Mar/Apr 2008 Volume #8, Issue #2
First Unity Campus | 460 46th Ave. N. | St. Petersburg, FL 33703 | (727) 527-2222 | UnityCampus.org
““You You w were tau ught to
PUT AWAY PUT AWAY Y YOUR OUR FORM FO OR RM ME ER E RW WAY AY OF OF LIFE, LIF FE E, yyour our old old self…and self…and ttoo b bee
, aand nd ttoo
cclothe lothe yyourselves ourselves W WITH ITH THE THE N NEW EW SELF SELF.”.” —Ephesians — Ephesians 4:22-24 4:22-24
What’s Happening: pg 5— Guest musicians Jason & deMarco
pg 10— 10 Questions for the Dalai Lama
pg 12—First Unity represents at the 22nd Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast
Engineered for Achievement
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“Man is designed for accomplishment, engineered for achievement, and endowed with the seed of greatness”
Jim Swayne, Board of Trustees President
“We are standing on the leading
edge of change in
this world, and we must seize every opportunity to move forward.”
This quote from Zig Ziglar, a little ol' pots and pans salesman from Yazoo City, Mississippi, was one of the first New Thought ideas that resonated in me, almost 30 years ago. I hadn’t yet heard of Unity or even New Thought, but as I studied Zig’s work over the next decade, I observed the transformation of his writings and teachings from the secular to the acknowledgement that God is THE SOURCE. You never know from where the spark will ignite, or when. We all are simply grateful for that spark, and as we move from winter into spring, we observe all manner of life renewed and have many opportunities to know how truly blessed we are. As church members and trustees, we are grateful for the opportunity to serve and thankful for the many blessing we receive through our service. As President, I am grateful for the response-ability you have entrusted to me. We all have that response ability – the power to change the world through intention, thought, and action. Many of our Unity family are now in the midst of the life-changing experience known as The 4-T Prosperity Program©, and we all can join them in spirit and practice by committing to taking just one step forward. In the 4-T program, participants enter into a contract with God where they commit to
regularly attend Sunday services, regularly attend the 4-T classes, and practice daily meditation on the subject of prosperity. These are there commitments of TIME. They also commit to do some meaningful volunteer work for the church or some other non-profit organization. This is their commitment of TALENT. Furthermore, they commit to tithe 10% of their income to the church and to have a WILLINGESS to change their attitude about prosperity. These are their commitments of TREASURE. You may not be in the place at this moment where you can make all these commitments at once, but all of us have the capacity to take just one step forward in one or more of these areas. Take a step forward in faith. Rather than say “I’ll try,” say “I WILL,” and all manner of things unforeseen will assist you in moving forward – that is God’s promise. Joy and prosperity are your birthright. Take one step forward and change your life, and in doing so, you change the world. In friendship, love and Unity, Jim Swayne
Explore the mysteries; discover yourself in Peru. Join Rev. Temple and your church family on a journey through Peru August 7-17, 2008. Tour land cost (does not include airfare) $2,540 ($500 deposit required/total amount due June 7, 2008) Interested? Visit FirstUnity.org for more information or call Gayle at 785-5563.
