Christ Church Unity of Rockford. From Our Spiritual Leader, Glennie Smith. January New Year, New Theme!

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1 From Our Spiritual Leader, Glennie Smith New Year, New Theme! Dear Spiritual Family: Can you believe it s already 2014? Happy New Year! As we ve done for the past many years, we began 2014 with the "Burning Bowl Ceremony." Through denial and affirmation, we release limiting thoughts that keep us from our true nature, our divine self. We make a commitment to re-do our thinking. We release old ways of doing things in the world, symbolically releasing by writing them down & burning them away. We are free to let go. The 2014 Unity yearly theme is Come Home: Realize Your Higher Self. As noted on the website ( You always have a home in Spirit, and you carry it with you always. When you consciously link your mind with Divine Spirit, you rise to another level of being and living as your higher Self. Each month you'll be encouraged to make that Divine connection by focusing on a different topic compassion, wholeness, balance, nature, and more. We invite you to use the materials provided to make your Divine connection with your higher Self and to behold the Christ in all people and situations. January s affirmation is: Expect Good. I affirm the good and accept the best! Unity of Rockford s Holiday Candlelight Service: A Beautiful Celebration We affirm a new & powerful way of thinking by creating a new name for ourselves, writing our name on the rock, symbolically affirming our new identity. We set an intention to live life courageously, consistently with Divine consciousness, allowing the energy of Divine love flowing through us. I am the Christ of my God and name myself accordingly. If you weren t able to attend this year s ceremony, identify what limiting thoughts you want to deny and meditate upon a name to give yourself for What belief do you want to deny in the new year? What name symbolizes being a light unto the world, as Jesus tells us to be? Will you be love, strength, hope, joy, wisdom, faith, freedom? Find a stone & affirm your divine consciousness. We are so blessed! I invite you to join us as we enter this new year filled with joy, love, zeal, expectation & growth. Happy 2014! Namaste, Glennie Anyone in attendance will agree that the Candlelight Service on December 28, 2013 was a most beautiful, spiritual, fun event. Check out photos on page three to get a glimpse of the happenings. The originally-scheduled date of December 21st unfortunately brought as threats of inclement weather, necessitating a change in plans. What a difficult decision it was to change the date of the Candlelight Service! December 28th brought balmy weather, so that worked out in many ways, although we were very sorry that many loved ones were not able to make it on the rescheduled date. From music videos to readings by church members, all went well. The food was incredible, with everyone giving rave reviews to the ham and turkey from Eickmans. What a feast! Thank you to all who helped make this a successful endeavor. To those not able to attend, please know you were in our thoughts and hearts. Christ Church Unity of Rockford Manchester Drive, Rockford IL (815) info@unityofrockford.com

2 Men s Group in the Works Richard Brooks approached the Board during the January Board Meeting with a request to develop a men s group. Rich explains that Men of Faith is the inspired name for forming a men s group at Unity of Rockford: F Friendship (bond, comradeship, relationship) A Admired (Respected, Appreciated, liked) I Inspired (encouraged, stimulated, liked) T Transported (elated, thrilled, moved) H Harmonious (pleasant, agreeable, friendly) Rich suggested that the group start as a book study, submitting the following: I have spoken with our church spiritual leader, Glennie Smith, about forming a Men s Group to be called Men of Faith and begin a book study on the author Neal Donald Walsch, on his first book, Conversations with God. Glennie wholeheartedly approves this effort and thinks this is an important step in the right direction. This is a book that gives us the opportunity to Refresh, Restore, Reinvigorate our Relationship with the Divine. This material has come across to us at the right time, in exactly the right way, in an Answer to our Mind s search and our Heart s prayer, and our Soul s initiation. The Author believes we are all one with God, and one with life, in a global state of being. This act of being is to help other people. The fastest way to apply our Knowledge within our Soul is to help others. For we are all One, seeking to Refresh and Restore our Faith in God. You have an opportunity to listen to a two-hour audio of the Author s Conversation with God on the You Tube website. Once you open the website, type in the author s name: Neal Donald Walsch, and a list of his books on audio will appear. Our first goal is to read or listen to Book One, Conversations