roseburg Unity Study Group. Twelve people attended that first gathering at Eileen s home. Eileen asked, What do we envision for our study group? I want a Unity Church Kaye Crawford staunchly answered. Is this really how a church begins? I wondered. Little did I know! Our study group meetings were held at the Unitarian Church on Watters Street in Roseburg. We prayed, studied and supported each other. When Inge Tarantola became our Spiritual Leader under the guidance of Unity of the Valley Church in Eugene, our prayers were answered. Thanks to Inge and the time and talent of so many of our founding members, we grew from a study group to Sunday Worship at Celebration Station followed by holding services in the conference room of the Windmill Inn where we joyfully called ourselves a church in a box. All equipment was boxed up and stored after every service. We held our intention for a permanent church home and we were blessed to move to our present location. Our community continues to envision great things and this October we are 15 years old. Kaye Crawford s vision for a Unity Church in Roseburg has come true. As we hold the vision of what is next to come, we are grateful for all of those who have contributed to its beginning. 2

3 Healing The Joy of Giving by Reilly D Johnson I am currently 25 years old. I could go through all the gruesome details of my life thus far, but I d rather focus on the important part. To me the important part is what I ve taken from my experiences, not the experience itself. Isn t that what life is about? Living! Loving! Learning! I ll admit so far many of the decisions I have made have not been very healthy ones, I d say more self-destructive. Yet every single one of those paths have been a blessing, and have all led me forward to becoming a better person. Those experiences have brought me to an understanding that I m not sure I would have gained had I not put myself through so many challenges. All I know is that today when I open my eyes and look out into the world, I can see an abundance of beauty that I couldn t see before. With that being said, I d like to conclude with a little story. When I was about 20 years old, I was homeless in CA for a period of about a year or possibly more. I was not in a good way, but there was still something bright in me. Id pretty much lost everything I owned with the exception of a pair of black and white convers Tennys that I managed to hold onto through it all. I always kept them very clean, so they still looked like new shoes. I was sitting on a bench by myself, with my shoes tied together and hung around my neck, when these two young boys got off the school bus in front of me. I noticed that one of them had some really nice new shoes, but the other boy s shoes were so torn and worn that you could see his heel when he walked. I instantly had the inclination to see if my converse would fit him. My ego also shouting, Don t give away your shoes Reilly, they re yours! I told him that if the shoes fit that he could have them, as long as I got to watch him throw his old ones in the garbage. Well they fit perfectly. He walked away from me with the biggest smile that I ve ever seen. I never saw him again, but I often think of how excited he must have been to walk into school the next morning with his new shoes. Though I gave away the last thing I owned, I received an amazing long lasting gift in return. I received a level of wisdom that wasn t there before. I felt something I d never felt. That feeling was love True love Unconditional love God. Let s Take A Hike in The Healing Power of Nature Sunday, September 20, 12 o clock noon-4 pm Diana Pace, is a serious hiker. She is leading us on an easy trail to Susan Creek Falls. You are welcome to bring a sack lunch to enjoy on or at the end of the trail. We will have bottled water available, and you may want to bring your own. Dress in good walking shoes and appropriate outdoor wear, in layers, considering the possibility of rain. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Please express your intention to go on the hike by signing up at the information table in the foyer at the church. Carpooling to and from the trailhead is available. Susan Creek Falls Trail A lovely water- fall drops 50 feet over moss-lined rock cliffs. The 0.8 mile trail is moderately accessible to people with disabilities. The trailhead is located on the north side of Highway 138 directly across from the Susan Creek day use area and raft launch. 3

4 Praying Prayer Up Your Life, Pray Up the World. Unity World Day of Prayer is Thursday, September 10, In this 125th anniversary year of Silent Unity, we continue to pray and celebrate the power of prayer expressing in individual s lives and in the world. Join in the affirmation: As I pray, I connect my highest thoughts with my deepest faith. Unity of Roseburg will commemorate Unity World Day of Prayer with a Special Healing Service at 11 O Clock am with special guest harpists Larry Stokes and Susanne The service is followed by one-onone healing prayer and the opportunity to explore your inner world through meditation on the labyrinth. Unity of Roseburg At-a-Glance Fall-Winter Sept 10: World Day of Prayer Healing Service, Hands on Healing Prayer & Labyrinth Sept 13: Childcare available during Sunday Service & Youth Group begins 12:30-2pm on the 2 nd & 4 th Sundays Oct 4: Pet Blessing & Beginning of 12 Powers Series Oct 17: Introduction to Spiral Dynamics Workshop - guest presenter E.J. Niles Nov 14: Creating Sacred Space Workshop Nov 29: Advent Begins Beyond Fall Dec 27: Burning Bowl Jan April: Season of Peace Sunday Series Around the World in 80 Day; considering the religions of the world 4

5 Serving A Community of Giving Our gifts and tithes reach beyond our walls, multiplying many times over, blessing all who our giving touches. Here s how our June and July contributions were shared: June General giving - $ 4, Rummage sale - $ July General giving 3, Donation of new floor for Youth Group room* - $ Total contributions & in-kind donations for June and July: $ We are a tithing community contributing meaning that 10% of all contributions are allocated50% in support of Unity (regionally or nationally) and 50% locally. Unity of Roseburg Board of Directors allocated June and July contributions this way: 25% to Unity Worldwide Headquarters** - $ % to Unity Worldwide Ministries*** - $223 25% earmarked to assist Rev Kathleen with the $750 cost for credentialing as a Unity Minister (Rev Kathleen will contribute 1/3 of credentialing cost). 25% to Friendly Kitchen of Roseburg Total tithe given from Unity of Roseburg: $892 Expenses for June and July: $ Please join the Board of Directors in this prayer of gratitude for our abundance: The Spirit of All There Is, All There Was and All There Ever Will Be is working in and through our community, and we are prospered in all ways. And so it is... *Unity Worldwide Headquarters serves individuals in many ways, some are: Silent Unity, Daily Word & Blessing Booklets, Unity s Library, Archives & more. **Unity Worldwide Ministries serves ministries (ministers, licensed teachers, spiritual leaders, boards of directors and local ministries in general providing ministry curriculum, pamphlets and resources, maintains media presence. A gift of $351 was made by Tedie & Marv Hash out of pocket for the new flooring in the Youth Room. In behalf of the entire congregation we thank you for your generous gift especially benefitting the youth and youth leaders of our community. 5