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BOARD REPORT
Roll Away the Stone
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What an incredible time of year Easter is to those who have shifted from the external to the internal benefits of crossing over from the old to the new. Growing up as a Southern Baptist, Easter had Sundays during March, teach us how to prepare an entirely different meaning to me. We put so and make this fantastic spiritual journey. We much energy into the special outfit are called to leave our Dedicated to all who dare and celebrating the reality that our complacent cocoons. In church would be crowded. We spoke other words, we are called to embrace the journey. of ideas which seemed so sorrowful, to leave the limited human The sacred journey begins reflecting on history versus a story beliefs which crucify us and which we could continue to live many because we are called to leave take away the powerful life times in our lifetime. I remember force which is ours for the our complacent cocoons those moments like it was the other taking. day and how far away Jesus seemed no longer adequate protection So how do we create this? to me in the midst of a teaching that When we make the decision taught separation and limitation. I against our deeper yearning to put to death the habits, did not understand why we put more beliefs, thoughts which are to follow our bliss emphasis on the way Jesus died versus taking away our divine to live our passion the message in which he lived. inherent Life Rights™, we My first Easter at Unity many years awake to our magnificent to retrieve our soul ago changed my entire relationship Christ self. We have literally and bring it home with the message of being the Christ. rolled away the stones from This concept went from feeling —Minx Boren, poet the tomb, the stones which impossible to being necessary in my have held us in bondage. own spiritual transformation. I could We have an amazing see that the Easter season offered to me and season prepared for you this year. Let this be the others the opportunity to retrieve our soul and time that you decide to live fully. Let this be the bring it home to who we are. season that you decide to leave your complacent How grateful we are to Unity and metaphysical cocoons. Take time to journal and gather the false teachings, which give us such a personal and truths you have put upon yourself, so you may deep understanding of God through us as we rise to the amazing you. Plan to join hundreds honor our wayshower, Jesus Christ. The message and thousands of other metaphysicians who will is our story as spoken by poet Minx Boren…it be claiming the Christ within. We guarantee is the sacred journey that begins because we are you, your life will never be the same. called to leave our complacent cocoons. The stories of Jesus’ life, which we will explore Rev. Temple Hayes
Rev. Temple Hayes
“How grateful we are to Unity and metaphysical teachings, which give us such a personal and deep understanding of God through us as we honor our wayshower, Jesus Christ.”
“Thank You, God, for Your unlimited abundance, which flows through Unity and creates new paths of growth for our service to the world.”
Year to date 12/31/07
First Unity Church tithes each month to the following: Association of Unity Churches,
Total Expenditures $699,554.85
Association of Unity Churches Living Curriculum, Silent Unity, Southeast Unity Ministries.
Net Total ($35,563.33)
Total Revenues $663,991.52
MINISTER’S MESSAGE
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Holy Week Services
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The time of celebrating the resurrecting spirit in each of us draws near. Our hope for each of you is that the Christ light within grows ever brighter each day. Please plan now to join us at each of these powerful services, as we rejoice and give praise to the truth of transformation!
Palm Sunday—Sunday, March 16 at 9 & 11 am
“Walk Your Talk” – a reflection on the seven last statements of Jesus, before his death, and the life of authenticity and integrity that he lived. Contemplative music and a renewed sense of peace will be a part of this holy service.
Communion Service—Wednesday, March 19 at 7 pm
Have a new experience of this traditional Holy Week service, complete with inspiring words by Rev. Temple, the taking of the elements, and music by Garry Miller and Laura Watts.
Prayer & Healing Service—Friday, March 21 at 7 pm Join our Chaplains for a special Prayer & Healing service, held on Good Friday. Enjoy the peace and quiet of contemplative prayers, meditation, and hands-on healing.
Easter Sunrise Service—Sunday, March 23 at 6:45 am Rise up with the sun and start your Easter day surrounded by the beauty of Tampa Bay. Music by guest vocalist & guitarist Mindy Simmons. Dress warmly and bring a chair. North Straub Park, located on Bay and Bayshore between 5th Avenue and 2nd Avenue North.
Easter Celebration—Sunday, March 23 at 9 & 11 am Come early to get a good seat! This service will feature the First Unity Choir, the Music and Drama Ministries, and empowering words by Rev. Temple Hayes.
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HOLY WEEK
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Uplifting Music for Everyone Sunday, March 30, 9 & 11 am, with a concert at 6 pm Joining us for the first time on Sunday, March 30 will be Jason & deMarco—a musical duo who tour internationally in various venues. The duo performs more than 100 concerts per year, sharing their music and message with faith communities around the world. Jason & deMarco will provide music during both Sunday services. They will also offer a 90-minute concert on Sunday, March 30 at 6 pm. A suggested $20 love offering will be taken during the service. Both men have been singing since an early age, and both hold bachelor’s degrees in music. Jason has toured with professional contemporary Christian recording groups, and deMarco has performed in theatrical productions and appeared in national commercials. Recently they became the leaders of the Wednesday night contemporary worship and the Y.O.U. and Young Adults programs at Unity Church of Christianity in Houston.