with God. Glennie has informed me there should be copies of this book in our church library. I made an on-line purchase of Book 1, Book 2 and Book 3, complied into one book for less than $20.00, at Amazon.com. I would like to continue a book study of all three books if our Men s Group all agrees to purse this goal. Let s begin a dialogue of conversations among ourselves and take the opportunity to read this book and share how this experience has enhanced or enriched our lives. I hope to gain the support of several male members in our church to start a Men s group. I am glad to announce that I already have the support of Greg Cotovsky who recently started to attend our church, who read the book several years ago and was a former member of a Men s Group in his pervious church. Let s have an open mind and an open heart. I welcome everyone s feedback. Your friend, Rich Brooks, A Man of Faith Do you have a key to the church??? We are compiling a list of all persons who have a key to our home. If you have a key, please alert Glennie so she can add your name to the key inventory. Thanks! Abundance Income December 2013: $ Expenses December 2013: $ Net Income December 2013: $ Year to date 2013: $ Thank you for a most prosperous month! Your tithing and abundance thinking keeps this church in healthy financial shape. If you would like details about church finances, please ask a Board Member or look on the bulletin board the monthly ledger is posted. Monies listed above do NOT include monies raised by Women of Unity, our savings account, mortgage. (P.S. The Angel Bowl says thanks, too!) Christ Church Unity of Rockford Manchester Drive, Rockford IL (815) info@unityofrockford.com

3 Holiday Candlelight Service: December 28, Membership Directory is Ready! By now, members on our list should have received the updated directory. If not, please alert us and we ll get you one. It will always be a work in progress, as there will always be updates, omissions, errors, changes of all kinds! Are you wondering about the videos during the candlelight service? Look no further! Here are the links to two of the videos featured: Oh Holy Night (Josh Groben) Mary, did you know? (Kenny Rogers, Wynonna Judd) While you are on YouTube, check out this video! Susan Griffeth: The Foreigner s Compassion If you notice something amiss with your information, don t see your information, want to update your photo or even if you want your information removed, PLEASE say something! We can t fix what we don t R-E-S-P-E-C-T-! know. As always, we ask that you do NOT post this directory on-line anywhere. Privacy of our members is important. Addi and Glennie say, Please respect your peeps!

4 Here is the schedule for the next few weeks. Please note: if you signed up to be a volunteer angel on one of the dates listed below and the schedule says NEED! don t worry it just means the newsletter is behind the times. Do show up as you planned! Sunday, January 12, :25am Choir Rehearsal Potluck after Church Service Speaker: Glennie Smith Pulpit Assistant: Susan Meyers Greeters: Dennis Hines & Glennie Smith Special Music: Karen Drucker Hospitality: NEED Youth Education Leader: Michele Bowers Sunday, January 19, 2014 Speaker: Marge Orchard Pulpit Assistant: Tammy Schiek Greeters: NEED! Hospitality: Mary Kegel Youth Education Leader: Julie Thompson Sunday, January 26, :25am Unity Singers meet Speaker: Glennie Smith Pulpit Assistant: Tammy Schiek Greeters: Bob & Jenni Coupar Special Music: Unity Singers Hospitality: NEED! Youth Education Leader: TBA Step Up for Our Youth! NEW YOUTH EDUCATION COORDINATOR NEEDED The children & teens of our congregation are our future, so it s vital our Youth Education program keeps going strong. If you haven t noticed, Laura Edwards (pictured above) has served as the Youth Education Coordinator for more years than we can recall. It s time for someone else to step up and take the lead role. Laura has graciously (and unbelievably!) offered to stay through the end of the school year before stepping down. Since is at least the third time she s agreed to stay in charge for one more year, it s time someone else take the helm. We cannot thank Laura enough for all she s done. You ll have big shoes to fill but we promise to help you if you decide it is your turn to help our youth education program. YOUTH EDUCATION Teach me, oh wise ones! LEADERS NEEDED If you have children in the program, please consider volunteering to be a youth education leader. Training and materials are provided. In addition, we are seeking training & ideas from local Unity churches. If every parent who has a child in the program volunteered even one time, think of the difference it would make! Currently, volunteer youth education angels include Mary Kegel, Julie Thompson, Michele Bowers, Laura Edwards. Kate Warren has served as Uniteens Leader. We affirm many more of you will step up and lead our youth. Sunday, February 2, :30am Board Meeting Speaker: Glennie Smith Pulpit Assistant: Jerry Glawe Greeters: NEED! Special Music: Ron Lawson Hospitality: Mary Kegel Youth Education Leader: Laura Edwards

