Newsletter from Unity of Fox Valley. Come join us! at 10:00am

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1 Page 1 of 10 Having trouble viewing this ? Click here November, 2012 Upcoming Events and Classes at Unity of Fox Valley Sunday Service and Youth Education Ministerial Musings Come join us! at 10:00am Dear Spiritual Family, It's the month of November and it's the time we start thinking about Thanksgiving and all the things we're thankful for, at least I do. I'll often start my list with a big thank you that I was born in this country, at this time as a woman. I can have an education, a choice of careers, handle my own money, travel without permission, and other numerous freedoms. I'm a child of the 60's and I remember when women were not able to have credit, get loans, or purchase property without a father or husband co-signing the papers. The right to their own bodies was also out of their control. If you talk about this with today's young women they either don't know or aren't really interested because these freedoms are a "given" for them today. How fortunate they are. I've been thinking about these hard-won freedoms for women because of a young 15 year old Pakistani girl named Malala Yousafzai. Malala was shot in the head by the Taliban in a cold blooded attempt for daring to promote the right of girls to go to school. What is it about a little 15 year old girl that strikes terror into the hearts of grown men? Do they feel proud and strong because they attacked an innocent, unarmed, girl? One wonders

2 Page 2 of 10 about the "courage" and "macho pride" of grown men who are so frightened by a 15 year old girl who dares to speak out about a wrong that she must be eliminated. What cowards, what sheep, hiding behind their politics and religious morals. They think of themselves as warriors when in truth they are cowards guilty of the most severe misogyny. On a gentler note, but no less frightening, is some of the rhetoric and legislation concerning women and their right to basic health care, control over their own bodies, and the right to determine their own health. Could it be that there are those in this country who are also hiding behind politics and religion to promote their own misogynist agenda? Scary stuff indeed! I have been a fighter for and a recipient of these oh so recent gains for women and I would want my daughters and granddaughters to have those same freedoms. This election revolves around many issues - global relations, our national economy, and also personal freedoms. Surely we don't have to curtail women's rights to get our economy moving again. Things to think about during this very import month of giving thanks and making a choice. Love & blessings, Rev Jan Heavenly Hosts A very heartfelt thank you for our generous and creative Hosts who made the plans, did the arrangements and hosted our wonderful Heavenly Host events. You bless our spiritual family with your love, support and generosity. Because of you we met new friends, have new stories to tell and had wonderful experiences. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Rev Jan Annual Family Meeting The Board of Trustees of Unity of Fox Valley cordially invites you to attend our Annual Family Meeting, in the Sanctuary Sunday, November 11th The meeting will begin after the service at approximately 11:30 and last for about one hour. You'll have time for a quick cup of coffee in our café downstairs before the meeting begins. We will be reviewing

3 Page 3 of 10 our goals and financial status, approving newly revised By-Laws and electing new officers to the board. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend; however, you must be a member to vote at the election. Please make an effort to attend. We have some important bi-law changes to discuss and you will want to have input on financial issues that will affect us all. Thanksgiving Feast! Sunday, November 18th, immediately following service is our annual Thanksgiving Feast. And what a feast it will be! Look for the sign-up board in the fellowship area and let us know that you'll be joining us and what dish you'll bring to share. Growth Through Loss and Change A 6 week class offered to assist yourself and others in going through the process of loss and change. Some of the topics and feelings to be discussed ~ What is 'normal grief?' Dealing with ongoing grief and change situations. What is the normal time line for mourning? Understanding the phases of grief. Recognizing the gifts. Handling the holidays Spiritually. Monday Nov. 5th thru Dec. 10th 6 weeks 7-9:30 pm Suggested love offering Clarice Schultz RN, BSN, dbl. Maj. PSYCH. Noted Author and Presenter and