Jason & deMarco have had the opportunity to perform at numerous high profile GLBT (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender) events, including the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Awards in Los Angeles, the Matthew Shepard Foundation’s annual gala in Denver, and the 2006 Human Rights Campaign Gala at the Waldorf Astoria New York. They have also been a part of the Human Rights Campaign CD album, Love Rocks, alongside artists such as Christina Aguilera, Pink, and The Dixie Chicks. In 2004, Jason and deMarco appeared on the cover of The Advocate magazine. Their song “This is Love” won Music Video of the Year 2006 on MTV’s LOGO channel. They have released four CDs. “Our music has an uplifting message that speaks to everyone, not only people of one particular faith,” said Jason.
NGU and Second Saturday Socials Bringing you church-wide socials every second Saturday, beginning Saturday, March 8 at 6:30 pm Next Generation Unity (NGU) has some exciting events coming up for the entire church! We’ve created Second Saturday Socials to bring the First Unity community closer together. On the second Saturday of each month at 6:30 pm, the congregation is invited to enjoy a lovely dinner and program for either no cost or a simple love offering. The program will be presented by a different church ministry each month. Like Sunday services, you’ll never know what you might get, except that it will be lots of fun! We will kick off in March with YFM’s Game Night Unplugged and spaghetti dinner.
Our Next Generation Unity (NGU) has really taken off! Every Wednesday at 7 pm we meet in the Learning Center, Rm #401 to enjoy each other’s company and discuss the joys and challenges of our young adult lives and our spiritual lessons. We welcome anyone between the ages of 18 and 35 who wishes to join us. Learn more about NGU at www.firstunity.org.
UPCOMING EVENTS
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Expand mind, body and spirit! Our Spiritual Education
THE JOURNEY WITHIN:
Program offers various ongoing classes, workshops and support groups. Registration is easy! Visit us online at www.firstunity.org, call us at (727) 527-2222 x501 or at the Information Station located in Friendship Hall.
Embracing the Gifts of God
Universal Kabbalah 101
Healthy Cooking
Facilitator: Bob Waxman Sunday, March 9, 1:30 to 3 pm Location: Friendship Hall
Facilitator: Jackie Hill Tuesday, March 11 & April 22, 6 to 8 pm Location: Friendship Hall
Learn the fascinating teachings of the authentic Kabbalah. Scenes from wellknown films will be shown to underscore the intuitive, universal truths found in this ancient wisdom tradition. Topics include the hidden mysteries of the Bible, the secrets of the soul, the language of numbers, what happens after death and the close relationship between Kabbalah and science. A simple and enjoyable way to learn Kabbalah! The suggested Love Offering for this one-day class is $10. Bob Waxman, educator and author of the best-selling Kabbalah Simply Stated teaches locally and throughout Florida including Unity of Sarasota. He has been interviewed on national TV and radio stations nationwide. Waxman has been studying Kabbalah for 23 years, is certified by The American Seminar Leaders Assoc., and is a graduate of the The School of Practical Philosophy in NYC. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D in philosophy of religion.
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SPIRITUAL EDUCATION PROGRAM
Want to learn how to cook quick meals with as little clean up as possible? Of course you do! Did you know that making tasty sauce is the key to making 30-minute -or-less meals? Join Jackie as she demonstrates how to make a sauce and use it in many different ways to make fast nutritious meals the whole family will love! Attendees will learn how to create a sauce that can go from salad dressing to soup by changing a few basic ingredients. These monthly classes are fun and informative, and you will enjoy a full meal that you helped to prepare. Children are welcome. The suggested Love Offering for this class is $25 per person—bring a friend for only $10 more! Jackie has owned and operated two successful restaurants in St. Petersburg and now operates Saffron’s Gourmet Catering. She has spent more than 20 years in kitchens creating healthy and tasty foods. She believes healthy food does not have to be bland.
Creating Your Divine Space: Spring Cleaning with Feng Shui Facilitator: Lore Raymond Saturday, March 15, 9 am to noon Location: Rm #200, 202 This fun and helpful program will help to declutter, organize, and use Feng Shui principles. Total abundance for your life is the focus! Lore’s stories as a compulsive paper collector, notorious stacker, and compulsive thrift store shopper will inspire you—and her check lists provide “perspiration power” that will help you make changes! Participants need to bring a floor plan of their home or area they want to address. Suggested Love Offering for this one-day workshop is $25. Lore (www.loreraymond.com) or the “Vision Lady,” is known for her passionate presentation style and children’s causes. Her first book, 7 Conch Pearls for Spiritual Mastery: Learning to Live a Life with No Regrets! will be published in 2008. It chronicles her “Honduran lessons learned” as an expatriate, teacher, and new mom to Nashly. Now a Chaplain Emeritus, Lore heads to Unity of Marathon, April 20-May 25, 2008 to deliver Sunday lessons and these workshops. Lore has called First Unity “home” since 1982.