5 CHRIST CHURCH UNITY OF ROCKFORD Minutes of Board Meeting: November 3, 13 Call to Order & Roll Call at 9.30 a.m. by Addi/President Donna Addison. All board members present Opening Prayer Glennie Secretary's Report Craig. Minutes of October meeting read by Craig. Move to accept by Jerry, 2nd by Kathy, Unanimous Treasurer's Report Kathy Kelly. Treasurer s report for October was read by Kathy. Move to accept by Jerry, 2nd by Craig, Unanimous. October Income 4, Expenses 3, Checking Acct bal. 4, Spiritual Leader's Report Glennie. Glennie reported on the speakers for October. Rich Brooks has asked to be the speaker for Sunday Nov. 10. His topic will be on veterans and Veterans Day. Craig made a motion that Rich be the speaker Nov. 10, Glennie 2 nd. 3 yes, 3 abstain, passed. Glennie said Marge Orchard will be presenting a class Thursday Nov. 7 at 6:30 titled Christ In The Bible. Committee Reports Building and Grounds (Jerry). Laura noted that two pine trees in the back yard look like they might be diseased. Jerry said he d look into the situation. Cindy reported that she was unable to get the rear steps stained but will do it in the spring. Women of Unity. The fall Bazaar was a huge success. The approx. amount taken in was $1500 and another $100 in product donated by Kathy Brown Care Committee. Glennie reported that Joy Brooks, Julie Thompson, Karen Stevens and herself will be making call and sending cards to people that might be in need of contact. Please contact one of these people if you know of someone that they can contact. Old Business A discussion was held on the Dec. 21 st candle light Christmas service. Addi and Cindy volunteered to co-chair the event with Glennie on the committee. David Kelley will organize the music. A pot luck will be held. We will eat at 5:00 pm and the service will start at 6:00 pm. Jerry made a motion that up to $200 be spent for the potluck, 2 nd Glennie, Unanimous. There will be no Sunday service on Dec. 22 nd. New Business None Motion to adjourn by Jerry, 2nd by Craig, Unanimous Adjourned at 9.50am. Respectfully submitted, Craig Pearson Secretary CHRIST CHURCH UNITY OF ROCKFORD Annual Meeting: November 3, Call to Order at 11:15 a.m. by Addi. Opening Prayer Glennie Board Business Addi (Donna Addison) & Glennie Smith Donna was nominated for board president for the coming year by Cindy, 2 nd Kathy, Unanimous. Addi read the qualifications for board members. Glennie presented the nominees, Joy Brooks and Bev Cicolello, from the nominating committee. By voice vote from the membership the nominees were approved unanimously. Glennie thanked Craig Pearson and Laura Edwards for their dedicated service on the board. Treasurer's Report Kathy Kelly. Kathy reported our income for this year $40,948 and our expenses are $41,194 year to date (Oct. 32, 2013) resulting in a $246 short fall. Income is down approx. $4000 compared to last year, expenses are down approx. $356. Our saving account has been untouched and we are in a good financial position. Committee Reports Women of Unity Julie Thompson. The two sales this year were a huge success. Julie wanted to thank all the men that help set up and take down. Youth Education Laura. Laura said we have 4 teachers and can always use more. Contact Laura if interested Building and Grounds Jerry. The building and grounds are all in good condition. Sound Room Bill. Bill said the sound room is always a work in progress keeping up with technology. Newsletter Addi. All good. Logistics Jackie Devries. Both Donna and Jackie reported all is good with their responsibilities Care Com committee Glennie Smith. Glennie said we now have a Care Committee up and running again. New Business Glennie read our Mission Statement and asked if there was any input. Glennie gave a review of the programs the church has undertaken in the past year. Glennie said she would like to develop a vision statement for our church. We have added 14 new members this year. Kathy said a trip is being planned for this coming spring. Open Forum It was suggested that we look into adding some Unity music that was more contemporary. The Women of Unity were acknowledged for all they have done for our church. Motion to adjourn by Craig, 2 nd Jerry Unanimous. Respectfully submitted, Craig Pearson--Secretary