4 Page 4 of 10 of $40 for all 6 weeks Member of Unity of Fox Valley Facilitated by Clarice Schultz, RN Thanksgiving Eve Service Remember our Thanksgiving Eve Service at 7:00pm on Wednesday, Nov 21st. Please join us for a time of expressing gratitude and "Thanksliving". A time to show from our hearts appreciation for the many gifts we have received. A time to open our hearts to even greater good. A moment of quiet and reflection to give thanks for the many blessings we all receive each day. Healing and Wholeness Service Please join us on Friday, November 2nd, for our Healing and Wholeness Service. This once-a-month service will be filled with music, chant, prayer, and hands on healing conducted by members of our music team and our prayer chaplain team. If you've ever wanted a time and place where you could just be open and surrendered to the healing power of Spirit this will a wonderful opportunity to be surrounded in love, prayer, and peace. Join us on the first Friday of the month at 7:00 pm. Secret Stocking Stuffers Unity of Fox Valley will again be sponsoring approximately 40 people, representing multiple families, by providing Christmas gifts to those who might otherwise find their tree bare. This year we will be giving gifts to children and families from CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) Kane County. Beth Johnson has again stepped up to coordinate the gift giving. Thank you Beth!

5 Page 5 of 10 Name tags will be available in mid-november, and all gifts need to be back at church by December 9th. Let the shopping begin! Morning of Spiritual Renewal Unity GREEN Team Wow! It was a fantastic finish for the year Friday, Oct. 26th in the Green CommUnity event, a Heavenly Host attraction. The Green speakers, Green Auction and S.P.A.M. (Spreading Positive Awareness Mindfully) provided a combination information bonanza, an overview of the programs of the previous five months in the Green Team's first year, and a funraiser and fundraiser for the church.

6 Page 6 of 10 Forty-seven individuals participated in an evening that ran longer than anticipated both because of the focus on the speakers' important messages and the auction which brought in more than $600 for the church, plus nearly $200 in event sign-up money for a total greater than $800 in the fundraiser! All reports were positive from the speakers, who appreciated the opportunity to talk about their specialties, to those attending who just had fun. Nice gifts and auction prizes were collected by the participants in the evening. Moderator Jeanette Hirt kept the program moving at a lively and varied pace and placed an emphasis on sustainable living. The evening was a great experience for those attending to have fun, be informed, and to participate in a fun auction. That may hold the Green Team and event participants until the next Green Team event, Friday, Jan. 25, 2013, the fourth Friday of the month. In any case, we will put into action in our daily lives, each in our own way, the benefits of what we have learned in the monthly events, May through October, in growing organic foods, eliminating toxic chemicals, and understanding the disdain of harmful plastics and products which place undue burdens on our planet Earth. Special auctioneer Jason Bauman, discovered for the evening by Victoria Vruno, offered a lively and humorous approach to audience members making donations who obtained valued items. Victoria filled the role of Vanna (VVV) in offering closer inspection of the items which had been donated and brought, in large part, by those in the audience. The high measure of a standard was set for next year. We understand there can be resistance to a Green Team point of view, however, seldom does something so worthwhile as making life better and living conditions improved, require more than paying attention and taking action on any level. More is better in joyful, inspired, living. We have just begun a journey to conscious sustainable living. The events in 2013 promise to make profound differences in the lives of our church members, the lives of our local communities, and a step in the direction of an improved wider community. Thanks to the October 26 speakers which included: Farmer Bill Scheffler and a fascinating focus on organic gardening, who was an initial speaker in May, along with Green CommUnity member Chris Burisek, presenter on organic lawn care, a part of his Pure Prairie Organics business; Carolyn Burnham on toxic-free cleaning products, our speaker in June, which included a film about natural cleaning products, Chemerical. Dianne Peterson, a singularly