Discover Unity Facilitator: Rev. Temple Hayes Tuesday, April 8 & 15, 7 pm Location: Friendship Hall Learn about Unity while making great friends that can last a lifetime! Our twopart Discover Unity class offers indepth insight about the co-founders of Unity, Charles and Myrtle Fillmore, and the history of First Unity Church. Join us as Rev. Temple Hayes discusses basic Unity principles and good reading and reference materials. There will be plenty of time for questions and answers. Attending this class does not obligate you to become a member of First Unity Church, but attendance at both sessions is required for prospective members. Rev. Temple Hayes has empowered tens of thousands over the past 16 years in churches, corporations, hospitals and businesses. She has been a featured keynote speaker at conventions throughout the country. Nominated and elected to the Outstanding Young Women of America in 1988, the International Who’s Who of American professionals in 1997, she also has been nominated
to the American Biographical Institute for Great Women of the 21st century. She is also among the selected few who have been elected as an All American softball player to the Hall of Fame since 1979.
Compassionate Communication Facilitator: Mark Thielmann Tuesday, April 22, 7 to 9 pm Location: Rm #200 Nonviolent Communication offers an alternative to our “habitual” means of communication, where all judgment and evaluation is removed. Instead the focus is on the feelings/needs of each party, with the goal being to meet everyone’s needs and establish a new level of respect and mutuality. This introductory workshop offers an overview of the history of language, the evolution of Nonviolent Communication and the model for this mode of communication, and practical application work involving all participants. Requirements: Small notebook and pen. $15 suggested Love Offering for this two-hour workshop. Mark worked with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office for five years as a Child Protective Investigator. Mark is now at the Center Director for Girls Incorporated of Pinellas. In both work and family, he has witnessed many types of communication that have at times have been less than desirable, especially in the social service arena where families are involved. When he discovered Nonviolent Communication he became deeply involved because he sought a means of communicating and connecting with people that offered a bridge to peace instead of conflict, and to healing instead of separation. His vision has been to bring this means of communication specifically into the workplace, so that conflicts can be successfully mediated, everyone’s needs can be met, and mutuality can be obtained. He has discovered that this same vision fits any situation, so he also brings that into his family and other relationships. Mark is a registered certified trainer candidate with the Center for Nonviolent Communications, and has facilitated an NVC practice group for the last two years.
*DATES and LOCATIONS of classes may occasionally change. Please call the church at 527-2222 or Wings at 522-6657 or visit FirstUnity.org for up-to-date information. SPIRITUAL EDUCATION PROGRAM
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Ongoing Classes Energy Medicine for Healthy Living Study Group Facilitator: Melanie Smith, DOM, AP First Tuesdays, 6:30 to 8:30 pm Location: Sanctuary Explore deeper realms of Energy Medicine in a practical handson environment. Learn to use a variety of ancient healing systems to balance your own energy. Discover your body’s miraculous design for natural self-healing. There is a deep wisdom locked into the energies that ow through your body — much like the blood that courses through your veins. Energy Medicine allows you to tap into this wisdom. It teaches you how to work with your body’s energy to increase your everyday zest and vitality, overcome chronic health problems and enhance the simple pleasure of living in your own body. Open to everyone interested in better health. $10 per class at the door. Recommended text: Energy Medicine by Donna Eden (available at Wings Bookstore).
Hatha Yoga Facilitator: Janet Maddox Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5:30 to 7 pm Location: Rm #401 Hatha Yoga brings balance, strength, and a sense of well-being to the practitioner. Each class is followed by guided meditation with Tibetan bowls. Bring mats and wear comfortable clothing. The suggested Love Oering is $10 per class.
Deeksha/Oneness Blessings Facilitator: Michael Milner Wednesdays, 7 to 9 pm Location: Friendship Hall Rev. Michael Milner presents regular Oneness Blessing/Deeksha sessions every Wednesday evening. Cost is $20 per person requested (no one will be turned away). Call Wings at 522-6657 for more information.