6 THE BEST IS YET TO BE by James C. Lewis (excerpts from ) A young man applying for a job was asked by the personnel director, "How old are you?" He replied, "Twenty-seven." He was then asked by the director, "And what do you expect to be in three years?" With all seriousness of thought he said, "Thirty." Some people are like this young man, without any expectations. They drift along in life not knowing where they are going or whether it is possible to have any personal determination over their lives. Some even think that after a certain age life is a downhill journey. They think that the early years held the great opportunities of life and, since they did not take advantage of them, it is now too late. They believe the best things in life come early if they come at all. You might stop right now and ask yourself: What are my expectations? What do you expect to give to life, and what do you expect life to return to you? Do you feel that the best years of your life are behind you? Do you think that the greatest and most enjoyable and rewarding experiences have already taken place? If you have thought this way or think this way now, take heart, for the truth is that, no matter how good life may have been to you already, no matter how great certain experiences have been, the best is yet to be! It may seem impossible to surpass some of the things you have experienced, but this is not so....your life, here and now, can be a hundred times better than the best you have already experienced. That may seem an overstatement, but even that is conservative. If you want to improve your life, now is the time to begin. Do the odds seem to be against you? That makes no difference. Does your situation seem hopeless? It is not. The first step you must take is on the inner level. You must realize and believe that you have the power to determine what you will experience. You do not have to leave your life to chance. You can plan for the good you desire. You do not have to remain sick, inefficient, poor, miserable, or in bondage. You do not have to fight the world and give in to fits of depression and discouragement....you are the captain, but have you acted with the authority of a captain, or have you let other people and events control your life? You have reserves of power and ability that far exceed your present comprehension; however, you must know it in order to use it. You must believe in this power if it is to do you any good. What good would a million dollars in your name in the bank be to you if you did not know it was there? When you know your potential, you can use it. It makes no difference who you are or what your present age and circumstances may be. It is never too late except for those who think it is. A winner never thinks it is too late. If he did, he would in that instant become a loser. All that is necessary is for you to know that within you is the potential to accomplish anything you set your mind to accomplish. Even the most impossible ailment can be healed if we believe it can be. Many have come back from the dregs of poverty to financial independence. If there is one thing we need today, it is men and women with the courage to think big and to expect big things to happen. There are needs that urgently demand fulfillment. Our minds must be free of the shackles of limited thought if we are to accomplish the great things that are possible. If you want to begin to receive and enjoy the best that is yet to be, you must think and expect greater things for yourself and your life. Cease complaining about your present lot; you can change it with God's help. Cease complaining about others holding you back; no one but yourself can hold you back. Vision leads to accomplishment, and our vision should always be far ahead of our present, developed ability. Work to the best of your ability where you are, and keep your sights high. This is the way to move up in life. Your expectations are the visions of what you one day will be. You can never ask for nor expect too much, but your asking should not be simply to have but to be, for being leads to having. Your asking should be sincere, your faith strong, and your determination to achieve persistent..you will realize more fully how true it is that the best is yet to be!

7 Christ Church Unity of Rockford: Board of Directors Meeting: December 2013 PLEASE NOTE: Due to the length of the Dec minutes, the newsletter editor consolidated board meeting minutes for the newsletter. You are welcomed to read the entire, approved edition of 12/13 minutes they are posed at the Church, on the bulletin board, so all can access OR you can asked to receive them via . Thanks! 1. Call to Order (Addi) at 11:38 AM. 2. Opening Prayer (Glennie). 3. Roll call & reading of September 2013 minutes (Secretary) All board members present. Jerry motion that Nov. meeting be read next month. Cindy seconds. Unanimous. 4. Treasurer s Report (Kathy/Cindy). Finances are overall improved over $ deficit reported in November; garage sale money isn t included in the income/expenditures report. Jerry motioned all checkbooks should be in the church s name, deposited in church checking account and be reported to the board once a month. Kathy second. Discussion held on why this is not already in practice. Accountability will be submitted to board monthly. Unanimous. Jerry motioned all accounts should be in the church s name, 2 nd by Kathy. Jerry says insurance company needs certain things & explained that because of bonding issue, can t be personal account. Kathy says she is willing to deposit into Holcomb for WOU (Women of Unity). Unanimous. 