6 Spiral Dynamics Workshop It is our honor and privilege to have Rev. E.J. Niles, a Unity Minister and Unity Institute adjunct faculty lead her workshop on the Introduction to Spiral Dynamics. Please join me in welcoming her to Roseburg, Rev Kathleen. Saturday, October 17 Unity of Roseburg 10 am - 3 pm Reverend EJ describes Spiral Dynamics as a psychological/spiritual model that presents a new framework for understanding the dynamic forces at work in human affairs. Ken Wilbur, author of The Theory of Everything (2000), says the problem is the world needs to be more integrated, but it requires a consciousness that's way up here, and an ability to see beyond the differences among us." What in the World is Spiral Dynamics? Spiral Dynamics is a model that shows how culture and consciousness in humankind has evolved throughout history Why the Spiral? The spiral is the most ancient symbol found on every populated continent. Spirals symbolically represent a passage into the collective unconscious and then back into the world renewed with greater psychological understanding of who we are and why we are here. Carl Jung What can it mean to Me? And you? The model also allows us to see what has happened in the evolving history of humankind is mirrored in the psychological development of individuals. It can help us, as individuals, understand ourselves What can it mean to the world? It can help us understand what is going on in the world today by seeing where we have been, how far we have come and what we can expect. It can bring us hope. The work shop is offered on a contribution basis. Suggested minimum donation is $15. Please see Rev Kathleen about scholarships. Pre-register for the workshop is appreciated: Sign-up at Unity of Roseburg, 507 NE Winchester, Roseburg the information table Unity@unityofroseburg.org Text or call

7 Teaching Youth Group By Lori Gombart Youth Education for 2015/2016 will continue to be outside of regular Sunday Service times allowing us the full 90 minutes we like for our lesson plans. Youth Group meets on the second and fourth Sunday of each month from 12:30 to 2pm. Please have your children fed before arriving. Our youth ministry plans for growth in Please welcome our newest Youth Leader, Jimmy Smith. Jimmy has recently moved to Roseburg with his wife Julianne. Jimmy has supported both the young and old, building and operating a retreat/conference center in Washington. We look forward to his contributions as another positive male role model for our youth. As always we invite parents to join us during a lesson so you and your child acclimate to the new surroundings and our teachings. Youth Group lesson plans include practicing guided meditation, reading stories, scripture, singing and hands-on activities. This year we will be focusing on how children can make a difference by living the 5 Basic Unity Principles. We look forward to their ideas on how to serve our community. As part of our growth plan, youth leaders will be attending training in Eugene on September 11 th and 12 th. It is an exciting opportunity for us to grow individually as well as learn how to grow our youth and family ministry here in Roseburg. The Board of Directors has approved the addition of Child Care Attendants for our Sunday services beginning Sunday, September 13. Your child will begin the service with you and depart after the children s blessing to the downstairs playroom to be supervised by trained and loving attendants. Minister s Musing Usually, I open the newsletter. This time I asked to close this 15 th Anniversary Edition of Our Unity Community, as a symbolic gesture honoring those who have been the founders of Unity in Roseburg OR. There are many who contributed so much to bring this community to where it is before I arrived on the scene 14 months ago. Founding Minister and friend Rev. Inge Tarantola and founding board members Mickey Grimes and Brenda Green tell the stories of our beginnings with the same enthusiasm they have shown over the years for serving here. From here, we continue to move our community through collaborative efforts and team work. Rev Inge passed the baton of Spiritual Leadership to Donna Smith who served until December of She was followed by Rev. Johanna Keller-Joyner and Mezdaline Bliss as interimspiritual leaders who conducted Sunday Services and much more. Board members Tedie Hash, Diana Cariaga, Trevor Watts, Diana Pace, Rainey Tanes and Jeanne Crowl all worked diligently to maintain Unity as a consistent presence in Roseburg for 18 months before my coming. It is a time for remembering the past and celebrating the future. I continue to be excited and grateful for all that we have and all that we are becoming. Our potential is limitless as we grow through teaching/learning, serving, healing and praying together. This is how we expand our consciousness, expand our world. Starting in mid-september we ll explore the 12 Spiritual Powers (or abilities) on Sunday Mornings and during book study groups. Divine Audacity by Rev. Linda Martella-Whitsett is a guide for realization of the light we are in the world. In Martella-Whitsett s own words my purpose is to transcend religion and to flatten spirituality; to level the field of thought and experience so that there is no higher and lower, no more spiritual and less spiritual. All this cockiness (my word) is to indeed banish any separation or division from realizing our Oness with the One. Looking into 2016 expect a Season of Peace Series entitled Around the World in 80 Days; considering the religions of the world. I am excited to be a part of remembering our past and growing our future. The idea of being 15 Years old, feels so grown up and yet playful! In love and gratitude for our Unity, 7 Rev. Kathleen 7

8 8