Qigong Facilitator: Lisa Rathgeb Mondays, 6 to 7 pm Location: Rm #200 QiGong (pronounced chee-gong) is a form of martial arts for ultimate healing. It includes advanced breathing techniques and slow movements to expand your magnetic “Qi-Energy.â€? This Qi-Energy has a profound eect on blood circulation, longevity, strength and deep levels of awareness. On a spiritual level, it awakens your evolutionary process and deepens your God connection. It is an ancient, scientiďŹ c system of healing that awakens, aligns and directs the body’s own electromagnetic healing force. Only an open mind and heart are required to experience the immense beneďŹ ts of this exercise. It is important to wear comfortable clothing while doing this practice in order to allow for maximum Qi-Energy ow. QiGong shoes are nice and can be purchased from any martial arts store. A yoga mat or blanket may be required at times. Suggested Love Oering is $10 per class.
Please register for classes in any of the following ways. Many classes require pre-registration, so we have made it easy for you! Sign up for classes at t XXX GJSTUVOJUZ PSH t 'SJFOETIJQ )BMM t Y Payment for classes can be made in advance at the church or at the door. Cash, check and credit cards accepted.
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SPIRITUAL EDUCATION PROGRAM
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What Unity Means to Me Attending First Unity Church has gifted me with the treasure of an abundance of love and appreciation that has opened my heart and soul—a peace in my heart I have never known before. In the last two years at First Unity, I have come to learn that God does reside within all of us, that we all are a channel for pure love and peace, and that my life's mission is truly to serve others. From participating in Spirit Expressing, reading "Ask and It Is Given," attending workshops and classes on meditation and angels, the spirit of tithing, the energy of money, and numerous Sunday teachings from the amazing Rev. Temple, I am blessed to know this channel of love truly does reside within all of us, and we spread this love across the universe with each thought, action, and prayer. Becoming a member of First Unity, and now serving as a Chaplain, I have found my spiritual path evolving and my home in First Unity Church. The congregation is a loving,
In the Silence
accepting family that happily welcomes you with open arms and loving smiles each time you arrive. What a gift! I thank Rev. Temple, the Unity Team, the congregation, and you my colleagues/ loved ones, for these gifts of abundance that are so naturally shared, received, and then given forward. I want you to know that I see your light shining, and that you truly have value in this world. You have made a difference in my life and in the life of others in so many loving ways, and I say thank you to the beautiful spirit you are in this world. Remember, love always wins. Namaste`. A loving First Unity Chaplain, Kerry Culpepper
Listen to Rev. Temple’s messages
online at FirstUnity.org!
To smell the simplest fragrance of a flower Is such a gift To feel the wind brush gently on your face Is such a gift
To acknowledge the power and presence of God Is such a gift. To look into the eyes of a loved one, Feel their heart, is such a gift from God. To send prayer and Love out into the Universe and have it felt a million miles away, Is such a gift. Such a gift, such a love, God is and we are…the gift.
Just click on the podcast icon in the upper right corner, choose a message to listen to and hit play. It’s that simple! You can also help support this online ministry by giving a donation—right on the podcast page.
Chaplain Retreat November 2007, by Barbara Bertucci CHAPLAIN CORNER
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Wings Bookstore brings you the hottest names and movies in the spiritual world today! RELATIONSHIP SERIES WITH DAVID ESSEL—MARCH 7 & APRIL 4, 7 PM Are you searching for lasting love? Would you like to discover a path to the deepest of love relationships? Release old beliefs, and welcome in fresh new and exciting ideas to tap into the love within? Would you like to recreate your current
relationship into one of infinite love possibilities? If you answered YES, now is the time to join Hay House author David Essel for his relationship series. Each class is $25 at the door, or pay by phone at 522-6657. Sanctuary.