5. Minister s Report (Glennie). (1) Speakers for December & January Dec 15 Marge; Carol Wick - Dec 29, Glennie- Dec 1, 8, 21 no church on the 22 nd. (2) Current class is finishing The Christ in Bible. Upcoming classes & educational opportunities TBA. (3) Board members need to check the files weekly. (4) Review of Bylaws Please read and see if renditions needed. Sign bylaws (last page) after this board meeting to be sent to Unity Village. (5) If board member feels they need a moment or need to re-center, one can be called at any time. Board will sit in silence for 2 minutes. (6) Glennie motioned that every board member be responsible for one or more committees to make sure the information of that committee gets back to the board. Second by Jerry. Unanimous. 6. Committee Reports: Building and Grounds (Jerry) Santa Jerry donated light outside thank you! Pearson Plumbing Back Flow Inspection completed, $ Task completed by Pearson. City notified. Floors WOU want to have floors refurbished. South side of building sockets need to be looked at. Jerry reminded board we MUST contact Jerry ASAP if a worker notifies us of an issue. Safety Committee is now included in the Building & grounds report. Clarification & discussion about the Barring Order. Motion--Cindy to expand safety committee to include more than one person. Glennie Second. Unanimous. Media (Addi/Bill). Newsletter: done this week. Website/ / Facebook/Directory: Addi working on directory, target date Sound Room report will be included in the media report. Logistics (Jackie) Jackie explained that logistics includes all of the things not in any other committee. Gift bags: we need to make more. Jerry made motion to give $50.00 to give to Jackie for gift bags, Second-Cindy. It was suggested that an envelope or pocket folder be used instead of bag. Free CD coupon & lots of treats on inside. Whole bag cost is about $8.00. Unanimous. Women of Unity Cindy/Julie) Cindy will be board contact for WOU. Cindy s budget for candlelight service was $ She spent $ and is donating the $ The $ was designated by board previously for Candlelight service. Cost of food will be about $100.00, with unspent money going towards decorations. Care Committee (Glennie) Julie, Joy, Karen Stevens and Glennie are committee members They have divided up list of people for the past 2 weeks. Glennie informed the board of progress regarding people on the Care Committee list. Glennie will ask Julie to chair this committee. Hospitality committee Joy will provide board report. Youth Education Kathy will provide report when Laura is not present. 7. New Business. Review suggestions made during the Annual Meeting: Add Sing Children Downstairs to bulletin (done). Add contemporary music and videos to the service YouTube during music. Youth education teachers needed. Standard Operating Procedures needed in regards to youth education; emergency procedures (including fire extinguishers, first aid kits; rental of building/events held; sound room; heating/cooling; Duties of Board of Directors; other areas identified. Addi and Glennie working on it. Create & maintain list of committees & names of committee participants working on it. Create and maintain list of Key People and related duties: sound room, choir director, safety directory, kitchen, etc. Update on cleaning/refreshing of Downstairs. Ask WOU when they want to do floor. Folding Wall/Dividing wall for Children s Program will not be sought. Need gate to keep kids out of kitchen. A time for greeting during service? On special occasions might be nice, with handshakes vs. hugs discussed. Change back to hospitality, NOT hospitality and food separately. Schedule for locking up the building-done. Election of Secretary and Vice President Nomination for secretary of the board Glennie nominates Bev Cicolello for position of Secretary. Joy seconded. Vote unanimous. Nominations for Vice President Kathy nominated Jerry, Seconded by Cindy. Vote--unanimous. Nomination for Treasurer -Kathy motion to have Cindy to be treasurer. Jerry seconded. Vote unanimously approved. Kathy and Cindy are working together. Take Picture of new board 8. Old Business. Candle-light Service progress (Cindy)-discussion about need for pulpit assistant during Candlelight service. Need is there as the first 20 minutes will be like a regular service. Mortgage Jackie wants to contact the bank regarding financial arrangements. Holcomb Bank is preferred. Not sure of 1 or 3 year deal. Will clarify. Was 6 %. She was able to negotiate a 5 ½ % rate. Still owe $180,000. Audit checkbooks Kathy will do this. Must do annually. 9. Comments from the General Membership None. 10. Move for Adjournment. Glennie make a motion that we adjourn. Cindy second. Board meeting ended at 12:58 PM. Respectfully submitted by Bev Cicolello December 1, (Edited for length re newsletter by Addi 1/7/14)