7 Page 7 of 10 focused person for eco-goods and eco-toys, who adds a critical dimension to the Batavia Environment Commission; and Jim Kleinwachter, who brought our attention to the conservation at home and land preservation. Each speaker had a display table with information, products, and answers to the evening participants' questions. During the year, documentary movies, including Chemerical, were a staple of the evenings, including FRESH, on sustainable food efforts; Flow, Irena Salina's awarding-winning documentary investigation on the world water crisis; Bag It, which helped us understand the problems of plastic debris which we must take seriously and accomplish improvements to save our marine life and ultimately consumers who will eat the fish in the oceans. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch in the Pacific Ocean has become a plastic soup for marine animals to eat. Scientists estimate that its size is at least twice of the area of Texas. One of the first CommUnity projects by the Green Team was a raised garden, with two beds, led by the work of Chris and Jeannette, the rest of the team members, and a few members of the congregation. Because of an abundance of zucchini, Rev. Jan invited members of the congregation to a bread-baking evening. The ample zucchini bread provided enough to share with members following the Sunday service. The Unity Green Team takes on a CommUnity concept and year number two in 2013 only will accelerate our understanding of what we, as good stewards of the Earth, must find a way to accomplish. Refreshments are available each month and participation is the key element in moving toward greater understanding. Interested persons should contact any member of the Unity Green Team for information, questions, and suggestions: Jeanette Hirt, Chris Burisek, Victoria Vruno, Donna Crane, and Carter Crane. Happy Joyful Living! The Unity Green Team. Thanksgiving Day Dinner at Unity

8 Page 8 of 10 Are you interested in joining some of your fellow Unitics for a Thanksgiving dinner here at the church? We'll need someone to organize the event - and then folks to join in the celebration. If this appeals to you, please sign up in the fellowship area. Christmas Decorating... and our Men's Group Fabulous Chili Cook Off! Saturday, December 1st at 9:30 AM Let's make this a whole family affair. EVERYONE WELCOME... PLEASE JOIN US Youth Education for the Younger Crowd For the month of November, the Children's Church and Juniors will be reflecting on the Power of Letting Go. The color for this power is Russet and the disciple is Thaddeus. We will teach the children through prayer, meditation and group activities ways to see the Christ Light in all of us so that we are forgiving not only of others but also of ourselves. Also, in honor of Thanksgiving, we will teach the children the meaning of gratitude and how you practice thankfulness by noticing the beauty around and within us. Very Important Reminder: Before you know it, it will be time for our annual Christmas Pageant which will be held on Sunday, Dec. 16th during service. Parts will be assigned during the last week in November and the first week in December. There will be a

9 Page 9 of 10 rehearsal during class time (10:00 am) on Sunday, Dec. 9th and a mandatory dress rehearsal on Saturday, Dec. 15th from 1 pm to 3 pm. For those children who wish to participate, we are asking you to please attend Sunday School as much as possible. We know it can be difficult to attend all Sundays due to other commitments, but as many as possible to ensure your child will explore the Advent Season and will appreciate the metaphysical meaning of the Christmas symbols. Thank you. Mary Uniteens & Y.O.U. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Leslie Henderson, who is always willing to help Mark, our Uniteen Leader, when it comes time for retreats. And I want to WELCOME Ana Solares -Ballado, one of our Licensed Unity Teachers, as a part-time YOU Sponsor. Their help is very much appreciated. The teens are still looking for additional willing participants, especially male volunteers. Have a Wonderful Fall Season, Jean Boston Prayer Chaplains Ongoing Activities Our Prayer Chaplains are committed to making monthly Caring Calls to all our members. Caring Calls are made to support our members with their prayer needs. If you are a member and have not been receiving a call, please call the office at and a Prayer Chaplain will call you. Namaste! A Course in Miracles - From 7:30 to 9 pm every Thursday evening, Unity of Fox Valley facilitates A Course in Miracles discussion group. This is an ongoing class - rain or shine. Each week

10 Page 10 of 10 a new topic is discussed. Everyone is welcome at any time and the class is always open to new attendees. Men's Group - The Men's Group Meets the first and third Tuesday of each month, Sept thru May, at 7:00pm in the church. All men are invited to join. Women's Group - Meeting EVERY Wednesday at noon here at church. Bring your own lunch. All women are invited to join. Unity Green Team - CommUnity Event the 4th Friday of every month at 7:00pm - January thru October Overeaters Anonymous meeting. Sundays at 5:00pm. Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. Tuesdays at 6:00pm. Contact Information phone: fax: prayer line: office@unityoffoxvalley.org Forward This was sent to office@unityoffoxvalley.org by office@unityoffoxvalley.org Update Profile/ Address Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe Privacy Policy. Fox Valley Unity 230 Webster Street Batavia IL 60510