10 QUESTIONS FOR THE DALAI LAMA—SUNDAY, MARCH 16, 1 PM How do you reconcile a commitment to nonviolence when faced with violence? Why do the poor often seem happier than the rich? Must a society lose its traditions in order to move into the future? These are some of the questions posed to His Holiness the Dalai Lama by filmmaker and explorer Rick Ray. Ray examines some of the fundamental questions of our time by weaving
together observations from his own journeys throughout India and the Middle East, and the wisdom of an extraordinary spiritual leader. Part biography, part philosophy, part adventure and part politics, 10 Questions for The Dalai Lama conveys more than history and more than answers —it opens a window into the heart of an inspiring man. Free. Sanctuary.
THE INDIGO WAY: TEACHINGS FOR A NEW HUMANITY, THE WAY, THE WORK, THE GOAL Free lecture: Friday, April 4, 7 to 10 pm | Workshop: April 5 & 6, 9 am to 5 pm Have you wondered why you feel different? A new human being is emerging in the world right now, with a whole new way of living, loving, thinking and creating. These people carry a blueprint of new society and a new spirituality. The changes in the world today are the birth pangs of this new world emerging. Something immense is being born, and it’s happening inside of you. Join Kabir Jaffe & Ritama Davidson, authors of The Indigo Adult, for their two-day workshop that is an expansion of consciousness into a new awareness of the evolutionary next step that’s happening on earth right now and what it means for us: who we are, why we’re here and what we’re meant to do. It’s a mind-expanding, heart-opening experience of the big picture—the emergence of a whole new consciousness on earth.
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WINGS BOOKSTORE EVENTS
This weekend will give you a direct living experience of energy and higher consciousness. It will help you understand your path and take your next steps towards unfolding a higher dimensional you. Kabir and Ritama are initiates into the world of consciousness and energy. They are powerful guides on the path of inner development and can support you into expanding your consciousness and taking your next steps. They are founders of Essence Training, the Inner Work School, a unique and comprehensive self-development and therapist training programs. Their programs are an intensely direct and living experience of the Path and the Work. Cost is $250.00, payable at Wings Bookstore or www.wingsbookstore.com.
Learn more, purchase tickets or sign up for our eNews and keep up-to-date at WingsBookstore.com today.
THE MOSES CODE—SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 7:30 PM & SUNDAY, APRIL 6, 1:30 PM Thirty-five hundred years ago, God gave Moses a gift that changed the world. Some of the most incredible miracles in history came from applying a simple code, activating the power of the creative force of God in the world. This ancient technology has largely been lost or ignored since then, only to be revealed once again through this movie and book. This code, if finally applied by humanity, has the power to transform the planet, as well as add the richest blessings to your own life.
Some of the best known spiritual teachers in the world join James Twyman in this film, offering tools on how you can apply the Moses Code to your own life. Many other films and books have focused on using the Law of Attraction to “get” the things we believe we need, such as houses, cars or other goods. The Moses Code takes the next much more important step—how do we use this law to “give” from our soul, automatically attracting spiritual blessings into our lives. $10, in the Sanctuary.
SOULDRAMA WORKSHOP—APRIL 12 & 13, 9 AM TO 5 PM Do you want to move forward? This workshop is for personal growth or training. What is soul? And how do we live a soulful life? People everywhere are searching for well-being: for meaning, purpose, fulfillment, health and happiness. For life to be good, we need to feel useful and appreciated. And we long for great relationships—to love and to be loved. Behind all of these human desires is the creative impulse of soul. It moves through each of us and through the world we create. And when we can understand, love and respond to soul, we find meaning in all of our experiences – even the difficult ones. Join us in on the journey forward to self discovery. Souldrama is a therapeutic psychospiritual group action model that leads participants through seven sequential doors of spiritual development with the goal of accessing our spiritual intelligence in all areas including relationships and careers. It can help group members move past resistance to recognize and move on to their higher purpose, therefore creating spiritually intelligent
leadership. Psychodramatically based, it is intended to be used as multi disciplinary training system that combines the mind, body and spirit to create a therapeutic energy within a group process to foster spontaneity and creativity. Souldrama allows the soul to become a co-creator in a person’s life and this is the soul’s mission to co-create! This Workshop is designed to:
-Transform and renew your relationships. -Illuminate your spiritual gifts. -Overcome the fears that prevent you from moving forward. -Increase your self-esteem. -Discover what specific issues represent your life challenges. -Discover what gives your life meaning and purpose. -Create spiritually intelligent leadership. -Develop clarity, passion and personal power. -Identify your values, virtues, qualities and talents. Facilitators: Connie Miller, MS. NCC. TEP creator of Souldrama and Kay Richardson, SD. www.souldrama.com. $375.00 registration at Wings Bookstore or www.wingsbookstore.com.
Turn your vacations into donations at
FirstUnityTravel.com WINGS BOOKSTORE EVENTS
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A Day On, Not a Day Off
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The 22nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Breakfast, by Lore Raymond
The First Unity family demonstrated this call to action on Monday, January 21 with 100+ attending this leadership breakfast. Thanks to the inspirational intentions of “Rev. T” and Ella Moorehead, a Chaplain and lifetime member of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. Our enthusiastic group of board members, Chaplains, congregants and staff was honored with the second highest attendance of any organization at the breakfast! The keynote speaker fired up the 1,000-person audience in the Coliseum. Dr. Crystal Kuykendall, president and general counsel of Kreative & Innovative Resources for Kids in Potomac, MD, and former minister, gave her inspiring message to the largest audience in the 22-year history of the Leadership Breakfast. She’s also the author of From Rage to Hope: Reclaiming Black and Hispanic Students (1992) and From Rage to Hope II (2004).
Here are some of her pearls of wisdom that were wrapped in great passion and humor: t Young people need three things: affection, appreciation, and achievement; without hope, young people will never take the “high road.” t Love is an action word. t We can each be “merchants of hope” for something different and better. Startling statistics show that we are losing our young African American males to the “low road.” One in three children is at risk in Los Angeles and 60% in Baltimore. t The nation needs CPR: The “C” stands for compassion and commitment to the dream of Dr King, Jr. “P” stands for patience and persistence, to not give up so quickly on our youth. The “R” represents resilience. She said, “Rebounds exist in life, not just basketball.” We’ve got to help students rebound from life choices.
Dr. Kuykendall closed by saying, “Collectively you’re more powerful than you know. Collectively you can hurt or heal.” All powerful thoughts to digest and then take action to keep the dream alive! Visit www.mlkday.gov and learn about the record numbers that turned out this year throughout the country to continue the dream through service to others. The countdown to Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2009 is on—mark your calendars to attend this event with your First Unity family next year!
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IN THE COMMUNIT Y
YOUR AD HERE
Advertising with us is a great way to reach a targeted local audience while supporting First Unity Church!
Email newsletter@firstunity.org or call (727) 527-2222 x103 to place your ad.
WE LOVE OUR ADVERTISERS!
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Ongoing Groups
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The following groups meet regularly at First Unity Campus. Newcomers are always welcome! A Course in Miracles (ACIM). Meets at 10 am every Wednesday. A modernday expression of the demonstrations and teachings of our beloved brother Jesus. This study group reads and discusses the book, which invites us to open to a richer, deeper experience of one’s spiritual nature. The course focuses on forgiveness (letting go of thoughts and pictures in our minds that cause us to suffer) as the path to happiness, love and joy. Suggested Love Offering is $5 per class. Rm #300. First Unity Choir. Join us in making a joyful noise! We rehearse Thursdays at 7 pm and sing at Sunday services once a month. Contact choir Director Garry Miller at 527-2222 x108 or choir@firstunity.org for more information. Friendship Hall/Sanctuary. Darshan/Meditation/Science of Spirituality. Meets at 1:30 pm on the 1st through 4th Sundays. Rm #300. Ladies Auxiliary. Share lunch, fellowship and ideas at 11 am every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month. Everyone is welcome. Various guest speakers present monthly. Rm #301. The Next Generation of First Unity (NGU). Our purpose is to empower ourselves through service, prayer, and personal education to embrace our
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ONGOING GROUPS
spiritual potential. Service to our church and community enriches the lives of all involved. Prayer and meditation help us throw off those pesky adult stresses and reconnect with our inner mystic child. And every so often we do stuff just to have fun and be with friends. We invite everyone from the ages of 18 to 35 to join us on Wednesdays at 7:30 pm in Rm #301. Nonviolent Communication (NVC). This group is a forum to practice reframing how we express ourselves and how we hear others, participating in an honest dialogue where everybody’s feelings and needs can be identified and met. Meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 7 to 9 pm. As a practice group for individuals who have read or are reading the book Nonviolent Communication, by Marshall Rosenberg, our goal is to resolve conflicts by focusing our consciousness on what we are observing, feeling, needing and requesting. For more information, contact Mark Thielmann, 735-5811. Rm #200.* Sober Spirits. This Alcoholics Anonymous group meets at 7:30 pm every Wednesday in Rm #200, and 10 am every Thursday in Rm #300.* No smoking, please. * non-handicapped accessible
Contact Us
Our mission: To encourage awareness of Spirit within and inspire a way of life that brings love, freedom, peace and joy.
Sunday Schedule
First Unity Staff
Services ......................................... 9 and 11 am “Upper Room� Meditation ................. 10:30 am
3FW 5FNQMF )BZFT, Minister, x 106 reverendtemple@ďŹ rstunity.org
Youth Education Nursery through age 2 ................... 9 and 11 am Connections to Creation, all ages .............. 9 am Sunday School, ages 3 -10 ....................... 11 am Uniteens, ages 11-13 ............................... 11 am
Wednesday Schedule Silent Unity Prayer Service ............... 12:10 pm Prayer & Healing Service .....................6:30 pm Youth of Unity, ages 14-19 ........................7 pm Next Generation Unity, ages 18-35 ...........7 pm
Church Information OďŹƒce Hours .......... Mon – Thurs, 9 am – 5 pm Website ....................................... FirstUnity.org Phone ......................................(727) 527-2222 FAX ........................................(727) 526-1277 Recorded Prayer .......................(727) 525-1757 Silent Unity ..............................(816) 969-2000
Bookstore Information Website ........................... WingsBookstore.com Phone .......................................(727) 522-6657
Connie Barrett, OďŹƒce Assistant, x 101 oďŹƒce@ďŹ rstunity.org Ami Bowen, Communications and Design, x 103 newsletter@ďŹ rstunity.org Dianna Collins, Administrator, x 107 admin@ďŹ rstunity.org Mary Gerken, Wedding Coordinator & Interim Youth Education Director x 109 weddings@ďŹ rstunity.org Sharon Jebens, Bookstore Manager, (727) 522-6657 bookstore@ďŹ rstunity.org Andrew Mayes, Webmaster, x 103 website@ďŹ rstunity.org Garry Miller, Choir Director, x 108 choir@ďŹ rstunity.org Jamie Norman, Audio/Visual Director, x 351 av@ďŹ rstunity.org Laura Watts, Creative Arts & Programming Director, x 108 music@ďŹ rstunity.org Barbara Zagaria, Bookkeeper, x 104 bookkeeper@ďŹ rstunity.org
Board of Trustees Jim Swayne, President, board@ďŹ rstunity.org Alan Armstrong | Nancy Devlin | Daybree Thoms | Nelah Parker Mark Thielmann | G. VanGils | Earl Wardrum | Laurie MacDonald Rev. Alan & Rev. Kathryn Rowbotham, Ministers Emeritus
Hours ................... Mon – Sat, 8 am – 9:30 pm ..............................................Sun, 8 am – 6 pm
LOOKING FOR SPIRITUAL COUNSELING? Unity Chaplains Daybree Thoms ................... chaplain@ďŹ rstunity.org
Licensed Unity Teachers Linda Carney Lynn Colt Nancy Joy Hudnall Gloria Paul
Diana Rankin Patricia Starwyck Mildred Tyler Joyce Volz
Visit us at FirstUnity.org and click on “Prayer & Careâ€? for direct links to our counseling team. The editorial staff has made every effort to ensure that the information in this newsletter is correct; however, we reserve the right to make changes to times, locations and teachers should the need arise. Please check our website www.ďŹ rstunity.org regularly for updates about upcoming events or classes, and visit our home page to sign up to receive important emails about all of the exciting things happening here at First Unity Church.
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Celebrate Spring!
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Tea Time at Wings
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Saturday, March 22 at 4 pm
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WingsBookstore.com | 727-52BOOKS (522-6657)
4500 4th Street North | St. Petersburg Hours: Monday–Saturday, 8 am–9:30 pm & Sundays until 6 pm
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage
PAID 460 46th Ave North St Petersburg, FL 33703-4791
St. Petersburg, FL Permit No. 5573
www.firstunity.org
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